Game console

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can suppress deterioration in amusement.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 provides a crane game that moves a crane 13 in accordance with operation that is input through an input device IP. The game machine 1 is provided with a pressing pressure adjustment spring 22A for biasing the crane 13 in a direction of hanging up the crane via a wire 21A; and a hanging adjustment mechanism 22 for changing the biasing force. The hanging adjustment mechanism 22 is provided with an operation dial 23 operated by being rotated about a rotation shaft 24 so as to maintain a relative positional relationship to an exterior 20W of a lifting device part 20 for accommodating the hanging adjustment mechanism 22 before and after operation; a ratchet gear 22C disposed to the rotation shaft 24 concentrically with the operation dial 23; and a spring pressing down member 22B that operates so as to change biasing force of the pressing pressure adjustment spring 22A with rotation of the ratchet gear 22C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention provides a prize acquisition game that suspends a displacement execution unit for performing a series of operations for displacing the position of a game body via a suspension member above a housing unit that houses a physical game body, and operates the displacement execution unit according to a play action input via an input device, so that when the game body moves to a predetermined position, a prize is given to the user. The present invention also relates to a gaming machine provided with a biasing means for biasing the displacement execution unit in an upward direction via the suspension member, and a biasing force changing means for changing the biasing force of the biasing means.

Background Art

[0002] There is a gaming machine that suspends a displacement execution unit for performing a series of operations for displacing the position of a game body via a suspension member above a housing unit that houses a physical game body, and operates the displacement execution unit according to a play action input via an input device, so that when the game body moves to a predetermined position, a prize is given to the user. The gaming machine is also provided with a biasing means for biasing the displacement execution unit in an upward direction via the suspension member, and a biasing force changing means for changing the biasing force of the biasing means. For example, there is known a prize acquisition gaming machine that provides a crane game using a prize acquisition unit imitating a crane as such a displacement execution unit (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prize acquisition game device described in Patent Document 1, the prize acquisition unit is biased in an upward direction by a coil spring, and the biasing force of the coil spring is adjusted by a screw mechanism through the displacement of its tip. This screw mechanism is provided with an adjustment knob for displacing the position of the tip. Rotational operations are performed on this adjustment knob to displace the tip forward or backward. This rotational operation is performed manually, but it may also be implemented by a drive device such as a motor through an external operation command (in other words, the biasing force of the coil spring is adjusted via the drive device). However, with such a screw mechanism, the state of the adjustment knob reveals how the biasing force of the coil spring is being adjusted.

[0005] Specifically, in this screw mechanism, when the adjustment knob is pushed in (advanced) so that its tip is displaced to a position where it presses against the movable retaining plate member, the biasing force of the coil spring increases. Conversely, when the adjustment knob is pulled out (retracted) so that its tip is displaced to a position where it retracts the movable retaining plate member, the biasing force of the coil spring decreases. In other words, the degree to which the adjustment knob is pushed in (its state) is directly related to the biasing force of the coil spring. On the other hand, the adjustment knob is exposed to the outside for ease of adjustment and is visible to the player. As a result, the player can perceive the biasing force of the coil spring through the state of the adjustment knob. The biasing force of the coil spring acts in the direction of lifting the prize acquisition part, and therefore affects, for example, the pushing force when the prize acquisition part and the prize collide. Such a pushing force often affects the acquisition of the prize. If the setting of the adjustment knob allows players to perceive the biasing force of the coil spring, and thus the setting of elements that affect the outcome of the game, it could potentially reduce the enjoyment (entertainment value) of the game.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a game machine that can suppress the decline in entertainment value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a prize-winning game in which a prize is awarded to the user when the game body moves to a predetermined position by operating a displacement execution unit, which is suspended via a suspension member from the upper part of a housing that houses a physical game body and performs a series of operations to displace the position of the game body, in accordance with play actions input via an input device. The game machine is provided with a biasing means for biasing the displacement execution unit in the direction of lifting it via the suspension member, and a biasing force changing means for changing the biasing force of the biasing means, wherein the biasing force changing means is provided with an operating member that is operated so as to maintain a relative positional relationship with respect to a reference position before and after the operation, and an operation conversion mechanism that converts the operation on the operating member into a change in the biasing force of the biasing means.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention provides a prize-winning game in which a prize is awarded to the user when the game body moves to a predetermined position by operating a displacement execution unit, which is suspended via a suspension member from the upper part of a housing that houses a physical game body and performs a series of operations to displace the position of the game body, in accordance with play actions input via an input device. The game machine is also provided with a biasing means that biases the displacement execution unit in the direction of lifting it via the suspension member, and a biasing force changing means that changes the biasing force of the biasing means, wherein the biasing force changing means is provided with an operating member that is operated in such a way that the amount of operation is not known after the operation, and an operation conversion mechanism that converts the operation on the operating member into a change in the biasing force of the biasing means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the configuration of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A functional block diagram showing the essential components of the game console's control system. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the crane device detached from the game machine. [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the crane device in the example, seen from diagonally above. [Figure 5] A diagram showing a magnified view of a part of the interior of the lifting mechanism. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the rotation of the ratchet gear and the operation of the spring-pressing member. [Figure 7] A front view showing the inside of the lifting device. [Figure 8] A perspective view showing the entire interior of the lifting mechanism. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing the entire interior of the lifting mechanism, corresponding to a different angle from the example in Figure 8. [Figure 10] Perspective view showing the connecting pipe. [Figure 11] An explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a modified form. [Figure 12] A functional block diagram showing the main components of the control system of a modified game machine. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of the structure of tactile data. [Figure 14] A flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for processing result notifications. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes an example of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, with reference to Figure 1, the configuration of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Game machine 1 is configured as a game device that provides a prize-winning game. A prize-winning game is a type of game in which an operating means that changes the position of a physical game object in a housing section is operated in accordance with play actions input via an input device, and a prize is awarded to the user when the game object moves to a predetermined position through the operation of the operating means. Game machine 1 may be configured as a home game machine, but in the example in Figure 1, it is configured as a commercial (commercial) game machine (sometimes called an arcade game machine).

[0011] An arcade game machine is a type of computer device installed in a designated facility with the primary purpose of generating revenue by having a large number of users repeatedly play the game. Game machine 1 may be played remotely via a computer device (including user terminal devices such as stationary or book-type personal computers, mobile phones such as smartphones, stationary home game consoles, portable game consoles, or portable tablet terminals), but in the example in Figure 1, it is configured for users to play directly at the facility. Furthermore, game machine 1 may offer prize-winning games for free as appropriate, for example, if a separate fee is collected, such as an entrance fee to the designated facility, but as an example, it offers prize-winning games for a fee. In other words, game machine 1 is configured as a commercial (commercial) game machine that allows users to play prize-winning games within a range corresponding to the payment of a predetermined play fee.

[0012] The operating mechanism of the game machine 1 may be configured as appropriate. For example, it may be configured as a device that displaces the position of a game object by pushing it (including a type in which the part that pushes the game object is suspended in the same way as a crane), but in the example of Figure 1, it is configured as a crane device. A crane device is a type of device for capturing (acquiring) a physical object to be captured (e.g., a game object), and is an operating mechanism of the type that grasps and transports the object to be captured. The game machine 1 uses such a crane device to provide a crane game as an example of a prize-winning game. In other words, the game machine 1 is configured as a crane game machine that provides a crane game.

[0013] Although various mechanisms can be provided in the crane device, in the example of FIG. 1, the crane 13 is shown as a part thereof. The crane 13 is a part that functions as a displacement execution unit for displacing the position of the game object. The crane 13 has a plurality of arms (two arms are shown in the example of FIG. 1, but the number may be appropriate) for sandwiching the capture target, and is configured to grasp (capture) the capture target by sandwiching it with these arms. Further, such a crane 13 is arranged above the storage unit for storing the capture target, and the position for performing the capture operation for grasping the capture target is determined through the user's play behavior regarding the two-axis direction of the left-right direction and the depth direction. The crane 13 descends at the position specified through the user's play behavior and executes the capture operation. The capture target is often the prize itself, but may also be an alternative associated with the prize. And when such a capture target is captured by the crane 13 and transported to a predetermined position, the prize is given to the user.

[0014] Specifically, the gaming machine 1 has a housing 10. The housing 10 is provided with a storage unit 11, an outlet 12, and an input device IP. The outlet 12 is an opening for discharging the capture target PS as a game object. The storage unit 11 is a space for storing the capture target PS. The storage unit 11 is partitioned between the outside and the inside by a transparent material such as acrylic or glass that allows the inside to be visible, and is configured to be visible from the outside to the inside. The storage unit 11 is configured to be able to store a large number of capture targets PS.

