Prize-winning device

Abstract

To provide a prize acquisition device, etc. capable of achieving a fun prize acquisition game that satisfies a player's desire.SOLUTION: A prize acquisition device 10 includes: first to nth stock parts 20-1 to 20-n in each of which prizes are stocked; a prize ejection part 40 having an ejection port 41 from which a selected prize is ejected when a prize stocked in a jth stock part 20-j of the first to nth stock parts 20-1 to 20-n is selected by a player; and a prize acquisition part 50 having a winning port 51 for causing the player to acquire a prize when the prize ejected from the ejection port 41 enters it, and a moving part 52 for moving the winning port 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize acquisition device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, prize-winning machines have been gaining popularity. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a machine that has a storage section for storing prizes, and allows a player to win a prize by turning a handle and having the prize dispensed from the storage section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-149067 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One such prize-winning device is a device called a crane game machine, but it has the problem that the gameplay is monotonous and players can easily get bored of it, and it has not been possible to create an entertaining prize-winning game that satisfies the needs of players.

[0005] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a prize winning device etc. that can realize an interesting prize winning game that satisfies the needs of players. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a prize acquisition device including first to nth stock sections (n ​​is an integer of 2 or greater) in which prizes are stored in each stock section, a prize ejection section having an ejection port from which a selected prize is ejected when a player selects a prize to be stored in the jth stock section (j is an integer such that 1≦j≦n) of the first to nth stock sections, a prize acquisition section having a prize opening into which the prize ejected from the ejection port enters, allowing the player to acquire the prize, and a moving section for moving the prize opening.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when a player selects a prize to be stocked in the jth stock section from among the first to nth stock sections, the prize is ejected from the ejection port of the prize ejection section. Meanwhile, the prize winning opening of the prize acquisition section is moved by the moving section. Therefore, the player can acquire the prize he or she desires by ejecting the prize from the ejection port and placing it in the winning opening at the timing when the prize is expected to enter the winning opening. This makes it possible to realize an interesting prize acquisition game that satisfies the player's needs.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a control unit may be included that controls the difficulty of winning prizes corresponding to each of the first to nth stock units.

[0009] In this way, it becomes possible to control the difficulty of winning prizes by differentiating the difficulty of winning prizes for each of the first to nth stock sections.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may control the difficulty of winning by controlling the movement of the prize opening by the movement unit of the prize acquisition unit.

[0011] In this way, the movement of the winning slot can be controlled by the moving section, making it possible to easily set the difficulty level of winning for each stock section.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the device includes a movement restriction unit that restricts the movement of the prize from the movement path from the ejection port to the prize acquisition unit to a different path, and the control unit may control the difficulty of winning by controlling the movement restriction unit.

[0013] In this way, the movement restriction section's support action for winning prizes makes it possible to easily set the difficulty of winning prizes for each stock section.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may control the difficulty of winning a prize depending on the number of plays since the previous prize was won.

[0015] In this way, it becomes possible to control the difficulty of winning a prize depending on the number of times the prize acquisition game has been played, and it is possible to effectively motivate the player to play the prize acquisition game.

[0016] In addition, one aspect of the present disclosure may include a prize collection section that, if the prize in the jth stock section selected by the player does not enter the prize opening, collects the prize that did not enter the prize opening and returns it to the jth stock section.

[0017] In this way, if the prize in the jth stock section selected by the player does not enter the prize slot, the prize can be returned to the original jth stock section and stocked again.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the moving section may include a cylindrical section that rotates and has at least one of the winning slots provided on a side surface thereof.

[0019] In this way, by rotating the cylindrical portion, it is possible to move the winning opening relative to the ejection opening.

[0020] In one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first to nth stock sections may stock a plurality of prizes, at least some of which are arranged vertically.

[0021] In this way, it becomes possible to efficiently stock a plurality of prizes in each stock section without increasing the width of the housing of the prize acquisition device too much.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first to nth stock sections may include a window section that allows the player to see the prizes that are to be ejected from the ejection opening among the prizes stored in each stock section.

[0023] In this way, the player can select the prize he or she desires from the prizes visible through the window and have it ejected from the ejection port.

[0024] In one aspect of the present disclosure, when a prize to be stored in each stock section is selected by the player, the prize ejection section may set the selected prize in the ejection outlet, and when the player performs an ejection operation, eject the prize from the ejection outlet.

[0025] In this way, the player selects a desired prize stored in the stock section, and the prize is set in the ejection port, and after the prize is set, the player performs an ejection operation, causing the prize to be ejected from the ejection port.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the first to nth stock sections may include a prize waiting section for waiting prizes, and when a prize to be stored in each stock section is selected by the player, the prize waiting section may send the selected prize to the ejection outlet.

[0027] In this way, the prize waiting section keeps the prizes in each stock section waiting, and when the player selects the prize he or she wants, the prize is sent out to the ejection port.

[0028] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the prize waiting section includes a rotating plate having a cutout portion, which allows the prize to wait by fitting the prize into the cutout portion, and when a prize to be stored in each stock section is selected by the player, the prize waiting section may rotate the rotating plate to send the waiting prize to the ejection port and fit the next prize into the cutout portion of the rotating plate.

[0029] In this way, prizes stored in each stock section can be made to wait using the cutout portion of the rotating plate, and by rotating the rotating plate, the prize can be sent out to the ejection port, and the next prize can be made to wait using the cutout portion of the rotating plate.

[0030] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the moving section may be capable of varying the opening size of the winning opening.

[0031] In this way, it becomes possible to adjust the opening size of the prize opening to an appropriate size according to the size of the prize, or to control the difficulty of winning a prize by adjusting the opening size of the prize opening. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration and operation of a prize acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 3 shows a detailed configuration example of the prize acquisition device of this embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the prize acquisition device. [Figure 4] Detailed examples of the stock section and prize ejection section. [Figure 5] Figures 5(A), 5(B), and 5(C) are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the prize waiting section. [Figure 6] Figure 6(A) and Figure 6(B) are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the prize waiting section. [Figure 7] A detailed example of the prize acquisition section movement section. [Figure 8] A detailed example of the prize collection section. [Figure 9]An explanatory diagram of the operation of returning prizes collected by the prize collection section to each stock section. [Figure 10] An explanatory diagram of the operation of returning prizes collected by the prize collection section to each stock section. [Figure 11] An explanatory diagram of a method for controlling the difficulty of winning by controlling the movement of the winning slot. [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram of a method for controlling the difficulty of winning a prize using a prize movement restriction unit. [Figure 13] Figures 13(A) and 13(B) are explanatory diagrams of a method for controlling the difficulty of winning a prize using a prize movement restriction unit. [Figure 14] An example of the configuration of a moving part that allows the opening size of the prize slot to be changed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components.

[0034] 1. Prize winning device 1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration and operation of a prize acquisition device 10 of this embodiment. The prize acquisition device 10 of this embodiment includes first to n-th stock units 20-1 to 20-n, each stock unit storing a prize GF, a prize ejection unit 40, and a prize acquisition unit 50.

