Dispensing mechanism and game device

Abstract

Provided is a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a dispensing object related to a game, the dispensing mechanism including: a storage part that stores the dispensing object; a first movement part that is provided with the storage part and moves the storage part; a second movement part that is configured to be able to hold and move the dispensing object extruded from the storage part; and an extrusion mechanism that is provided corresponding to the first movement part and extrudes the dispensing object. The extrusion mechanism includes a first extrusion part for extruding the dispensing object in the storage part to the second movement part, and a second extrusion part that moves in a direction different from the direction in which the first extrusion part moves and extrudes the dispensing object in the second movement part out of the second movement part. The first extrusion part is characterized by being disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the second extrusion part.

Description

Distribution mechanism and game device

[0001] The present invention relates to a dispensing mechanism and a game device, and more particularly to a dispensing mechanism for dispensing items dispensed in connection with a game (hereinafter referred to as "dispensed items") and a game device equipped with the dispensing mechanism.

[0002] A dispensing mechanism for dispensing game-related prizes is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The dispensing mechanism described in Patent Document 1 includes a storage unit that stores the prizes, a first operating unit that is configured to accommodate the storage unit and be operable, and a second operating unit that holds the prizes dispensed from the storage unit and is configured to be operable. The first operating unit is configured to operate relative to the second operating unit. With this configuration, different prizes are dispensed depending on the outcome of the game.

[0003] In such a dispensing mechanism, in order to reliably dispense different payouts depending on the outcome of a game, it is preferable that the container contain a larger number of payouts. From this perspective, it is conceivable to increase the height of the container. However, such an improvement would result in an increase in the size of the dispensing mechanism. Therefore, such an improved dispensing mechanism would be subject to the size constraints of the gaming device in which the dispensing mechanism is installed, and therefore cannot be used in that gaming device. Therefore, in order to reliably dispense different payouts depending on the outcome of a game, there is a need to improve the dispensing mechanism while avoiding an increase in size of the dispensing mechanism.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-115172

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing mechanism that can reliably dispense prizes in accordance with the outcome of a game, and a gaming device equipped with such a dispensing mechanism.

[0006] These objects are achieved by the present inventions (1) to (12) below: (1) A dispensing mechanism for dispensing game-related prizes, comprising: a storage unit for storing the prizes; a first operating unit that provides the storage unit and operates the storage unit; a second operating unit that holds the prizes pushed out of the storage unit and is configured to be operable; and a push-out mechanism that is provided corresponding to the first operating unit and pushes out the prizes, wherein the push-out mechanism comprises a first pushing unit that pushes the prizes from the storage unit to the second operating unit, and a second pushing unit that operates in a direction different from the operating direction of the first pushing unit and pushes the prizes from the second operating unit out of the second operating unit, and the first pushing unit is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the second pushing unit.

[0007] (2) The delivery mechanism according to (1), wherein the first extrusion section and the second extrusion section are disposed at different heights relative to the storage section.

[0008] (3) The dispensing mechanism according to (1) above, wherein the first pushing section is further configured to push the dispensed material of the second operating section to the outside of the second operating section.

[0009] (4) The delivery mechanism according to (1), wherein the first extrusion section and the second extrusion section are provided so as to be perpendicular to each other.

[0010] (5) The dispensing mechanism according to (1), wherein the second extrusion section has a horizontal surface that is perpendicular to a vertical direction, and the first extrusion section is angled with respect to the horizontal surface of the second extrusion section.

[0011] (6) The extrusion mechanism is the dispensing mechanism described in (1) above, which includes a third extrusion section that extrudes the dispensed material from the second operating section to the outside of the second operating section by contact with the first extrusion section and the second extrusion section.

[0012] (7) The third extrusion portion has a tip portion that contacts the dispensed material, and a receiving portion that extends vertically relative to the tip portion and contacts the first extrusion portion and the second extrusion portion. The dispensing mechanism described in (6) above.

[0013] (8) The dispensing mechanism according to (6), wherein the third extrusion section is provided adjacent to the accommodation section and is positioned relative to the first extrusion section or the second extrusion section by displacement of the first operating section.

[0014] (9) The second operating unit includes a plurality of inclined holding portions for holding the dispensed material, and the plurality of inclined holding portions are positioned together with the third extrusion unit relative to the first extrusion unit or the second extrusion unit by relative displacement between the first operating unit and the second operating unit. This is a dispensing mechanism described in (6) above.

[0015] (10) The dispensing mechanism according to (7) above, wherein the first pushing portion and the second pushing portion are configured to abut on different positions of the receiving portion in the vertical direction.

[0016] (11) The delivery mechanism according to (1) above, wherein the predetermined angle is 1° to 179°.

[0017] (12) A game device comprising: a display unit that displays a predetermined image related to a game; an operation unit that receives operational input from a user; and the dispensing mechanism described in any one of (1) to (11) above that dispenses the distribution item related to the game based on the operational input.

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dispensing mechanism that can reliably dispense prizes in accordance with the outcome of a game, and a gaming device equipped with such a dispensing mechanism.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a recording medium used in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a view schematically showing the internal configuration of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of a dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the left side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a storage section and a third push-out set provided in the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a foot section of a stocker provided in the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first push-out set and a second push-out set of the push-out mechanism provided in the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a top view showing the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with part of the storage section and part of the push-out mechanism omitted. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first pusher, a second pusher, and a third pusher in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a pusher mechanism in a dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11(a) is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first pusher and the third pusher. FIG. 11(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second pusher and the third pusher. FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of a dispensing candidate holding unit provided in the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the third pusher and the second operating unit in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for arranging dispensed items in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for replenishing dispensed items in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram for explaining the action of the push-out mechanism in the delivery mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 17(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the action of the first extrusion unit and the third extrusion unit. Fig. 17(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the action of the second extrusion unit and the third extrusion unit. Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the extrusion mechanism in the delivery mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Before describing the payout mechanism of the present invention, the following will describe in detail the game device of the present invention, an overview of the game executed on the game device, and the payouts used in the game device based on the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. For convenience of explanation, the upper side in the drawings will be referred to as "upper", the lower side as "lower", the left side as "left", the right side as "right", the front side of the paper as "front", and the back side of the paper as "rear".

[0021] <<First Embodiment>>

[0022] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a recording medium used in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] 1. Overview of the Game First, an example of a game executed by the game device 1 of this embodiment will be described. The game device 1 can execute, for example, a competitive game using game-related distribution items (hereinafter also referred to as "recording medium") 100. Specifically, the game device 1 scans the recording medium 100 to acquire character information (hereinafter referred to as "character information") recorded on the recording medium 100. The game device 1 then displays an image of the character on the display unit 6. This allows the game device 1 to execute a competitive game in which the character in question competes against an opponent character. After the game ends, a new recording medium 100 is issued from the game device 1. Note that the game executed by the game device 1 is not limited to the competitive game described above, and may be a role-playing game, a board game, a simulation game, or the like.

[0024] 2. Recording Medium (Gift) The gift (recording medium) 100 used in the game device 1 of this embodiment is configured to store identification information such as character information. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the gift 100 is a plastic card formed into a plate shape. The gift 100 has a recording information section 101 on its surface. Identification information such as character information and item information is recorded in the recording information section 101. The recording information section 101 is, for example, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) or Zcode (registered trademark). When the recording information section 101 is Zcode, the identification information is recorded so that it can be identified under invisible light (infrared light). Note that the gift 100 may be classified as a rare gift or a normal gift depending on the character information. A rare gift is, for example, a gift containing a character with a rarity above a predetermined level. A normal gift is, for example, a gift containing a character with a rarity below a predetermined level. Furthermore, the distribution item 100 may include memory distribution items that store player (user) information and character information, in addition to the character distribution items. For example, the memory distribution item is an integrated circuit card (IC card) that stores information related to the user. The shape of the distribution item 100, the position and number of the recorded information sections 101, etc. are not particularly limited. For example, multiple recorded information sections 101 may be provided on the front or back of the distribution item 100. Furthermore, the distribution item 100 may have a tapering portion, a recessed portion, a protruding portion, etc., where the thickness of the distribution item 100 is gradually reduced.

[0025] 3. Game Device Next, the game device will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the game device 1 of this embodiment includes two sub game devices (a first sub game device 1A and a second sub game device 1B) that are provided adjacent to each other. This game device 1 has a single display unit 6 and is controlled by a single control unit 8. This allows the overall size of the game device 1 to be reduced. This also allows the overall cost of the game device 1 to be reduced. The game device 1 of this embodiment is not limited to a configuration in which two sub game devices are provided adjacent to each other (a 2-in-1 configuration). The game device 1 may also be configured in such a way that, for example, three or more sub game devices are provided adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the game device 1 of the present invention may be configured as a single game device.

[0026] At first glance, the game device 1 of this embodiment appears to be two game devices placed side by side. However, the game device 1 is actually a single game device 1, with two sub-game devices connected to it. As a result, each player (user) can play on their own sub-game device, or they can cooperate to play a single game (cooperative play). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , this game device 1 has a cabinet 2, an operation unit 3, a reading unit 4, a speaker 5, a display unit 6, a memory unit 7, a control unit 8, a communication unit 9, and a distribution mechanism 10. The configuration of each unit will be described below.

[0027] The cabinet 2, operation unit 3, reading unit 4, and speaker 5 of the game device 1 include a sub-cabinet 2A, first sub-operation unit 3A, sub-reading unit 4A, and sub-speaker 5A for the first sub-game device 1A, and a sub-cabinet 2B, second sub-operation unit 3B, sub-reading unit 4B, and sub-speaker 5B for the second sub-game device 1B, which are identical to each other. Therefore, below, the components of the first sub-game device 1A and the second sub-game device 1B will be mainly described, with the components of the game device 1 being representative.

[0028] <Casing> The cabinet 2 has the function of installing or storing each component of the game device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the cabinet 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but is not limited to this. The cabinet 2 may be formed as a single cabinet, or may be formed by connecting sub-cabinets for each sub-game device. Furthermore, a dispenser 21 for dispensed items 100, a coin slot 22, and a coin return slot 23 are provided on the front of each sub-cabinet. Dispensed items 100 dispensed by a dispensing mechanism 10 (described later) are dispensed from the dispenser 21.

[0029] <Operation Unit> The operation unit 3 has the function of receiving operation inputs made by the player to execute the game. Each sub-operation unit is composed of two push buttons 31 and a rectangular operation field 32. The two push buttons 31 are provided symmetrically on the front side of the top surface of each sub-casing. The operation field 32 is provided on the top surface of each sub-casing, behind the push buttons 31. The shape and position of the operation field 32 are not particularly limited, and each may be rod-shaped, circular, or located between or in front of the push buttons 31. Such an operation field 32 is a field where the player can place and move the dispensed objects 100. The operation field 32 is configured so that the reading unit 4, described below, can read the dispensed objects 100.

[0030] As described above, the operation unit 3 includes a first sub-operation unit (first operation unit) 3A for the first sub-game device 1A and a second sub-operation unit (second operation unit) 3B for the second sub-game device 1B. The first sub-operation unit 3A and the second sub-operation unit 3B can be operated independently and can simultaneously receive different operation inputs. This makes it possible to execute different operations on the first sub-game device 1A and the second sub-game device 1B.

