Prize-acquisition game device

Abstract

The present invention enables the size of each of a first play area and a second play area to be ascertained easily. A prize-acquisition game device according to the present invention comprises: a housing unit that houses prizes; prize acquisition units that are disposed in a left-side first play area and a right-side second play area located adjacently on the left and right in the housing unit and that acquire the housed prizes; a determination unit that determines a boundary position between the first play area and the second play area on the basis of a setting operation by a worker; and a light-emitting unit that changes a first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area and a second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area in accordance with the determined boundary position.

Description

Prize acquisition game device

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Prize-capturing game devices are known that allow players to play games by moving a prize-capturing section that captures prizes within a storage section that stores the prizes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-98076

[0004] The prize acquisition game device described in Patent Document 1 has a first play area where a player plays a prize acquisition game formed on the left side of a storage unit, and a second play area formed on the right side. The prize acquisition units located in the first play area and the second play area are movable. If a structure is adopted in which the sizes of the first play area and the second play area can be changed within the storage unit, there is a risk that the sizes of each area cannot be determined just by appearance.

[0005] The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to make it possible to easily grasp the sizes of the first play area and the second play area.

[0006] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problems is a prize-winning game device comprising: a storage section for storing prizes; a prize-winning section disposed in a first play area on the left side and a second play area on the right side adjacent to each other in the storage section, and for winning the prizes stored therein; a determination section for determining the boundary position between the first play area and the second play area based on a setting operation by an operator; and a light-emitting section for changing the first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area and the second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area according to the determined boundary position. Other features of the present invention will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] 11A is an external view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11B is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11C is a schematic view showing the configuration of the setting screen 500 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11A is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11C is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the setting screen 500 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11D is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 in a state where the second light-emitting area LA2 is larger than the first light-emitting area LA1. This is a schematic external view showing the arrangement of the first right end actuation unit 532 and the second left end actuation unit 533 when the second play area is smaller than the first play area. This is a diagram explaining the case where the light-emitting area is set using the first right end actuation unit 532 and the second left end actuation unit 533. FIG. 13A is a schematic plan view showing the inside of the storage unit when the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are the same size. FIG. 13B is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 in a state where the first light-emitting area LA1 and the second light-emitting area LA2 are the same size. FIG. 13C is a schematic plan view showing the inside of the storage unit when the second play area PA2 is smaller than the first play area PA1. FIG. 13D is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 in a state where the second light-emitting area LA2 is smaller than the first light-emitting area LA1. This is a schematic external view showing the arrangement of the partition plate 65 when the first play area and the second play area are the same size.16A is a schematic external view showing the arrangement of the partition plate 65 when the second play area is larger than the first play area. FIG. 16B is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 when the first light-emitting area LA1 and the second light-emitting area LA2 are the same size. FIG. 16C is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 when the second play area PA2 is larger than the first play area PA1. FIG. 16D is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 when the second light-emitting area LA2 is larger than the first light-emitting area LA1. FIG. 16C is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 when the second light-emitting area LA2 is larger than the first light-emitting area LA1. FIG. 16D is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the operating unit 535 according to this embodiment.

[0008] The present specification and the accompanying drawings make clear at least the following: a prize acquisition game device comprising: a storage unit for storing prizes; prize acquisition units disposed in adjacent first and second play areas on the left and right sides of the storage unit, respectively, for acquiring the stored prizes; a determination unit for determining a boundary position between the first and second play areas based on a setting operation by an operator; and a light-emitting unit for changing a first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area and a second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area in accordance with the determined boundary position. With this prize acquisition game device, once the boundary position between the first and second play areas is determined based on a setting operation by an operator, the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area are changed to match the boundary position, allowing a player to easily grasp the sizes of the first and second play areas by viewing the light-emitting states of the first and second light-emitting areas.

[0009] The prize acquisition game device also includes a storage section for storing prizes; prize acquisition sections arranged in the first play area on the left side and the second play area on the right side, which are adjacent to each other on the left and right sides within the storage section, and for acquiring the stored prizes; a position detection section for detecting at least one of the right end position of the first play area and the left end position of the second play area; a determination section for determining the boundary position between the first play area and the second play area based on the detected position of at least one of the right end position of the first play area and the left end position of the second play area; and a light-emitting section for changing the first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area and the second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area according to the determined boundary position. With this type of prize acquisition game device, the boundary position between the first play area and the second play area is determined by detecting the position of at least one of the right end position of the first play area and the left end position of the second play area, and the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area are changed to match that boundary position, so that the size of each of the first play area and the second play area can be easily grasped by looking at the light-emitting state of the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area.

[0010] and a prize acquisition game device including: a storage unit for storing prizes; prize acquisition units arranged in a first play area on the left side and a second play area on the right side adjacent to each other in the storage unit, each for acquiring the stored prizes; a detection unit for detecting the position of a partition board separating the first play area from the second play area; a determination unit for determining a boundary position between the first play area and the second play area based on the detected position of the partition board; and a light-emitting unit for changing a first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area and a second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area according to the determined boundary position. According to this prize acquisition game device, once the boundary position between the first play area and the second play area is determined by detecting the position of the partition board, the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area are changed to match the boundary position, so that the sizes of the first play area and the second play area can be easily grasped by looking at the light-emitting states of the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area.

[0011] The prize acquisition game device also includes a storage section for storing prizes; prize acquisition sections arranged in the first play area on the left side and the second play area on the right side, which are adjacent to each other within the storage section, and which acquire the stored prizes; a position detection section for detecting at least one of the rightward movement limit position of the prize acquisition section in the first play area and the leftward movement limit position of the prize acquisition section in the second play area; a determination section for determining the boundary position between the first play area and the second play area based on the detected position of at least one of the movement limit positions of the first play area and the second play area; and a light-emitting section for changing the first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area and the second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area according to the determined boundary position. With this type of prize acquisition game device, the boundary position between the first play area and the second play area is determined by detecting the position of at least one of the movement limit positions of the prize acquisition section in the first play area and the second play area, and the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area are changed to match that boundary position, so that the size of each of the first play area and the second play area can be easily grasped by looking at the light-emitting state of the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area.

[0012] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, the light-emitting unit may be configured so that a first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area emits a different light color than a second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area. By differentiating the light colors of the first light-emitting area and the second light-emitting area, the sizes of the first play area and the second play area can be easily grasped.

[0013] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, the light emitting unit may be configured to make the light emitting pattern of the first light emitting area corresponding to the first play area different from the light emitting pattern of the second light emitting area corresponding to the second play area. With this prize acquisition game device, by making the light emitting patterns of the first light emitting area and the second light emitting area different, the sizes of the first play area and the second play area can be easily grasped.

[0014] ====Embodiments=== <<Regarding the Configuration of the Prize Acquisition Game Device 1>> An example configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is an external view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Note that Fig. 2 shows a state in which the opening / closing door 11, part of the pillar portion 12, the prize acquisition unit 20, etc. shown in Fig. 1 have been removed. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment. Note that Fig. 4 shows a state in which the design cover of the prize acquisition unit 20 has been removed.

[0015] In the following explanation, each direction is defined as shown in each figure. That is, the vertical direction is defined as the "up-down direction," and "up" and "down" are defined according to gravity. Furthermore, based on the view from the player facing the prize acquisition game device 1 while playing the game, the near side is defined as the "front" and the far side is defined as the "rear," forming a "front-to-back direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the up-down and front-to-back directions is defined as the "left-to-right direction," and based on the view from the player's perspective, "right" and "left" are defined.