[0035] For example, each of the first to nth stock sections 20-1 to 20-n stocks a plurality of prizes GF. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. Specifically, each of the first to nth stock sections 20-1 to 20-n stocks a plurality of prizes GF, at least a portion of which are arranged vertically. For example, each stock section has at least a pair of wall sections whose long sides are the arrangement direction of the prizes GF, and the plurality of prizes GF are stocked in each stock section by being sandwiched between these pair of wall sections. Note that there are various ways in which prizes GF can be stocked in each stock section. For example, in FIG. 1, all of the plurality of prizes GF are arranged vertically in each stock section, but it is sufficient that at least a portion of the plurality of prizes GF are arranged vertically. For example, each stock section may stock prizes GF arranged in a direction other than vertical, or may stock prizes GF in two or more rows instead of one row. For example, some of the multiple prizes GF may be arranged vertically, and some other prizes may be arranged in a direction other than the vertical, such as horizontally.

[0036] The prize GF is, for example, a prize with a spherical shape. The spherical shape is not limited to a perfect sphere. As an example, the prize GF is a capsule prize in which a prize item such as a toy, figure, or candy is contained in a capsule. Note that the prize GF is not limited to a capsule prize. Prizes of various forms and shapes can be envisioned as prizes GF, such as prizes in which candy or other items are contained in a spherical can or the like instead of a transparent capsule.

[0037] The prize ejection unit 40 ejects a prize GF selected by a player from the prizes GF stocked in each stock unit. For example, the prize ejection unit 40 has an ejection port 41 through which the prize GF selected by the player is ejected. The ejection port 41 is an opening for ejecting the prize GF, and the shape of the opening is not important. For example, the ejection port 41 only needs to have an opening through which the prize GF can pass. This ejection port 41 can also be called a launch port. Specifically, when a player selects a prize GF stored in the jth stock unit 20-j of the first to nth stock units 20-1 to 20-n, the prize ejection unit 40 has an ejection port 41 through which the selected prize GF is ejected. Here, j is an integer satisfying the condition 1≦j≦n. For example, the prize GF is ejected vertically from the ejection port 41 due to the action of gravity. Note that an ejection mechanism may be provided to eject the prize GF in the ejection direction of this ejection mechanism.

[0038] For example, in the prize ejection unit 40, when a player selects a prize GF to be stocked in the jth stock unit 20-j, the selected prize GF is set in the ejection port 41. Then, when the player performs an ejection operation, the prize ejection unit 40 ejects the prize GF from the ejection port 41. For example, the prize ejection unit 40 locks the prize GF at the location of the ejection port 41 with a predetermined locking portion, and when the locking portion is released, the prize GF is ejected vertically by the action of gravity. Note that various modifications are possible, such as ejecting the prize GF from the ejection port 41 when the player selects a prize GF to be stocked in the jth stock unit 20-j without performing such an ejection operation.

[0039] The prize acquisition unit 50 allows a player to acquire a prize GF ejected by the prize ejection unit 40, and has a movable winning opening 51. Specifically, the prize acquisition unit 50 has the winning opening 51, into which the prize GF ejected from the ejection opening 41 enters, allowing the player to acquire the prize GF, and a moving unit 52 that moves the winning opening 51. For example, in FIG. 1, the moving unit 52 moves the winning opening 51 in a direction along A1. The winning opening 51 is an opening into which the prize GF enters, allowing the player to acquire the prize GF, and the shape of the opening hole is not important. For example, the winning opening 51 only needs to have an opening through which the prize GF can pass. The winning opening 51 can also be called a prize GF acquisition opening. The moving unit 52 is a moving mechanism for moving the winning opening 51. For example, the moving unit 52 can have a moving member in which the winning opening 51 is provided and a driving unit such as a motor that moves the moving member. The moving member is, for example, the cylindrical portion 54 in Fig. 2 described below. The number of winning openings 51 may be one or more. For example, multiple winning openings 51 may be provided on the moving member, and the multiple winning openings 51 may be moved by moving this moving member with a drive unit.

[0040] 1, the prize winning device 10 may include a control unit 70 and a prize collection unit 80 for controlling each unit of the prize winning device 10. The control unit 70 controls each unit of the prize winning device 10, such as the first to n-th stock units 20-1 to 20-n, the prize ejection unit 40, the prize winning unit 50, and the prize collection unit 80. For example, the control unit 70 outputs control signals to each of these units to control the mechanical mechanisms and electronic components of each unit. The control unit 70 can be realized by a processor such as an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor may also be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which is an IC for a specific application. The control unit 70 may also be realized by a control board having a processor and a circuit board on which ICs such as the processor and circuit components are mounted.

[0041] The prize collection unit 80 collects prizes GF. For example, the prize collection unit 80 collects prizes GF that did not enter the winning opening 51. The prize collection unit 80 then performs an operation of returning the collected prizes GF to each of the first to nth stock units 20-1 to 20-n. For example, if the prize GF in the jth stock unit 20-j selected by the player does not enter the winning opening 51, the prize collection unit 80 collects the prize GF that did not enter the winning opening 51 and returns it to the jth stock unit 20-j. In other words, if a prize GF that was stocked in each of the first to nth stock units 20-1 to 20-n is ejected and the prize GF does not enter the winning opening 51, the prize collection unit 80 performs an operation of returning the prize GF to its original stock unit. Note that hereinafter, the prize GF will be simply referred to as a prize where appropriate.

[0042] As described above, the prize acquisition device 10 of this embodiment includes the first to nth stock sections 20-1 to 20-n in which prizes are stored, a prize ejection section 40 having an ejection outlet 41 from which the selected prize is ejected when a prize to be stored in the jth stock section 20-j is selected by a player, a prize acquisition section 50 having a prize opening 51 into which the prize ejected from the ejection outlet 41 enters, allowing the player to acquire a prize GF, and a moving section 52 that moves the prize opening 51.

[0043] In this way, when a player selects a prize to be stocked in the jth stock unit 20-j from the first to nth stock units 20-1 to 20-n, the selected prize is ejected from the ejection port 41 of the prize ejection unit 40. Meanwhile, the prize winning opening 51 of the prize acquisition unit 50 is moved by the moving unit 52. Therefore, the player can acquire the prize by ejecting the prize he or she desires from the ejection port 41 and placing it in the prize winning opening 51 at the timing when the prize is expected to enter the prize winning opening 51. In this way, it is possible to realize a prize acquisition device 10 that can provide an interesting game with a simple operation of ejecting a prize from the ejection port 41 of the prize ejection unit 40 and placing the prize in the prize winning opening 51 that is being moved by the moving unit 52.