[0031] <Reading Unit> The reading unit 4 has the function of reading information from the distribution item 100 placed on the operation field 32. Each sub-reading unit is provided below the operation field 32 inside each sub-housing. Such sub-reading units are configured to read information recorded in the recorded information unit 101. For example, if the recorded information unit 101 is a two-dimensional code, the sub-reading unit may be composed of an imaging device (camera) and an infrared light source. In this case, the infrared light source of the sub-reading unit irradiates infrared light onto the recorded information unit 101 of the distribution item 100 from below the operation field 32. In this state, the imaging device captures an image of the recorded information unit 101 of the distribution item 100, thereby reading the information recorded in the recorded information unit 101 of the distribution item 100. Note that the sub-reading unit may be located anywhere within the sub-housing as long as the imaging device can capture an image of the operation field 32. Alternatively, the sub-reading unit may be composed of only an imaging device.

[0032] <Speaker> The speaker 5 has the function of outputting various sounds. Each sub-speaker is provided at the back of the top surface of the sub-casing, below the display unit 6. The number of sub-speakers is not particularly limited, and may be one or more than two. In this embodiment, two sub-speakers are provided on both sides of the back of the top surface of the sub-casing corresponding to each sub-game device. The sounds output by the speaker 5 include music, sound effects, etc. stored in the memory unit 7.

[0033] <Display Unit> The display unit 6 has a function of displaying a game image (a predetermined image). As shown in FIG. 1 , the display unit 6 is provided on the speaker 5 on the top surface of the cabinet 2. The display unit 6 is composed of a display panel 61 and a frame 62. The frame 62 is provided on the speaker 5. The frame 62 is formed in a rectangular shape, but is not limited to this. For example, the frame 62 may be formed in any shape, such as a circle or an ellipse.

[0034] A display panel 61 is provided inside the frame 62. The display panel 61 may be a touch panel. The display panel 61 is formed in a rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto and may be formed in a circular or triangular shape. The display panel 61 has a first region 611A, a second region 611B, and a third region (first partition region 612A and second partition region 612B) 612 (FIG. 1).

[0035] The first area 611A is an area that displays a game image for the first sub game device 1A. The first area 611A is provided to correspond to the first sub operation unit 3A of the first sub game device 1A. The first area 611A is formed in a rectangular shape, but is not limited to this.

[0036] The second area 611B is an area that displays a game image for the second sub game device 1B. The second area 611B is provided in correspondence with the second sub operation unit 3B of the second sub game device 1B. The second area 611B is formed in a rectangular shape, but is not limited to this.

[0037] The third area 612 has a first partition area 612A and a second partition area 612B that separate the first area 611A and the second area 611B. The display unit 6 can display an image (a partition image) that is the same as the appearance of the frame 62 in the third area 612. This allows the player to see at a glance that there are two game devices. In this case, the display unit 6 may display the same image or different images in the first area 611A and the second area 611B. The display unit 6 can also not display a partition image in the third area 612 ( FIG. 4 ). This allows the display unit 6 to display game images across the entire display panel 61.

[0038] <Storage Unit> Next, the storage unit 7 will be described. The storage unit 7 stores a game program and game data. The game program is a program for causing the game device 1 to execute a game, and is realized in cooperation with the hardware. The game data is data related to the game, and includes character data, music data, image data, sound effect data, predetermined event data, etc.

[0039] Character data includes data such as a character's name, special move, weapon, strength, rarity, and image. In other words, character data corresponds to the character information described above and is identification information that distinguishes each character from another. Music data is music data played from the speaker 5. Music data includes multiple pieces of music data, such as songs by singers and game songs. Image data is game image data. Game image data includes data such as character images, background images, and various effect images. Sound effect data is sound data played during game play and is different from music data. Sound effect data includes, for example, evaluation sound data that is played in response to the results of a player's operation. Predetermined event data includes boss character appearance event data, bonus event data, and intrusion battle event data.

[0040] In this embodiment, the storage unit 11 of the dispensing mechanism 10, which will be described later, has a plurality of stockers 111, and therefore the memory unit 7 may store information relating to the plurality of stockers 111 (hereinafter referred to as "stocker information"). Examples of stocker information include information on what types of distribution items 100 are stored in the stocker 111, and information on when the number of distribution items 100 in the stocker 111 has reached zero. Specific examples of stocker information include the information shown in Table 1 below.

[0041] Table 1

[0042] Table 1 above shows the following information. Specifically, the first and second stockers 111 each function as a dedicated memory, storing only a predetermined number (e.g., 0 to 50) of memory-use items 100. The third and fifth stockers 111 each function as a dedicated rare item, storing only a predetermined number (e.g., 0 to 50) of rare items 100. The sixth to eighth stockers 111 each function as a dedicated normal item, storing only a predetermined number (e.g., 0 to 50) of normal items 100. Table 1 also shows the remaining number of items 100 in each stocker 111. For example, 45 memory-use items 100 remain in the first stocker 111, and no rare items 100 remain in the third stocker 111. Furthermore, the ninth stocker 111 has a total of 50 rare and normal items 100 remaining. That is, the ninth stocker 111 functions as a random stocker that randomly stores the rare and normal items 100.

[0043] Furthermore, the tenth and eleventh stockers 111 each function as a multi-stocker, storing rare and normal items 100 in a predetermined ratio (rare items:normal items = 20:30 in Table 1). In this case, the stockers 111 may store shrink-wrapped packages containing, from bottom to top, a set of 20 rare items 100 followed by a set of 30 normal items 100. In this case, the acquisition means 81 of the control unit 8, described below, can acquire information regarding the type of items 100 stored in each stocker 111 based on the remaining number of items 100. For example, in Table 1 above, the tenth stocker 111 has 30 remaining items 100. Therefore, the acquisition means 81 can acquire information that all 20 rare items 100 stored in the tenth stocker 111, from bottom to top, have been paid out. That is, the acquiring means 81 can acquire information that the tenth stocker 111 has 30 normal prizes 100 remaining and is therefore exclusively used for normal prizes. Also, since the eleventh stocker 111 has 50 prizes 100 remaining, the acquiring means 81 can acquire information that the eleventh stocker 111 has 30 normal prizes 100 following the 20 rare prizes 100 from the bottom. That is, the acquiring means 81 can acquire information that the eleventh stocker 111 will be exclusively used for rare prizes 100 until all 20 rare prizes 100 are paid out.

[0044] The information shown in Table 1 above is an example of stocker information, and stocker information is not limited to the above information. For example, there may be no dedicated stocker 111. All stockers 111, from the first to the eleventh, may contain randomly arranged sets of rare and normal prizes 100. Furthermore, as stocker information regarding the remaining amount of prizes 100, only information regarding the presence or absence of prizes 100 in each stocker 111 may be stored in the storage unit 7. Using such stocker information, the acquisition unit 81 can acquire information regarding which stockers 111 are empty. Even if the storage unit 7 does not store stocker information, various prizes 100 can actually be stored in the stockers 111 as indicated by the stocker information. This can be achieved, for example, by an employee of the store where the game device 1 is installed.

[0045] Furthermore, the distribution candidate holding unit 131 of the distribution mechanism 10, which will be described later, has a plurality of (1st to 48th in this embodiment) tilt holding units 1311. For this reason, the storage unit 7 may store information (hereinafter referred to as "tilt holding unit ratio information") on the ratio at which the memory distribution objects 100, rare distribution objects 100, and normal distribution objects 100 are to be arranged in the plurality of tilt holding units 1311. Examples of the tilt holding unit ratio information include the information shown in Table 2 below.

[0046] Table 2

[0047] The tilt holding portion ratio information shown in Table 2 above is an example, and the tilt holding portion ratio information is not limited to the information described above. For example, each tilt holding portion 1311 may have only normal distribution items 100 arranged therein, or only rare distribution items 100 arranged therein.

[0048] <Control Unit> Next, we will explain the control unit 8. The control unit 8 controls all functions related to the execution of the game. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 8 has an acquisition means 81, a game processing means 82, a display control means 83, a sound output control means 84, and an operation control means 85.

[0049] (Acquisition Means) The acquisition means 81 has the function of acquiring information on operation inputs by the player, character information on the distribution items 100, game information, etc. The acquisition means 81 acquires operation input information when the player presses the push button 31. This allows operation input information to be received simultaneously from the first sub-operation unit 3A and the second sub-operation unit 3B. Such operation input information includes, for example, information on interrupt play and information on character selection. The acquisition means 81 also acquires character information, etc. read by the reading unit 4. In addition, it acquires various other information obtained via the communication unit 9, which will be described later.

[0050] The acquiring unit 81 also has a function of acquiring position information of each part of the distribution mechanism 10 detected by the detecting unit 17 described later. For example, the acquiring unit 81 can detect the position information of each of the plurality of stockers 111, the position information of each of the plurality of tilt holding units 1311, etc.

[0051] (Game Processing Means) The game processing means 82 has a function of processing the information acquired by the acquisition means 81 and the progress of the game. For example, the game processing means 82 determines information on game images stored in the storage unit 7 and provides it to the display control means 83. The game processing means 82 determines sound information and provides it to the sound output control means 84. The game processing means 82 also determines and activates predetermined events. In this way, the game processing means 82 processes the progress of the entire game.

[0052] The game processing means 82 can also provisionally or completely determine the prizes 100 to be dispensed based on player information (such as the number of players and character information associated with each player). The game processing means 82 can also recognize the types of prizes 100 dispensed. The game processing means 82 can also check whether a predetermined number of prizes 100 are stored in the prize candidate storage unit 131 (described later). Furthermore, the game processing means 82 can process the progress of the game based on the number or types of prizes 100 stored in the prize candidate storage unit 131 and / or the types of dispensed prizes 100.

[0053] (Display Control Means) The display control means 83 has the function of controlling the display of all images related to the game. That is, the display control means 83 controls the display of game image information provided by the game processing means 82 and the display of divider images. For example, the display control means 83 controls the display of game images independently in both the first area 611A and the second area 611B of the display unit 6. The display control means 83 also controls the display of game images over the entire display panel 61. The display control means 83 also controls the display of divider images ( FIG. 1 ) in the third area 612. In this way, the display control means 83 can control the display of images so that predetermined images are displayed separately in each area of ​​the display unit 6.

[0054] (Sound Output Control Means) The sound output control means 84 controls the output of all sounds and music related to the game. Specifically, the sound output control means 84 controls the output of music and sounds determined by the game processing means 82. The sound output control means 84 provides sound and music information to the speaker 5, thereby enabling the speaker 5 to output the sounds and music.

[0055] (Operation Control Means) The operation control means 85 has a function of controlling the operation of each part of the dispensing mechanism. For example, the operation control means 85 can independently control the first operation unit 12, the second operation unit 13, and the extrusion mechanism 14, which will be described later. For example, if the first operation unit 12 and the second operation unit 13 are configured to rotate, the operation control means 85 can rotate the first operation unit 12 and the second operation unit 13 simultaneously or separately. The rotation direction may be either clockwise or counterclockwise. Furthermore, the operation control means 85 may be able to freely change the rotation speed of these units.

[0056] The operation control means 85 also has a function of controlling the processing related to the dispensing of the distribution objects 100 by the dispensing mechanism 10, which will be described later. For example, the operation control means 85 can independently control the first operation unit 12, the second operation unit 13, and the extrusion mechanism 14 so as to place various distribution objects 100 on the first to forty-eighth inclined holding units 1311, which will be described later, based on inclined holding unit ratio information (e.g., the ratios shown in Table 2 above). In this embodiment, the operation control means 85 of the control unit 8 also controls the processing related to the distribution mechanism 10, but the distribution mechanism 10, which will be described later, may have a control unit separate from the control unit 8. In this case, the control unit of the distribution mechanism 10 may execute part of the processing of the control unit 8 (e.g., the processing of the operation control means 85).