[0015] A crane 13 and an opening 14 are provided inside the housing section 11. The crane 13 operates to capture the target PS housed inside the housing section 11. Specifically, the crane 13 is suspended from the top of the housing section 11 via a suspension member and performs a series of operations to acquire (displace) the target PS, including horizontal movement within the housing section 11, vertical raising and lowering, and opening and closing of the arm (an operation to grasp the target PS). In order to achieve horizontal movement, the crane 13 is configured to move in two axes, the left-right direction XD and the depth direction YD, so that it can be positioned at each coordinate position in the XY plane, where the left-right direction XD and the depth direction YD are the X and Y axes, respectively. The crane 13 is configured to perform a descent operation to lower itself to a predetermined height (predetermined lowering position) at each of these coordinate positions, a capture operation (grabbing operation) to grasp the target PS at that predetermined height, an ascent operation to return to its original height, and a transport operation to transport the grasped target PS (which does not necessarily have to be actually grasped) to a predetermined position. The transport operation also includes a release operation to release the grasped target PS at the predetermined position. In other words, the crane 13 sequentially performs a series of operations: a movement operation to move to the lowering position, a descent operation, a capture operation, an ascent operation, a transport operation, and a release operation.

[0016] The input device IP is an input device for inputting the user's play actions. Various play actions may be appropriately executed on the input device IP. In the example of FIG. 1, a case where an operation is executed as a play action is shown. Also, the input device IP may be provided with an appropriate operation unit according to the type of operation as a play action. In the example of FIG. 1, a direction operation unit IP1 and a determination operation unit IP2 are provided. The direction operation unit IP1 is an operation unit for executing an operation for instructing the direction in the movement operation of the crane 13. That is, through the operation on the direction operation unit IP1, the moving direction of the crane 13 in the XY plane is specified. On the other hand, the determination operation unit IP2 is an operation unit for executing an operation for determining the position where the crane 13 should execute a descending operation in the XY plane. Specifically, when the determination operation unit IP2 is operated at a position on the XY plane arranged through the operation on the direction operation unit IP1, the crane 13 executes a descending operation at that position, and further executes a capturing operation at a predetermined height such as the height at which contact (so-called bottoming) between the crane 13 and the capture target PS or the like is detected.

[0017] The release port 14 opens into a connection passage 15 connecting the release port 14 and the discharge port 12. That is, the inside of the housing portion 11 is connected to the discharge port 12 through the release port 14. And the release port 14 functions as a predetermined position where the release operation should be executed by the crane 13. For this reason, when the capture target PS is actually grasped by the crane 13, with the release operation, the capture target PS is released above the release port 14 and falls, and is discharged from the discharge port 12 through the release port 14. The capture target PS may be a substitute for a prize as described above, but as an example, the prize itself is used. Specifically, the capture target PS is configured as a capsule containing the prize. For this reason, when the capture target PS is discharged from the discharge port 12, the capture target PS, in other words, the prize contained therein is given to the user who plays the crane game. That is, when the capture target PS is released above the release port 14, the prize is directly given to the user through the discharge of the capture target PS.

[0018] Next, the main components of the control system of the game machine 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. The game machine 1 is equipped with a control unit 31 as a computer, a memory unit 32 as a memory means, a crane device CU, a performance device 34, a transport device 35, and the aforementioned input device IP. The memory unit 32, the crane device CU, the performance device 34, the transport device 35, and the input device IP are all connected to the control unit 31. Various output devices and input devices may be provided in the game machine 1 as appropriate, but these are shown in the example in Figure 2.

[0019] As described above, the input device IP inputs signals to the control unit 31 corresponding to the pressing operations on the direction control unit IP1 and the decision control unit IP2. On the other hand, the crane device CU, the performance equipment 34, and the transport device 35 are examples of output devices provided in the game machine 1, but they may also have various sensors (detection devices), in which case they also function as input devices. The operation of all of these is controlled by the control unit 31. For example, the performance equipment 34 is equipment for realizing various effects in the crane game. The performance equipment 34 includes various output devices such as speakers, display devices, or lighting equipment. The performance equipment 34 operates to realize various effects in response to the output signals from the control unit 31.

[0020] Furthermore, as described above, the crane device CU is equipped with a drive source (e.g., a motor) to perform operations such as capturing, lifting, or releasing. This drive source is controlled by the control unit 31, and the crane device CU performs various operations. The transport device 35 is a device for performing horizontal movement such as moving or transporting. The transport device 35 may be configured as appropriate and may function as part of the crane device CU, but for example, it has a drive source for performing horizontal movement of the crane device CU. This drive source is controlled by the control unit 31 to perform horizontal movement of the crane device CU.

[0021] The control unit 31 is configured as a computer combining a CPU, which is an example of a processor that performs various processes according to a predetermined computer program, and internal memory and other peripheral devices necessary for its operation. The control unit 31 is provided with a logical device realized by a combination of the hardware resources of the control unit 31 and the game program PG, which is a software resource. Such logical devices may be provided in the control unit 31 as appropriate, but in the example in Figure 2, an operation control unit 37 and a performance control unit 38 are shown.

[0022] The motion control unit 37 is a logical device that performs various processes to control the operation of the crane device CU and the transport device 35, while the performance control unit 38 performs various processes to control the operation of the performance equipment 34. The processes performed by the motion control unit 37 include, for example, processes to cause the crane device CU to perform a series of operations such as moving, lowering, capturing, transporting, or releasing in response to various operations on the input device IP. Similarly, the processes performed by the performance control unit 38 include, for example, processes to cause the performance equipment 34 to perform various performances.

[0023] The memory unit 32 is an external storage device implemented by a unit that includes a non-volatile storage medium (computer-readable storage medium) such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory device. Various types of data can be recorded in the memory unit 32 along with the game program PG described above, but in the example in Figure 2, game data GD is shown. Game data GD is data that allows the user to play the crane game according to the game program PG. Game data GD appropriately includes various types of data necessary for providing the crane game, such as setting data that manages various settings such as parameters related to the operation of the crane device CU, or sound data for playing various sounds such as background music.

[0024] Next, the crane device CU will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 10. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the crane device CU detached from the game machine 1. As shown in Figure 3, the crane device CU is provided with a lifting device unit 20 as a housing, a crane 13, and a connecting pipe CP. The lifting device unit 20 is configured as a housing that accommodates various mechanisms, etc. The lifting device unit 20 is provided with various mechanisms, etc., to realize vertical movements such as the lowering movement and the raising movement (return movement) of the crane 13.

[0025] The crane 13 is provided with an arm section 13A and an opening / closing device section 13B. The arm section 13A is the part that performs the action of grasping (gripping) the target PS. The arm section 13A is provided below the opening / closing device section 13B. The arm section 13A may be composed of an appropriate number of arms, but in the example of Figure 3, it is composed of three arms. The opening / closing device section 13B is provided with various mechanisms (not shown) for realizing the opening and closing operations of the arm section 13A, such as grasping and releasing operations. The grasping (gripping) force of the arm section 13A in the grasping operation, or the distance between the arms, may be fixed, but as an example, they may be configured to be adjustable (variable). In addition, appropriate operating elements of the arm section 13A may be configured to be adjustable, but as an example, the distance between the arms may be configured to be adjustable. In this case, the mechanisms of the opening / closing device section 13B include an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the arm sections 13A. The adjustment mechanism may adjust the spacing as appropriate, but one example is that it is adjusted by turning the adjustment knob RP. The adjustment knob RP may be provided as appropriate on the opening / closing device section 13B, but in the example in Figure 3, it is provided so as to protrude from the upper side of the opening / closing device section 13B. In other words, the adjustment knob RP is positioned so that it can be operated when the crane device CU is attached to the game machine 1.

[0026] The connecting pipe CP is a component that connects the lifting device section 20 and the crane 13. The connecting pipe CP is provided to connect the lower side of the lifting device section 20 and the upper side of the opening / closing device section 13B, and is configured to be extendable and retractable to accommodate the vertical movement of the crane 13 (see Figure 10).

[0027] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the crane device CU in the example of Figure 2, viewed from diagonally above. As shown in Figure 4, the lifting device section 20 is provided with a suspension mechanism 21 and a suspension adjustment mechanism 22 as a means for changing the biasing force. The suspension mechanism 21 is a mechanism for suspending the crane 13 so that it can be raised and lowered. The suspension adjustment mechanism 22 is a mechanism for adjusting the force with which the suspension mechanism 21 suspends the crane 13. The suspension force may be adjusted through appropriate operation, and the suspension adjustment mechanism 22 may be provided with various operating members corresponding to such operation, but in the example of Figure 4, an operating dial 23 is provided as an example of an operating member.