[0044] For example, conventional prize acquisition devices, such as crane games, have the problem of being monotonous and boring to play with. A prize acquisition device comparable to this embodiment may also be considered, including a prize storage mechanism, a rotation mechanism, a prize collection and circulation device, and the prize storage mechanism includes a rotating plate with holes for storing prizes, which rotates with a motor. However, because this prize acquisition device of the comparative example offers a novel way of playing, players tend to become unfamiliar with it and fail to win prizes. Furthermore, the prizes that players are eligible to win are determined at the start of the game by dropping them into a prize passage through holes in the rotating plate of the storage mechanism, which presents a problem of players being unable to select the prizes they desire. In contrast, the prize acquisition device 10 of this embodiment allows players to enjoy the prize acquisition game simply by ejecting prizes from the ejection port 41 and placing them in the prize winning slot 51. This simplifies the gameplay, allowing players to quickly become accustomed to the prize acquisition game. Furthermore, because the player's skill in timing the prize ejection significantly affects whether or not they win a prize, the player is less likely to feel as if the prize is being mechanically controlled, resulting in an enjoyable prize-winning game. Furthermore, the prize-winning device 10 of this embodiment ejects prizes from a stock section selected from the first to nth stock sections 20-1 to 20-n, allowing the player to freely select the prize they desire. Furthermore, since multiple stock sections, such as the first to nth stock sections 20-1 to 20-n, are provided, it is possible, for example, to stock different types of prizes in each stock section, or to set different prize acquisition difficulty levels for each stock section, thereby differentiating payout settings, as described below. Furthermore, by providing a prize collection section 80, prizes are automatically collected and returned to each stock section, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual prize restocking and prize management, thereby improving the efficiency of store operations and reducing labor.

[0045] The control unit 70 also controls the difficulty of winning prizes corresponding to each of the first to n-th stock units 20-1 to 20-n. For example, the control unit 70 controls the difficulty of winning prizes for each of the first to n-th stock units 20-1 to 20-n. The difficulty of winning is the difficulty of a prize ejected from the prize ejection unit 40 entering the prize slot 51. For example, the control unit 70 controls the difficulty of winning prizes by controlling the first to n-th stock units 20-1 to 20-n, the prize ejection unit 40, or the prize capture unit 50. For example, the control unit 70 controls the difficulty of winning prizes using a control signal output to each of the first to n-th stock units 20-1 to 20-n, the prize ejection unit 40, or the prize capture unit 50. The control signal is a signal that controls the mechanical mechanisms and electronic components of each of these units. This allows for control such as varying the difficulty level of winning prizes for each of the first to nth stock units 20-1 to 20-n. For example, a stock unit with a high winning difficulty level can stock prizes with high value, such as rare prizes, while a stock unit with a low winning difficulty level can stock prizes with lower value than those of the stock unit with a high winning difficulty level. A player hoping to win a valuable prize can enjoy the game by selecting a prize from a stock unit with a high winning difficulty level, ejecting it from the prize ejection unit 40, and placing it in the prize slot 51. On the other hand, a player who prioritizes winning prizes over prize value can enjoy the game by selecting a prize from a stock unit with a low winning difficulty level, ejecting it from the prize ejection unit 40, and placing it in the prize slot 51. Setting the difficulty level of winning prizes for each of the first to nth stock units 20-1 to 20-n in this way allows for payout settings for each stock unit, enabling appropriate payout management in the store where the prize winning device 10 is installed.

[0046] The difficulty of winning can be controlled, for example, by controlling the movement of the prize opening 51 by the movement unit 52 of the prize acquisition unit 50 as shown in Figure 11 described later. Alternatively, the difficulty of winning can be controlled by controlling the movement restriction unit 48 that restricts the movement of the prize as shown in Figures 12 to 13(B) described later, or by controlling the opening size (hole diameter) of the prize opening 51 of the prize acquisition unit 50 as shown in Figure 14 described later. Alternatively, the difficulty of winning can be controlled by controlling the time lag between the timing of the player's ejection operation and the prize being ejected from the prize ejection unit 40.

[0047] The control unit 70 may also control the difficulty level for winning a prize depending on the number of plays since the previous prize was won. For example, the control unit 70 counts the number of plays since the previous prize was won in the prize slot 51. For example, the control unit 70 counts the total number of plays of the prize game since the prize was won. Then, when the number of plays since the previous prize was won reaches a first number without winning a prize, the control unit 70 sets the difficulty level for winning a prize to a lower level. For example, the control unit 70 sets the difficulty level for winning a prize to a first level until the number of plays reaches the first number, and when the first number of plays is reached, sets the difficulty level for winning a prize to a second level lower than the first level. Then, when the number of plays reaches a second number after reaching the first number without winning a prize, the control unit 70 sets the difficulty level for winning a prize to a third level lower than the second level. In this way, the control unit 70 sets the difficulty level for winning a prize to a lower level as the number of plays without winning a prize accumulates. This allows the difficulty of winning a prize to be set to reflect the number of plays since the last time a prize was won. For example, if a player has repeatedly played the prize acquisition game since winning a prize since the last time a prize was won, but has not won a prize, the difficulty of winning a prize can be lowered to make it easier to win a prize. This allows the player to be effectively motivated to play the prize acquisition game, as the difficulty of winning a prize becomes lower as the prize acquisition game is played repeatedly. Furthermore, operators of facilities such as shops where prize acquisition devices 10 are installed can manage prize payout settings by setting, for example, the first number of times and the second number of times. For example, facility operators can manage prize payout settings by inputting the first number of times and the second number of times on a device setting menu screen or the like of the prize acquisition device 10. For example, the facility operator may input the prize cost and target cost rate, and the control unit 70 may refer to the current cost rate status, for example, at the start of play, to set the difficulty of winning a prize and manage the prize payout settings.

[0048] Furthermore, the prize collection unit 80 operates to collect prizes that did not enter the winning opening 51 and return them to each of the first to n-th stock units 20-1 to 20-n. Specifically, if the prize in the j-th stock unit 20-j selected by the player does not enter the winning opening 51, the prize collection unit 80 operates to collect the prize that did not enter the winning opening 51 and return it to the j-th stock unit 20-j. In this way, if the prize in the j-th stock unit 20-j selected by the player does not enter the winning opening 51, the prize is returned to the original j-th stock unit 20-j. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, the types of prizes stocked in the first to n-th stock units 20-1 to 20-n from becoming mixed up, and makes it possible, for example, to continuously stock the same type of prize in each stock unit. Furthermore, when controlling the difficulty of winning prizes according to each of the first to nth stock sections 20-1 to 20-n as described above, by returning prizes that did not win to their original stock sections, the difficulty of winning for those prizes can be maintained at the original difficulty, thereby enabling appropriate control of the difficulty of winning.