[0057] <Communication Unit> The communication unit 9 has a function of communicating with an external network (such as a LAN, WAN, or the Internet) or device via a wired or wireless connection. The game device 1 of the present invention may communicate data with other devices, such as other game devices or information terminals, via the communication unit 9. For example, the communication unit 9 can communicate with other devices to obtain music data or game programs. This allows the game program to be updated, making it possible to provide the latest games. Note that the game device 1 does not necessarily have to have the communication unit 9.

[0058] <Dispensing Mechanism> The gaming device 1 of the present invention has a dispensing mechanism 10 that can reliably dispense dispensed objects 100 in accordance with the game result. The dispensing mechanism 10 is an example of a dispensing mechanism of the present invention. The configuration of the dispensing mechanism 10 will be described in detail below based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0059] A. Configuration of the Dispensing Mechanism FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a storage section and a third push-out set provided in the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a foot section of a stocker provided in the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first push-out set and a second push-out set of the push-out mechanism provided in the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a top view showing the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with part of the storage section and part of the push-out mechanism omitted. FIG. 10 is a schematic view for explaining the first push-out section, the second push-out section, and the third push-out section in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic view for explaining the operation of the push-out mechanism in the dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining the action of the first pushing unit and the third pushing unit. Fig. 11(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining the action of the second pushing unit and the third pushing unit. Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged view of a dispensing candidate holding unit provided in a dispensing mechanism provided in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the interaction between the third pushing unit and the second operating unit in the game device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] 4 shows a state in which the front door of the cabinet 2 is open and the dispensing mechanism 10 disposed inside the cabinet 2 has been moved to the front left. Note that the interior of the cabinet 2 contains, for example, a case for storing coins and a CPU of the game device 1, but these are omitted for convenience of explanation.

[0061] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the distribution mechanism (distribution mechanism) 10 has a storage section 11, a first operating section 12, a second operating section 13, an extrusion mechanism 14, a distribution guidance section 15, an imaging section 16, a detection section 17, and a base section 18.

[0062] (Storage Unit) The storage unit 11 has the function of storing a plurality of distribution objects 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 11 is provided on the first operating unit 12. In this embodiment, the storage unit 11 includes a plurality of stockers 111, i.e., first to eleventh stockers 111. The stockers 111 are tower-shaped and are configured to store a plurality of distribution objects 100. By providing a plurality of stockers 111 as a plurality of storage units, the storage unit 11 can store various types of distribution objects 100 in a predetermined ratio in each of the plurality of stockers 111. This makes it possible to adjust the ratio of types of distribution objects 100 to be placed in the distribution candidate storage unit 131 (described later), and to distribute distribution objects 100 with high reliability depending on the game results.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 6, each stocker 111 includes a main body 112, a foot 113, and a connecting member 114. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 6 omits the placement portion 121 of the first operating unit 12 and the stocker 111 located to the left of the third pushing unit 147.

[0064] The main body 112 is cylindrical so as to accommodate the distribution items 100. The main body 112 also has a cutout 112A on one side thereof. Specifically, when the stocker 111 is provided on the first operating unit 12, the cutout 112A is provided on the outer surface (the distribution candidate holding unit 131 side) of the main body 112 (FIG. 6).

[0065] For example, a part of a hand (fingers) can be inserted into the main body 112 through the cutout 112A. This allows a plurality of distribution objects 100 to be easily stored in the stocker 111 while being supported by the hand. Furthermore, even when a plurality of stockers 111 are arranged in a ring shape on the first operating unit 12, the number of distribution objects 100 stored in each stocker 111 can be easily confirmed from outside the storage unit 11. Furthermore, by providing a stocker sensor 171 (described later) on the outer periphery of the storage unit 11, information on the number of distribution objects 100 stored in each stocker 111 can be reliably detected.

[0066] The foot portion 113 is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the mounting portion 121 (FIG. 5). The foot portion 113 has a function of supporting the main body portion 112 in an inclined state with respect to the upper surface of the mounting portion 121. For this reason, the foot portion 113 has an inclined structure as described below. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the foot portion 113 has a bottom plate portion 1131 and an inclined support portion 1132.

[0067] The bottom plate portion 1131 is provided on the inclined support portion 1132. In this state, the bottom plate portion 1131 can support a plurality of delivery objects 100 at the lower end of the main body portion 112. In other words, the bottom plate portion 1131 has the function of supporting a plurality of delivery objects 100. The bottom plate portion 1131 also has the function of supporting the main body portion 112. Such a bottom plate portion 1131 has a main body 1131a, side plate portions 1131b, a skirt portion 1131c, and an empty information portion 1131d.

[0068] The plate body 1131a is configured to abut against the lowest delivery item 100 among the plurality of delivery items 100 stored in the storage section 11. The plate body 1131a is rectangular in shape to correspond to the shape of the delivery item 100. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate portion 1131 refers to the longitudinal direction of the plate body 1131a. An end portion of the plate body 1131a corresponding to one long side is cut out.

[0069] The side plate portion 1131b is provided around the periphery of the plate body 1131a, excluding the cutout portion of the plate body 1131a and one short side of the plate body 1131a (the end toward the front in FIG. 7). The upper end of the side plate portion 1131b is configured to fit into the lower end of the main body 112, thereby allowing the main body 112 and the foot portion 113 to fit together. When these are fitted together, a gap 113A is formed between the lower end of the main body 112 and the plate body 1131a (FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, the gap 113A is formed continuous with the cutout portion 112A of the main body 112.

[0070] Furthermore, a gap 113B is formed in the side plate portion 1131b at the other short side of the plate body 1131a (FIG. 7). The gap 113B faces the gap 113A and is configured to allow the first extrusion portion 145, described later, to pass through. Meanwhile, the gap 113A is configured to allow the dispensed object 100 extruded by the first extrusion portion 145 to pass through. Therefore, the first extrusion portion 145 can push the dispensed object 100 provided on the plate body 1131a through the gap 113B toward the dispensed object holding portion 131, described later.

[0071] The skirt portion 1131c is provided on one short side of the plate body 1131a. The skirt portion 1131c is configured to protrude downward from the plate body 1131a. This allows the skirt portion 1131c to abut against the first pillar member 1132a of the inclined support portion 1132 when the bottom plate portion 1131 and the inclined support portion 1132 are fitted together. This skirt portion 1131c makes it easy to align the bottom plate portion 1131 and the inclined support portion 1132.

[0072] The empty information section 1131d is provided on the upper surface of the board body 1131a. The empty information section 1131d has a function of indicating that there is no distribution object 100 on the board body 1131a. The empty information section 1131d is, for example, a reflective tape that reflects light from the detection unit 17.

[0073] The inclined support portion 1132 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting portion 121 of the first operating unit 12. The inclined support portion 1132 has a function of supporting the bottom plate portion 1131 and the main body portion 112 in an inclined state with respect to the upper surface of the mounting portion 121. The inclined support portion 1132 has a first pillar member 1132a, a second pillar member 1132b, and a roof member 1132c.

[0074] The first and second pillar members 1132a and 1132b are provided on the upper surface of the mounting portion 121 so as to face each other. Each of the first and second pillar members 1132a and 1132b is trapezoidal in shape. The bottoms of the first and second pillar members 1132a and 1132b are fixed to the mounting portion 121. The left and right sides extending vertically from the bottoms are configured to have different heights.

[0075] The roof member 1132c is provided on the upper ends of the first pillar member 1132a and the second pillar member 1132b configured as described above. Therefore, the roof member 1132c is inclined with respect to the upper surface of the mounting portion 121.

[0076] With this configuration, the inclined support portion 1132 has the function of inclining the bottom plate portion 1131 and the main body portion 112. Therefore, when the bottom plate portion 1131 and the main body portion 112 are provided on the first operating unit 12, they are inclined at a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the upper surface of the mounting portion 121 of the first operating unit 12.

[0077] The inclination angle of the bottom plate portion 1131 (specifically, the plate body 1131a) with respect to the upper surface of the mounting portion 121 of the first operating unit 12 is preferably in the range of 10° to 45°, and more preferably in the range of 15° to 30°. This inclination angle is set to correspond to (preferably match) the inclination angle of the inclined holding portion 1311 described below. This allows the extruded distribution object 100 to be reliably sent to the distribution candidate holding portion 131.

[0078] Note that the corresponding or matching inclination angles of each component refer to the angles when the components are combined as dispensing mechanism 10. Also, the corresponding or matching inclination angles of each component may mean that when game device 1 is placed on an installation surface (e.g., the ground or floor), the inclination angles of each component correspond or match with respect to the installation surface. Components having corresponding or matching inclination angles can also be said to have corresponding inclination structures.

[0079] Furthermore, the main body 112 is installed so as to be angled at a certain angle (for example, 45° to 80°) with respect to the upper surface of the mounting portion 121 of the first operating unit 12 .

[0080] The angle of the main body 112 means the angle formed by the top surface of the mounting portion 121 and the side of the main body 112 facing this top surface when the stocker 111 is installed on the first operating unit 12.

[0081] This distributes the weight of the distribution item 100 itself to the side of the main body 112, reducing the force applied to the bottom plate 1131 (and the distribution item 100 in contact with the plate main body 1131a) by the weight of the distribution item 100 itself. Therefore, the distribution item 100 in contact with the plate main body 1131a can be smoothly sent to the distribution candidate holding unit 131.

[0082] In this way, the distribution items 100 stored in each stocker 111 of the storage section 11 are pushed out by inserting the first pushing section 145 into the gap 113B of the foot section 113, and are arranged in the distribution candidate holding section 131. At this time, the distribution items 100 that are in contact with the plate body 1131a are pushed out sequentially.

[0083] Furthermore, a portion of the roof member 1132c is cut out corresponding to the cut-out portion of the plate body 1131a. This forms a gap 113C when the stocker 111 is installed on the first operating unit 12. As shown in FIG. 6 , the gap 113C is located at the bottom end of the main body 112. The gap 113C allows the position of the prizes 100 in contact with the bottom plate 1131 to be corrected, facilitating management of the game device 1. This reduces or prevents clogging of the prizes 100 in the storage unit 11, contributing to highly reliable distribution of the prizes 100 according to the game results. The position, shape, and number of such gaps 113C are not particularly limited, and they may be omitted.

[0084] The connecting member 114 is provided at the upper end of the main body portion 112 and has the function of connecting adjacent main body portions 112. The connecting member 114 has a first connecting portion 1141, a second connecting portion 1142, and a third connecting portion 1143.

[0085] The first connecting portion 1141 is provided between adjacent main bodies 112 and functions to connect these main bodies 112. The second connecting portion 1142 is provided along the upper ends of the main bodies 112 and functions to connect the first connecting portions 1141 to each other or the first connecting portion 1141 to the third connecting portion 1143. The third connecting portion 1143 is provided between the main bodies 112 of adjacent stockers 111 via the third pushing portion 147 and functions to connect these stockers 111.

[0086] The shape and position of the connecting member 114 are not particularly limited as long as it can connect adjacent main body portions 112. The connecting member 114 may also be omitted. In this case, it is preferable to increase the connection strength between the main body portion 112 and the foot portion 113, for example, by joining the main body portion 112 and the foot portion 113.

[0087] In this embodiment, the number of stockers 111 is 11, but is not limited to this. The number of stockers 111 is preferably two or more, and more preferably three or more. The number of distribution items 100 that can be stored in each stocker 111 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 50. The multiple stockers 111 may each store different types of distribution items 100, as described in the stocker information above, for example.