[0028] The operation dial 23 is an operating member configured as a rotating member that rotates around the rotation shaft 24 so that a rotational operation to rotate the rotation shaft 24 can be performed. The operation dial 23 is provided on the side of the lifting device unit 20 so that it can be operated when it is attached to the game machine 1. Specifically, the lifting device unit 20 is provided with a rotation shaft 24 that protrudes from the outer casing 20W that separates the inside from the outside, and the operation dial 23 is provided on one end side (the outside side) of the rotation shaft 24. In other words, the operation dial 23 is installed in a position that protrudes from the outer casing 20W of the rotation shaft 24 that extends from the inside to the outside of the lifting device unit 20, and is positioned at a certain distance from the outer casing 20W so that rotational operation can be performed. A rotational operation is performed on the operation dial 23 so as to rotate it around the rotation shaft 24 while maintaining the distance (positional relationship) between it and the outer casing 20W. This rotational operation is then converted into a change in the suspension force via the rotation shaft 24 in the suspension adjustment mechanism 22. In this example, the position of the outer casing 20W functions as the reference position of the present invention.

[0029] The suspension adjustment mechanism 22 will be further described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing a part of the interior of the lifting device section 20. For the sake of explanation, the example in Figure 5 shows the lifting device section 20 with its outer casing 20W removed. As shown in Figure 5, the suspension mechanism 21 is provided with a wire 21A, a movable arm 21B, and a tension pulley 21C. The wire 21A is a member that supports the crane 13 so as to suspend it via the tension pulley 21C, and functions as a suspension member. The tension pulley 21C is a pulley used for winding the wire 21A, etc. The wire 21A is installed on the tension pulley 21C so that the load of the crane 13 acts downward. The tension pulley 21C is rotatably attached to one end of the movable arm 21B so as to function as a movable pulley.

[0030] The movable arm 21B is a component that moves to rotate around the arm rotation axis Aax. The movable arm 21B may be composed of a single component, but in the example in Figure 5, it is composed of two components arranged to sandwich the tension pulley 21C. The movable arm 21B is attached to the mounting wall 25 via the arm rotation axis Aax. A tension pulley 21C is provided at one end of the movable arm 21B, and a mounting portion 26 is provided at the other end. By rotating around the arm rotation axis Aax, the movable arm 21B operates to move the tension pulleys 21C and the mounting portion 26 at both ends up and down. Specifically, the movable arm 21B operates to move the tension pulley 21C upward due to the load on the mounting portion 26, and to move the mounting portion 26 upward due to the load on the tension pulley 21C. The load of the crane 13 acts on the tension pulley 21C via the wire 21A. Therefore, the movement of the movable arm 21B (up and down movement of the tension pulley 21C) is related to the up and down movement of the crane 13.

[0031] The suspension adjustment mechanism 22 is provided with a pressure adjustment spring 22A as a biasing means, a spring pressing member 22B, a ratchet gear 22C as a rotating disc and rotation conversion member, a rotating shaft 24, and an operating dial 23. The rotating shaft 24 and the operating dial 23 are as described above. The ratchet gear 22C is a gear installed so that the direction of rotation is limited to a certain direction. The certain direction may be set as appropriate, but as an example, it is set to right-hand (clockwise). The ratchet gear 22C is provided coaxially with the operating dial 23 at the other end of the rotating shaft 24 (opposite side from the operating dial 23) and rotates in conjunction with the rotation operation of the operating dial 23. On the other hand, the rotation direction of the ratchet gear 22C is limited to right-hand rotation. Therefore, rotation operation of the operating dial 23 is limited to right-hand rotation via the ratchet gear 22C. In other words, the operating dial 23 is configured so that only right-hand rotation operation is permitted via the ratchet gear 22C.

[0032] The pressure adjustment spring 22A is a spring that biases the mounting portion 26 downward. In other words, the pressure adjustment spring 22A is a spring that biases the other end of the movable arm 21B so that the tension pulley 21C moves upward (in the direction of lifting the crane 13). One end of the pressure adjustment spring 22A is attached to the mounting portion 26, and the other end is attached to the other end of the spring pressing member 22B.

[0033] The spring-pressing member 22B is a member that is mounted to rotate around a member rotation axis Bax, which serves as a fixed rotation axis. The member rotation axis Bax is provided at one end of the spring-pressing member 22B so as to cause the other end to rotate. In addition, a meshing member 27 is provided near the center of the spring-pressing member 22B (between the one end and the other end) as a limiting member. The meshing member 27 is a member that meshes with the ratchet gear 22C to limit rotation. The meshing member 27 is pressed down or released as the ratchet gear 22C rotates. As a result, the other end of the spring-pressing member 22B moves downward due to the pressure applied by the ratchet gear 22C, or upward due to the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A as the pressure is released. In other words, the spring-pressing member 22B operates to increase or decrease the downward biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A (in the direction of lifting the crane 13) as the ratchet gear 22C rotates.

[0034] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the rotation of the ratchet gear 22C and the operation of the spring-pressing member 22B. In the example in Figure 6, the ratchet gear 22C, the spring-pressing member 22B, and the pressure adjustment spring 22A are schematically shown. In addition, two states of the spring-pressing member 22B are shown in the example in Figure 6. Specifically, (A) in Figure 6 shows the first state, and (B) shows the second state. As shown in Figure 6, the ratchet gear 22C is provided with multiple teeth C with different tooth heights H. That is, the ratchet gear 22C is configured such that the radius R to each tooth root circle (each tooth root is formed flat and does not correspond to an arc, but is called a tooth root circle as in general gears) differs for each tooth root circle. The radius R is the length (distance) from the rotation center CL of the rotation axis 24 to the tooth root. Therefore, the distance between the rotating shaft 24 and the meshing member 27 differs depending on which tooth C of the ratchet gear 22C the meshing member 27 meshes with, that is, which tooth root circle it enters (fits into). As a result, the ratchet gear 22C operates the spring-pressing member 22B through the difference in radius R for each tooth root circle, creating different states.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6(A), in the first state, the meshing member 27 is located at the root circle of a tooth with a relatively short radius R. The other end of the spring-pressing member 22B is biased upward by the pressure adjustment spring 22A, and this bias causes the spring-pressing member 22B to rotate upward (be lifted) around the member rotation axis Bax. Then, the meshing member 27 meshes with the tooth C, which has a relatively long tooth height H, and enters the root circle of a tooth with a relatively short radius R. In this case, the distance between the meshing member 27 and the rotation axis 24 becomes relatively short. For this reason, if we consider, for example, the state in which the member rotation axis Bax and the meshing member 27 are aligned horizontally as the reference state, the meshing member 27 moves upward so as to approach the rotation axis 24 compared to this reference state. If the position of the mounting portion 26 is constant, the upward movement of the other end of the spring-pressing member 22B acts in a direction that reduces the force (tensile force) pulling the pressure adjustment spring 22A. In other words, in the first state, the tensile force exerted by the spring-pressing member 22B on the pressure adjustment spring 22A is reduced compared to the reference state.

[0036] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6(B), in the second state, the meshing member 27 is located at a tooth root circle with a radius R that is relatively longer than in the first state. The ratchet gear 22C may be appropriately provided with a tooth root circle with a radius R that is relatively longer than in the first state, but as an example, the second state corresponds to a state in which the ratchet gear 22C has been rotated by the length of one tooth C from the first state due to the rotational operation of the operating dial 23. The tooth root is formed between teeth C and has a flat portion and a curved portion. The curved portion is provided so as to form the tooth tip of the tooth C to the left of the flat portion (one tooth before in the operating direction), and plays the role of guiding the meshing member 27 to the tooth root circle of the next tooth C. For this reason, in counterclockwise rotation, the tooth height H acts to restrict the movement of the meshing member 27, but in clockwise rotation, there is no tooth height H that restricts the movement of the meshing member 27. Rather, each tooth C is formed so as to guide the meshing member 27 to engage with the next tooth C through the curved portion. Therefore, the meshing member 27 does not obstruct clockwise rotation, and clockwise rotation of the ratchet gear 22C, and consequently clockwise rotation of the coaxial operating dial 23, is permitted.

[0037] In the next tooth C, the radius R of the root circle is relatively longer than in the first state. As a result, the distance between the meshing member 27 and the rotation axis 24 is longer than in the first state. In this case, the rotation of the ratchet gear 22C acts in a direction that pushes down the meshing member 27 compared to the first state, causing the spring-pressing member 22B to rotate (push down) downward around the member rotation axis Bax. The other end of the spring-pressing member 22B is biased upward by the pressure adjustment spring 22A. As a result, the other end of the spring-pressing member 22B is lifted by the pressure adjustment spring 22A, and the meshing member 27 meshes with the next tooth C, which has a longer radius R than in the first state, and enters its root circle. However, the spring-pressing member 22B moves downward so that the meshing member 27 moves away from the rotation axis 24 compared to the reference state. As a result of this movement, the spring-pressing member 22B pushes down the pressure adjustment spring 22A at its other end. When the position of the mounting portion 26 is constant, downward movement of the other end of the spring pressing member 22B acts in a direction that increases the tensile force pulling the pressure adjustment spring 22A. In other words, in the second state, the tensile force that the spring pressing member 22B exerts on the pressure adjustment spring 22A increases compared to the reference state. As a result, the tensile force acting on the pressure adjustment spring 22A in the second state is greater than in the first state, and the relationship second state > first state is formed.