[0016] The prize acquisition game device 1 of this embodiment is used by players when playing a prize acquisition game, and is equipped with a storage section 10 that stores one or more prizes, and a base section 80 provided below the storage section 10.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the front and left and right sides of the storage unit 10 are made of transparent materials (e.g., transparent resin, glass, etc.) so that players can see the prizes stored in the storage space. An opening and closing door 11 is provided on the front of the storage unit 10, allowing a service provider (e.g., store staff, etc.) to display and replenish the prizes. Pillars 12 are provided at the four corners of the storage unit 10.

[0018] The storage space enclosed by the storage unit 10 is used as a play area for players to play the prize acquisition game. If the pillars 12 on both sides of the opening and closing door 11 are made of a mirrored or transparent material, they will not stand out visually, making the play area appear larger.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the storage unit 10 in this embodiment has a prize acquisition unit 20 that performs prize acquisition operations in the storage space, a moving unit 50 that moves the prize acquisition unit 20 in the storage space, and an exhibition unit 60 for displaying the prizes in the storage space.

[0020] In this embodiment, a first play area where players play a prize-capturing game is formed on the left side of the storage space, and a second play area is formed on the right side of the storage space. A prize-capturing section 20 and an exhibition section 60 are arranged corresponding to the first play area on the left side and the second play area on the right side, respectively. Therefore, within each play area, each prize-capturing section 20 can move to capture a prize displayed in each exhibition section 60.

[0021] 1, the prize acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment has a first prize acquisition unit 20a corresponding to the first play area on the left side and a second prize acquisition unit 20b corresponding to the second play area on the right side. The movable range of the first prize acquisition unit 20a within the storage space is limited to the first play area, and the movable range of the second prize acquisition unit 20b within the storage space is limited to the second play area.

[0022] The prize capturing unit 20 is for capturing the prizes stored in the storage unit 10 (prizes displayed in the display unit 60) by opening and closing the arms. As shown in Figure 1, the prize capturing unit 20 in this embodiment is configured so that it can grasp prizes with three arms, and is connected to the lower end of the lifting unit 52a.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the prize acquisition unit 20 in this embodiment has a base unit 21 connected to the lower end of the lifting unit 52a, a plurality of arm units 25 that perform opening and closing operations, and a drive unit 35 that drives the arm units 25 to open and close.

[0024] The base portion 21 has three protruding portions 22 which are trifurcated and are offset in three directions at 120 degree intervals from a central axis along the vertical direction.

[0025] The arm portion 25 has an arm 29 bent in an L-shape or semicircular shape, an arm connecting portion 28 that detachably connects the arm 29 to the base portion 21, and a claw 30 detachably attached to the tip of the arm 29.

[0026] The arm 29 consists of three arms, a first arm 29A, a second arm 29B, and a third arm 29C, which extend in a triangular shape offset at 120 degree intervals in three directions around the central axis of the base portion 21 to match the triangular shape of the protrusion 22.

[0027] The drive unit 35 is made up of three units, a first drive unit 35A, a second drive unit 35B, and a third drive unit 35C, each of which is provided for one arm. As shown in FIG. 4, the first drive unit 35A, the second drive unit 35B, and the third drive unit 35C correspond to the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C, respectively, and drive them to open and close separately.

[0028] The first drive unit 35A has an arm opening / closing motor 35Aa and a gear box 35Ab connected to the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa. The gear box 35Ab reduces the rotational force of the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa and outputs it.

[0029] Similarly, the second drive unit 35B has an arm opening / closing motor 35Ba and a gearbox 35Bb connected to the arm opening / closing motor 35Ba, and the third drive unit 35C has an arm opening / closing motor 35Ca and a gearbox 35Cb connected to the arm opening / closing motor 35Ca.

[0030] In the prize capture unit 20 according to this embodiment, for example, when the first arm 29A is open, as the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa rotates its output shaft in a predetermined direction, power is transmitted to the first arm 29A via the gearbox 35Ab, causing the first arm 29A to rotate in the closing direction. At this time, the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C are also similarly rotated in the closing direction by the drive of the arm opening / closing motor 35Ba and the arm opening / closing motor 35Ca, respectively.

[0031] 1, the moving unit 50 is disposed in the upper part of the storage unit 10 and moves the prize capture unit 20 within the play area formed by the storage unit 10. The moving unit 50 in this embodiment has a horizontal moving unit 51 and a vertical moving unit 52, as shown in FIG.

[0032] The horizontal movement unit 51 moves the prize capture unit 20 horizontally (i.e., forward / backward and left / right) in the play area. The vertical movement unit 52 moves the prize capture unit 20 vertically (i.e., up / down) in the play area.

[0033] The display section 60 is for displaying prizes in the storage section 10. The display section 60 according to this embodiment is for displaying prizes by placing them in the storage space, and as shown in Fig. 2, has a support section 61, a first prize placing section 62 that is disposed in the storage space to form an opening area 71, and a second prize placing section 63 that is disposed in the storage space to block a part of the opening area 71 and form a drop area 72 through which the prizes drop.

[0034] The support portion 61 supports the first prize placing portion 62 and the second prize placing portion 63 so that they can be positioned in the storage space. In this embodiment, the first prize placing portion 62 is fixed and supported so that it cannot be rearranged in the storage space, and the second prize placing portion 63 is supported so that it can be rearranged in the storage space.

[0035] The support section 61 in this embodiment supports the second prize placing section 63 in a slidable state below the first prize placing section 62. Therefore, by sliding the second prize placing section 63 in the front-to-rear direction, the position of the second prize placing section 63 relative to the first prize placing section 62 can be changed, and the shape and size of the placement area where prizes can be placed, or the shape and size of the drop area 72, can be changed.

[0036] The first prize placement section 62 is fixed in the storage space and cannot be relocated in principle. As shown in Figure 2, the area within the storage space where the first prize placement section (fixed prize placement section) is not provided (the area that is not blocked) is the open area 71.

[0037] The second prize placement section 63 is configured to be repositionable within the storage space, and as shown in Figure 2, is supported by the support section 61 so as to block part of the opening area 71, thereby forming a drop area 72.

[0038] When a prize that has been captured by the prize capturing unit 20 and then dropped passes (drops) through the drop opening area 72 of the display unit 60, it moves from the play area to the base unit 80. The prize that has dropped from the drop opening area 72 of the display unit 60 is detected by an optical sensor and then guided along a guide path to the prize outlet 96. The optical sensor detects the presence or absence of a prize using a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that are attached on the guide path.

[0039] The light-emitting unit 75 is an illumination device that emits light to the outside. In this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 75 is disposed at the upper front surface of the storage unit 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The light-emitting unit 75 is formed to a size that matches the width of the storage unit 10, and has a plurality of light-emitting diodes that are arranged in a line at predetermined intervals along the width direction (left-right direction). The light-emitting diodes are full-color LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and therefore the emitted color can be changed.

[0040] The base part 80 is the base part of the housing provided below the storage part 10, and holds the storage part 10 at a high position so that the player can play the game while standing and facing forward.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the base unit 80 in this embodiment has an operation unit 90, a play fee detection unit 93, a prize outlet 96, a setting unit 100, a control unit 110, and a memory unit 120.