[0088] (First Operating Unit) The first operating unit 12 has a function of operating with respect to the second operating unit 13, which will be described later, in a state in which the storage unit 11 is provided. In this embodiment, the first operating unit 12 includes a disk-shaped mounting unit 121 and a first motor 122 for driving the mounting unit 121 ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ).

[0089] The mounting section 121 has a function of mounting various components, and the stockers 111 are mounted on its outer circumferential edge along the circumferential direction. In other words, a plurality of stockers 111 are provided in a circular ring shape on the first operating section 12 as a plurality of accommodation sections. Furthermore, a third pushing section 147, which will be described later, is provided on the outer circumferential edge of the mounting section 121. The third pushing section 147 is provided between two stockers 111 and is arranged in a circular ring shape together with the plurality of stockers 111 (FIG. 9).

[0090] The mounting unit 121 is configured so that the shaft of the first motor 122 can be inserted and fixed to its center. This allows the mounting unit 121 to rotate by the driving force of the first motor 122. Therefore, the first operating unit 12 can efficiently move the container 11, which is provided in a circular shape on the mounting unit 121, in the circumferential direction. This allows the dispensed objects 100 to be efficiently placed from the container 11 to the second operating unit 13, and the dispensed objects 100 can be dispensed with high reliability depending on the game result.

[0091] The mounting portion 121 is formed in a disk shape. This allows the mounting portion 121 to rotate efficiently. However, the shape of the mounting portion 121 is not limited to this. For example, the mounting portion 121 may be formed in a rectangular shape.

[0092] The first motor 122 is provided on the base 18. The first motor 122 has a first motor main body 1221, a first belt member (not shown), and a first pulley unit 1222. The first motor main body 1221 has a function of generating a driving force to rotate the mounting unit 121. The first motor main body 1221 may be configured, for example, as a stepping motor or a servo motor. The first belt member is wound around the first pulley unit 1222. The first pulley unit 1222 is configured with a pair of pulleys. One of the pulleys is connected to the rotation shaft of the first motor main body 1221. The other pulley is connected to a shaft inserted through the center of the mounting unit 121. With this configuration, the driving force of the first motor main body 1221 is transmitted to the mounting unit 121 via the first belt member and the first pulley unit 1222.

[0093] (Second operating unit) The second operating unit 13 has a function of operating while holding a plurality of distribution candidates 100 pushed out from the storage unit 11. As shown in Fig. 5, the second operating unit 13 includes a distribution candidate holding unit 131, an arrangement unit 132, an arrangement support unit 133, a second motor 134, and a cover unit 135.

[0094] The distribution candidate holding unit 131 has the function of holding a plurality of distribution candidates 100. As shown in Fig. 12, the distribution candidate holding unit 131 has a plurality of (48 in this embodiment) slope holding units 1311. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 12 shows the distribution candidate holding unit 131 in a state in which some of the slope holding units 1311 are omitted. The greater the number of distribution candidates 100 held by the distribution candidate holding unit 131, the more effectively the distribution mechanism 10 can distribute the distribution candidates 100 on demand.

[0095] 12, each inclined holder 1311 has a placement portion 1311a where the distribution objects 100 are placed, multiple (three in this embodiment) connection portions 131B, and multiple (two in this embodiment) protrusions 1311c. The placement portion 1311a is sized to correspond to the size of the distribution objects 100 and is formed in a generally E-shape. Each placement portion 1311a is inclined toward the arrangement portion 132.

[0096] Furthermore, two protrusions 1311c protrude from the right side (long side) of the placement portion 1311a onto the placement portion 1311a of the adjacent inclined holding portion 1311. Each protrusion 1311c has the function of preventing the distribution object 100 placed in the placement portion 1311a from falling onto the placement portion 1311a of the adjacent inclined holding portion 1311. For this reason, the protrusion 1311c has a tip bent portion whose tip is bent upward. The height of this tip bent portion is preferably designed to correspond to the thickness of the distribution object 100. This makes it possible to prevent the distribution object 100 from unintentionally falling from the inclined holding portion 1311.

[0097] Furthermore, the connecting portion 131B is provided below the long side of the arrangement portion 1311a and connects the arrangement portion 1311a to the arrangement portion 1311a of the adjacent inclined holding portion 1311. As a result, the connecting portion 131B forms a step portion. The multiple inclined holding portions 1311 are adjacent to each other via the connecting portions 131B. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the inclined holding portion 1311 refers to the longitudinal direction of the arrangement portion 1311a. In this embodiment, the three connecting portions 131B are provided on the arrangement portion 1311a along this longitudinal direction, sandwiching the two protruding portions 1311c.

[0098] Furthermore, in a plan view of the dispensing mechanism 10 (for example, in FIG. 9 ), the placement portions 1311a do not overlap with adjacent placement portions 1311a. On the other hand, the protrusions 1311c extend so as to overlap with the placement portions 1311a of adjacent inclined holders 1311 in a plan view of the dispensing mechanism 10. Therefore, compared to when the inclined holders 1311 do not overlap, more inclined holders 1311 can be provided in the arrangement unit 132. As a result, the dispensing candidate holder 131 can hold more dispensing candidates. This improves the effectiveness of the dispensing mechanism 10 in dispensing the dispensing objects 100 on demand, and enables the dispensing object 100 to be dispensed with high reliability in accordance with the game results.

[0099] The placement portion 1311a and the upper surfaces of the two protrusions 1311c form a placement surface for placing the distribution objects 100. The placement surface (upper surface) is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface of the arrangement portion 132. This inclination angle is preferably in the range of 10° to 45° with respect to the upper surface of the arrangement portion 132, for example, and more preferably in the range of 15° to 30°.

[0100] The inclination angle of the arrangement surface of the inclined holding portion 1311 relative to the upper surface of the arrangement portion 132 corresponds to (preferably matches) the inclination angle of the bottom plate portion 1131 relative to the upper surface of the placement portion 121 of the first operating portion 12. In this way, each of the multiple inclined holding portions 1311 is angled to correspond to the inclination angle of the bottom plate portion 1131. This allows the distribution items 100 to be smoothly and reliably sent from the stocker 111 provided in the first operating portion 12 to the inclined holding portion 1311.

[0101] With this configuration, the tilt holding portion 1311 can reliably hold the distribution object 100 tilted at a predetermined angle. That is, the tilt holding portion 1311 functions as a tilt holding means for the distribution object 100. A plurality of tilt holding portions 1311 may be integrally formed. A plurality of tilt holding portions 1311 are provided in the array portion 132.

[0102] The arrangement portion 132 is provided directly below the inclination holding portion 1311 ( FIG. 12 ). The arrangement portion 132 has the function of arranging and placing the inclination holding portions 1311. The arrangement portion 132 has an annular shape. The inner diameter of the arrangement portion 132 is larger than the diameter of the placement portion 121 of the first operating portion 12 so as to surround the first operating portion 12.

[0103] The array support portion 133 is disk-shaped and located below the distribution candidate holding portion 131 and the array portion 132 ( FIG. 5 ). The array support portion 133 includes multiple support columns 1331. An array portion 132 is provided at the upper end of each support column 1331. This allows the array portion 132 and the distribution candidate holding portion 131 provided on the array portion 132 to be supported by the array support portion 133. In this manner, the array support portion 133 functions to support the distribution candidate holding portion 131 and the array portion 132. The array support portion 133 is also configured at its center so that a shaft that receives the driving force of the second motor 134 can be inserted and fixed thereto. This allows the driving force of the second motor 134 to be transmitted to the array portion 132 via the array support portion 133, causing the distribution candidate holding portion 131 to operate (rotate in this embodiment).

[0104] As shown in FIG. 5 , the second motor 134 is mounted on the base 18. The second motor 134 includes a second motor body 1341, a second belt member 1342, and a second pulley unit (not shown). The second motor body 1341 generates a driving force to rotate the array support 133. The second motor body 1341 may be configured, for example, as a stepping motor or a servo motor. The second belt member 1342 is wound around the second pulley unit. The second pulley unit is configured with a pair of pulleys. One of the pulleys is connected to the rotation shaft of the second motor body 1341. The other pulley is connected to a shaft inserted through the center of the array support 133. With this configuration, the driving force of the second motor body 1341 is transmitted to the array support 133 via the second belt member 1342 and the second pulley unit.

[0105] In this embodiment, the second operating unit 13 is provided to surround the first operating unit 12. This allows the first operating unit 12 and the second operating unit 13 to rotate adjacent to each other. This allows the predetermined stocker 111 provided on the first operating unit 12 to correspond efficiently to the predetermined inclined holder 1311, and the dispensed object 100 in the predetermined stocker 111 can be smoothly and reliably delivered to the predetermined inclined holder 1311. In this way, the first operating unit 12 can operate efficiently relative to the second operating unit 13, so that the dispensed object can be dispensed with high reliability in accordance with the game result.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 4 , the covering portion 135 has the function of covering the distribution candidate holding portion 131. The covering portion 135 includes a cover member 1351 and a scaffolding member 1352. The cover member 1351 mainly covers the upper and outer periphery of the distribution candidate holding portion 131. However, the cover member 1351 is configured so as not to cover the distribution candidate holding portion 131 in the portion corresponding to the distribution path 152 ( FIG. 4 ). The outer periphery of the cover member 1351 is connected to the scaffolding member 1352. The scaffolding member 1352 is provided on the base portion 18 so as to surround the distribution candidate holding portion 131. The covering portion 135 configured in this manner can prevent the distribution object 100 pushed from the inclined holding portion 1311 of the distribution candidate holding portion 131 into the distribution guide portion 15 from escaping to portions other than the distribution path 152.

[0107] (Extrusion Mechanism) The extrusion mechanism 14 has the function of extruding the distribution items 100. Specifically, it has the function of extruding the distribution items 100 stored in the storage unit 11 to the distribution candidate holding unit 131, and the function of extruding the distribution items 100 held in the distribution candidate holding unit 131 to the outside of the distribution candidate holding unit 131 (specifically, to the distribution guidance unit 15 described below). In this way, the extrusion mechanism 14 is configured to extrude the distribution items 100 from the storage unit 11 to the distribution candidate holding unit 131, and further extrude them from the distribution candidate holding unit 131 to the distribution guidance unit 15. As such, the configuration of the extrusion mechanism 14 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the function of moving the distribution items 100 between each unit.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 8 , the extrusion mechanism 14 has a multi-layer structure including multiple extrusion sets. In this embodiment, the extrusion mechanism 14 includes a first extrusion set 14a and a second extrusion set 14b disposed above the first extrusion set 14a. The first extrusion set 14a includes a lower mounting plate 141a, a lower motor 142a, a lower belt member 143a, a pair of lower pulleys 144a, a lower extrusion unit (first extrusion unit) 145, and a first belt connection unit 149a. The second extrusion set 14b includes an upper mounting plate 141b, an upper motor 142b, an upper belt member 143b, a pair of upper pulleys 144b, an upper extrusion unit (second extrusion unit) 146, and a second belt connection unit 149b. Furthermore, apart from the multiplex structure, the extrusion mechanism 14 has a third extrusion set 14c (see FIG. 5) that includes a third extrusion section 147. Each part of the first extrusion set 14a will be described.