[0038] In addition to the first and second states, the spring-pressing member 22B can enter multiple states that generate tensile force in the pressure adjustment spring 22A depending on differences such as the radius R of the ratchet gear 22C. The suspension adjustment mechanism 22 converts the rotational operation on the operating dial 23 into tensile force in the pressure adjustment spring 22A (a biasing force that biases the mounting portion 26 downward) through the relationship between the rotation of the ratchet gear 22C and the operation of the spring-pressing member 22B. In other words, the suspension adjustment mechanism 22 is configured to adjust the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A by changing the state of the spring-pressing member 22B accompanying the rotation of the ratchet gear 22C. In this example, the combination of the rotating shaft 24, the ratchet gear 22C, and the spring-pressing member 22B functions as the operation conversion mechanism of the present invention. Furthermore, the spring-pressing member 22B that restricts the counterclockwise rotation of the ratchet gear 22C so as to maintain the position after rotation via the meshing member 27 functions as the rotation limiting mechanism of the present invention.

[0039] Figures 7 to 9 are a front view showing the interior of the lifting device 20, a perspective view showing the entire interior of the lifting device 20, and a perspective view showing the entire interior of the lifting device 20 from a different angle than the example in Figure 8, respectively. The example in Figure 7 shows the interior of the lifting device 20 of the example in Figure 5 viewed from the front (diagonally to the left in the example in Figure 5). In the example in Figure 7, for the sake of explanation, one of the two members forming the movable arm 21B (the one located on the left in the example in Figure 5) has been removed so that the tension pulley 21C, etc., is exposed. Similarly, in the example in Figure 7, for the sake of explanation, other appropriate members have been removed compared to the lifting device 20 in Figure 5.

[0040] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, a motor MO and a wire winding pulley 29 are provided inside the lifting device 20. The wire winding pulley 29 is a pulley for winding the wire 21A. The wire winding pulley 29 winds the wire 21A via a tension pulley 21C, but is positioned lower than the tension pulley 21C so that the tension of the wire 21A (the downward pulling force due to the load of the crane 13) is applied to the tension pulley 21C. The motor MO is the drive source that causes the wire winding pulley 29 to perform the winding operation on the wire 21A. The motor MO and the wire winding pulley 29 enable the winding of the wire 21A, or in other words, the raising of the crane 13 which is suspended via the wire 21A.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, for example, the movable arm 21B is bent at the position of the arm rotation axis Aax, forming a roughly V-shape. The shape of the movable arm 21B may be as appropriate, but this is one example of its formation. A lift-down sensor dog 21D is further provided at the end of the tension pulley 21C on one end of the movable arm 21B. Similarly, a lift-down sensor 28 is provided inside the lifting device section 20 at a position corresponding to the lift-down sensor dog 21D. The lift-down sensor 28 is a sensor for detecting the vertical movement of the movable arm 21B. The lift-down sensor 28 may be various types of sensors, but for example, it is configured as an optical sensor that detects whether or not light is blocked by the lift-down sensor dog 21D (see Figure 8). For this reason, the lift-down sensor dog 21D is configured as a detected part at one end (free end) of the movable arm 21B so as to fit into the lift-down sensor 28.

[0042] Specifically, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, when the lift-down sensor dog 21D is inserted into the lift-down sensor 28, the lift-down sensor dog 21D blocks the light. In this case, the lift-down sensor 28 detects that the movable arm 21B is not lifted. On the other hand, when the movable arm 21B rotates around the arm rotation axis Aax and the lift-down sensor dog 21D is lifted, the light-blocking lift-down sensor dog 21D moves above the lift-down sensor 28. In this case, the lift-down sensor 28 detects a light-transmitting state where the light is not blocked. The load of the crane 13 acts downward on the tension pulley 21C of the movable arm 21B via the wire 21A, so a light-blocking state is usually formed. On the other hand, for example, when the crane 13 descends and reaches the bottom of the target PS or housing section 11 (a so-called bottoming-out state occurs), the tension on the wire 21A loosens. In this case, the other end of the movable arm 21B (mounting portion 26) is pulled down by the downward biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A, and the lift-down sensor dog 21D on one end may move upward. The lift-down sensor 28 detects such upward movement of the lift-down sensor dog 21D, in other words, bottoming out, by detecting the transparency state. The detection result is then used to determine when the downward movement will stop (in other words, when the capture operation will be performed), etc.

[0043] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the connecting pipe CP. The example in Figure 10 shows the connecting pipe CP in a state removed from the crane device CU. As shown in Figure 10, the connecting pipe CP is configured as a tube with a space formed inside into which the wire 21A is inserted. The connecting pipe CP is also configured to be expandable and contractible in accordance with the raising and lowering of the crane 13. Specifically, the connecting pipe CP is constructed by fitting together multiple pipes CPp of different diameters in a nested manner. Each pipe CPp is formed so that the diameter gradually decreases as you go down, with the upper pipe CPp sequentially accommodating the lower pipe CPp. The connecting pipe CP expands and contracts as the lower pipe CPp moves out of or into the upper pipe CPp. For example, when the wire 21A is wound onto the wire winding pulley 29 via the motor MO, the crane 13 is raised and the connecting pipe CP contracts. On the other hand, when the winding of the wire winding pulley 29 is loosened, the crane 13 descends due to its own weight and the connecting pipe CP extends. The connecting pipe CP may have an appropriate retractable configuration, but as an example, it is configured as follows.

[0044] As explained above, in this configuration, rotational operation on the operating dial 23 is converted into a change in the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A via the ratchet gear 22C and the spring pressing member 22B. In other words, the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A is adjusted through rotational operation on the operating dial 23. The biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A acts in the direction of lifting the crane 13, which performs a series of actions to capture the target PS, via the movable arm 21B. Also, when the target PS and the crane 13 come into contact, the value obtained by subtracting the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A from the load of the crane 13 acts on the target PS as a pressing force. Therefore, the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A affects the acquisition of the target PS, i.e., the outcome of the game. On the other hand, the operating dial 23 is rotated so that its relative positional relationship with the outer casing 20W is maintained before and after the operation. In other words, the operating dial 23 is configured so that an operation is performed in which the amount of operation is not known after the operation. Therefore, the settings that influence the game's outcome can be recognized based on the state after the operation, which helps to prevent a decrease in the enjoyment (excitement) of playing the game.

[0045] Furthermore, the rotational operation of the operating dial 23 is affected by the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A via the ratchet gear 22C and the spring-pressing member 22B. Therefore, the operator performing the rotational operation of the operating dial 23 will experience resistance corresponding to the biasing force. For example, when the operating dial 23 is rotated in a direction that increases the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A, strong resistance will be generated in the rotational operation, requiring a strong force. Also, the stronger the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A, the greater the recoil (impact) that occurs when the meshing member 27 meshes with the teeth C of the ratchet gear 22C. Similarly, when the operation is performed in a direction that decreases the biasing force, the opposite situation occurs. Therefore, the operator can recognize the changed biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A by these resistances and recoils (vibrations). In other words, the setting result (adjustment result) of the biasing force is notified to the operator by vibrations etc. that occur in the operating dial 23. Therefore, the installation of a display device or the like to notify the setting result can be omitted. Furthermore, tactile sensations such as resistance and vibration, which are applied to the user setting the parameters, are less likely to be noticed by others compared to visual information. Therefore, by notifying the setting results through vibration, it is possible to suppress the recognition of those setting results by the player (the user playing the game) compared to when the setting results of biasing forces (elements that affect the outcome of the game) are notified through visual information such as a display device.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be implemented in forms that have been appropriately modified or changed. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented in forms obtained by appropriately combining various technical means included in the embodiments described above and the embodiments that have been modified below. For example, in the embodiments described above, the ratchet gear 22C plays both the role of fixing the position after operation and converting it into a biasing force for rotational operation. In this case, the number of parts can be kept relatively small. Also, an operating dial 23 on which rotational operation is performed is used as the operating member. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, fixing the position after operation (maintaining the positional relationship) and converting it into a biasing force for operation may be achieved by separate members. Also, the operation to be converted may be any operation, and various members may be applied as operating members as appropriate depending on the operation to be converted.