[0049] 2. Detailed configuration example FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration example of the prize winning device 10 of this embodiment. The prize winning device 10 of FIG. 2 has a box-shaped housing 11, which is provided with stock units 21, 22, and 23, a prize ejection unit 40, a prize winning unit 50, a control unit 70, and a prize collection unit 80 (not shown in FIG. 2). The control unit 70 is, for example, a control board on which a processor or the like is mounted. Note that the installation location of the control unit 70 is not limited to the location shown in FIG. 2 and can be installed in various locations. The housing 11 of the prize winning device 10 also has an operation console 12, a coin insertion unit 18, and a prize payout opening 19. In FIG. 2, the housing 11 is provided with, for example, three transparent plates surrounding the stock units 21, 22, and 23, the prize ejection unit 40, and the prize winning unit 50, allowing the player to visually observe the stock units 21, 22, and 23, the prize ejection unit 40, and the prize winning unit 50.

[0050] The operation console 12 is provided with prize selection buttons 14, 15, and 16, and a prize ejection button 17. The selection buttons 14, 15, and 16 are buttons that allow the player to select which of the stock sections 21, 22, and 23 a prize stored in should be ejected. The ejection button 17 is a prize ejection button that allows the player to instruct the player to eject the prize selected by the player from the ejection port 41. Note that the selection buttons 14, 15, and 16 and the ejection button 17 may be realized by displaying operation icons on a liquid crystal panel or the like instead of physical buttons.

[0051] Furthermore, a player can play a prize winning game by inserting a coin into a coin insertion unit 18. Prizes won by entering a prize slot 51 are paid out from a payout slot 19. Note that the player may also be able to play the prize winning game using electronic payment such as an electronic card or QR (registered trademark) code instead of inserting a coin. In this case, a reader for reading the electronic card or code may be installed in the housing 11.

[0052] Stock units 21, 22, and 23 correspond to the first to n-th stock units 20-1 to 20-n in Fig. 1. That is, Fig. 2 is a configuration example when n=3 in Fig. 1. However, the number of stock units is not limited to three, and may be two, or four or more.

[0053] Each of the stock units 21, 22, 23 (first to nth stock units in a broad sense) stocks a plurality of prizes, at least a portion of which are arranged vertically, as shown in Fig. 1. In this way, it becomes possible to efficiently stock a plurality of prizes in each of the stock units 21, 22, 23 without significantly increasing the width of the housing 11 of the prize winning device 10. For example, when three stock units 21, 22, 23 are provided, it becomes possible to make the width of the housing 11 of the prize winning device 10 a width corresponding to the width of three rows of prizes, thereby realizing a miniaturization of the prize winning device 10.

[0054] Each of the stock sections 21, 22, and 23 (the first to nth stock sections) includes windows 24, 25, and 26 that allow a player to see the prizes stocked in the stock section that are to be ejected from the ejection opening 41. The windows 24, 25, and 26 can be made of a transparent plate such as an acrylic plate or a glass plate. For example, the windows 24, 25, and 26 are provided corresponding to each of the stock sections 21, 22, and 23. For example, the window 24 allows a player to see the prize that is to be ejected from the prizes stocked in the stock section 21. Similarly, the windows 25 and 26 allow a player to see the prize that is to be ejected from the prizes stocked in the stock sections 22 and 23. For example, the top prize of the prizes stocked in the stock sections 21, 22, and 23 is displayed so that it can be seen by the player through the windows 24, 25, and 26. For example, when a player presses the selection button 14 on the operation console 12, a prize in the stock section 21, which is visible to the player through the window 24, is ejected from the ejection opening 41. Similarly, when a player presses the selection buttons 15 and 16, the prizes in the stock sections 22 and 23, which are visible to the player through the windows 25 and 26, respectively, are ejected from the ejection opening 41. By providing such windows 24, 25, and 26, a player can select a prize they want from the prizes visible through the windows 24, 25, and 26 and have it ejected from the ejection opening 41. This allows a player to select a prize they want, eject it from the ejection opening 41, and win the prize by successfully landing the prize in the prize winning opening 51. Therefore, a prize winning device 10 can be realized that allows a player to win a desired prize with simple operations.

[0055] In order to allow the player to see the prizes, the front panel of each of the stock units 21, 22, 23 (1st to nth stock units) may be made of a transparent plate such as an acrylic plate or a glass plate. In addition, a window unit may not be provided, or only one window unit may be provided in a position corresponding to the ejection opening 41 so that the player can see the prizes to be selected.

[0056] The prize ejection unit 40 is provided below the stock units 21, 22, and 23, and has an ejection port 41. A prize from the stock unit selected by the player from among the stock units 21, 22, and 23 is ejected from the ejection port 41. Specifically, the prize is ejected by falling from the ejection port 41 due to gravity. For example, when a player selects a desired prize from the prizes stocked in the stock units 21, 22, and 23 using the selection buttons 14, 15, and 16 of the operation console 12, the selected prize is ejected from the ejection port 41. Specifically, when a player selects a desired prize from the prizes visible through the windows 24, 25, and 26 and presses the corresponding selection button 14, 15, or 16, the selected prize is ejected from the ejection port 41.

[0057] In this way, in the prize ejection unit 40, when a player selects a prize to be stocked in each of the stock units 21, 22, and 23, the selected prize is set in the ejection port 41. For example, a prize stocked in a stock unit is moved from the stock unit to the location of the ejection port 41 and set therein. Then, when a player performs an ejection operation, the prize ejection unit 40 ejects the prize from the ejection port 41. Specifically, when a player selects a desired prize using the selection buttons 14, 15, and 16, the prize is set in the ejection port 41, and when the player presses the ejection button 17 on the operation console 12, the prize set in the ejection port 41 is ejected. In this way, when a player selects a desired prize to be stocked in a stock unit, the prize is set in the ejection port 41, and when the player performs an ejection operation after the prize has been set, the prize is ejected from the ejection port 41. Therefore, a player can set a prize he or she desires in the ejection port 41, and then eject the prize toward the prize winning port 51, which is moved by the moving unit 52 of the prize winning unit 50, to win the prize. This makes it possible to realize an exciting prize winning game with simple operations. Note that the prize ejection unit 40 may be provided with multiple ejection ports, each of which may correspond to a respective stock unit of a plurality of stock units.

[0058] 2, the moving section 52 of the prize acquisition section 50 includes a rotating cylindrical section 54 having at least one winning opening 51 provided on a side surface 55. The moving section 52 may also include a drive unit such as a motor (not shown) that rotates the cylindrical section 54. The cylindrical section 54 is a moving member that performs rotational movement. By configuring the moving section 52 with the cylindrical section 54 in this manner, it becomes possible to move the winning opening 51 relative to the ejection opening 41 by rotating the cylindrical section 54. This makes it possible to realize a game in which a prize is ejected from the ejection opening 41 at the timing when the prize enters the moving winning opening 51, thereby realizing an unprecedentedly exciting prize acquisition game.

[0059] In FIG. 2, three winning openings 51 are provided on the side surface 55 of the cylindrical portion 54, but the number of winning openings 51 is not limited to this, and the number of winning openings 51 may be one or two, or four or more winning openings 51. Also, in FIG. 2, an arrow indicating the position of the winning opening 51 is drawn on the front surface of the cylindrical portion 54 so that the position of the winning opening 51 can be seen. Also, in FIG. 2, the cylindrical portion 54 is used as the moving unit 52 that moves the winning opening 51, but a moving member that moves in a predetermined direction, such as horizontally, may also be used as the moving unit 52. For example, one or more winning openings 51 may be provided as the moving unit 52, and a moving member that moves horizontally may be used to move the winning opening 51 horizontally.