[0109] The lower mounting plate 141a is disk-shaped and functions to mount various components. The diameter of the lower mounting plate 141a is smaller than the diameter of the mounting portion 121 of the first operating unit 12. The lower mounting plate 141a is also installed corresponding to the center of the mounting portion 121 so as to be supported by an axis separate from the axis of the first operating unit 12 (FIGS. 9 and 10). As a result, the lower mounting plate 141a remains fixed even when the first operating unit 12 operates. Therefore, the components on the lower mounting plate 141a are not affected by the operation of the first operating unit 12. In this way, in this embodiment, the lower mounting plate 141a of the extrusion mechanism 14 is fixed, but may be movable, for example, rotatable.

[0110] The lower motor 142a is installed above the lower mounting plate 141a by an installation stand. Therefore, there is a space between the lower motor 142a and the lower mounting plate 141a. The lower motor 142a has a function of applying a driving force to the first extrusion unit 145. The lower motor 142a can be configured, for example, by a stepping motor or a servo motor.

[0111] A pair of lower pulleys 144a are provided on the lower mounting plate 141a. One of the lower pulleys 144a is positioned in the space between the lower motor 142a and the lower mounting plate 141a. This one lower pulley 144a is connected to the rotation shaft of the lower motor 142a. The other lower pulley 144a is positioned away from the lower motor 142a in the y-axis direction. The other lower pulley 144a is connected to a shaft rotatably provided on the lower mounting plate 141a.

[0112] The lower belt member 143a is stretched over a pair of lower pulleys 144a. This allows the lower belt member 143a to synchronize the rotation of the pair of lower pulleys 144a. The lower belt member 143a has multiple convex portions arranged at a predetermined pitch that mesh with the pair of lower pulleys 144a. The lower belt member 143a may be made of, for example, an elastic member, but is not particularly limited as long as it can perform its function. The lower belt member 143a may be, for example, a timing belt.

[0113] The first belt connection portion 149a has a function of connecting the first pushing portion 145 to the lower belt member 143a. The first belt connection portion 149a is attached to the lower belt member 143a between the pair of lower pulleys 144a. This allows the first belt connection portion 149a to move between the pair of lower pulleys 144a.

[0114] The first extrusion section 145 has the function of extruding the distribution item 100. Therefore, the first extrusion section 145 has dimensions that enable it to extrude the distribution item 100. In this embodiment, the first extrusion section 145 is plate-shaped and has a thickness approximately equal to that of the distribution item 100. However, the shape of the first extrusion section 145 is not limited thereto as long as it is capable of extruding the distribution item 100. For example, only the tip of the first extrusion section 145 that contacts the distribution item 100 may have a thickness approximately equal to that of the distribution item 100. The first extrusion section 145 is provided along the lower belt member 143a. The first extrusion section 145 is also provided along the central radial direction of the lower mounting plate 141a (FIG. 9). For convenience of explanation, the upper mounting plate 141b is omitted from FIG. 9. The base end of the first pusher 145 is fixed to the first belt connector 149a. This allows the first pusher 145 to move linearly in accordance with the movement of the first belt connector 149a. In other words, the first pusher 145 is configured to move in a fixed direction (the y-axis direction in FIG. 8).

[0115] Specifically, when the lower motor 142a is driven, a pair of lower pulleys 144a around which the lower belt member 143a is stretched rotates in one direction. As a result, the lower belt member 143a rotates, and the first belt connection part 149a attached thereto moves forward between the pair of lower pulleys 144a. Accordingly, the first pusher part 145 attached to the first belt connection part 149a also moves forward. Similarly, when the lower motor 142a is driven in the reverse direction, the first pusher part 145 moves backward. In this way, the first pusher part 145 can move linearly in two directions on a straight line (the y-axis direction in FIG. 8 ).

[0116] The first pushing unit 145 has a first function of pushing out the distribution items 100 stored in the storage unit 11 so that the distribution items 100 are placed in the distribution candidate storage unit 131 (second operating unit 13). Additionally, the first pushing unit 145 has a second function of contacting the third pushing unit 147 and pushing the distribution items 100 stored in the distribution candidate storage unit 131 (second operating unit 13) out of the second operating unit 13 via the third pushing unit 147. Thus, the first pushing unit 145 having multiple functions contributes to the miniaturization of the pushing mechanism 14. As a result, the proportion of the pushing mechanism 14 in the distribution mechanism 10 can be reduced and the proportion of the storage unit 11 can be increased. This makes it easier for the storage unit 11 to store more distribution items 100, allowing for highly reliable distribution of distribution items according to the game results.

[0117] The first extrusion section 145 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface of the lower mounting plate 141 a. This inclination angle is preferably in the range of 10° to 45°, and more preferably in the range of 15° to 30° with respect to the upper surface of the lower mounting plate 141 a.

[0118] The inclination angle of this first pushing section 145, the inclination angle of the arrangement surface of the inclined holding section 1311 relative to the upper surface of the arrangement section 132, and the inclination angle of the bottom plate section 1131 relative to the upper surface of the placement section 121 of the first operating section 12 correspond to each other (preferably match). This allows the first pushing section 145 to reliably push out the distribution material 100 stored in the stocker 111 and send it to the inclined holding section 1311.

[0119] Next, the second push-out set 14b will be described. The upper mounting plate 141b functions to place each component. The upper mounting plate 141b has a disk shape with a portion cut out to avoid contact with the lower motor 142a. The upper mounting plate 141b is installed above the lower mounting plate 141a by four supports. Therefore, the first push-out section 145 is positioned between the upper mounting plate 141b and the lower mounting plate 141a.

[0120] The upper-stage motor 142b is installed above the upper-stage mounting plate 141b by means of an installation stand. Therefore, there is a space between the upper-stage motor 142b and the upper-stage mounting plate 141b. The upper-stage motor 142b has a function of applying a driving force to the second extrusion unit 146. The upper-stage motor 142b can be configured, for example, by a stepping motor or a servo motor.

[0121] A pair of upper-stage pulleys 144b are provided on the upper-stage mounting plate 141b. One of the upper-stage pulleys 144b is positioned in the space between the upper-stage motor 142b and the upper-stage mounting plate 141b. This one upper-stage pulley 144b is connected to the rotation shaft of the upper-stage motor 142b. The other upper-stage pulley 144b is positioned away from the upper-stage motor 142b in the x-axis direction. The other upper-stage pulley 144b is connected to a shaft rotatably provided on the upper-stage mounting plate 141b.

[0122] The upper belt member 143b is stretched over a pair of upper pulleys 144b. This allows the upper belt member 143b to synchronize the rotation of the pair of upper pulleys 144b. The upper belt member 143b has a plurality of convex portions arranged at a predetermined pitch that mesh with the pair of upper pulleys 144b. The upper belt member 143b may be made of, for example, an elastic member, but is not particularly limited as long as it can perform its function. The upper belt member 143b may be, for example, a timing belt.

[0123] The second belt connection portion 149b has the function of connecting the second pusher portion 146 to the upper belt member 143b. The second belt connection portion 149b is plate-shaped (see FIGS. 8 and 10). The center portion of the second belt connection portion 149b is attached to the upper belt member 143b between the pair of upper pulleys 144b. This allows the second belt connection portion 149b to move between the pair of upper pulleys 144b.

[0124] The second pusher 146 contacts the third pusher 147 and pushes out the dispensed object 100 from the second operating unit 13 (described later). In this embodiment, the second pusher 146 is plate-shaped. However, the shape of the second pusher 146 is not particularly limited as long as it has dimensions capable of pushing out the third pusher 147. For example, the second pusher 146 may be cylindrical. The second pusher 146 is provided on the upper mounting plate 141b along the upper belt member 143b. The second pusher 146 is also provided along the central radial direction of the lower mounting plate 141a (FIG. 9). The base end of the second pusher 146 is fixed to the second belt connection portion 149b. This allows the second pusher 146 to move linearly in accordance with the operation of the second belt connection portion 149b.

[0125] Specifically, when the upper motor 142b is driven, a pair of upper pulleys 144b around which the upper belt member 143b is stretched rotates in one direction. As a result, the upper belt member 143b rotates, and the second belt connection part 149b attached thereto moves forward between the pair of upper pulleys 144b. Accordingly, the second pusher part 146 attached to the second belt connection part 149b also moves forward. Similarly, when the upper motor 142b is driven in the reverse direction, the second pusher part 146 moves backward. In this way, the second pusher part 146 can move linearly in two directions on a straight line (the x-axis direction in FIG. 8 ). That is, the second pusher part 146 is configured to move in a direction (the x-axis direction in FIG. 8 ) different from the direction (the y-axis direction in FIG. 8 ) of movement of the first pusher part 145.

[0126] Furthermore, the second extruding unit 146 is disposed at a different height from the first extruding unit 145 relative to the storage unit 11 (stocker 111). By disposing the first extruding unit 145 and the second extruding unit 146 at different heights relative to the storage unit 11 in this way, the mounting area of ​​the lower mounting plate 141a can be reduced. As a result, the proportion of the dispensing mechanism 10 occupied by the extruding mechanism 14 can be reduced and the proportion occupied by the storage unit 11 can be increased. This makes it easier for the storage unit 11 to store more dispensed objects 100, and dispensed objects can be dispensed with high reliability according to the game results.

[0127] In this embodiment, the second extrusion portion 146 is provided parallel to the upper surface of the upper mounting plate 141b. In other words, the second extrusion portion 146 has a horizontal plane (the upper or lower surface of the second extrusion portion 146) that is perpendicular to the vertical direction (the z-axis direction in FIG. 8). This allows the height of the extrusion mechanism 14 to be reduced, making the game device 1 more compact. Furthermore, because the first extrusion portion 145 is angled relative to this horizontal plane, the functions of the first extrusion portion 145 and the second extrusion portion 146 can be clearly distinguished, and maintenance is also easier.

[0128] The second extrusion section 146 may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface of the upper mounting plate 141b. In this case, the inclination angle may be the same as or different from that of the first extrusion section 145, but different angles are preferable. This allows the functions of the first extrusion section 145 and the second extrusion section 146 to be clearly distinguished, and also facilitates maintenance.

[0129] Furthermore, the second extruding section 146 is arranged so as to be perpendicular to the first extruding section 145 in a plan view of the game device 1 ( FIG. 9 ). This allows the third extruding section 147 to be reliably extruded in a direction different from that of the first extruding section 145. This allows the 2-in-1 game device 1 to operate with high reliability.

[0130] Furthermore, the second extrusion set 14b is provided on the first extrusion set 14a so that the first extrusion unit 145 intersects with the second extrusion unit 146 in a plan view of the game device 1 (e.g., FIG. 9). In this way, the extrusion mechanism 14 is formed in a multiple structure, which allows the extrusion mechanism 14 to be made compact. Furthermore, because the first extrusion unit 145 intersects with the second extrusion unit 146 in a plan view of the game device 1, dispensed objects can be dispensed in different directions, and one extrusion mechanism can be used in a game device 1 with a 2-in-1 configuration.

[0131] In this way, the first extrusion unit 145 is disposed at a predetermined angle relative to the second extrusion unit 146. Specifically, in a plan view of the game device 1 (e.g., FIG. 9), the first extrusion unit 145 is preferably angled in the range of 1° to 179° relative to the second extrusion unit 146, and more preferably in the range of 30° to 150°. This range allows the dispensed objects 100 to be easily dispensed to the front of the game device 1, thereby efficiently performing the function of the extrusion mechanism 14. In other words, the extrusion mechanism 14 can be suitably used in a game device 1 with a 2-in-1 configuration. Next, the third extrusion set 14c will be described.

[0132] As shown in Fig. 5, the third push set 14c is provided on the mounting portion 121 of the first operating unit 12. Therefore, the third push set 14c operates (rotates) separately from the first push set 14a and the second push set 14b and together with the first operating unit 12. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the third push set 14c includes a third push unit 147, a rail member 1474, a biasing member 1475, and a sliding member 1476.