[0047] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a modified form. In the example in Figure 11, (A) shows a modified form of the conversion method, and (B) shows a modified form of the operating member. As shown in Figure 11(A), in the modified form of the conversion method, a positioning mechanism 50 and a cam 55 are provided instead of the ratchet gear 22C. The positioning mechanism 50 is a mechanism for fixing the position after operation. The positioning mechanism 50 may be implemented as appropriate, including various ratchet mechanisms, but in the example in Figure 11, it includes a plunger 51, a spring 52, and a positioning disc 53.

[0048] The positioning disc 53 is mounted on the rotation shaft 24 and is a rotating body that rotates coaxially with the operation dial 23 in accordance with the rotational operation of the operation dial 23. The positioning disc 53 may have grooves 53A at appropriate intervals, but in the example of Figure 11, four grooves 53A are provided. The spring 52 is an elastic body that biases the plunger 51 toward the positioning disc 53. The plunger 51 is a component that restricts the rotation of the positioning disc 53. The plunger 51 acts to enter the grooves 53A of the positioning disc 53 due to the biasing force of the spring 52. In this case, if the rotational operation is performed with a force exceeding the biasing force of the spring 52, the plunger 51 is pushed up according to the curvature of the grooves 53A, and the rotation of the positioning disc 53 is permitted. On the other hand, when the next groove 53A reaches the position of the plunger 51, the plunger 51 enters the groove 53A again due to the biasing force of the spring 52 and acts as resistance to rotation to fix its position.

[0049] The cam 55 is a component whose radius changes depending on its position. The cam 55 is mounted on the rotation shaft 24 coaxially with the operating dial 23 and rotates in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operating dial 23, converting the operation of the operating dial 23 into a tensile force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A. Specifically, the spring-pressing member 22B is positioned to contact the cam 55 at the meshing member 27 via the pressure adjustment spring 22A on the other end. On the other hand, unlike the perfect circle HC shown by the dashed line in the example of Figure 11, the cam 55 has different radii depending on its position, so the distance between the rotation shaft 24 and the meshing member 27 changes as the cam 55 rotates. As a result, similar to the ratchet gear 22C, the rotational operation of the operating dial 23 is converted into a tensile force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A via the cam 55. In this case, the positioning disc 53 and the cam 55 function as the rotating disc and rotational conversion member of the present invention. In addition, the combination of the plunger 51 and the spring 52 functions as the rotational limiting mechanism of the present invention.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11(B), in a modified version of the operating member, an operating lever 60 is used as the operating member instead of the operating dial 23. The operating lever 60 is an operating member that is subjected to a downward operation. Specifically, in the modified version, an operating lever 60, a return spring 61, a rotating gear 62, and a gear pushing member 63 are provided. The return spring 61 is an elastic body that biases the operating lever 60 upward. The gear pushing member 63 is a member for pushing the rotating gear 62 to rotate. The gear pushing member 63 is connected in the left-right direction to the opposite side of the operating lever 60 from the operating side so that the downward operation on the operating lever 60 pushes the lower rotating gear 62. The gear pushing member 63 acts to rotate the rotating gear 62 in a predetermined direction when the downward operation on the operating lever 60 is performed. The rotating gear 62 is a gear that is provided to rotate about the rotation axis 24. In other words, when the rotating gear 62 rotates, the ratchet gear 22C also rotates via the rotating shaft 24.

[0051] In the modified configuration, the downward operation of the operating lever 60 is converted into rotation of the rotary gear 62 via the gear pushing member 63, which rotates the ratchet gear 22C and converts the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A. On the other hand, after operation, the operating lever 60 is restored to its original position by the biasing force of the return spring 61, and its position is maintained before and after operation. As an example of a modified configuration, such an operating lever 60 may be used as the operating member, but it is not limited to this, and various operating members may be used, such as a push button that returns to its original position, in which the positional relationship with the reference position (which may be the position before operation, the casing 20W, or various other positions depending on the operating member) is maintained before and after operation.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, rotational operation on the operating dial 23 is converted into the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A. In other words, the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A is used as the element to be converted. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the operating elements of the arm portion 13A, such as the gap or the clamping force, may be used as the element to be converted. In other words, a ratchet gear 22C, a spring-pressing member 22B, etc., may be applied so that rotational operation on the adjustment knob RP is converted into the clamping force or gap of the arm portion 13A.

[0053] Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A after the change is notified to the operator of the operating dial 23 by tactile sensations such as the force required for rotational operation of the operating dial 23, or vibrations generated by the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A when the meshing member 27 of the spring pressing member 22B and the teeth C of the ratchet gear 22C mesh due to differences in tooth height H. In other words, the pressure adjustment spring 22A generates different vibrations in the ratchet gear 22C via the spring pressing member 22B according to the radius R, and the setting result is notified through these vibrations transmitted to the operating dial 23 via the rotating shaft 24. In this case, the pressure adjustment spring 22A functions as a result notification means that notifies the setting result of the biasing force, and the setting result is mechanically notified by tactile sensation. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A is measured electronically and a tactile sensation generating device is provided to generate a tactile sensation, the setting result may be notified by the tactile sensation generating device generating different tactile sensations according to the setting result. In other words, the setting result may be notified electronically through the tactile sensation generating device. Furthermore, such a tactile sensation generating device may be applied to notifying various setting results. For example, the tactile sensation generating device may be applied to notifying setting results through operation on a touchpad.

[0054] Figure 12 is a functional block diagram showing the main parts of the control system of a modified game machine. The example in Figure 12 shows a case where the result of an operation on the touchpad is notified via a haptic feedback device. The touchpad may be applied to various settings, but the example in Figure 12 shows it being applied to the adjustment of the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A in the crane device CU. As shown in the example in Figure 12, the modified game machine 1 is provided with a touchpad TP, a haptic feedback device TD, a drive source MS, a setting management unit 39, and haptic data HD, compared to the example in Figure 2.

[0055] The touchpad TP is a well-known input device for inputting touch operations. The touchpad TP is connected to the control unit 31 and outputs a signal to the control unit 31 according to the touch position. The touchpad TP can be used for various settings, but one example is its use to set the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A. The touchpad TP may adjust the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A as appropriate through touch operations, but for example, it is adjusted according to the direction and amount of change in position of the touch operation so that the biasing force after the change is not detected. For example, with respect to the position where the touch operation started, an operation to the right is set to increase the biasing force, and an operation to the left is set to decrease it. Also, the amount of change from the start position to the end position of the touch operation is set to increase or decrease. In other words, the biasing force is adjusted to increase as the amount of change to the right from the start position of the touch operation increases, and the opposite is true for operations to the left.

[0056] The drive source MS is a drive source provided in the crane device CU to rotate the rotating shaft 24 in response to a touch operation on the touchpad TP. In the above-described embodiment, the rotating shaft 24 rotates through a rotation operation on the operation dial 23, but in the modified example, the drive source MS rotates the rotating shaft 24 instead of a rotation operation on the operation dial 23. In other words, in the modified example, the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A is set through a touch operation on the touchpad TP. The drive source MS is connected to the control unit 31 and is controlled by the control unit 31 to rotate the rotating shaft 24 in response to a touch operation instruction based on an input signal from the touchpad TP. Any suitable drive source can be used as such a drive source MS, but a motor is used as an example.

[0057] The tactile sensation generator TD is a well-known output device that provides a predetermined tactile sensation to the user. The tactile sensation generator TD notifies the user of the setting result by providing a different tactile sensation according to the setting result. Various devices that generate different tactile sensations may be used as such a tactile sensation generator TD. For example, a motor that generates tactile sensations such as vibration or shock, various temperature devices that generate tactile sensations such as cold or warmth, a fan that generates tactile sensations related to wind, or an ultrasonic device that generates a tactile sensation as if touching a part other than the operating part may be applied as a tactile sensation generator TD. Different tactile sensations according to the setting result may be appropriately realized through these tactile sensation generator TDs. As such, various devices can be used as tactile sensation generator TDs, but in this modified example, a motor that generates vibrations is used for the touchpad TP.

[0058] The tactile sensation generator TD (motor) may appropriately generate different vibrations according to the setting result. For example, it may generate vibrations of a number corresponding to the setting result as different tactile sensations, such as increasing the number of vibrations as the setting value increases. Similarly, the tactile sensation generator TD may generate multiple vibrations at frequencies and intervals corresponding to the setting result as different tactile sensations, such as multiple vibrations with shorter intervals as the setting value increases. Furthermore, the tactile sensation generator TD may generate vibrations whose position changes according to the setting result as different tactile sensations, such as changing the vibration generation position clockwise according to the setting result. In this way, the tactile sensation generator TD can generate various vibrations as different vibrations, but as an example, it can generate tactile sensations of a strength (intensity) corresponding to the setting result (the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A after setting, or the state of the ratchet gear 22C) as different tactile sensations. In other words, when the user instructs the amount of rotation of the ratchet gear 22C via the touchpad TP, a vibration of a strength corresponding to the biasing force after that rotation is generated on the touchpad TP. The user then recognizes the setting result by the strength of that vibration. Therefore, the tactile sensor TD is connected to the control unit 31 and controlled by the control unit 31 to generate vibrations of different strengths according to the amount of operation indicated by the touch operation based on the input signal from the touchpad TP.