[0060] In addition, in FIG. 2 , the cylindrical portion 54 rotates around a horizontal axis. For example, while the rotating plate of the prize acquisition device in the comparative example rotates around a vertical axis, the cylindrical portion 54 in this embodiment rotates around a horizontal axis. By using a cylindrical portion 54 that rotates around a horizontal axis, the length of the prize acquisition device 10 in the depth direction of the housing 11 can be reduced compared to when a rotating plate rotates around a vertical axis. This allows the prize acquisition device 10 to be more compact, resulting in a space-saving prize acquisition device 10 that can be installed in a small space. While this embodiment describes an example in which multiple stock units are provided, a modification in which only one stock unit is provided is also possible. For example, a prize acquisition unit 50 having a moving unit 52 that moves a prize opening 51 is provided, for example, below one stock unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , a moving unit 52 including a rotating cylindrical portion 54 with at least one prize opening 51 provided on a side surface 55 is provided below the stock unit. A prize acquisition game may be realized in which prizes falling from the stock section can be entered into the prize slot 51 to be acquired.

[0061] Next, an example of the operation of the prize winning device 10 of this embodiment will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 3. During the attract operation of the prize winning device 10 (step S1), when the player inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 18 (step S2), the attract operation stops (step S3). It is then determined whether or not additional coins have been added (step S4). If no additional coins have been added, the process proceeds to prize selection processing (step S5). Specifically, the selection buttons 14, 15, and 16 in FIG. 2 flash (step S6), and the player presses the selection button corresponding to the prize they desire to select (step S7). This decrements the player's remaining number of games by one, sets the prize in the ejection port 41, and prizes are replenished in the vacant waiting position (window) (steps S8 and S9). Then, the cylindrical portion 54 rotates, the ejection button 17 lights up (steps S10, S11), and when the player presses the ejection button 17, the prize is ejected from the ejection port 41 and falls (steps S12, S13). If the dropped prize enters the prize opening 51, the prize is won (steps S14, S15), and the won prize is paid out from the payout opening 19. On the other hand, if the prize does not enter the prize opening 51, the prize winning attempt is unsuccessful (steps S14, S16). The prize that was missed is then collected and returned to the original stock section (step S17). Next, it is determined whether or not there are any games remaining (step S18). If there are no games remaining, the game is over (step S19), and if there are games remaining, the process returns to step S5.

[0062] 3. Stock section, prize ejection section Next, the stock units 21, 22, 23 and the prize ejection unit 40 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the stock units 21, 22, 23 and the prize ejection unit 40. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the stock units 21, 22, 23 (the first to nth stock units) includes a prize waiting unit 27, 28, 29 in which prizes are waited. When a player selects a prize to be stocked in each stock unit, the prize waiting unit 27, 28, 29 sends the selected prize to the ejection opening 41. For example, the top prize among the prizes stocked in the stock unit 21 waits in the prize waiting unit 27. Similarly, the top prize among the prizes stocked in the stock units 22, 23 waits in the prize waiting units 28, 29. The top prize is the prize displayed in the windows 24, 25, 26 in FIG. 2 and is the prize that the player is eligible to win. 2 to select a desired prize, prize waiting sections 27, 28, 29 will send the selected prize to the ejection outlet 41. For example, when a player presses selection button 14 to select a prize visible through window section 24 in FIG. 2, the prize waiting in prize waiting section 27 will be sent to the ejection outlet 41. Similarly, when a player presses selection buttons 15, 16 to select a prize visible through windows 25, 26, the prize waiting in prize waiting sections 28, 29 will be sent to the ejection outlet 41.

[0063] Specifically, the prize ejection unit 40 includes a prize locking unit 42, a prize detection unit 43, and prize guide units 44, 45. The locking unit 42 is a member for locking the prize at the location of the ejection opening 41, and the prize is set at the ejection opening 41 by being locked by the locking unit 42. The detection unit 43 detects that the prize has moved to the location of the ejection opening 41. When a player presses the ejection button 17 in FIG. 2, the locking unit 42 releases the lock, causing the prize to fall downward. The guide units 44, 45 are members that guide and move the prize to the location of the ejection opening 41 when a prize waiting in the prize waiting units 27, 28, 29 of the stock units 21, 22, 23 is ejected. The guide sections 44, 45 have inclined surfaces at a predetermined angle to the horizontal, and prizes sent out from the prize waiting sections 27, 28, 29 roll down the inclined surfaces of the guide sections 44, 45 and are set at the location of the ejection opening 41. When the player presses the ejection button 17, for example, the locking section 42 moves to the rear, causing the prize to fall vertically toward the prize capture section 50.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 4 , the stock units 21, 22, and 23 include prize waiting units 27, 28, and 29, which store prizes. When a player selects a prize to be stored in each stock unit, the prize waiting units 27, 28, and 29 send the selected prize to the ejection opening 41. In this manner, the prize waiting units 27, 28, and 29 store prizes in each stock unit, and when the player selects a desired prize, the prize is sent out to the ejection opening 41. The prize sent out to the ejection opening 41 is then ejected by the prize ejection unit 40 and placed in the winning opening 51 of the prize acquisition unit 50, allowing the player to win the prize. This makes it possible to realize an exciting prize acquisition game with simple gameplay.

[0065] 5(A) to 5(C), 6(A), and 6(B) are explanatory diagrams of the operation of prize standby sections 27, 28, and 29. Here, the operation of prize standby section 27 of stock section 21 will be mainly explained as an example. The operation of prize standby sections 28 and 29 of stock sections 22 and 23 is similar, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 5(A) to 6(B), the prize waiting section 27 has a rotating plate 30. The rotating plate 30 has cutout portions 31, and prizes are placed on standby by fitting them into the cutout portions 31. The rotating plate 30 is also called a blade part. The cutout portions 31 are, for example, formed by cutting out an arc portion of a predetermined length from the circumference of the rotating plate 30, and are, for example, recesses in the blade part. Prizes are placed on standby by fitting them into two sides corresponding to the radius of the arc portion of the cutout portions 31. When a prize to be stocked in the stock section 21 (each stock section) is selected by the player, the prize waiting section 27 rotates the rotating plate 30 to send the waiting prize to the ejection opening 41, and the next prize is placed on standby by fitting it into the cutout portions 31 of the rotating plate 30.