[0133] The third extrusion unit 147 has the function of being extruded by the first extrusion unit 145 or the second extrusion unit 146, thereby extruding the distribution material 100 held by the second operating unit 13 (specifically, the inclined holding unit 1311) to the outside of the second operating unit 13 (specifically, the distribution guide unit 15). In this way, the third extrusion unit 147 has a function different from that of the first extrusion unit 145 and the second extrusion unit 146, so that the configurations of the first extrusion unit 145 and the second extrusion unit 146 can be prevented from becoming complicated. As a result, the durability of each part of the extrusion mechanism 14 can be improved.

[0134] Furthermore, the third extruding unit 147 is provided on the mounting portion 121 of the first operating unit 12, separately from the first extruding unit 145 and the second extruding unit 146 ( FIG. 10 ). In other words, the first extruding unit 145, the second extruding unit 146, and the third extruding unit 147 are provided in separate locations to perform their respective functions. This contributes to the miniaturization of the extruding mechanism 14. As a result, the proportion of the extruding mechanism 14 in the dispensing mechanism 10 can be reduced and the proportion of the storage unit 11 can be increased. This makes it easier for the storage unit 11 to store more dispensed objects 100, allowing for highly reliable dispensing of dispensed objects according to the game results.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 6 , the third pushing portion 147 has a distal end portion 1470 , a middle portion 1471 , a proximal end portion 1472 , and a receiving portion 1473 .

[0136] The tip portion 1470 is formed in a plate shape so as to come into contact with the delivery material 100 held by the inclined holding portion 1311. The shape of the tip portion 1470 is not limited to this as long as it can come into contact with and push out the delivery material 100. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the third pushing portion 147 refers to the longitudinal direction of the tip portion 1470. Like the first pushing portion 145, the tip portion 1470 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper surface of the mounting portion 121. This inclination angle is preferably in the range of 10° to 45°, and more preferably in the range of 15° to 30° with respect to the upper surface of the mounting portion 121.

[0137] The inclination angle of this tip portion 1470, the inclination angle of the arrangement surface of the inclined holding portion 1311 relative to the upper surface of the arrangement portion 132, the inclination angle of the first extrusion portion 145 relative to the upper surface of the mounting portion 121, and the inclination angle of the bottom plate portion 1131 correspond to (preferably match) each other. In this way, in this embodiment, since the inclination angles of multiple components that operate in correspondence with each other correspond to (preferably match) each other, the dispensed object 100 can be dispensed with high reliability. In other words, since the multiple components have corresponding inclined structures, the dispensed object 100 can be dispensed with high reliability.

[0138] The intermediate portion 1471 is provided perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tip portion 1470. The intermediate portion 1471 is plate-shaped. The upper end of the intermediate portion 1471 is connected to the base end of the tip portion 1470. The lower end of the intermediate portion 1471 is connected to the base end portion 1472. The intermediate portion 1471 has the function of positioning the tip portion 1470 at a predetermined height relative to the mounting portion 121.

[0139] The base end portion 1472 is disposed horizontally relative to the longitudinal direction of the tip end portion 1470. The base end portion 1472 has a plate-shaped body portion 1472a and two arms 1472b extending laterally from both sides of the body portion 1472a. The body portion 1472a is configured to connect to the sliding member 1476. Each arm portion 1472b is L-shaped. The arms 1472b are configured to connect to the biasing member 1475. In this way, the base end portion 1472 has the function of connecting to the biasing member 1475 and the sliding member 1476.

[0140] The receiving portion 1473 is provided on the intermediate portion 1471 so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tip portion 1470. The receiving portion 1473 is plate-shaped. The receiving portion 1473 contacts the intermediate portion 1471 from its lower end to its center. The receiving portion 1473 also protrudes upward from the intermediate portion 1471. That is, the receiving portion 1473 has an overlapping portion that overlaps with the intermediate portion 1471 and a protruding portion that protrudes from the intermediate portion 1471. In this embodiment, the overlapping portion is a portion that abuts against the first extrusion portion 145. The protruding portion is a portion that abuts against the second extrusion portion 146. However, the abutting portions are not limited to this.

[0141] In this way, the receiving portion 1473 is configured to extend vertically relative to the tip portion 1470 and to abut against the first extruding portion 145 and the second extruding portion 146. With this configuration, the third extruding portion 147 can be extruded by the first extruding portion 145 and the second extruding portion 146, which are at different heights. Therefore, the third extruding portion 147 can efficiently perform the function of extruding the distribution material 100, despite its simple configuration.

[0142] The rail member 1474 is provided on the mounting portion 121 so as to extend radially therethrough. The rail member 1474 has a linear rail main body 1474a and a stopper portion 1474b provided at the tip end of the rail main body 1474a. The rail main body 1474a has a recess into which the sliding member 1476 fits. The recess is provided on the side of the rail main body 1474a along the longitudinal direction of the rail main body 1474a. The stopper portion 1474b is provided on the mounting portion 121 so as to protrude upward from the tip end of the rail main body 1474a. This allows the stopper portion 1474b to come into contact with the sliding member 1476. This allows the sliding member 1476 to stop at the tip end of the rail main body 1474a.

[0143] The biasing member 1475 extends from each of the two arm portions 1472b beyond the center of the mounting portion 121. As a result, the biasing member 1475 has the function of biasing the third pushing portion 147 toward the center of the mounting portion 121. The biasing member 1475 is made of an elastic member (for example, a spring member).

[0144] The sliding member 1476 is provided on the rail main body 1474a. The sliding member 1476 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A fitting groove is formed in the bottom of the sliding member 1476, cut out along the longitudinal direction. The fitting groove is configured to fit into a recess in the rail main body 1474a. This allows the sliding member 1476 to move on the rail member 1474.

[0145] The operation of the third pusher set 14c having the above configuration will be described using FIGS. 10, 11, and 13. Note that in FIG. 13, for convenience of explanation, some components such as the rail member 1474 are omitted, and the distribution candidate holder 131 holds only one distribution object 100. First, as shown in FIG. 10, the mounting portion 121 of the first operating unit 12 rotates. This positions the third pusher 147 adjacent to the first pusher 145 or the second pusher 146. In this state, as shown in FIG. 11, the first pusher 145 or the second pusher 146 abuts against the receiving portion 1473, pushing out the third pusher 147. As a result, the third pusher 147 abuts against the distribution object 100 held by the tilted holder 1311, and can push it out of the tilted holder 1311 (FIG. 13). At this time, the third pushing section 147 moves linearly on the rail member 1474 and can push out the distribution material 100 held by the inclined holding section 1311 to the distribution guide section 15.

[0146] In this way, the first extruding portion 145 and the second extruding portion 146 abut on different positions of the receiving portion 1473 in the vertical direction. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11(a), the first extruding portion 145 abuts on the overlapping portion of the receiving portion 1473. As shown in Fig. 11(b), the second extruding portion 146 abuts on the protruding portion of the receiving portion 1473. This makes it possible to distribute the stress that the receiving portion 1473 receives, and to suppress deterioration of the receiving portion 1473 over time.

[0147] The third pushing unit 147 is provided on the upper surface of the mounting unit 121, adjacent to the storage unit 11. More specifically, the third pushing unit 147 is provided in the first operating unit 12, contiguous with the plurality of stockers 111, along the circumferential direction of the disk-shaped mounting unit 121. The third pushing unit 147 configured in this manner is easily positioned relative to the first pushing unit 145 or the second pushing unit 146 by controlling the operation of the first operating unit 12. This allows for highly reliable dispensing of dispensed items according to the outcome of the game.

[0148] Furthermore, the relative displacement of the first operating unit 12 and the second operating unit 13 positions the third pushing unit 147 and the plurality of inclined holding units 1311 relative to the first pushing unit 145 or the second pushing unit 146. In this way, the positioning of the plurality of components can be performed efficiently. Therefore, the dispensed items can be dispensed with high reliability according to the game results.

[0149] (Distribution Guidance Unit) The distribution guidance unit 15 has the function of guiding the distribution object 100 pushed out from the inclined holding unit 1311 to the distribution outlet 21. In this embodiment, since the game device 1 has a 2-in-1 configuration, two distribution guidance units 15 are provided. The number of distribution guidance units 15 can be selected appropriately depending on the configuration of the game device 1. In this embodiment, the two distribution guidance units 15 are provided outside the distribution candidate holding unit 131 and adjacent to the distribution candidate holding unit 131. Each distribution guidance unit 15 has a gate unit 151 and a distribution path 152.

[0150] The gate section 151 has a function of reliably guiding the distribution object 100 pushed out from the distribution candidate holding section 131 to the distribution path 152. As long as it has such a function, its configuration is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the gate section 151 is provided adjacent to the distribution candidate holding section 131, as shown in FIG.

[0151] The gate unit 151 may be provided with a gate sensor that detects when the distribution object 100 passes through it. This allows the detection unit 17 to detect abnormalities in the distribution of the distribution object 100. If an abnormality occurs, the acquisition means 81 acquires abnormality information, and the game processing means 82 can temporarily suspend the game. As a result, the distribution object 100 can be distributed with high reliability.

[0152] The delivery path 152 has a function of guiding the delivery material 100 that has passed through the gate portion 151 to the delivery outlet 21. As long as it has this function, the configuration of the delivery path 152 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the delivery path 152 is configured to have an inclined surface that is inclined so that the delivery material 100 slides down to the delivery outlet 21 under its own weight.

[0153] 9, each of the two outlet paths 152 is arranged along the operating direction (longitudinal direction) of the first extruding unit 145 and the operating direction (longitudinal direction) of the second extruding unit 146. Therefore, the angle at which one outlet path 152 intersects with the other outlet path 152 is the same as the angle at which the first extruding unit 145 intersects with the second extruding unit 146. In addition, the two outlet paths 152 are respectively connected to two outlets 21 provided on the front surface of the housing 2. This allows the user to take out the distribution object 100 from the outlets 21.

[0154] (Image Capture Unit) The image capture unit 16 has the function of reading the identification information of the distribution material 100 held by the tilted holding unit 1311. That is, the image capture unit 16 functions as an identification information reading unit. The image capture unit 16 has a camera 161 provided above the gate unit 151 (FIG. 5). Note that if an identification code (e.g., a micro QR code) is attached to the surface on which the tilted holding unit 1311 is placed, the image capture unit 16 can also read the identification code.

[0155] Specifically, after the prize 100 is delivered from the stocker 111 to the tilted holder 1311, the second operating unit 13 rotates so that the tilted holder 1311 is positioned below the imaging unit 16. This allows the camera 161 to read the identification information of the prize 100 from above the tilted holder 1311. Furthermore, after the prize 100 in the tilted holder 1311 is dispensed, the second operating unit 13 rotates so that the tilted holder 1311 is positioned below the imaging unit 16. This also allows the camera 161 to read the identification code of the tilted holder 1311 (the placement surface). In this regard, if the imaging unit 16 cannot read either the identification information of the prize 100 or the identification code of the placement surface, the acquisition means 81 acquires abnormality information. The game processing means 82 can then temporarily suspend the game. The type of camera 161 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above-mentioned functions, and examples include a visible light camera, an infrared camera, and a full-spectrum camera.