[0042] The operation unit 90 is used by the player to operate the game. The operation unit 90 in this embodiment has at least a joystick 91 and operation buttons 92, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 .

[0043] The joystick 91 is an operating lever used by the player to move the prize capturing unit 20 horizontally. The operating button 92 is an operating button used by the player to determine the horizontal position of the prize capturing unit 20. When the player presses the operating button 92, the prize capturing unit 20 begins to descend at the determined position.

[0044] The play fee detection unit 93 is for detecting the payment of a play fee by a player. In this embodiment, the play fee detection unit 93 has a coin slot 94, a coin detection sensor (not shown), a coin passage (not shown), and a coin box (not shown).

[0045] In this embodiment, the prize acquisition game is started when the player inserts a predetermined number of coins into the coin insertion slot 94. The coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 94 are detected by a coin detection sensor.

[0046] The coin detection sensor is, for example, an optical sensor, and uses a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element attached to the coin passage to detect the presence or absence of coins inserted through the coin slot 94. Coins that have passed through the coin passage in this way are stored in the coin box.

[0047] The prize removal opening 96 is provided on the front surface of the base section 80 and is used to remove a prize that has fallen when the prize acquired by the prize acquisition section 20 falls from the drop opening area 72 in the exhibition section 60.

[0048] The setting unit 100 is used when a player performs game operations or when a service provider performs setting operations. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the setting unit 100 in this embodiment has a setting operation unit 101 and a display unit 102.

[0049] The setting operation unit 101 is for receiving operation inputs. The setting operation unit 101 in this embodiment is configured as a touch panel, and receives input instructions from the operator from the positions pressed on the panel.

[0050] The touch panel is layered on top of the display unit 102, and when a touch operation is performed on the screen, the pressed position (contact position) can be detected based on a change in electrostatic capacitance between the fingertip and the conductive film.

[0051] The display unit 102 displays various screens such as a game screen, a setting screen, etc. In this embodiment, the display unit 102 is configured by a liquid crystal display.

[0052] The control unit 110 is provided inside the base unit 80 and is a control unit for performing various controls of the prize acquisition game device 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 110 is realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a predetermined memory.

[0053] The CPU is a processing unit that controls the entire game device. The memory is used to secure an area for storing programs for the CPU, a working area, etc., and includes storage elements such as RAM.

[0054] 3, the control unit 110 in this embodiment has a determination unit 110a and a display control unit 110b. The determination unit 110a performs various controls related to determining the settings of the prize acquisition game. The display control unit 110b controls the screen display of the display unit 102.

[0055] The memory unit 120 is a storage unit that stores programs and data used by the control unit 110 to control the entire prize acquisition game device 1. In this embodiment, the memory unit 120 has a memory element such as a ROM that is a read-only memory area.

[0056] In this embodiment, the storage unit 120 stores not only the game program and the setting program but also setting information for the prize acquisition game. The setting information for the prize acquisition game is information indicating the setting contents related to the light-emitting unit 75, for example.

[0057] <<Configuration of the Moving Unit 50>> An example configuration of the moving unit 50 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 9. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the moving unit 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the moving unit 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a right-side perspective view showing the configuration of the moving unit 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the first right-end actuating unit 532 according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the second left-end actuating unit 533 according to this embodiment.

[0058] The configurations of the horizontal moving section 51 and the vertical moving section 52 of the moving section 50 according to this embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0059] 5, the horizontal movement unit 51 has a left-right movement unit 53 and a front-back movement unit 54. The left-right movement unit 53 moves the prize capture unit 20 left and right in the play area. The front-back movement unit 54 moves the prize capture unit 20 forward and backward in the play area.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5, the left-right movement unit 53 in this embodiment has a pair of fixed rails 53a extending in the left-right direction within the storage space, and left-right movement motors 53b arranged on both the left and right ends of the front fixed rail 53a.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the forward / backward movement unit 54 in this embodiment has multiple movement rails 54a extending in the forward / backward direction within the storage space, and forward / backward movement motors 54b arranged at the front ends of each of the movement rails 54a.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the vertical movement unit 52 has a lifting unit 52a that is configured to be extendable and retractable in the vertical direction, and a hanging unit 52b that suspends the lifting unit 52a so that it can be raised and lowered. The lifting unit 52a is configured by fitting a number of pipes of successively smaller diameters together in a slidable, nested manner. The prize capture unit 20 is attached to the lower end of the lifting unit 52a while being connected to a wire that passes through the inside of the pipe. The lifting unit 52a is attached to the lower end of the hanging unit 52b while suspending the prize capture unit 20. The upper end of the hanging unit 52b is supported by a moving rail 54a so that it can be moved in the front-to-rear direction.

[0063] The vertical movement unit 52 according to this embodiment has a wire winding unit, a vertical movement motor, an upper limit sensor, and a lower limit sensor inside the hanging unit 52b. The wire winding unit, driven by the vertical movement motor, winds up the wire to raise the prize capture unit 20 while sequentially storing the lower pipes in the upper pipe, or unwinds the wire to lower the prize capture unit 20 while sequentially sending out the lower pipes from the upper pipe. The upper limit sensor detects whether the prize capture unit 20 has stopped ascending due to the winding up of the wire connected to the prize capture unit 20. The lower limit sensor detects whether the prize capture unit 20 has stopped descending based on changes in tension in the wire connected to the prize capture unit 20.

[0064] The fixed rail 53a in this embodiment extends left and right across the first play area on the left and the second play area on the right, which are adjacent to each other on the left and right sides within the storage space, and as shown in Figure 5, it supports a first movable rail 54a1 corresponding to the first play area on the left and a second movable rail 54a2 corresponding to the second play area on the right, so that they can each move freely along the shared rail.

[0065] 5, a first left-right movement motor 53b1 for moving the first movable rail 54a1 in the left-right direction is disposed at the left end of the front fixed rail 53a. Furthermore, a second left-right movement motor 53b2 for moving the second movable rail 54a2 in the left-right direction is disposed at the right end of the front fixed rail 53a.

[0066] The front fixed rail 53a has a U-shaped cross section, and inside it are arranged a first driving pulley that is rotated by a first left / right movement motor 53b1, a first driven pulley attached to the right end of the front fixed rail 53a, and a first left / right belt that is stretched between the first driving pulley and the first driven pulley.

[0067] Furthermore, inside the front fixed rail 53a, there are arranged a second driving pulley that is driven to rotate by a second left / right movement motor 53b2, a second driven pulley attached to the left end of the front fixed rail 53a, and a second left / right belt that is stretched between the second driving pulley and the second driven pulley.

[0068] The first left-right belt and the second left-right belt are arranged parallel to each other inside the front fixed rail 53a, and the first movable rail 54a1 is connected to the first left-right belt via a first connecting portion, and the second movable rail 54a2 is connected to the 21st left-right belt via a second connecting portion.

[0069] Therefore, when the first left-right movement motor 53b1 rotates forward or backward, the first movable rail 54a1 connected to the first left-right belt can move back and forth left and right along the fixed rail 53a. Similarly, when the second left-right movement motor 53b2 rotates forward or backward, the second movable rail 54a2 connected to the second left-right belt can move back and forth left and right along the fixed rail 53a.