[0067] For example, in FIG. 5(A), prize GF1 in the stock section 21 is placed in a standby state by fitting it into the notch 31 of the rotating plate 30. That is, prize GF1 is set to a standby position in the prize standby section 27. The rotating plate 30 is rotated around the rotation axis 33 by the motor 32, which is the drive unit, as shown in B1. When the standby prize GF1 is selected by a player, the rotating plate 30 rotates as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), and the standby prize GF1 is sent to the ejection opening 41 as shown in B2 of FIG. 5(C). For example, in FIG. 4, prize GF1 waiting in the prize standby section 27 of the stock section 21 is sent out, moves on the inclined surface of the guide section 44, and is set at the ejection opening 41. In this case, the next prize GF2 comes into contact with the circumferential portion of the rotating plate 30 other than the notch 31, and remains in the prize standby section 27 without being sent to the ejection opening 41. Then, as shown in B3 of Fig. 6(A), the rotating plate 30 rotates further, and the prize GF2 is held until the rotating plate 30 makes one full rotation. Then, as shown in Fig. 6(B), when the rotating plate 30 makes one full rotation, the next prize GF2 fits into the cutout portion 31 of the rotating plate 30, and goes into a standby state. In other words, it is set in the standby position of the prize standby section 27.

[0068] 5(A) to 6(B), the prize GF1 is placed in a standby state by fitting it into the cutout portion 31 of the rotary plate 30, and when the prize GF1 is selected by the player, the rotary plate 30 rotates, sending out the waiting prize GF2 to the ejection opening 41. Then, the next prize GF2 is placed in a standby state by fitting it into the cutout portion 31 of the rotary plate 30. In this way, the prize GF1 stored in the stock section 21 can be placed in standby using the cutout portion 31 of the rotary plate 30, and the prize GF1 can be sent out to the ejection opening 41 by rotating the rotary plate 30, and the next prize GF2 can be placed in standby using the cutout portion 31 of the rotary plate 30. This makes it possible to have the prizes in the stock section 21 standby one by one and then send them out to the ejection opening 41 according to the player's selection of prizes.

[0069] For example, previous prize acquisition devices required different prize standby parts depending on the size of the prize. For example, if prizes were available in different diameters, such as 65, 75, and 100 mm, different prize standby parts were required for each prize size. When changing the prize size, the store operator had to replace the prize standby parts with the ones for that size. In contrast, the prize standby unit 27 shown in Figures 5(A) to 6(B) can accommodate prizes of different sizes, such as 65 to 100 mm, without the need for part replacement. This reduces the operational burden and improves efficiency of the store where the prize acquisition device 10 is installed.

[0070] 4. Stock section, prize ejection section Next, the prize acquisition unit 50 and the prize collection unit 80 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the moving unit 52 of the prize acquisition unit 50. The moving unit 52 includes a rotating cylindrical unit 54 with multiple winning openings 51 provided on its side surface 55. In FIG. 7, the winning openings 51 are formed by providing recessed cutouts in the side surface 55 of the cylindrical unit 54. The cylindrical unit 54 rotates around a rotation axis 57 by a drive unit such as a motor (not shown). The moving unit 52 also includes a cover unit 56, and the cover unit 56 is provided so that its inner surface is in contact with the side surface 55 of the outer periphery of the cylindrical unit 54. The cover unit 56 is a circular member in a side view, and has an opening on the upward side of the circular shape, which is the prize release unit 40 side. Therefore, when the cylindrical portion 54 rotates and the depression of the prize opening 51 is positioned at the opening of the cover portion 56, if a prize (GF) falls, the prize will enter the prize opening 51 and the player will be able to win the prize. For example, when the cylindrical portion 54 rotates and the prize opening 51 is positioned downward, the prize that has entered the prize opening 51 will enter the prize passage 83 in Figure 8 described below and be paid out from the payout opening 19.

[0071] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration example of the prize collection unit 80. The prize collection unit 80 has a collection passage 82 and a prize winning passage 83. In Figure 7, a prize that enters the prize winning port 51 passes through the prize winning passage 83 and is paid out from the payout port 19 in Figure 2. On the other hand, a prize that does not enter the prize winning port 51 moves to the collection passage 82 in Figure 8.

[0072] The collection passage 82 is provided with a wall 84 and a shutter 86. Prizes that do not enter the prize opening 51 are guided along the wall 84 from the collection passage 82, but the shutter 86, which is provided in front of the lifting platform 88 and is moved by a motor or the like as shown in C1, closes to prevent the prize from moving to the lifting platform 88. This is to prevent mistakes when the lifting platform 88 is not in a location where the prize can be received. When it is confirmed that the lifting platform 88 is in a location where the prize can be received, the shutter 86 opens by a motor or the like, and the prize moves to the lifting platform 88. When it is detected that the prize has moved to the lifting platform 88, the shutter 86 closes by a motor or the like. The prize collection section 80 also has a lifting platform 88 and a lifting mechanism 90. The lifting mechanism 90 raises the lifting platform 88 with the prize on it as shown in C2 by, for example, winding up a lifting belt 92 using a motor 91. As a result, the prize placed on the lifting platform 88 is moved to the upper part of the prize winning device 10 in FIG. 2, and returned to the stock sections 21, 22, 23, where it is stocked again.

[0073] 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams of the operation of returning the prizes collected by the prize collection unit 80 to each of the stock units 21, 22, and 23. As explained in Fig. 8, the prize (GF) is placed on the lifting platform 88 by the lifting mechanism 90 and moves to the upper part of the prize winning device 10. On the upper part of the prize winning device 10, wiper-type variable guide units 93 and 94 realized by wiper solenoids or the like, and fixed guide units 95 and 96 are provided.

[0074] 2, when the player presses the selection button 15 to select a prize in the stock section 22, the guide sections 93, 94 will be in a state where they guide the prize toward the stock section 22, as shown in FIG. 9. In other words, when the player fails to win the prize in the selected stock section 22 and the prize is collected by the prize collection section 80 and moved to the top of the prize winning device 10, the guide sections 93, 94 will be in the state shown in FIG. 9, so that the prize will be guided back toward the stock section 22. As a result, the prize that the player failed to win can be returned to the same stock section 22 and stocked again.

[0075] On the other hand, when the player presses the selection button 14 in Fig. 2 to select a prize in the stock section 21, the guide sections 93, 94 are in a state where they guide the prize toward the stock section 21, as shown in Fig. 10. In other words, when the player fails to win the prize in the selected stock section 21 and the prize is collected by the prize collection section 80 and moves to the top of the prize winning device 10, the guide sections 93, 94 are in the state shown in Fig. 10, so that the prize is guided back toward the stock section 21. This allows the prize that the player failed to win to be returned to the same stock section 21 and stocked again.

[0076] In this manner, in this embodiment, if a prize in the stock section selected by the player (jth stock section) does not enter the winning slot 51, the prize that did not enter the winning slot 51 is collected and returned to the original stock section (jth stock section). This makes it possible to maintain the setting of the difficulty of winning prizes stocked in each stock section 21, 22, 23, and to realize appropriate payout settings, etc.