[0156] (Detection Unit) The detection unit 17 has a function of detecting and sensing information relating to the state of the dispensing mechanism 10. The information relating to the state of the dispensing mechanism 10 includes, for example, position information of each part and information on the number of distribution objects 100 stored in each stocker 111. For example, the detection unit 17 can detect position information of each stocker 111 and the third pushing unit 147 provided in the first operating unit 12. Furthermore, the detection unit 17 can detect position information of each inclined holding unit 1311 provided in the second operating unit 13.

[0157] The detection unit 17 is not particularly limited in its configuration as long as it is configured to detect this position information, etc. For example, the detection unit 17 may be any sensor such as a reflective photoelectric sensor, a transmissive photoelectric sensor, a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, a proximity sensor, or a mechanical contact sensor. The type, number, and installation location of the detection units 17 are not particularly limited as long as they can perform their functions. In this embodiment, the detection unit 17 includes a stocker sensor 171 for detecting the number of distribution items 100 stored in the stocker 111.

[0158] The stocker sensor 171 is configured to detect the number of distribution items 100 through the cutout portion 112A of the main body 112 of the stocker 111. In this embodiment, an empty information section 1131d is provided on the bottom plate 1131 (FIG. 7). The stocker sensor 171 detects the empty information section 1131d and can confirm that there are no distribution items 100 stored in the stocker 111. The stocker sensor 171 may also be configured to detect whether the number of distribution items 100 stored in the stocker 111 is greater than or less than a predetermined number. This makes it easy to detect the timing for replenishing (replenishing) the distribution items 100. In this embodiment, the stocker sensor 171 is installed alongside the gate section 151 (FIG. 5), but the installation location and number are not limited thereto.

[0159] (Base) The base 18 has a function of supporting the above-described storage unit 11, first operating unit 12, second operating unit 13, push-out mechanism 14, delivery guiding unit 15, imaging unit 16, and detection unit 17. The base 18 may also have a function of storing the memory unit 7 of the game device 1, etc. The base 18 may have any shape or configuration as long as it can perform this function.

[0160] B. Operation Method of the Dispensing Mechanism Next, an operation method of the dispensing mechanism of the present invention will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing a method for arranging dispensed objects in the gaming device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing processing in the gaming device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing a method for replenishing dispensed objects in the gaming device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] (1) Distribution Item Arrangement Method An example of a distribution item arrangement method when no distribution items 100 are arranged in the distribution candidate holding unit 131 (initial state) will be described. In this example, rare distribution items and normal distribution items are randomly arranged in the first through eleventh stockers 111 of the storage unit 11. The multiple distribution items 100 thus arranged are arranged in the first through 48th tilt holding units 1311 of the distribution candidate holding unit 131, respectively. As mentioned above, the storage unit 7 may or may not store stocker information and tilt holding unit ratio information. If the storage unit 7 stores stocker information and tilt holding unit ratio information, the operation control means 85 can arrange memory distribution items 100, rare distribution items 100, or normal distribution items 100 in the first through 48th tilt holding units 1311 based on the tilt holding unit ratio information. However, the following description will be given assuming that the storage unit 7 does not store this information.

[0162] First, in the initial state, placement of the distribution items 100 begins (S100). "S" stands for step. Then, the detection unit 17 detects position information of the first to eleventh stockers 111 and the third pusher 147 (S101). For example, the detection unit 17 detects position information (index information) of the reference stocker 111, and then detects position information (position relative to the index) of each stocker 111 in order starting from the reference stocker 111 and position information (position relative to the index) of the third pusher 147. This allows the acquisition means 81 to acquire position information of the first to eleventh stockers 111 and the third pusher 147. The detected position information is stored in the storage unit 7.

[0163] Similarly, the detection unit 17 detects the position information of the first to forty-eighth tilt holding units 1311 (S102). For example, the detection unit 17 detects the position information (index information) of the reference tilt holding unit 1311. Next, the detection unit 17 detects the position information (position relative to the index) of each tilt holding unit 1311, starting from the reference tilt holding unit 1311. This allows the acquisition means 81 to acquire the position information of the first to forty-eighth tilt holding units 1311. The detected position information is also stored in the storage unit 7. In this way, the detection unit 17 detects the position information of each stocker 111 and the third pushing unit 147, as well as the position information of each tilt holding unit 1311.

[0164] Thereafter, the operation control means 85 pushes out the distribution item 100 from one of the plurality of stockers 111 (S103). As a result, the distribution item 100 is placed on one of the plurality of inclined holders 1311. Step 103 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 9. The operation control means 85 independently controls the operation of the first operation unit 12 and the second operation unit 13. As a result, a predetermined stocker 111 (e.g., the first stocker 111) and a predetermined inclined holder 1311 (the first inclined holder 1311) are positioned to correspond to the first pushing unit 145.

[0165] As a result, the first stocker 111 moves to a position corresponding to the first pushing section 145. This corresponding position refers to a position where the first pushing section 145 can push out the distribution item 100 stored in the first stocker 111. Furthermore, the first inclined holding section 1311 moves to a position where it can receive the distribution item 100 pushed out from the first stocker 111. As a result, the longitudinal direction of the first pushing section 145, the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate section 1131 provided on the first stocker 111 adjacent to the first pushing section 145, and the longitudinal direction of the first inclined holding section 1311 adjacent to the first stocker 111 coincide with each other.

[0166] In this state, the operation control means 85 controls the operation of the extrusion mechanism 14, so that the first extrusion section 145 is extruded toward the first stocker 111. As a result, the distribution material 100 stored at the bottom of the first stocker 111 (i.e., in contact with the plate body 1131a) is extruded into the first inclined holding section 1311.

[0167] This method in which the operation control means 85 independently controls the operation of the first operation unit 12, the second operation unit 13, and the extrusion mechanism 14 is referred to as the "inclined holding unit arrangement method." According to the inclined holding unit arrangement method, a predetermined stocker 111 and a predetermined inclined holding unit 1311 each correspond to the first extrusion unit 145. The distribution material 100 stored at the bottom of the predetermined stocker 111 is then extruded into the predetermined inclined holding unit 1311. Furthermore, the longitudinal directions of adjacent components can be aligned (matched) with each other via the predetermined stocker 111. That is, the longitudinal directions of the first extrusion unit 145, the bottom plate 1131 of the predetermined stocker 111, and the predetermined inclined holding unit 1311 can be aligned (matched). Note that, when performing the inclined holding unit arrangement method, the operation control means 85 may first control the operation of either the first operation unit 12 or the second operation unit 13, and then control the operation of the other. Alternatively, the operation control means 85 may simultaneously control the operations of the first operation unit 12 and the second operation unit 13. In the latter case, the tilt holder arrangement method can be performed more quickly.

[0168] Next, the operation control means 85 controls the operation of the second operation unit 13 to move the first tilt holding unit 1311 below the imaging unit 16. Then, the camera 161 of the imaging unit 16 captures an image of the recorded information unit 101 (identification information) of the distribution item 100 placed on the first tilt holding unit 1311. As a result, the acquisition means 81 acquires information (hereinafter referred to as "tilt holding unit information") associating the first tilt holding unit 1311 with the distribution item 100 placed thereon (S104).

[0169] Furthermore, the game processing means 82 checks whether or not a prize 100 has been placed in all of the tilt holding sections 1311 (S105). That is, the game processing means 82 checks whether or not a predetermined number of prizes 100 (48 in this example) are present in the prize candidate holding section 131 based on the already acquired tilt holding section information. If the predetermined number of prizes 100 are not present in the prize candidate holding section 131, the process returns to step 103, and steps 103 to 105 are repeated. On the other hand, if prizes 100 have been placed in all of the 1st to 48th tilt holding sections 1311, the process proceeds to step 106, and the placement of prizes 100 is completed.

[0170] As a result, the distribution objects 100 are placed in the first through forty-eight tilt holders 1311. For example, rare distribution objects 100 and normal distribution objects 100 are placed as shown in Table 3 below. The information in Table 3 below is an example of information on the first through forty-eight tilt holders 1311 in which distribution objects 100 are placed (hereinafter referred to as "tilt holder table information"). Note that the ninth through twenty-second tilt holders 1311 and the twenty-sixth through forty-eight tilt holders 1311 in Table 3 are omitted for convenience of explanation. The tilt holder table information is acquired by the acquisition means 81 and stored in the memory unit 7. Note that the memory unit 7 can also store the tilt holder information acquired by the acquisition means 81 each time a distribution object 100 is sent from the stocker 111 to the tilt holder 1311.

[0171] Table 3

[0172] The types and ratios of the distribution objects 100 stored in each stocker 111 can also be determined in advance. Then, each time a distribution object 100 is sent from the stocker 111 to the inclined holding unit 1311, the imaging unit 16 can read the identification information of the distribution object 100 placed in the inclined holding unit 1311. In this way, even if the storage unit 7 does not store stocker information, the memory distribution objects 100, rare distribution objects 100, and normal distribution objects 100 can be placed in the distribution candidate holding unit 131 at a predetermined ratio (for example, the ratios shown in Table 2 above).

[0173] (2) Dispensing Processing Method Related to Game Play An example of a dispensing processing method related to game play will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Specifically, after game play has started, how the dispensed objects 100 are dispensed depending on the results of the game play will be described. This description is an example of control until some of the dispensed objects 100 held by the 1st to 48th inclined holding portions 1311 are dispensed from the dispense opening 21 via the dispense guide portion 15.

[0174] First, the game is started (S1). At this time, if the player already has the memory-use distribution object 100, the reading unit 4 reads the identification information of the memory-use distribution object 100. This allows the acquisition means 81 to acquire the player information contained in the read identification information. It is also possible to start the game without using the memory-use distribution object 100.

[0175] The game processing means 82 then provisionally determines candidate objects 100 to be dispensed based on player information (such as the number of players and character information associated with each player) (S2). Since the game device 1 of this embodiment has a two-in-one configuration, the following description will be given of a game played by two players. In the case of two players, the game processing means 82 provisionally determines three candidate objects 100 for each player based on tilt holder table information (e.g., Table 3) (see Table 4). This provisionally determined information is acquired by the acquisition means 81 and temporarily stored in the storage unit 7. Note that when a game is played by one player, the action control means 85 may provisionally determine, for example, three candidate objects 100 to be dispensed.

[0176] Table 4

[0177] Thereafter, the players play the game (S3). Depending on the results of the game, the game processing means 82 selects some or all of the provisionally determined payout candidates for each player. Here, it is assumed that all of the payout candidates shown in Table 4 have been selected by the operation control means 85. Then, the display unit 6 displays the selected payout candidates (S4).

[0178] From the displayed distribution candidates, each player selects and decides which distribution item 100 to distribute (S5). For example, player 1 selects the rare distribution item 100A (the sixth tilt holding portion 1311), and player 2 selects the rare distribution item 100H (the twenty-fourth tilt holding portion 1311).

[0179] The operation control means 85 then independently controls the operations of the first operation unit 12, the second operation unit 13, and the extrusion mechanism 14. As a result, the third extrusion unit 147 finally dispenses the rare item 100A from the sixth inclined holding unit 1311, and dispenses the rare item 100H from the twenty-fourth inclined holding unit 1311 (S6 to S8).

[0180] Steps 6 to 8 will be described in detail. First, in order to dispense the rare item 100A selected by the player 1, the operation control means 85 independently controls the operations of the first operation unit 12 and the second operation unit 13 (S6). As a result, the third pushing unit 147 and the sixth tilt holding unit 1311 are positioned to correspond to the first pushing unit 145 (or the second pushing unit 146), respectively.

