Prize acquisition game device

Abstract

Provided is a prize acquisition game device configured to improve workability of a worker in a drop space. A prize acquisition game device 10 for achieving a game in which a prize 14 accommodated in an accommodation space 12 is acquired and dropped into a drop space 18 provided below the accommodation space 12 includes: a housing 20 that has the accommodation space 12 and the drop space 18 therein; a prize acquisition part 16 that is disposed in the accommodation space 12 and that performs a motion of acquiring the prize 14; a control part 40 that controls the actuation of the prize acquisition part 16; and a detection part (for example, a left door sensor 27A) that detects an operation which is different from an operation by a player and is an operation from the outside. When the detection part has detected said operation, the control part 40 moves the prize acquisition part 16 to a prescribed retreat position in the accommodation space 12.

Description

Prize acquisition game device

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which a prize housed in a storage space is acquired by operating a prize acquisition unit and dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-068345

[0004] Some of such prize acquisition game devices provide large prizes. When providing a large prize, since the device itself becomes large, the storage space also becomes large. Therefore, when an operator carries in and out prizes with respect to the storage space or performs an operation of arranging prizes in the storage space from outside the prize acquisition game device, it becomes difficult to perform operations on the inner side of the storage space. On the other hand, when the prize becomes large, the drop space also becomes large, so that an operator can enter this drop space and perform an operation on the storage space. However, since a standby prize acquisition unit is located above the drop space, there has been a problem that every time an operator enters the drop space to perform an operation, the prize acquisition unit has to be moved to a position that does not interfere with the operation.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a prize acquisition game device configured to improve the workability of an operator in a drop space.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a prize acquisition game device according to the present invention is a prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which a prize housed in a storage space is acquired and dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space, including a housing having the storage space and the drop space inside, a prize acquisition unit disposed in the storage space and performing an operation of acquiring the prize, a control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit, and a detection unit that detects an operation from the outside, which is different from an operation by a player. When the detection unit detects the operation, the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space.

[0007] With this configuration, when the detection unit detects an operation from an external source that is different from an operation performed by a player, the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space. As a result, even if a worker enters the drop space to perform work, the prize acquisition unit does not obstruct the worker's work, thus improving the worker's work efficiency in the drop space within the prize acquisition game machine.

[0008] The prize acquisition game device according to the present invention can improve the work efficiency of workers in a falling space.

[0009] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the prize acquisition game device according to this embodiment. This is a perspective view of the prize acquisition game device with the left opening door open. This is a perspective view of the prize acquisition game device with the left opening door and opening plate open. This is a perspective view of the prize acquisition game device from a different direction with the left opening door and opening plate open. This is a perspective view of the prize acquisition unit and the moving unit of the prize acquisition game device. This is an enlarged view of the area around the display unit and the operation unit of the prize acquisition game device. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit and its surroundings of the prize acquisition game device. This is a flowchart of the game processing performed by the control unit. This is a flowchart of the automatic retraction and automatic return processing performed by the control unit, showing the processing up to the start of automatic retraction. This is a flowchart of the automatic retraction and automatic return processing performed by the control unit, showing the automatic retraction process. This is a flowchart of the automatic retraction and automatic return processing performed by the control unit, showing the automatic return process. This is an explanatory diagram for illustrating the positional relationship between the storage space, the drop space, and the prize acquisition unit, where (a) shows the case where the prize acquisition unit is in the standby position, and (b) shows the case where the prize acquisition unit is in the retracted position.

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the prize acquisition game device 10 realizes a game in which a player acquires a prize 14 (see Figure 4), such as a stuffed animal, which is stored in a storage space 12, by acquiring it with a prize acquisition unit 16 and dropping it into a drop space 18 provided below the storage space 12. Hereinafter, the prize acquisition game device 10 will be simply abbreviated as "device 10". As shown in Figure 1, when the device 10 is viewed from the front, the horizontal direction from left to right will be described as the X-axis direction, the horizontal direction from front to back will be described as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) will be described as the Z-axis direction.

[0011] The device 10 includes, for example, a rectangular prism housing 20. The housing 20 is composed of a base 22 and a housing 24.

[0012] First, let's describe the storage unit 24. The storage unit 24 is mounted on the base 22. The storage unit 24 is composed of a ceiling surface 24A, a side surface 24B, and a floor surface 24C, and a storage space 12 is formed inside, enclosed by these surfaces. In addition to the prizes 14 as described above, other items such as balls may also be stored in this storage space 12.