[0077] For example, suppose the difficulty levels of prizes in the stock sections 21, 22, and 23 are set to DL1, DL2, and DL3, respectively, with a relationship of DL1 > DL2 > DL3. In this case, the stock section 21, with its high difficulty level DL1, contains prizes with high value, such as rarity, while the stock section 23, with its low difficulty level DL3, contains prizes with low value. The stock section 22, with its intermediate difficulty level DL3, contains prizes of medium value. Suppose, for example, that a player selects a prize in the stock section 21 using the selection button 14 in FIG. 2 and fails to win the prize. In this case, if the high-value prize that was not won is returned to the stock section 23, a situation may occur in which the high-value prize is released from the stock section 23, which is set to the low difficulty level DL3, and the player wins it. Alternatively, suppose that a player selects a prize in the stock section 23 using the selection button 16 and fails to win the prize. In this case, if the low-value prize that the player failed to win is returned to the stock section 21, the low-value prize will be ejected from the stock section 21, which is set to a high winning difficulty level DL1, causing dissatisfaction for the player. In contrast, in Figures 9 and 10, if the prize selected by the player from the stock sections 21, 22, and 23 does not enter the winning slot 51, the prize is collected and returned to the original stock section, thereby preventing the above-mentioned situation from occurring.

[0078] 5. Setting the difficulty of winning Next, the setting of the difficulty level for winning a prize in this embodiment will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 controls the difficulty level for winning a prize corresponding to each of the stock units 21, 22, and 23. For example, in FIG. 11, the difficulty level setting unit 72 of the control unit 70 controls the difficulty level for winning a prize in each stock unit. Specifically, in FIG. 11, the control unit 70 controls the difficulty level for winning a prize by controlling the movement of the prize opening 51 by the movement unit 52 of the prize acquisition unit 50. For example, the control unit 70 controls the difficulty level for winning a prize by controlling the rotation speed (D1) of the cylindrical unit 54 of the movement unit 52. For example, increasing the rotation speed of the cylindrical unit 54 increases the difficulty level for winning a prize, whereas decreasing the rotation speed of the cylindrical unit 54 decreases the difficulty level for winning a prize. For example, suppose the stock unit 21 is set to a high difficulty level for winning a prize, and the stock unit 23 is set to a low difficulty level for winning a prize. In this case, the control unit 70 controls the rotation speed according to the value, such as rarity. For example, if the player selects a prize from stock section 21, the rotation speed of cylindrical section 54 is increased, and if the player selects a prize from stock section 23, the rotation speed of cylindrical section 54 is decreased. In this way, by controlling the movement of prize opening 51 by moving section 52, it is possible to easily set the difficulty of winning for each stock section.

[0079] Also, in FIG. 12 , a movement limiting unit 48 that limits the movement of a prize is provided in the prize acquisition device 10. For example, the movement limiting unit 48 limits the movement of a prize from the movement path MP from the ejection opening 41 to the prize acquisition unit 50 to a different path. The control unit 70 controls the difficulty of winning by controlling the movement limiting unit 48. The movement path MP is, for example, a direction along the vertical direction from the ejection opening 41, and is, for example, the prize's falling path. The movement limiting unit 48 can be realized, for example, by a pair of movement limiting bars that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the prize acquisition device 10. The movement limiting bars can also be referred to as support bars that support the prize's winning. The movement limiting unit 48 is realized, for example, by a solenoid or the like, and is configured to move in the direction indicated by E1 in FIG. 12 under the control of the control unit 70. In other words, the movement limiting unit 48 is movable in the vertical direction indicated by E1.

[0080] In FIG. 13(A), the movement limiting unit 48 moves downward as indicated by E2, thereby restricting the movement of the prize along a path different from the movement path MP. In other words, the movement of the prize to the left or right of the movement path MP is restricted. In FIG. 13(A), the prize does not enter the prize opening 51 because the prize opening 51 is not located below the prize that has moved along the movement path MP to the prize acquisition unit 50. Then, as the cylindrical portion 54 of the movement unit 52 rotates, the prize rolls along the side surface 55 of the cylindrical portion 54. Then, as shown in FIG. 13(B), the rotation of the cylindrical portion 54 moves the prize opening 51 below the prize, allowing the prize to enter the prize opening 51. In this way, the movement limiting unit 48's support action in prize acquisition allows the player to easily acquire a prize. In other words, the movement limiting unit 48 is controlled to lower the difficulty of winning a prize.

[0081] On the other hand, when the movement restricting unit 48 is moved upward, the movement of the prize to a path different from the movement path MP is no longer restricted, and the movement restricting unit 48 no longer performs a support operation for winning the prize. That is, for a prize that has moved along the movement path MP to the prize winning unit 50 as shown in FIG. 13(A), the movement restricting unit 48 no longer restricts the movement of the prize to a path different from the movement path MP. Specifically, the movement of the prize to the left or right of the movement path MP is not restricted. As a result, if the prize falls onto the side surface 55 of the cylindrical portion 54, it will fall from the left or right into the recovery passage 82 in FIG. 8, and the player will fail to win the prize. In other words, the difficulty of winning a prize is set high. That is, the movement restricting unit 48 is controlled so that the difficulty of winning a prize is high.

[0082] 12 to 13(B) , a movement restriction unit 48 is provided that restricts the movement of prizes from the movement path MP from the ejection port 41 to the prize acquisition unit 50 to a different path, and the difficulty of winning a prize is controlled by controlling this movement restriction unit 48. This makes it possible to set the difficulty of winning a prize depending on whether or not the movement restriction unit 48 provides support for prize acquisition. Therefore, by controlling the movement restriction unit 48, it becomes possible to simply set the difficulty of winning a prize for each stock unit, and it becomes possible to set the payout of prizes, etc.

[0083] The movement restricting unit 48 may be movable in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction indicated by E1, i.e., in the horizontal direction (left-right direction). Alternatively, the movement restricting unit 48 may be configured to be able to protrude or retract in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the prize acquisition device 10.

[0084] 6. Change in the size of the prize opening In this embodiment, the movable section 52 has a variable opening size for the winning opening 51. FIG. 14 shows an example of the configuration of the movable section 52 (cylindrical section 54) in which the opening size of the winning opening 51 is variable. As shown in FIG. 14, the movable section 52 is provided with three winning openings 51, and is divided into three divided parts, each with a winning opening 51 set in it. Each of the three divided parts has parts 61, 62 and parts 64, 65. When the adjustment dial 60 is turned clockwise, as shown at F1, for example, parts 61 and 62 move inward, as shown at F2. The inward position is the center of the divided parts. On the other hand, when the adjustment dial 60 is turned counterclockwise, parts 61 and 62 move outward. Part 64 moves in conjunction with the movement of part 61, and part 65 moves in conjunction with the movement of part 62. For example, when parts 61 and 62 move inward as shown in F2, parts 64 and 65 rotate in a direction that reduces the opening size of prize opening 51 as shown in F3. On the other hand, when parts 61 and 62 move outward, parts 64 and 65 rotate in a direction that increases the opening size of prize opening 51. In other words, by moving parts 61 and 62 inward or outward using adjustment dial 60, the opening size of prize opening 51 can be reduced or increased. Once the desired opening size of prize opening 51 is reached, parts 64 and 65 are fixed with screws 66 to prevent movement. The movable portion 52 in FIG. 14 is divided into three separate parts, and each of these separate parts allows the opening size of prize opening 51 to be adjusted as described above. The opening size of prize opening 51 may also be adjusted by making cover portion 56 variable in position or extendable.