[0070] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, a first hanging portion 52b1 from which a first prize capturing portion 20a corresponding to the first play area on the left side is suspended is supported on the first movable rail 54a1 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. In other words, the first prize capturing portion 20a is supported on the first movable rail 54a1 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

[0071] Similarly, a second hanging portion 52b2 from which a second prize capturing portion 20b corresponding to the second play area on the right side is suspended is supported on the second movable rail 54a2 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the second prize capturing portion 20b is supported on the second movable rail 54a2 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction.

[0072] Also, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, a first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 is arranged at the front end of the first moving rail 54a1 to move the first hanging section 52b1, from which the first prize capture section 20a is suspended, in the forward / backward direction.

[0073] Similarly, a second forward / backward movement motor 54b2 is arranged at the front end of the second moving rail 54a2 to move the second hanging portion 52b2, from which the second prize capturing portion 20b is suspended, in the forward / backward direction.

[0074] The first moving rail 54a1 has a U-shaped cross section, and inside thereof are arranged a drive pulley that is driven to rotate by a first forward / backward movement motor 54b1, a driven pulley attached to the rear end of the first moving rail 54a1, and a forward / backward belt that is stretched between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The first hanging part 52b1 is connected to the forward / backward belt via a connecting part.

[0075] Therefore, by rotating the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 forward or backward, the first prize acquisition section 20a, together with the first hanging section 52b1 connected to the forward / backward belt, can move back and forth in the forward / backward direction along the first moving rail 54a1.

[0076] Similarly, inside the second moving rail 54a2, there are arranged a driving pulley that is driven to rotate by a second forward / backward movement motor 54b2, a driven pulley that is disposed at the rear end of the second moving rail 54a2, and a forward / backward belt that is stretched between the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The second hanging part 52b2 is connected to the forward / backward belt via a connecting part.

[0077] Therefore, by rotating the second forward / backward movement motor 54b2 forward or backward, the second prize acquisition section 20b, together with the second hanging section 52b2 connected to the forward / backward belt, can move back and forth in the forward / backward direction along the second moving rail 54a2.

[0078] A first left edge sensor 54c1 that detects the left edge position of the first play area is attached to the front left side of the first movable rail 54a1, as shown in Fig. 6. A first left edge actuation unit 531 that actuates the first left edge sensor 54c1 is attached to the left end of the front fixed rail 53a, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0079] As a result, when the first left end operating unit 531 activates the first left end sensor 54c1 due to the leftward movement of the first moving rail 54a1, the first prize acquisition unit 20a together with the first moving rail 54a1 is restricted from moving to the left in the left-right direction in the first play area.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 6, a first right edge sensor 54c2 that detects the right edge position of the first play area is attached to the front right side of the first movable rail 54a1. As shown in Fig. 6, a first right edge actuation unit 532 that actuates the first right edge sensor 54c2 is supported in the center of the front fixed rail 53a.

[0081] As a result, when the first right end operating unit 532 activates the first right end sensor 54c2 due to the rightward movement of the first moving rail 54a1, the first prize acquisition unit 20a together with the first moving rail 54a1 is restricted from moving to the right in the left-right direction in the first play area.

[0082] A second left edge sensor 54c3 that detects the left edge position of the second play area is attached to the front left side of the second movable rail 54a2, as shown in Fig. 6. A second left edge actuation unit 533 that actuates the second left edge sensor 54c3 is supported in the center of the front fixed rail 53a, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0083] As a result, when the second left end operating unit 533 activates the second left end sensor 54c3 due to the leftward movement of the second moving rail 54a2, the second prize acquisition unit 20b together with the second moving rail 54a2 is restricted from moving to the left in the left-right direction in the second play area.

[0084] A second right edge sensor 54c4 that detects the right edge position of the second play area is attached to the front right side of the second movable rail 54a2, as shown in Fig. 6. A second right edge actuation unit 534 that actuates the second right edge sensor 54c4 is attached to the right end of the front fixed rail 53a, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0085] As a result, when the second right end operating unit 534 activates the second right end sensor 54c4 due to the rightward movement of the second moving rail 54a2, the second prize acquisition unit 20b together with the second moving rail 54a2 is restricted from moving to the right in the left-right direction in the second play area.

[0086] The first left edge sensor 54c1, the first right edge sensor 54c2, the second left edge sensor 54c3, and the second right edge sensor 54c4 are optical sensors that detect the presence or absence of an obstructing object based on whether or not the light-receiving unit receives light irradiated from the light-emitting unit. That is, each sensor can detect the presence or absence of an obstructing object when the corresponding operating unit is positioned between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit.

[0087] The first left end actuation unit 531 and the second right end actuation unit 534 are fixed to the front fixed rail 53a so that their mounting positions cannot be changed in principle. In contrast, the first right end actuation unit 532 and the second left end actuation unit 533 are supported by the front fixed rail 53a so as to be movable in the left-right direction, so that their mounting positions can be changed (i.e., the right end position of the first play area and the left end position of the second play area can each be changed).

[0088] The first right-end actuating portion 532 is an example of a first actuating portion and is a member that is slidable relative to the front fixed rail 53 a. As shown in Fig. 8 , the first right-end actuating portion 532 of this embodiment includes a shielding portion 532 a that protrudes to the left in the left-right direction and blocks light emitted from the first right-end sensor 54 c 2 (first sensor), a magnet 532 b, two wheels 532 c, and a knob portion 532 d that protrudes to the front in the front-rear direction.

[0089] In this embodiment, a concave groove extending in the left-right direction is formed on the inner side of the front fixed rail 53a. The front fixed rail 53a supports the first right end actuation unit 532 so that wheels can be placed in the groove to guide the first right end actuation unit 532. A service provider (e.g., a store clerk) can change the position of the first right end actuation unit 532 and adjust the right end position of the first play area by operating the knob 532d to slide the first right end actuation unit 532 left-right along the front fixed rail 53a. The first right end actuation unit 532 can be fixed in its position after sliding by the magnet 532b (the position of the first right end actuation unit 532 can be maintained after sliding).

[0090] The second left-end actuating portion 533 is an example of a second actuating portion and is a member that is slidable relative to the front fixed rail 53a. As shown in Fig. 9 , the second left-end actuating portion 533 of this embodiment includes a shielding portion 533a that protrudes to the right in the left-right direction and blocks light emitted from the second left-end sensor 54c3 (second sensor), a magnet 533b, two wheels 533c, and a knob portion 533d that protrudes to the front in the front-rear direction.

[0091] In this embodiment, similar to the first right-end actuation unit 532 described above, the second left-end actuation unit 533 is guided by its wheels resting on the grooves of the front fixed rail 53a. By operating the knob 533d independently of the knob 532d of the first right-end actuation unit 532, the service provider can slide the second left-end actuation unit 533 left and right along the front fixed rail 53a, thereby changing the position of the second left-end actuation unit 533 and adjusting the left edge position of the second play area. The second left-end actuation unit 533 can be fixed in its position after sliding by the magnet 533b (the position of the second left-end actuation unit 533 can be maintained after sliding).

[0092] In this way, the front fixed rail 53a supports the first right end operating part 532 at a position after sliding movement between the first movable rail 54a1 and the second left end operating part 533, thereby making it possible to change the right end position of the first play area, and supports the second left end operating part 533 at a position after sliding movement between the first right end operating part 532 and the second movable rail 54a2, thereby making it possible to change the left end position of the second play area.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 7, a first front end sensor 52d1 that detects the front end position of the first play area is attached to the front end of the first hanging part 52b1. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, a first front end actuating part 541 that actuates the first front end sensor 52d1 is attached to the front end of the first moving rail 54a1.