[0013] A prize acquisition unit 16 for gripping prizes 14 is suspended inside the ceiling surface 24A via a movable unit 60. As shown in Figure 5, the prize acquisition unit 16 is movable, for example, in the X-axis and Y-axis directions in the figure, by the movable unit 60, which is composed of rails, motors, etc. This prize acquisition unit 16 includes a support unit 16A made of an extendable pipe suspended vertically (Z-axis direction) from the internal upper surface, and a gripping unit 16B provided at its lower end. The gripping unit 16B is provided with a plurality of gripping claws 16C for gripping prizes 14. In this embodiment, the number of gripping claws 16C is designed to be three. The prize acquisition unit 16 is made movable in the Z-axis direction by extending and retracting the support unit 16A, thereby allowing the gripping unit 16B and gripping claws 16C to move in the Z-axis direction.

[0014] The prize acquisition unit 16 is attached to the movable table 62 of the movable unit 60 and is movable in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the movable unit 60. The movable unit 60 is, for example, a so-called H-shaped XY stage. Therefore, the movable unit 60 comprises a Y-axis unit 64 consisting of a Y-direction guide 64A extending in the Y-axis direction and a Y-drive unit 64B that moves the movable table 62 in the Y-axis direction along the Y-direction guide 64A, and an X-axis unit 66 consisting of two X-direction guides 66A and 66B extending in the X-axis direction and supporting the Y-direction guide 64A at both ends, and an X-drive unit 66C that moves the Y-direction guide 64A in the X-axis direction together with the movable table 62 along the X-direction guides 66A and 66B. Here, linear motors or ball screws can be used for the X-drive unit 66C and the Y-drive unit 64B.

[0015] Furthermore, three X-position sensors 68 are positioned on the X-direction guide 66A of the X-axis unit 66 to detect the position of the Y-direction guide 64A on the X-direction guide 66A, and three Y-position sensors 70 are positioned on the Y-direction guide 64A of the Y-axis unit 64 to detect the position of the stage 62 on the Y-direction guide 64A. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the drop space 18 is formed at the front left end of the device 10. Therefore, when the Y-direction guide 64A is located at the left end of the X-direction guides 66A and 66B, and the stage 62 is located at the front end of the Y-direction guide 64A, the prize acquisition unit 16 releases the prize 14 and waits until the start of the next game. This position is called the waiting position or home position (see Figure 12(a)). The X-position sensor 68 consists of a home-side X-sensor 68A that detects when the prize acquisition unit 16 (Y-direction guide 64A) is at the standby end (home end) on the X-direction guide 66A, an end-side X-sensor 68C that detects when it is at the end opposite to the standby end (end end), and a central X-sensor 68B that detects when it is in the middle (center) of the X-direction guide 66A. The Y-position sensor 70 consists of a home-side Y-sensor 70A that detects when the prize acquisition unit 16 (stage 62) is at the standby end (home end) of the Y-direction guide 64A, an end-side Y-sensor 70C that detects when it is at the end opposite to the standby end (end end), and a central Y-sensor 70B that detects when it is in the middle (center) of the Y-direction guide 64A. The detection results from the X-position sensor 68 and the Y-position sensor 70 are output to the control unit 40.

[0016] The position of the prize acquisition unit 16 within the storage space 12 (coordinates in the X-axis and Y-axis directions) can be determined (acquired) based on control signals output from the control unit 40 to the X drive unit 66C and the Y drive unit 64B. However, there may be discrepancies due to mechanical errors, etc. Therefore, an accurate position can be obtained by correcting the position information based on the detection results from the X position sensor 68 and Y position sensor 70 described above (whether it is at the end of the platform in the X-axis direction, in the center, or at the end of the platform, and whether it is at the end of the platform in the Y-axis direction, in the center, or at the end of the platform).

[0017] The front and side surfaces of the side 24B are made of transparent resin or glass plate-like members so that the player can visually see the prizes 14 etc. stored inside the container 24. In particular, the front of the container 24 is made up of an opening / closing door 26. Here, the opening / closing door 26 includes two sliding opening / closing doors (the left opening / closing door 26A, which is the first opening / closing door, and the right opening / closing door 26B, which is the second opening / closing door). The opening / closing doors 26A and 26B are provided on the container 24 so that they can be opened and closed. These opening / closing doors 26A and 26B are each provided with pull handles 26C and 26D. In this embodiment, the opening / closing doors 26A and 26B can be opened and closed by a worker (or manager) gripping the pull handles 26C and 26D. Specifically, the left opening / closing door 26A is opened by gripping the pull handle 26C and sliding it to the right, and closed by sliding it to the left. Furthermore, the right-hand opening door 26B opens when a worker (or manager) grasps the handle 26D and slides it to the left, and closes when they slide it to the right. When these opening doors 26A and 26B are opened, the internal storage space 12 is exposed, and an opening 12A that communicates with the storage space 12 is formed (see, for example, Figure 2).