[0059] The setting management unit 39 is a logical device provided in the control unit 31. The setting management unit 39 performs various processes to control the drive source MS and the tactile sensation generator TD in response to input signals from the touchpad TP. The setting management unit 39 can perform various processes as such, but for example, it performs result notification processing. Result notification processing is a process to control the tactile sensation generator TD to generate different vibrations in response to touch operations based on input signals from the touchpad TP.

[0060] The tactile data HD is data stored in the memory unit 32 as part of the game data GD. The tactile data HD is used in the result notification process to generate different vibrations in the tactile generator TD according to the setting results. The tactile data HD may contain various types of information as appropriate, but as an example, it is described so that information on the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A and information on the type of vibration that the tactile generator TD should generate according to that biasing force are associated.

[0061] Figure 13 shows an example of the configuration of the haptic data HD. As shown in Figure 13, the haptic data HD includes a haptic record HDR for managing information on the type of vibration for each setting result of the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A. The haptic record HDR also includes information on the "setting result" and "type" in order to achieve this management. This information is recorded in the haptic record HDR so that it is interconnected.

[0062] Specifically, “Setting Result” is information indicating the state of the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A after setting. Various types of information indicating the state of the biasing force may be described in “Setting Result” as appropriate. For example, information indicating the state of the ratchet gear 22C (for example, a state distinguished by which tooth C meshes with the meshing member 27) may be described, but as an example, information indicating the degree of biasing force is described. The biasing force changes with the radius R of each tooth root circle. Therefore, the biasing force of the ratchet gear 22C has a number of degrees (states) corresponding to the number of teeth C, depending on the radius R of each tooth root circle. For example, if the ratchet gear 22C has five teeth C, the pressure adjustment spring 22A will have five levels of biasing force. In this case, one of these five levels of biasing force will be described in “Setting Result”. On the other hand, “Type” is information indicating the type of vibration to be generated by the tactile sensation generating device TD. If the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A is indicated by the intensity of vibration, the “Type” field will contain information indicating the intensity of vibration. Note that the tactile record HDR may include other information as appropriate, and the above information may be omitted as appropriate.

[0063] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for result notification processing. When the setting management unit 39 receives the result of a touch operation related to the setting of biasing force from the touchpad TP, it starts the result notification processing shown in Figure 14 and first obtains the result of that operation (setting result) (step S101). Next, the setting management unit 39 determines the type of vibration that should be generated by the tactile sensation generator TD (step S102). This determination is performed as follows, as an example.

[0064] In other words, the setting management unit 39 first determines the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A after setting. The biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A may be determined as appropriate; for example, if a measuring instrument for measuring the biasing force is provided, it may be determined based on the measurement result, but as an example, it may be determined based on the state of the ratchet gear 22C. The state of the ratchet gear 22C is managed, for example, by a predetermined table. Initially, the initial state of the ratchet gear 22C is described in this table, and when a rotation amount is specified, the rotation amount is reflected in the initial state and updated. The setting management unit 39 refers to this table and determines the state of the ratchet gear 22C after setting. Then, the setting management unit 39 refers to the tactile record HDR and determines the type of vibration corresponding to the state of the ratchet gear 22C after setting. As an example, the setting management unit 39 determines the type of vibration to be generated by the tactile generating device TD in this way.

[0065] Next, the setting management unit 39 controls the tactile sensation generator TD to generate vibrations corresponding to the type determined in step S102 (step S103). After this control, the setting management unit 39 terminates the result notification process. As a result, when the biasing force of the pressure adjustment spring 22A is adjusted through touch operation, the tactile sensation generator TD provides the user with vibrations of a strength corresponding to the biasing force (setting result) set by the touch operation, and the setting result is notified through the strength of the vibrations. In other words, the notification of the setting result is realized electronically via the tactile sensation generator TD. Therefore, even with the modified game machine 1 shown in Figure 12, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the enjoyment (entertainment value) of playing through the recognition of the setting result.

[0066] In the modified example shown in Figure 12, the setting management unit 39 of the game machine 1 functions as the result acquisition means and the tactile control means of the present invention by executing the procedure shown in Figure 14. Specifically, the setting management unit 39 functions as the result acquisition means by executing the procedure in step S101 of Figure 14, and as the tactile control means by executing the procedure in step S103. Furthermore, the touchpad TP functions as the setting input device of the present invention.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment (including modified versions), a crane device CU is used as the operating means, and the biasing force acting on the crane 13 of the crane device CU is used as the setting target. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, as described above, the setting target may be the operating element (spacing or gripping force) of the arm portion 13A, which is set via the adjustment knob RP. Also, when the setting result is notified via the tactile sensation generating device TD as in the modified version of Figure 12, the operating part, such as the touch position (operating part) of the touch pad TP, may be configured as appropriate. For this reason, for example, a belt conveyor or a support that operates from a state of supporting the fall of the game body to a state of dropping it (a change in position) may be used as the operating means. And these appropriate elements may be used as the setting target.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above-described form, a prize-winning game is provided, and elements that influence the acquisition of prizes are used as settings. However, the present invention is not limited to this form. For example, if the setting result is notified via a tactile feedback device TD as in the modified example in Figure 12, various input devices such as a touchpad TP can be used for setting. For this reason, the present invention is not limited to prize-winning games and may be applied to the settings of various games. For example, a medal game may be provided as a game in which the player aims to acquire many medals by consuming medals as an example of a game medium. In this case, various elements related to acquiring medals may be used as settings. For example, if a rate calculated based on the amount of medals acquired during a certain period and the amount of medals consumed for play during that period is set to influence various settings, that rate may be used as a setting. Alternatively, if elements such as the amount of operation or weight of a steering wheel-type control unit used to operate a car in a racing game can be set, those elements may be used as settings. In other words, an operation unit is provided on which operations are performed to set elements that affect the outcome of gameplay, and various appropriate elements of games may function as the elements to be set, such that the elements to be set produce different effects depending on the setting results performed through that operation unit.

[0069] Various aspects of the present invention derived from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below. In the following description, corresponding components shown in the accompanying drawings are indicated in parentheses to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, but this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the illustrated forms.

[0070] The present invention provides a prize-winning game in which a prize (PS) is awarded to the user when the game body moves to a predetermined position (14) by operating a displacement execution unit (13), which is suspended from the upper part of a housing unit (11) that houses a physical game body (PS) via a suspension member (21A) and performs a series of operations to displace the position of the game body, in accordance with play actions input via an input device (IP). The game machine (1) is provided with a biasing means (22A) that biases the displacement execution unit in the direction of lifting it via the suspension member, and a biasing force changing means (22) that changes the biasing force of the biasing means, wherein the biasing force changing means is provided with an operating member (23) that is operated so as to maintain a relative positional relationship with respect to a reference position (20W) before and after operation, and an operation conversion mechanism (24, 22C, 22B) that converts operations on the operating member into changes in the biasing force of the biasing means.

[0071] According to the present invention, operation on the operating member is converted into a change in the biasing force of the biasing means. In other words, the biasing force of the biasing means is adjusted through operation on the operating member. The biasing force of the biasing means acts in a direction that lifts the displacement execution unit, which performs a series of actions to displace the position of the game body. Therefore, the biasing force of the biasing means affects the outcome of the game. On the other hand, the operating member is operated in such a way that the relative positional relationship with respect to the reference position is maintained before and after the operation. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the enjoyment (excitement) of playing by recognizing the setting results of elements that affect the outcome of the game from the positional relationship after the operation.

[0072] The operation conversion mechanism may be configured as appropriate, as long as it can convert the operation on the operating member into a change in the biasing force of the biasing means. For example, in one embodiment of the game machine of the present invention, the operation conversion mechanism may include a rotating shaft (24), a rotating disc (22C, 53) that rotates around the rotating shaft in response to the operation of the operating member, a rotation limiting mechanism (22B, 51, 52) that limits the rotation of the rotating disc so that the position after rotation is maintained, and a rotation conversion member (22C, 55) that is arranged on the rotating shaft as a rotating body having a radius that changes according to the position in order to convert the rotation of the rotating disc into the biasing force of the biasing means.