[0094] As a result, when the first front end operating part 541 activates the first front end sensor 52d1 due to the forward movement of the first hanging part 52b1, the first prize acquisition part 20a together with the first hanging part 52b1 is restricted from moving forward in the fore-and-aft direction in the first play area.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 7, a second front end sensor 52d3 that detects the front end position of the second play area is attached to the front end of the second hanging part 52b2. As shown in Fig. 7, a second front end actuation part 543 that actuates the second front end sensor 52d3 is attached to the front end of the second moving rail 54a2.

[0096] As a result, when the second front end actuation part 543 activates the second front end sensor 52d3 due to the forward movement of the second hanging part 52b2, the second prize acquisition part 20b together with the second hanging part 52b2 is restricted from moving forward in the fore-and-aft direction in the second play area.

[0097] A first rear end sensor (not shown) that detects the rear end position of the first play area is attached to the rear end of the first hanging part 52b1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, a first rear end actuation part 542 that actuates the first rear end sensor is attached to the rear end of the first moving rail 54a1.

[0098] As a result, when the first rear end operating part 542 activates the first rear end sensor due to rearward movement of the first hanging part 52b1, the first prize acquisition part 20a together with the first hanging part 52b1 is restricted from moving rearward in the front-to-rear direction in the first play area.

[0099] A second rear end sensor (not shown) that detects the rear end position of the second play area is attached to the rear end of the second hanging part 52b2. Furthermore, a second rear end actuation part 544 that actuates the second rear end sensor is attached to the rear end of the second moving rail 54a2, as shown in Figures 5 and 7.

[0100] As a result, when the second rear end operating unit 544 activates the second rear end sensor due to rearward movement of the second hanging unit 52b2, the second prize acquisition unit 20b together with the second hanging unit 52b2 is restricted from moving rearward in the fore-and-aft direction in the second play area.

[0101] The first front end sensor 52d1, the first rear end sensor, the second front end sensor 52d3, and the second rear end sensor are optical sensors that detect the presence or absence of an obstructing object based on whether the light irradiated from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit. That is, each sensor can detect the presence or absence of an obstructing object when the corresponding operating unit is positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

[0102] The first front end actuating part 541 and the first rear end actuating part 542 are fixed to the first moving rail 54a1 so that their mounting positions cannot be changed in principle. Similarly, the second front end actuating part 543 and the second rear end actuating part 544 are fixed to the second moving rail 54a2 so that their mounting positions cannot be changed in principle.

[0103] <<Regarding Operation of Prize Acquisition Game Device 1>> The operation of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment will be described using Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Below, an example of operation in the first play area will be specifically described, and an explanation of the second play area will be omitted as it is similar to the first play area.

[0104] When the play fee detection unit 93 detects that a coin has been inserted (step S101: YES), the control unit 110 starts counting a preset operation time limit (step S102).

[0105] Next, when the control unit 110 receives an operation signal to move the first prize acquisition unit 20a horizontally by the player operating the joystick 91 (step S103: YES), it drives the horizontal movement unit 51 in accordance with the player's operation and moves the first prize acquisition unit 20a horizontally in the first play area (step S104).

[0106] In this embodiment, when the first prize capturing unit 20a is moving horizontally in the first play area, if the first right end actuation unit 532 activates the first right end sensor 54c2 due to rightward movement of the first moving rail 54a1, the control unit 110 stops the first prize capturing unit 20a at the right end of the first play area. Also, if the first rear end actuation unit 542 activates the first rear end sensor due to rearward movement of the first hanging unit 52b1, the control unit 110 stops the first prize capturing unit 20a at the rear end of the first play area. Also, if the first left end actuation unit 531 activates the first left end sensor 54c1 due to leftward movement of the first moving rail 54a1, the control unit 110 stops the first prize capturing unit 20a at the left end of the first play area. In addition, when the first front end actuation part 541 activates the first front end sensor 52d1 due to the forward movement of the first hanging part 52b1, the first prize capture part 20a is stopped at the front end position of the first play area.

[0107] On the other hand, if the player does not operate the joystick 91 (step S102: NO), the control unit 110 determines whether the operation time limit has elapsed (step S106). If the operation time limit has not elapsed (step S106: NO), the control unit 110 returns to the processing of step S103. If the operation time limit has elapsed (step S106: YES), the control unit 110 stops the first prize acquisition unit 20a (step S107).

[0108] Next, when the control unit 110 receives an operation signal for determining the position of the first prize acquisition unit 20a after horizontal movement by the player operating the operation button 92 (step S105: YES), it stops the first prize acquisition unit 20a at the position after horizontal movement (step S107).

[0109] On the other hand, if the player does not operate the operation button 92 (step S103: NO), the control unit 110 determines whether the operation time limit has elapsed (step S106). If the operation time limit has not elapsed (step S106: NO), the control unit 110 returns to the processing of step S103. If the operation time limit has elapsed (step S106: YES), the control unit 110 stops the first prize acquisition unit 20a (step S107).

[0110] Next, when the first prize acquisition unit 20a stops (step S107), the control unit 110 drives the vertical movement unit 52 to lower the first prize acquisition unit 20a to the stopping position in the first play area (step S108).

[0111] When the lower limit sensor detects that the descent of the first prize capturing unit 20a has stopped (step S109: YES), the control unit 110 stops the first prize capturing unit 20a (step S110).

[0112] Next, when the first prize capturing unit 20a is in a stopped state (step S110), the control unit 110 causes the drive unit 35 to rotate the arm unit 25 in the closing direction (step S111).

[0113] Next, when the arm portion 25 of the first prize capturing portion 20a is in a closed state (step S111), the control portion 110 drives the vertical movement portion 52 to raise the first prize capturing portion 20a (step S112).

[0114] When the upper limit sensor detects that the first prize capturing unit 20a has stopped rising (step S113: YES), the control unit 110 stops the first prize capturing unit 20a (step S114).

[0115] Next, the control unit 110 drives the horizontal movement unit 51 to move the first prize capturing unit 20a toward the home position (step S115), and determines whether or not the first prize capturing unit 20a has reached the home position (step S116).

[0116] In this embodiment, the control unit 110 determines that the first prize acquisition unit 20a has reached the home position when the first left end activation unit 531 activates the first left end sensor 54c1 due to leftward movement of the first moving rail 54a1, and the first front end activation unit 541 activates the first front end sensor 52d1 due to forward movement of the first hanging unit 52b1.

[0117] Next, when the first prize capturing unit 20a is located at the home position (step S116: YES), the control unit 110 causes the drive unit 35 to rotate the arm unit 25 in the opening direction (step S117).

[0118] In this way, according to the prize acquisition game device 1 of the embodiment, the service provider can change the sizes of the first play area and the second play area individually by adjusting the left-right positions of the first right-end operating unit 532 (first operating unit) and the second left-end operating unit 533 (second operating unit) along the fixed rail 53 a. Then, in the first play area and the second play area whose sizes have been changed, it is possible to limit the range of movement within the storage space of each of the first prize acquisition unit 20 a and the second prize acquisition unit 20 b.

[0119] <<Setting the Light Emitting Area>> Setting the light emitting area according to this embodiment will be described. First, the case where the light emitting area is set using the setting unit 100 will be described below. Next, the case where the light emitting area is set using the first right end actuation unit 532 and the second left end actuation unit 533 will be described. Finally, the case where the light emitting area is set using the partition plate 65 will be described.