[0018] Furthermore, the back of the side surface 24B is formed of a mirror-like plate-like member or a plate-like member with decoration. Although not shown, one or more support parts for supporting shelves for placing prizes 14, etc., may be provided on the inside of the side surface or back surface. Note that "front" refers to the side of the base 22 on which the operating section 46, described later, is provided.

[0019] The floor surface 24C functions as a prize display stand on which prizes 14 are placed. A drop space 18 is formed in one of the front corners of the floor surface 24C (the corner on the left opening / closing door 26A side) where the prizes 14 fall. The drop space 18, when viewed from above, is, for example, rectangular in shape. Two sides of the rectangular shape are formed by the floor surface 24C. A first partition 30 and a second partition 32 are provided on the two sides of the floor surface 24C that are in contact with the drop space 18. A third partition 34 is also provided on the front side of the floor surface 24C, excluding the drop space 18. The overall top view shape of the first partition 30, the second partition 32, and the third partition 34 is, for example, crank-shaped.

[0020] Next, the base 22 will be described. The base 22 forms the drop space 18 described above. The base 22 includes, for example, a control unit 40, an input box 42, a display unit 44, an operation unit 46, a locking unit 48, and an opening / closing plate 50.

[0021] The control unit 40 is connected to each component of the device 10, such as the prize acquisition unit 16 (movement unit 60), the display unit 44, and the operation unit 46, and controls the operation of each component. The control unit 40 is connected to door sensors 27 (left door sensor 27A and right door sensor 27B) that detect the opening and closing of the opening and closing doors 26 provided in the corners between the front and side surfaces. The control unit 40, except when set to a predetermined control state (as described later, in "work mode" transitioning from "setting mode" and with automatic retraction permitted), receives a detection signal from the door sensors 27 indicating that one of the opening and closing doors 26 (at least one of the left opening and closing door 26A and the right opening and closing door 26B) is open, and performs control to prohibit the automatic movement of the prize acquisition unit 16. This prevents the prize acquisition unit 16 from coming into contact with the worker (manager) who opens the opening and closing door 26. In addition, the control unit 40 may be used to physically fix the prize acquisition unit 16 and prevent its manual movement, but in this embodiment, manual movement is permitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when the opening / closing door 26 is open, the prize acquisition unit 16 can be moved to the standby position (home position) by operating the display unit 44, which will be described later.

[0022] The input box 42 is into which the game medium is inserted to start the game. This input box 42 is located on the base 22 in a place other than the opening / closing plate 50. The input box 42 includes an input slot 42A into which the game medium is inserted, an internal space for storing the inserted game medium (not shown), and a coin chute that connects the input slot 42A and the internal space and guides the game medium inserted from the input slot 42A into the internal space. While coins are common as game mediums, banknotes, cards or balls exchanged for coins or banknotes may also be used.

[0023] The display unit 44 is composed of a touch panel or the like, and displays and inputs various information, such as the settings information of the device 10. For example, when the device 10 is in a control state that accepts operations from a player and provides a game in which the player can win a prize ("game mode"), the control unit 40 displays information about the currently running game (for example, the remaining time of the currently running game) on the display unit 44 and provides it to the player. On the other hand, when the device 10 is in a control state that allows settings to be made ("setting mode"), the control unit 40 displays items and menus for settings for the device 10 on the display unit 44 and accepts operations from an operator (manager) on this display unit 44.

[0024] To enter setting mode, a setting key (not shown) must be inserted into the key slot 72 located at the bottom of the display unit 44 (see Figure 6). When the control unit 40 detects that a setting key has been inserted into the key slot 72, it verifies whether the setting key is a legitimate key set for this device 10. If it is a legitimate key, the control unit 40 switches the control state to setting mode. On the other hand, when the setting key is removed from the key slot 72, the control unit 40 switches the control state to game mode.

[0025] The operation unit 46 is an operation unit related to acquiring the prize 14, and inputs, for example, the player's movement operations to the prize acquisition unit 16. The operation unit 46 is provided on the base 22 at a location other than the opening / closing plate 50. In this embodiment, the operation unit 46 has a first operation unit 46A which is a joystick and a second operation unit 46B which is a button (see Figure 6). By tilting the joystick, which is the first operation unit 46A, the player can move the prize acquisition unit 16 in the direction it is tilted (X-axis and Y-axis directions), and by pressing the button, which is the second operation unit 46B, the player can cause the prize acquisition unit 16 to grab the prize at the position where the operation was performed.