[0181] As a result, the longitudinal direction of the first extrusion portion 145, the longitudinal direction of the third extrusion portion 147 adjacent to the first extrusion portion 145, and the longitudinal direction of the sixth inclined holding portion 1311 adjacent to the third extrusion portion 147 are aligned with one another. In other words, the longitudinal directions of adjacent members via the third extrusion portion 147 can be made to correspond (align) with one another. That is, the respective longitudinal directions of the first extrusion portion 145, the third extrusion portion 147, and the sixth inclined holding portion 1311 can be made to correspond (align).

[0182] As a result, the third pushing unit 147 is moved to a position corresponding to the first pushing unit 145. This corresponding position refers to a position where the first pushing unit 145 can push out the receiving unit 1473 of the third pushing unit 147. Also, the sixth inclined holding unit 1311 is moved to a position where the rare distribution item 100A placed therein is pushed out by the third pushing unit 147.

[0183] In this state, the operation control means 85 controls the operation of the pushing mechanism 14 (S7), and pushes the first pushing part 145 toward the receiving part 1473, for example, as shown in Fig. 11(a). As a result, the third pushing part 147 is pushed toward the sixth inclined holding part 1311, for example, as shown in Fig. 13. As a result, the rare distribution item 100A placed in the sixth inclined holding part 1311 is pushed by the third pushing part 147 toward the distribution guide part 15. Thereafter, the rare distribution item 100A moves under its own weight to the distribution outlet 21 and is dispensed (S8).

[0184] This method in which the operation control means 85 independently controls the operation of the first operation unit 12, the second operation unit 13, and the extrusion mechanism 14 is referred to as the "inclined holding unit dispensing method." This inclined holding unit dispensing method allows the third extrusion unit 147 and the predetermined inclined holding unit 1311 to correspond to the first extrusion unit 145 (or the second extrusion unit 146), respectively. The dispensed object 100 placed on the predetermined inclined holding unit 1311 can then be dispensed. Furthermore, the longitudinal directions of adjacent members can be aligned (matched) with each other via the third extrusion unit 147. That is, the longitudinal directions of the first extrusion unit 145 (or the second extrusion unit 146), the third extrusion unit 147, and the predetermined inclined holding unit 1311 can be aligned (matched) with each other. When performing the inclined holding unit dispensing method, the operation control means 85 may first control the operation of either the first operation unit 12 or the second operation unit 13, and then control the operation of the other. The operation control means 85 may also simultaneously control the operations of the first operation unit 12 and the second operation unit 13. In the latter case, the tilt holding unit dispensing method can be performed more quickly. By using this tilt holding unit dispensing method, the rare item 100A selected by the player 1 can be dispensed.

[0185] Similarly, to dispense the rare prize 100H selected by player 2, the operation control means 85 independently controls the operation of the first operation unit 12, the second operation unit 13, and the push mechanism 14 using the tilted holder dispense method. As a result, the rare prize 100H is dispensed from the 24th tilted holder 1311 (S6-S8). The game then ends (S9). Depending on the game content, a player may be able to select multiple prizes 100, in which case steps 6-8 are repeated. Furthermore, as shown in Table 4, if the same type of prize 100 is provisionally selected for player 1 and player 2 (e.g., if one rare prize 100A is provisionally selected for each player), the game processing means 82 may execute cooperative play, and, for example, a game image may be displayed on the entire display panel 61. Furthermore, if a player does not have a flash-type prize 100, the player may request the distribution of a flash-type prize 100. If such a request is made and there is a memory-use distribution object 100 in the distribution candidate holding unit 131, the operation control means 85 can distribute the memory-use distribution object 100 by the tilt holding unit distribution method.

[0186] As a result, the sixth tilt holder 1311 dispensed the rare drop 100A, and the twenty-fourth tilt holder 1311 dispensed the rare drop 100H. As a result, the sixth tilt holder 1311 and the twenty-fourth tilt holder 1311 are empty (i.e., no drop 100 is placed therein). Information regarding the empty state can be acquired by the acquisition unit 81, for example, by the imaging unit 16 capturing an image of the empty tilt holder 1311. In this regard, it is preferable to attach an identification code (e.g., a micro QR code) to the placement surface of each tilt holder 1311. This allows each tilt holder 1311 to be identified by capturing an image with the imaging unit 16, enabling more reliable management of information regarding which tilt holders 1311 are empty (hereinafter referred to as "tilt holder availability information"). The tilt holder availability information acquired by the acquisition unit 81 is stored in the storage unit 7.

[0187] In such a case, it is preferable to replenish the prizes 100 after each game. A method for replenishing the prizes 100 will be described below. Note that the prizes 100 do not have to be replenished after each game. For example, the prizes 100 may be replenished as needed depending on the number of remaining prizes 100 held in the prize candidate holding unit 131. Specifically, the prizes 100 may be replenished when the number of prizes 100 held in the prize candidate holding unit 131 falls to half or less (24 or less).

[0188] (3) Replenishing Method of Distribution Items An example of a replenishing method of distribution items will be described with reference to FIG. 16. When replenishing of distribution items 100 starts (S201), the operation control means 85 performs the tilted holder placement method (S202). This causes the first pushing unit 145 to push out a new distribution item 100 from one of the multiple stockers (e.g., the first stocker 111) (S203). As a result, this distribution item 100 is placed in an empty tilted holder 1311 (e.g., the first tilted holder 1311).

[0189] In this way, the new distribution object 100 is placed on the first tilt holding portion 1311. Thereafter, the operation control means 85 controls the operation of the second operation unit 13 to move the first tilt holding portion 1311 below the imaging unit 16. Thereafter, the camera 161 of the imaging unit 16 captures an image of the identification information of the new distribution object 100 placed on the first tilt holding portion 1311. As a result, the acquisition means 81 acquires tilt holding portion information indicating that the new distribution object 100 has been placed on the first tilt holding portion 1311 (S204).

[0190] Furthermore, the game processing means 82 checks whether or not the distribution objects 100 are placed in all the tilt holding sections 1311 based on the tilt holding section vacancy information (S205). At this time, the game processing means 82 may also refer to the tilt holding section table information.

[0191] If the distribution objects 100 have not been placed on all of the tilt holding portions 1311, the process returns to step 203. On the other hand, if the distribution objects 100 have been placed on all of the tilt holding portions 1311, the replenishment ends (S206).

[0192] The above-described processing method can be created by a program executed by a computer, and such a program is realized by a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc.

[0193] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the delivery mechanism of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0194] 17A and 17B are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of the extrusion mechanism in the delivery mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the first extrusion unit and the third extrusion unit. FIG. 17B is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the second extrusion unit and the third extrusion unit. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on differences from the first embodiment described above, and a description of similar points will be omitted. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment described above will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0195] In this embodiment, the configuration of a portion of the extrusion mechanism differs from that of the extrusion mechanism of the first embodiment. Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 , a second extrusion unit 146 is provided as the lower extrusion unit, and a first extrusion unit 145 is provided as the upper extrusion unit. Furthermore, the third extrusion unit 147 does not have a receiving portion 1473 as an independent member. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the middle portion 1471 of the third extrusion unit 147 functions similarly to the receiving portion 1473. Even with this configuration, the first extrusion unit 145 or the second extrusion unit 146 can abut against the third extrusion unit 147 and extrude. This allows the extrusion mechanism 14 to be made smaller and simpler, and allows for highly reliable dispensing of prizes according to the game results.

[0196] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, a third embodiment of the delivery mechanism of the present invention will be described.

[0197] 18 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the extrusion mechanism in the delivery mechanism according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment will be explained below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and explanations of similar points will be omitted. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0198] In this embodiment, the configuration of the extrusion mechanism differs from that of the first embodiment in that it includes a fourth extrusion set 14d. Specifically, in this embodiment, the fourth extrusion set 14d has a fourth extrusion unit 148. The configuration of the fourth extrusion unit 148 is similar to that of the first extrusion unit 145. Furthermore, the fourth extrusion unit 148 is arranged perpendicular to the second extrusion unit 146 in a plan view of the game device 1. Accordingly, the first extrusion unit 145 is arranged to intersect with the second extrusion unit 146 at an angle of less than 90° (45° in this embodiment). A extrusion mechanism having such a configuration can be used in a game device 1 having three outlets 21. In other words, the extrusion mechanism of this embodiment is designed to be compatible with a configuration in which three sub-game devices are provided adjacent to each other (a 3-in-1 configuration). The dispensing mechanism 10 of this embodiment also has the same effects as the dispensing mechanism 10 of the first embodiment.

[0199] The gaming device and dispensing mechanism of the present invention have been described above based on preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The configuration of each part can be modified or replaced with any configuration that has a similar function. The configuration of each part is not particularly limited as long as it can properly perform its function. For example, each part can be formed from a hard resin material, a metal material, a ceramic material, or the like. Furthermore, the components of each part may be formed integrally as necessary.

[0200] Furthermore, any other means or components may be added to the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may include a combination of any two or more of the configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments. For example, the third extrusion unit 147 may be provided with a dedicated motor, like the first extrusion unit 145, so as to be self-driven.

[0201] The present invention provides a dispensing mechanism for dispensing game-related prizes. The dispensing mechanism includes a container for storing prizes, a first operating unit for providing the container and operating the container, a second operating unit for holding prizes to be pushed out of the container and configured to operate, and a pusher mechanism associated with the first operating unit for pushing the prizes. The pusher mechanism includes a first pushing unit for pushing the prizes from the container to the second operating unit, and a second pushing unit that operates in a direction different from the operating direction of the first pushing unit and pushes the prizes from the second operating unit out of the second operating unit. The first pushing unit is positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the second pushing unit. This provides a dispensing mechanism that can reliably dispense prizes in accordance with the outcome of a game. Therefore, the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing game-related items, comprising: a storage unit for storing the items; a first operating unit provided with the storage unit and operating the storage unit; a second operating unit configured to hold and be operable with the items pushed out from the storage unit; and an extrusion mechanism provided corresponding to the first operating unit for extruding the items, wherein the extrusion mechanism includes a first extrusion unit for extruding the items in the storage unit to the second operating unit, and a second extrusion unit that operates in a direction different from the operating direction of the first extrusion unit and extrudes the items in the second operating unit to the outside of the second operating unit, and the first extrusion unit is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the second extrusion unit.

2. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit are arranged at different heights with respect to the storage unit.

3. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first extrusion unit is further configured to extrude the items in the second operating unit to the outside of the second operating unit.

4. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit are provided to be orthogonal to each other.

5. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second extrusion unit has a horizontal plane orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the first extrusion unit is angled with respect to the horizontal plane of the second extrusion unit.

6. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the extrusion mechanism includes a third extrusion unit that extrudes the items from the second operating unit to the outside of the second operating unit by the contact of the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit.

7. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the third extrusion unit has a tip portion that contacts the items, and a receiving portion that extends in the vertical direction with respect to the tip portion and contacts the first extrusion unit and the second extrusion unit.

8. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the third extrusion unit is provided adjacent to the storage unit and is positioned with respect to the first extrusion unit or the second extrusion unit by the displacement of the first operating unit.

9. The second operating part includes a plurality of inclined holding parts for holding the dispensed material, and the plurality of inclined holding parts are positioned together with the third extrusion part with respect to the first extrusion part or the second extrusion part by the relative displacement between the first operating part and the second operating part. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 6.

10. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the first extrusion part and the second extrusion part are configured to contact different positions of the receiving part in the vertical direction.

11. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle is 1° to 179°.

12. A game device comprising: a display unit that displays a predetermined image related to a game; an operation unit that receives an operation input from a user; and the dispensing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11 that dispenses the dispensed material related to the game based on the operation input.

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