[0120] <Specific Example 1> Setting of light-emitting areas in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11 . FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the case of setting light-emitting areas using the setting unit 100. FIG. 11A is a conceptual diagram showing a setting screen 500 in a state where a boundary position when the first play area and the second play area are the same size is selected. FIG. 11B is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 in a state where the first light-emitting area LA1 and the second light-emitting area LA2 are the same size. FIG. 11C is a conceptual diagram showing a setting screen 500 in a state where a boundary position when the second play area is larger than the first play area is selected. FIG. 11D is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 in a state where the second light-emitting area LA2 is larger than the first light-emitting area LA1.

[0121] When the service provider performs a predetermined touch operation using the setting operation unit 101, the display control unit 110b causes the display unit 102 to display a setting screen 500 for determining the setting contents related to the light emitting unit 75.

[0122] In the setting screen 500 of this embodiment, the boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 can be selected from five positions. Furthermore, a boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 is set in advance in association with each of the five selectable boundary positions. The boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 corresponds to the boundary position between the first play area and the second play area. Note that the number of selectable boundary positions is not limited to five, and may be four or less, or six or more.

[0123] 11A shows a case where the center "3" is selected by a touch operation by the service provider. The selection of "3" corresponds to the specification of the boundary position when the first play area on the left and the second play area on the right are made the same size.

[0124] 11A, the determination unit 110a determines the boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 to be the boundary position associated with the selected "3." That is, the determination unit 110a determines the boundary position when the first play area on the left and the second play area on the right are the same size.

[0125] Once the boundary position is determined in this manner, the light-emitting unit 75 changes the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area on the left and the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area on the right so that they are the same size, as shown in Figure 11B.

[0126] 11C shows a case where the service provider selects "2" on the left center by a touch operation. The selection of "2" corresponds to the specification of the boundary position when the second play area on the right side is larger than the first play area on the left side.

[0127] 11C , the determination unit 110a determines the boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 to be the boundary position associated with the selected "2." That is, the determination unit 110a determines the boundary position when the second play area on the right side is larger than the first play area on the left side.

[0128] Once the boundary position is determined in this manner, the light-emitting unit 75 changes the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area on the right side so that it is larger than the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area on the left side, as shown in Figure 11D.

[0129] In this embodiment, when emitting light to the outside, the light-emitting unit 75 can make the light color of the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area on the left side different from the light color of the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area on the right side.

[0130] For example, the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area can be lit in red, while the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area on the right can be lit in blue, thereby distinguishing between the two.

[0131] In addition, when emitting light to the outside, the light-emitting unit 75 in this embodiment can also make the light-emitting pattern of the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area on the left different from the light-emitting pattern of the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area on the right.

[0132] For example, the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area on the left side has a "constantly lit" light-emitting pattern, while the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area on the right side has a "blinking" light-emitting pattern, thereby distinguishing between the two.

[0133] In this way, by making the light emitting colors and light emitting patterns of the first light emitting area LA1 and the second light emitting area LA2 different, it becomes easy to grasp the sizes of the first play area on the left and the second play area on the right.

[0134] Specific Example 2 The setting of the light-emitting area in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 12, and 13. FIG. 12 is a schematic external view showing the arrangement of the first right-end actuation unit 532 and the second left-end actuation unit 533 when the second play area is smaller than the first play area. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the case where the light-emitting area is set using the first right-end actuation unit 532 and the second left-end actuation unit 533. FIG. 13A is a schematic plan view showing the inside of the storage unit when the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are the same size. FIG. 13B is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 when the first light-emitting area LA1 and the second light-emitting area LA2 are the same size. FIG. 13C is a schematic plan view showing the inside of the storage unit when the second play area PA2 is smaller than the first play area PA1. FIG. 13D is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 when the second light-emitting area LA2 is smaller than the first light-emitting area LA1.

[0135] In the prize acquisition game device 1 of this embodiment, the first right end actuation unit 532 and the second left end actuation unit 533 can also be attached to the fixed rail 53a by screwing or the like. The attachment positions of the first right end actuation unit 532 and the second left end actuation unit 533 are configured to be selectable from five positions on the fixed rail 53a. Furthermore, boundary positions of the light-emitting unit 75 are preset in association with each of the five selectable attachment positions. Note that the number of selectable attachment positions is not limited to five, and may be four or less, or six or more.

[0136] When the service provider installs the first right-end actuation unit 532 and the second left-end actuation unit 533 at the center of the fixed rail 53a in the horizontal direction, as shown in Figure 5, the right end position of the first play area and the left end position of the second play area will be set at the center of the fixed rail 53a in the horizontal direction. In this case, as shown in Figure 13A, the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 will be the same size. Therefore, the range of movement within the storage space of the first prize capture unit 20a and the second prize capture unit 20b will also be the same size.

[0137] The prize acquisition game device 1 in this embodiment can also be configured to have a position detection unit that detects the right end position of the first play area and the left end position of the second play area by detecting the mounting positions of the first right end operating unit 532 and the second left end operating unit 533 on the fixed rail 53a in the left-right direction.

[0138] For example, the position detection unit may be an optical sensor, which detects whether the first right end actuating unit 532 and the second left end actuating unit 533 are attached or not by using a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit provided on the fixed rail 53 a.

[0139] In this embodiment, when the first right end actuation unit 532 and the second left end actuation unit 533 are arranged as shown in Figure 5, the position detection unit detects the central attachment position "3" out of the five attachment positions. The attachment position "3" corresponds to the detected positions of the right end position of the first play area and the left end position of the second play area when the first play area on the left and the second play area on the right are made the same size.

[0140] 5, the determination unit 110a determines the boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 to be the boundary position associated with the detected number "3" based on the detected right edge position of the first play area and the detected left edge position of the second play area. In other words, the determination unit 110a determines the boundary position when the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are the same size.

[0141] Once the boundary position is determined in this manner, the light-emitting unit 75 changes the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area and the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area so that they are the same size, as shown in Figure 13B.

[0142] Furthermore, if the service provider installs the first right-end actuation unit 532 and the second left-end actuation unit 533 in positions offset to the right from the center of the fixed rail 53a, as shown in Figure 12, the right end position of the first play area and the left end position of the second play area will be shifted to the right from the center of the fixed rail 53a. In this case, as shown in Figure 13C, the second play area PA2 will be smaller than the first play area PA1. Therefore, compared to the state shown in Figure 5, the movable range of the first prize capture unit 20a within the storage space will be expanded, while the movable range of the second prize capture unit 20b within the storage space will be reduced.

[0143] In this embodiment, when the first right end actuation unit 532 and the second left end actuation unit 533 are arranged as shown in Figure 12, the position detection unit detects the attachment position of "4" on the right of the center of the five locations. The attachment position of "4" corresponds to the detected positions of the right end of the first play area and the left end of the second play area when the second play area on the right is made smaller than the first play area on the left.

[0144] 12, the determination unit 110a determines the boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 to be the boundary position associated with the detected number "4" based on the detected right edge position of the first play area and the detected left edge position of the second play area. In other words, the determination unit 110a determines the boundary position to be the boundary position when the second play area PA2 is smaller than the first play area PA1.