[0073] When a rotating disc and a rotational conversion member are provided, one member may perform both roles, or multiple members may share these roles. In other words, a member that functions as both a rotating disc and a rotational conversion member may be provided, or multiple members that function as both a rotating disc and a rotational conversion member may be provided. For example, a cam may be used as the rotational conversion member, and the rotation of the rotating disc may be converted into a biasing force via the cam. Alternatively, a gear having different radii for each root circle may function as both a rotating disc and a rotational conversion member. Specifically, for example, in an embodiment in which a rotating disk and a rotational conversion member are provided, the rotating disk is configured as a gear (22C) having a plurality of teeth (C) where the radius (R) from the rotating shaft to each tooth root circle differs for each tooth root circle, and the rotational limiting mechanism is provided with a limiting member (27) between one end and the other end that restricts the rotation of the gear by engaging with each tooth root, one end of the rotational limiting mechanism is fixed via a fixed rotating shaft (Bax) so as to rotate in accordance with the change in radius of the tooth root circle into which the limiting member is engaged, and the other end of the rotational limiting mechanism is connected to the biasing means so as to change the biasing force by the movement accompanying rotation around the fixed rotating shaft, and the gear may function as the rotational conversion member. In this case, the number of parts can be kept relatively small.

[0074] The operating member may be operated as appropriate and may be configured as appropriate depending on the operation to be performed. For example, a lever that returns to its original position after being pressed down may be used as the operating member. Alternatively, a push button that returns to its original position after being pressed may be used. In other words, pressing down or pressing may be performed as operations on the operating member. In these cases, for example, the position of the operating member before the operation may function as the reference position. Alternatively, if the operating member is exposed from inside a housing or the like, the position of the housing or the like may function as the reference position. In both cases, the positional relationship with respect to the housing or the like is maintained after the return to its original position. Similarly, for example, a rotating member provided on a rotating shaft to rotate a turntable may function as the operating member. In other words, a rotational operation to rotate the operating member may be performed as an operation on the operating member. In this case, the rotating member does not displace in the axial direction of the rotating shaft, etc., but rotates in place together with the rotating shaft. The position of the operating member itself does not change before and after the operation. For this reason, for example, if the operating member is exposed from inside a housing or the like, there is no change in the positional relationship, such as the distance to the housing. In this case, at least the positional relationship with respect to the housing or the like is maintained. Therefore, the position of the exterior may function as a reference position. Furthermore, the operating member may be positioned so as to be always exposed (visible), or it may be housed inside the casing and exposed only during operation, or positioned so as to be visible in specific cases.

[0075] Specifically, in an embodiment in which a gear is used as the rotational conversion member of the present invention, the displacement execution unit is suspended by the suspension member via the housing (20), the rotational shaft is provided so as to protrude from the housing outward from the inside to the outside of the housing from the outer casing (20W) separating the inside and outside of the housing, the operating member is provided at a position protruding from the outer casing of the rotational shaft and is configured as a rotational member that rotates coaxially with the gear, the operating member is subjected to a rotational operation to rotate the gear via the rotational shaft such that the positional relationship with the outer casing is maintained, and the position of the outer casing may function as the reference position.

[0076] Furthermore, the present invention provides a prize-winning game in which a prize (PS) is awarded to the user when the game body moves to a predetermined position by operating a displacement execution unit (13), which is suspended from the upper part of a housing unit (11) that houses a physical game body (PS) via a suspension member (21A) and performs a series of operations to displace the position of the game body, in accordance with play actions input via an input device (IP). The game machine (1) is provided with a biasing means (22A) that biases the displacement execution unit in the direction of lifting it via the suspension member, and a biasing force changing means (22) that changes the biasing force of the biasing means, wherein the biasing force changing means is provided with an operating member (23) that is operated in such a way that the amount of operation is not known after the operation, and an operation conversion mechanism (24, 22C, 22B) that converts the operation on the operating member into a change in the biasing force of the biasing means. In this case as well, it is possible to prevent the recognition of the settings of elements that affect the outcome of the game, which could reduce the enjoyment (interest) of playing the game.

[0077] (Reference example) In the game machine described in Patent Document 1, the prize acquisition unit is biased in an upward direction by a coil spring, and the biasing force of the coil spring is adjusted by a screw mechanism through the displacement of its tip. This screw mechanism is provided with an adjustment knob for displacing the position of the tip. Rotational operations are performed on this adjustment knob to displace the tip forward or backward. Specifically, in this screw mechanism, when the adjustment knob is pushed in (advanced) so that the tip is displaced to a position where it presses against the movable retaining plate member, the biasing force of the coil spring increases. On the other hand, when the adjustment knob is pulled out (retracted) so that the tip is displaced to a position where it retracts the movable retaining plate member, the biasing force of the coil spring decreases. In other words, the biasing force of the coil spring is directly related to the degree (state) of the adjustment knob and is adjusted through the forward and backward movement of the adjustment knob. Consequently, the adjusted biasing force of the coil spring is communicated through the state of the adjustment knob (the degree to which the adjustment knob is pushed in).

[0078] However, the adjustment knob is exposed externally for ease of adjustment and is visible to the player, meaning that the biasing force of the coil spring can be perceived by the player through the state of the adjustment knob. Since the biasing force of the coil spring acts in the direction of lifting the prize acquisition mechanism, it affects, for example, the pushing force when the prize acquisition mechanism collides with the prize. Such pushing forces often affect the acquisition of prizes. Therefore, if the biasing force of the coil spring, and thus the setting of an element that affects the outcome of the game, is perceived through the state of the adjustment knob, it may reduce the enjoyment (entertainment value) of the game.

[0079] Therefore, the reference example aims to provide a game console or the like that can suppress the decline in entertainment value.

[0080] The reference example game machine is provided with an operation unit (23, TP) on which operations are performed to set influencing elements as elements that affect the outcome of gameplay, and is a game machine (1) that provides a game in which the influencing elements produce different effects depending on the setting results performed through the operation unit, and is provided with result notification means (22A, TD) that gives the person who performed the setting a tactile sensation corresponding to the setting result of the influencing elements when the setting of the influencing elements is performed through the operation unit.

[0081] According to the example, the results of setting the influencing elements are notified to the user through tactile feedback. Tactile feedback is less likely to be noticed by others compared to visual information. Therefore, by notifying the setting results through tactile feedback, it is possible to suppress the decrease in enjoyment (excitement) of the game by preventing the results of operations to set elements that affect the outcome of the game from being recognized, compared to when the results are notified through visual information such as a display device.

[0082] The result notification means may be implemented mechanically (structurally) or electronically. For example, one embodiment of the game machine in the reference example may include a setting input device (TP) that includes an operation unit and inputs the settings of the influencing elements through the operation of the operation unit; a tactile sensation generating device (TD) that provides a predetermined tactile sensation to the user; a result acquisition means (39) that acquires the setting results of the influencing elements input via the setting input device; and a tactile sensation control means (39) that controls the tactile sensation generating device so that it functions as the result notification means by providing the user with different tactile sensations as predetermined tactile sensations according to the setting results. In this case, the result notification means can be implemented electronically.

[0083] When a tactile sensation generator is used, any appropriate device that generates various tactile sensations may be used as the tactile sensation generator. For example, a motor that generates tactile sensations such as vibration or shock, various temperature devices that generate tactile sensations such as cold or warmth, a fan that generates tactile sensations related to wind, or an ultrasonic device that generates a tactile sensation as if touching a part other than the operating part may be used as a tactile sensation generator. Different tactile sensations according to the setting result may be realized through these tactile sensation generators as appropriate. For example, when a motor that generates vibration is used as a tactile sensation generator, the motor may generate vibrations of a number corresponding to the setting result, such as increasing the number of vibrations as the setting value increases, as different tactile sensations. Similarly, the motor may generate multiple vibrations at a frequency and interval corresponding to the setting result, such as multiple vibrations with shorter intervals as the setting value increases, as different tactile sensations. The motor may also generate vibrations whose position changes according to the setting result, such as changing the vibration generation position clockwise according to the setting result, as different tactile sensations. Alternatively, the motor may generate tactile sensations of a strength (intensity) corresponding to the setting result as different tactile sensations. Specifically, for example, in an embodiment using the tactile sensation generating device of the reference example, the tactile sensation control means may control the tactile sensation generating device to generate either a plurality of tactile sensations with varying intervals depending on the setting result of the influencing element, or a tactile sensation with varying intensity depending on the setting result of the influencing element, as the different tactile sensations.