[0085] For example, prizes come in a variety of sizes, such as diameters ranging from 65 to 100 mm. Therefore, for example, an operator at a store where the prize acquisition device 10 is installed can use the adjustment dial 60 to adjust the opening size of the prize opening 51 to an appropriate size corresponding to the size of the prize. Alternatively, the opening size of the prize opening 51 may be variably adjusted by rotating the adjustment dial 60 using a drive unit such as a motor. For example, the control unit 70 controls the drive unit to variably adjust the opening size of the prize opening 51 of the moving unit 52. In this manner, the control unit 70 can control the difficulty of winning a prize by adjusting the opening size of the prize opening 51. For example, the control unit 70 can set the difficulty of winning a prize to a higher level by controlling the opening size of the prize opening 51 to be smaller, or can set the difficulty of winning a prize to a lower level by controlling the opening size of the prize opening 51 to be larger. For example, suppose the difficulty of winning the prize in the stock unit 21 is set to a higher level and the difficulty of winning the prize in the stock unit 23 is set to a lower level. In this case, when a prize in stock section 21 is selected by the player, control section 70 controls to reduce the opening size of prize opening 51, and when a prize in stock section 23 is selected by the player, control section 70 controls to increase the opening size of prize opening 51. In this way, it is possible to set the difficulty of winning for each of stock sections 21, 22, and 23.

[0086] The difficulty level may be set according to the results of a lottery when play begins (for example, when a coin is inserted or electronic payment is completed) or when a prize is selected. Specifically, the rotation speed of the cylindrical portion 54, the opening size of the prize opening 51, whether or not support is provided by the movement restricting portion 48, and the position of the movement restricting portion 48 may be determined by lottery.

[0087] Although the present embodiment has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications are possible without substantially departing from the novel features and advantages of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a term described at least once in the specification or drawings with a different, broader or synonymous meaning may be replaced with that different term anywhere in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, the configurations and operations of the prize acquisition device, stock unit, prize launch unit, prize acquisition unit, prize collection unit, and control unit are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and equivalent methods are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10...prize acquisition device, 11...casing, 12...operation console, 14, 15, 16...selection button, 17...ejection button, 18...coin insertion section, 19...payout port, 20-1 to 20-n...1st to nth stock sections, 20-j...jth stock section, 21, 22, 23...stock section, 24, 25, 26...window section, 27, 28, 29...prize waiting section, 30...rotating plate, 31...notch section, 32...motor, 40...prize ejection section, 41...ejection port, 42...locking section, 43...detection section, 44, 45...guide section, 48...Movement restriction section, 50...Prize acquisition section, 51...Prize opening, 52...Moving section, 54...Cylindrical section, 55...Side, 56...Cover section, 60...Adjustment dial, 61, 62, 64, 65...Parts, 66...Screw, 70...Control section, 72...Difficulty setting section, 80...Prize collection section, 82...Collection passage, 83...Prize passage, 84...Wall section, 86...Shutter section, 88...Lifting platform, 90...Lifting mechanism, 91...Motor, 92...Lifting belt, 93, 94, 95, 96...Guide section, GF, GF1, GF2...Prize, MP...Movement path

Claims

1. First to n-th stock sections (n ​​is an integer of 2 or more) in which prizes are stocked in each stock section; a prize ejection unit having an ejection port for ejecting a prize when a prize stocked in a jth stock unit (j is an integer satisfying 1≦j≦n) among the first to nth stock units is selected by a player; a prize acquisition unit having a prize opening into which the prize ejected from the ejection opening falls to allow the player to acquire the prize, and a movement unit that moves the prize opening; a control unit that controls the difficulty of winning prizes corresponding to each of the first to nth stock units; a prize collection section that collects the prize that did not enter the prize slot and returns it to the jth stock section when the prize in the jth stock section selected by the player from among the first to nth stock sections does not enter the prize slot; Including, The prize collection unit includes: A prize acquisition device characterized in that, when a prize in a first stock section set to a first difficulty level does not enter the prize opening, the prize that did not enter the prize opening is collected and returned to the first stock section set to the first difficulty level, and, when a prize in a second stock section set to a second difficulty level does not enter the prize opening, the prize that did not enter the prize opening is collected and returned to the second stock section set to the second difficulty level.

2. In claim 1, The control unit A prize acquisition device characterized in that the difficulty of winning is controlled by controlling the movement of the prize opening by the movement unit of the prize acquisition unit.

3. In claim 1 or 2, a movement limiting unit that limits movement of the prize from the movement path from the ejection port to the prize capturing unit to a path different from the movement path, The control unit A prize acquisition device characterized in that the difficulty of winning is controlled by controlling the movement restriction unit.

4. In any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit A prize winning device that controls the difficulty level of winning according to the number of plays since the previous prize was won.

5. In any one of claims 1 to 4, The prize collection unit includes: a lifting mechanism for moving the prize that did not enter the prize opening to an upper position when the prize in the jth stock section does not enter the prize opening; a guide section for guiding the prize moved upward by the lifting mechanism so as to return it to the jth stock section; A prize winning device comprising:

6. In any one of claims 1 to 5, The moving unit is A prize acquisition device characterized in that at least one of the prize openings is provided on a side surface and includes a rotating cylindrical portion.

7. In any one of claims 1 to 6, A prize acquisition device, characterized in that each of the first to nth stock sections stocks a plurality of prizes, at least some of which are arranged vertically.

8. In claim 7, A prize acquisition device characterized in that each of the first to nth stock sections includes a window section that allows the player to see the prize that is to be ejected from the ejection port among the prizes stored in each stock section.

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, The prize ejection unit is A prize acquisition device characterized in that when a prize to be stored in each stock section is selected by the player, the selected prize is set in the ejection outlet, and when the player performs an ejection operation, the prize is ejected from the ejection outlet.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, Each of the first to nth stock units comprises: a prize waiting section for waiting prizes; The prize waiting section includes: A prize acquisition device characterized in that, when a prize stocked in each stock section is selected by the player, the selected prize is sent out to the ejection opening.

11. In claim 10, The prize waiting section includes: A rotating plate has a cutout portion, and the prize is made to wait by fitting the prize into the cutout portion, The prize waiting section includes: This prize acquisition device is characterized in that when a prize to be stored in each stock section is selected by the player, the rotating plate is rotated to send the waiting prize to the ejection port, and the next prize is made to wait by fitting it into the cutout section of the rotating plate.

12. In any one of claims 1 to 11, A prize acquisition device characterized in that the moving unit is capable of changing the opening size of the prize opening.

Images