[0145] Once the boundary position is determined in this manner, the light-emitting unit 75 changes the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area so that it is smaller than the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area, as shown in Figure 13D.

[0146] In this embodiment, when emitting light to the outside, the light-emitting unit 75 can make the light color of the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area different from the light color of the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area.

[0147] In addition, when emitting light to the outside, the light-emitting unit 75 in this embodiment can also make the light-emitting pattern of the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area different from the light-emitting pattern of the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area.

[0148] In this way, by differentiating the light emitting colors and light emitting patterns of the first light emitting area LA1 and the second light emitting area LA2, it becomes possible to easily grasp the sizes of the first play area and the second play area.

[0149] In addition, the prize acquisition game device 1 in this embodiment can also be configured to have a position detection unit that detects only the right end position of the first play area or only the left end position of the second play area by detecting the mounting position on the fixed rail 53a in the left-right direction of only the first right end operating unit 532 or only the second left end operating unit 533.

[0150] In this case, in the arrangement state shown in Fig. 5, the determination unit 110a may determine the boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 as the boundary position when the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are the same size, based on the detected position of the right edge position of the first play area or the left edge position of the second play area. Also, in the arrangement state shown in Fig. 12, the determination unit 110a may determine the boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 as the boundary position when the second play area PA2 is smaller than the first play area PA1, based on the detected position of the right edge position of the first play area or the left edge position of the second play area.

[0151] <Specific Example 3> The setting of light-emitting areas in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. 14 is a schematic external view showing the arrangement of the divider 65 when the first play area and the second play area are the same size. FIG. 15 is a schematic external view showing the arrangement of the divider 65 when the second play area is larger than the first play area. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the setting of light-emitting areas using the divider 65. FIG. 16A is a schematic plan view showing the inside of the storage unit when the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are the same size. FIG. 16B is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 when the first light-emitting area LA1 and the second light-emitting area LA2 are the same size. FIG. 16C is a schematic plan view showing the inside of the storage unit when the second play area PA2 is larger than the first play area PA1. FIG. 16D is a schematic front view showing the light-emitting unit 75 when the second light-emitting area LA2 is larger than the first light-emitting area LA1.

[0152] In the prize-winning game device 1 of this embodiment, a partition plate 65 for separating the first play area on the left side from the second play area on the right side can be attached to the inside of the storage section by screws or the like. The installation position of the partition plate 65 is configured to be selectable from five locations within the storage section. Furthermore, boundary positions of the light-emitting unit 75 are preset in association with each of the five selectable installation locations. Note that the number of selectable installation locations is not limited to five, and may be four or less, or six or more.

[0153] If the service provider installs the divider 65 so that it is positioned in the center of the left-right direction as shown in Figure 14, the boundary between the first and second play areas will be set in the center of the left-right direction. In this case, the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 will be the same size as shown in Figure 16A.

[0154] The prize acquisition game device 1 in this embodiment can also be configured to have a position detection unit that detects the position of the partition board 65 by detecting the installation position of the partition board 65 in the left-right direction when the partition board 65 is installed by the work of the service provider.

[0155] For example, the position detection unit may be an optical sensor, which detects whether the partition plate 65 is attached or not by using a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit provided at the attachment position of the partition plate 65 in the first prize placement unit 62 or the second prize placement unit 63.

[0156] In this embodiment, when the partition board 65 is positioned as shown in Figure 14, the position detection unit detects the central attachment position "3" out of the five attachment positions. The attachment position "3" corresponds to the detected position of the partition board 65 when the first play area on the left and the second play area on the right are the same size.

[0157] 14, the determination unit 110a determines the boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 to be the boundary position associated with the detected number "3" based on the detected position of the partition plate 65. In other words, it determines the boundary position to be the boundary position when the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are the same size.

[0158] Once the boundary position is determined in this manner, the light-emitting unit 75 changes the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area and the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area so that they are the same size, as shown in Figure 16B.

[0159] Furthermore, if the service provider installs the divider 65 in a position offset to the left from the center, as shown in Figure 15, the boundary between the first and second play areas will be shifted to the left from the center. In this case, the second play area PA2 will be larger than the first play area PA1, as shown in Figure 16C.

[0160] In this embodiment, when the partition plate 65 is positioned as shown in Figure 15, the position detection unit detects the installation position "2" on the left center of the five installation positions. Installation position "2" corresponds to the detected position of the partition plate 65 when the second play area on the right is larger than the first play area on the left.

[0161] 15, the determination unit 110a determines the boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 to be the boundary position associated with the detected number "2" based on the detected position of the partition plate 65. In other words, it determines the boundary position when the second play area PA2 is larger than the first play area PA1.

[0162] Once the boundary position is determined in this manner, the light-emitting unit 75 changes the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area so that it is larger than the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area, as shown in Figure 16D.

[0163] In this embodiment, when emitting light to the outside, the light-emitting unit 75 can make the light color of the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area different from the light color of the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area.

[0164] In addition, when emitting light to the outside, the light-emitting unit 75 in this embodiment can also make the light-emitting pattern of the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area different from the light-emitting pattern of the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area.

[0165] In this way, by differentiating the light emitting colors and light emitting patterns of the first light emitting area LA1 and the second light emitting area LA2, it becomes possible to easily grasp the sizes of the first play area and the second play area.

[0166] ===Other Embodiments=== The above embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be configured by appropriately combining the above embodiments with the embodiments described below.

[0167] Furthermore, various inventions can be constructed by appropriately combining the multiple invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, an invention may be constructed by deleting some of the invention-specifying matters from all of the invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments, or an invention may be constructed by appropriately combining all of the invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments with the invention-specifying matters disclosed in the embodiments described below.

[0168] <Movable Actuating Unit> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the first right-end operating unit 532 (first operating unit) and the second left-end operating unit 533 (second operating unit) can each slide along the fixed rail 53 a to change their left-right positions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 17 , an operating unit 535 in which the first right-end operating unit 532 (first operating unit) and the second left-end operating unit 533 (second operating unit) are integrated may also be used.

[0169] In this case, the integrated actuator 535 is supported by the fixed rail 53a so as to be slidable between the first movable rail 54a1 and the second movable rail 54a2. The first right edge sensor 54c2 (first sensor) and the second left edge sensor 54c3 (second sensor) function as sensors that detect the boundary position between the first play area and the second play area. Therefore, the service provider can simultaneously change the sizes of the first play area and the second play area by adjusting the left-right position of the integrated actuator along the fixed rail 53a.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the first right end actuating unit 532 (first actuating unit) and the second left end actuating unit 533 (second actuating unit) each have two wheels, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first right end actuating unit 532 (first actuating unit) and the second left end actuating unit 533 (second actuating unit), which do not have wheels, may each be configured to be slidably fitted into a groove on the inside of the front fixed rail 53 a.

[0171] <Movable Sensor> In the above embodiment, the first right-end sensor 54c2 (first sensor) and the second left-end sensor 54c3 (second sensor) may each be configured to slide along the fixed rail 53a to change their positions in the left-right direction.

[0172] In this case, a first right-end actuation unit 532 (first actuation unit) is attached to the front right side of the first moving rail 54a1 instead of the first right-end sensor 54c2, and a second left-end actuation unit 533 (second actuation unit) is attached to the front left side of the second moving rail 54a2 instead of the second left-end sensor 54c3. This allows the service provider to individually change the sizes of the first play area and the second play area by adjusting the left-right positions of the first right-end sensor 54c2 (first sensor) and the second left-end sensor 54c3 (second sensor) along the fixed rail 53a.