[0084] Alternatively, in one embodiment of the reference example game machine, a gear (22C) is provided which rotates according to the amount of operation on the operating part, and a limiting member (27) is positioned between one end and the other end of the operating part to limit the rotation of the gear by engaging with each tooth root, thereby limiting the rotation of the gear via the limiting member so as to maintain the position after rotation. The operating part is provided which is mounted on the rotating part so as to rotate coaxially with the gear, and a rotation operation is performed to rotate the gear. A rotating member (23) is used, and one end of the rotation limiting mechanism is fixed via a fixed rotating shaft (Bax) so as to rotate in accordance with the change in radius of the root circle into which the limiting member is inserted, and the other end of the rotation limiting mechanism is connected to a biasing means (22A) that biases the limiting member in the direction of inserting into each tooth root of the gear, and the biasing means generates different vibrations between the limiting member and the tooth root into which the limiting member is inserted according to the radius of each root circle, and the result notification means may function through these vibrations transmitted to the operating part via the rotating shaft. In this case, the result notification means can be realized mechanically.

[0085] Various elements included in the game may function as influencing factors as appropriate. Also, various types of games may be provided as appropriate. For example, in a prize-winning game where players use a crane to capture and transport prizes, elements such as the force used to capture (grab) the prizes and the transport speed may be used as influencing factors. Also, a medal game, where players aim to acquire many medals by consuming medals as an example of a game medium, may be provided as a game. In this case, various elements related to medal acquisition may be used as influencing factors. For example, if a rate calculated based on the amount of medals acquired and the amount of medals consumed for play during a certain period is set to affect various settings, that rate may be used as an influencing factor. Alternatively, in a racing game, if elements such as the amount and weight of operation of the steering wheel-type control unit can be set, those elements may be used as influencing factors. For example, in one embodiment of the reference example game machine, a housing section (11) for housing a physical game body (PS), an operating means (CU) that operates to change the position of the game body in the housing section, and a play input device (IP) into which a play action for operating the operating means is input may be adopted, and the game provided is a prize-winning game in which a prize is awarded to the player of the game when the game body moves to a predetermined position (14) through the operation of the operating means.

[0086] The control unit may be configured as appropriate. For example, if the control unit is positioned so that it is not visible, it may be configured so that the amount of operation (setting result) can be determined after the operation. Alternatively, the control unit may be positioned so that it is visible, but in that case, it is preferable that it is configured so that the amount of operation (operation result) cannot be determined after the operation. For example, multiple control units (e.g., push buttons that restore to the original state) configured to restore to the state before the operation (no change in state before and after the operation) may be provided to correspond to multiple types of settings. The setting may then be executed through operation on any of the control units. Specifically, for example, in one embodiment of the game machine in the reference example, the control unit may be configured so that an operation is performed in which the operation result cannot be determined after the operation, and may be positioned so that it is visible to the player of the game.

[0087] On the other hand, the computer program of the reference example is a game machine (1) that provides a game in which an operation unit is performed to set influence elements as elements that affect the outcome of play, and the influence elements produce different effects depending on the setting results performed through the operation unit, and the computer (31) incorporated into the game machine is configured to function as a result acquisition means for acquiring the setting results of the influence elements input via the setting input unit, and a tactile sensation generating device (TD) that gives a predetermined tactile sensation to the setter when the setting of the influence elements is performed through the operation unit, and as a tactile sensation control means for controlling the tactile sensation generating device so that it functions as a result notification means for giving the setter a tactile sensation corresponding to the setting results of the influence elements by giving the setter a different tactile sensation corresponding to the setting results as the predetermined tactile sensation.

[0088] Furthermore, the control method of the reference example is a game machine (1) that is provided with an operation unit on which operations are performed to set influencing elements as elements that affect the game result, and which provides a game in which the influencing elements produce different effects depending on the setting result performed through the operation unit, and includes a setting input device (TP) which includes the operation unit and inputs the setting of the influencing elements through the operation of the operation unit, and a tactile sensation generating device (TD) which gives a predetermined tactile sensation to the setter when the setting of the influencing elements is performed through the operation unit, and causes a computer (31) incorporated in the game machine (1) to execute a result acquisition procedure for acquiring the setting result of the influencing elements input via the setting input device, and a tactile sensation control procedure for controlling the tactile sensation generating device so that it functions as a result notification means that gives the setter a tactile sensation corresponding to the setting result of the influencing elements by giving the setter a different tactile sensation corresponding to the setting result as the predetermined tactile sensation. By executing the computer program or control method of the reference example in a game machine equipped with a tactile sensation generating device, a game machine that utilizes a tactile sensation generating device among the game machines of the reference example can be realized. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1 Game console 11. Storage Unit 13. Crane (Displacement Execution Unit) 14 Release port (predetermined position) 20 Lifting mechanism (housing) 22. Suspension adjustment mechanism (means for changing biasing force) 23. Operation dial (operating component) 24 Rotating shafts (operation conversion mechanism) 27 Interlocking members (restricting members) 31. Control Unit (Computer) 39. Setting Management Unit (Result Acquisition Means, Tactile Control Means) 21A Wire (Suspension component) 22A Pressure adjustment spring (biasing means, result notification means) 22B Spring-pressing member (operation conversion mechanism, rotation limiting mechanism) 22C Ratchet Gear (Operation Conversion Mechanism, Rotary Disk, Rotation Conversion Member) 20W Exterior (Standard Position) C tooth R radius CU Crane device (operating mechanism) IP input device (play input device) PG (Game Programming - Computer Programming) PS Capture target (game item) TD tactile sensation generating device (result notification means) TP Touchpad (Input device, setting input device) Bax component rotation axis (rotation axis for fixing)

Claims

1. A game machine is provided that offers a prize-winning game in which a prize is awarded to the user when the game body moves to a predetermined position by operating a displacement execution unit, which is suspended via a suspension member from the upper part of a housing section that houses a physical game body, in response to play actions input via an input device, and is provided with a biasing means for biasing the displacement execution unit in the direction of lifting via the suspension member, and a biasing force changing means for changing the biasing force of the biasing means, The biasing force changing means includes an operating member that is operated in such a way that the amount of operation is not visually perceived by the user, by maintaining a relative positional relationship with a reference position before and after the operation, and an operation conversion mechanism that converts the operation on the operating member into a change in the biasing force of the biasing means, in a game machine.

2. A game machine is provided that offers a prize-winning game in which a prize is awarded to the user when the game body moves to a predetermined position by operating a displacement execution unit, which is suspended via a suspension member from the upper part of a housing section that houses a physical game body, in response to play actions input via an input device, and is provided with a biasing means for biasing the displacement execution unit in the direction of lifting via the suspension member, and a biasing force changing means for changing the biasing force of the biasing means, The biasing force changing means includes an operating member that is operated so as to maintain a relative positional relationship with respect to a reference position before and after the operation, and an operation conversion mechanism that converts the operation on the operating member into a change in the biasing force of the biasing means. The operation conversion mechanism includes a rotating shaft, a rotating disc that rotates around the rotating shaft in response to the operation of the operating member, a rotation limiting mechanism that limits the rotation of the rotating disc so that the position after rotation is maintained, and a rotation conversion member that is arranged on the rotating shaft as a rotating body having a radius that changes according to the position in order to convert the rotation of the rotating disc into the biasing force of the biasing means.

3. The aforementioned rotating disc is configured as a gear having multiple teeth, each with a different radius from the rotation axis to the root circle of each tooth. The rotation limiting mechanism is provided with a limiting member between one end and the other end that restricts the rotation of the gear by engaging with the root of each tooth. One end of the rotation limiting mechanism is fixed via a rotating shaft so as to rotate in accordance with the change in the radius of the root circle into which the limiting member is inserted. The other end of the rotation limiting mechanism is connected to the biasing means so as to change the biasing force by the movement accompanying rotation around the fixed rotation axis, The game machine according to claim 2, wherein the gear functions as the rotational conversion member.

4. The displacement execution unit is suspended by the suspension member via the housing, The rotating shaft extends from the inside of the housing toward the outside and is provided to protrude from the outer casing that separates the inside and outside of the housing. The operating member is provided at a position protruding from the exterior of the rotating shaft and is configured as a rotating member that rotates coaxially with the gear. The operating member is subjected to a rotational operation to rotate the gear via the rotating shaft, while maintaining the positional relationship with the exterior. The game machine according to claim 3, wherein the position of the exterior serves as the reference position.

5. A game machine is provided that offers a prize-winning game in which a prize is awarded to the user when the game body moves to a predetermined position by operating a displacement execution unit, which is suspended via a suspension member from the upper part of a housing section that houses a physical game body, in response to play actions input via an input device, and is provided with a biasing means for biasing the displacement execution unit in the direction of lifting via the suspension member, and a biasing force changing means for changing the biasing force of the biasing means, The biasing force changing means includes an operating member that is operated in such a way that the amount of operation is not visually perceived by the user after the operation, and an operation conversion mechanism that converts the operation on the operating member into a change in the biasing force of the biasing means, in a game machine.

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