[0173] The first right end sensor 54c2 (first sensor) and the second left end sensor 54c3 (second sensor) may be integrated into one unit.

[0174] <Position detection unit> In the prize acquisition game device 1 in the above embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration that includes a position detection unit that detects the rightward movement limit position of the first prize acquisition unit 20a in the first play area and the leftward movement limit position of the second prize acquisition unit 20b in the second play area.

[0175] For example, the position detection unit may be an encoder. In the first play area, the first horizontal movement motor 53b1 drives the first movable rail 54a1 to move left and right along the fixed rail 53a. The encoder detects the number of rotations of the first horizontal movement motor 53b1. The horizontal position of the first movable rail 54a1 (i.e., the horizontal position of the first prize capture unit 20a) can be detected based on the output of this encoder. Furthermore, if a rightward movement limit position is set in advance in accordance with the size of the first play area, the rightward movement limit position of the first prize capture unit 20a can also be detected based on the output of this encoder.

[0176] Similarly, in the second play area, the second horizontal movement motor 53b2 is driven to move the second movable rail 54a2 left and right along the fixed rail 53a. An encoder detects the number of rotations of the second horizontal movement motor 53b2. The left and right position of the second movable rail 54a2 (i.e., the left and right position of the second prize capture unit 20b) can be detected based on the output of this encoder. Furthermore, if the leftward movement limit position is set in advance according to the size of the second play area, the leftward movement limit position of the second prize capture unit 20b can also be detected based on the output of this encoder.

[0177] In this case, the determination unit 110a can determine the boundary position of the light-emitting unit 75 to be the boundary position when the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are the same size, or the boundary position when the second play area PA2 is smaller than the first play area PA1, based on the detected positions of at least one of the rightward movement limit position of the first prize acquisition unit 20a and the leftward movement limit position of the second prize acquisition unit 20b.

[0178] When the boundary position is determined in this manner, the light-emitting unit 75 changes the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area and the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area so that they are the same size, or changes the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area so that it is smaller than the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area.

[0179] In this embodiment, when emitting light to the outside, the light-emitting unit 75 can make the light color of the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area different from the light color of the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area.

[0180] In addition, when emitting light to the outside, the light-emitting unit 75 in this embodiment can also make the light-emitting pattern of the first light-emitting area LA1 corresponding to the first play area different from the light-emitting pattern of the second light-emitting area LA2 corresponding to the second play area.

[0181] In this way, by differentiating the light emitting colors and light emitting patterns of the first light emitting area LA1 and the second light emitting area LA2, it becomes possible to easily grasp the sizes of the first play area and the second play area.

[0182] <Prizes> In the above embodiment, the prizes stored in the storage section 10 are not limited to items that can be directly acquired by the player (for example, stuffed toys, etc.), but also include items that are stored as targets for acquisition in the game and can be exchanged for other prizes after acquisition, as well as items that are not provided themselves but are used to compete for points or rankings.

[0183] 1 Prize acquisition game device 10 Storage section 11 Opening and closing door 12 Pillar section 20 Prize acquisition section 20a First prize acquisition section 20b Second prize acquisition section 21 Base section 22 Protrusion section 25 Arm section 28 Arm connecting section 29 Arm 29A First arm 29B Second arm 29C Third arm 30 Claw 35 Drive section 35A First drive section 35Aa Arm opening / closing motor 35Ab Gear box 35B Second drive section 35Ba Arm opening / closing motor 35Bb Gear box 35C Third drive section 35Ca Arm opening / closing motor 35Cb Gear box 50 Movement section 51 Horizontal movement section 52 Vertical movement section 52a Lifting section 52b Hanging section 52b1 First hanging section 52b2 Second hanging section 52d1 First front end sensor 52d3 Second front end sensor 53 Left-right movement section 53a Fixed rail 53b Left-right movement motor 53b1 First left-right movement motor 53b2 Second left-right movement motor 54 Front-back movement section 54a Moving rail 54a1 First moving rail 54a2 Second moving rail 54b Front-back movement motor 54b1 First front-back movement motor 54b2 Second front-back movement motor 54c1 First left end sensor 54c2 First right end sensor 54c3 Second left end sensor 54c4 Second right end sensor 60 Display section 61 Support section 62 First prize placement section 63 Second prize placement section 65 Partition plate 71 Opening area 72 Drop opening area 75 Light-emitting section 80 Base unit 90 Operation unit 91 Joystick 92 Operation button 93 Play fee detection unit 94 Coin slot 96 Prize outlet 100 Setting unit 101 Setting operation unit 102 Display unit 110 Control unit 110a Decision unit 110b Display control unit 120 Memory unit 531 First left end operation unit 532 First right end operation unit 532a Shielding unit 532b Magnet 532c Wheel 532d Knob unit 533 Second left end operation unit 533a Shielding unit 533b Magnet 533c Wheel 533d Knob unit 534 Second right end operation unit 535 Operation unit 541 First front end operation unit 542 First rear end operation unit 543 Second front end operation unit 544 Second rear end operating part

Claims

1. A prize acquisition game device comprising: a storage section for storing prizes; a prize acquisition section arranged in a first play area on the left side and a second play area on the right side adjacent to each other within the storage section, and for acquiring the stored prizes; a determination section for determining the boundary position between the first play area and the second play area based on a setting operation by an operator; and a light-emitting section for changing a first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area and a second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area in accordance with the determined boundary position.

2. A prize acquisition game device comprising: a storage section for storing prizes; a prize acquisition section arranged in each of a first play area on the left side and a second play area on the right side adjacent to each other in the storage section, and for acquiring the stored prizes; a position detection section for detecting at least one of the right end position of the first play area and the left end position of the second play area; a determination section for determining a boundary position between the first play area and the second play area based on the detected position of at least one of the right end position of the first play area and the left end position of the second play area; and a light-emitting section for changing a first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area and a second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area in accordance with the determined boundary position.

3. A prize acquisition game device comprising: a storage section for storing prizes; a prize acquisition section arranged in each of a first play area on the left side and a second play area on the right side adjacent to each other within the storage section, for acquiring the stored prizes; a position detection section for detecting the position of a partition board separating the first play area and the second play area; a determination section for determining the boundary position between the first play area and the second play area based on the detected position of the partition board; and a light emitting section for changing a first light emitting area corresponding to the first play area and a second light emitting area corresponding to the second play area in accordance with the determined boundary position.

4. A prize acquisition game device comprising: a storage section for storing prizes; a prize acquisition section arranged in each of a first play area on the left side and a second play area on the right side adjacent to each other in the storage section, for acquiring the stored prizes; a position detection section for detecting at least one of a rightward movement limit position of the prize acquisition section in the first play area and a leftward movement limit position of the prize acquisition section in the second play area; a determination section for determining a boundary position between the first play area and the second play area based on the detected position of at least one of the movement limit positions of the first play area and the second play area; and a light-emitting section for changing a first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area and a second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area in accordance with the determined boundary position.

5. A prize acquisition game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light-emitting unit differentiates the light color of a first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area from the light color of a second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area.

6. A prize acquisition game device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light-emitting unit differentiates the light-emitting pattern of a first light-emitting area corresponding to the first play area from the light-emitting pattern of a second light-emitting area corresponding to the second play area.

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