[0026] Thus, the apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has a display unit 44 and an operation unit 46 as input units that receive operations to the control unit 40.

[0027] The locking mechanism 48 locks the opening / closing door 26 with a key (not shown). The locking mechanism 48 is provided on the outer surface of the base 22. In this embodiment, the locking mechanism 48 is provided in two locations on the base 22: a left locking mechanism 48A for locking the left opening / closing door 26A, and a right locking mechanism 48B for locking the right opening / closing door 26B.

[0028] The opening / closing plate 50 is provided on the base 22 so as to be openable and closable. The method of "opening and closing" is not particularly limited, but examples include rotation, sliding, folding, and detachment. In this embodiment, the opening / closing plate 50 is opened from a closed state by rotating towards the front on one end in the width direction of the housing (for example, the left end in the figure) as an axis (see Figure 3 or Figure 4). In addition, a prize collection opening 52 that communicates with the drop space 18 is formed in the center of the opening / closing plate 50, for example. A flap 54 is attached to the back surface of the opening / closing plate 50 as a covering member that covers this prize collection opening 52. The plate-shaped flap 54 is configured to be rotatable in the depth direction on an axis at its upper end (the lower end is movable back and forth). As a result of the rotation of this flap 54, the drop space 18 is exposed through the prize collection opening 52.

[0029] On the left and right sides of the upper end of the drop space 18, passage sensors 74 are provided to detect prizes 14 falling from the storage space 12 into the drop space 18. These passage sensors 74 consist of, for example, a light source unit that emits light such as infrared light, which is located on one of the left and right sides, and a light receiving unit located on the other side that receives and detects the light from the light source unit. The detection signal from the passage sensors 74 is output to the control unit 40. Therefore, when a prize 14 falls from the storage space 12 towards the drop space 18 and crosses the light of the passage sensors 74, this light is blocked, and during that time, the light receiving unit is unable to detect the light. The control unit 40 can detect that a prize 14 has fallen from the storage space 12 into the drop space 18 by detecting when the output from the passage sensors 74 changes from a light receiving state (on) to a state where it cannot receive light (off), and then back to a light receiving state (on).

[0030] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 82, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 84, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 86, a drive device 88, and a network I / F (Interface) unit 90. These components are connected to each other via a bus 92, enabling data transmission and reception. Furthermore, these components are also connected via the bus 92 to the prize acquisition unit 16 (movement unit 60), sensors 27, 68, 70, 74, display unit 44, operation unit 46, key slot 72, etc., enabling data transmission and reception.

[0031] The CPU 82 is a control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit 16 (movement unit 60) based on input from the operation unit 46, controls setting information, and performs calculations and processing of data. The CPU 82 is also an arithmetic unit that executes control programs (setting programs) stored in the RAM 84 or ROM 86.

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

[0033] ROM86 is a memory device that stores data related to, for example, a control program.

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

[0035] Furthermore, the recording medium 96 stores a predetermined program, and the program stored in this recording medium 96 is installed in the device 10 via the drive device 88. The installed predetermined program becomes executable by the device 10. The recording medium 96 also stores predetermined data, and the data stored in this recording medium 96 is saved in the prize acquisition game device 10 via the drive device 88.

[0036] The network interface unit 90 is an interface with other devices connected via the network.

[0037] The control unit 40 is configured to manage and switch between multiple control states, including the "game mode" and "setting mode" described above. For example, as described above, when the control unit 40 detects that a setting key has been inserted into the key slot 47, it determines whether or not this setting key is a valid key, and if it determines that it is a valid key, it changes the mode of the device 10 to setting mode. On the other hand, when the control unit 40 detects that the setting key has been removed from the key slot 47, it changes the control state of the device 10 to game mode.

[0038] First, the control of the game by the control unit 40 in game mode will be explained using Figure 8. When the system switches to game mode, the control unit 40 receives credits (game media) from the player (step S100). Specifically, the control unit 40 sets the number of games according to the number of game media inserted into the input box 42. For example, if one game media is inserted, the number of games (credits) is set to 1, and if three game media are inserted, the number of games (credits) is set to 5.

[0039] The control unit 40 subtracts 1 from the current number of credits (consuming 1 credit) and starts the game (step S102). When the game starts, the control unit 40 receives the player's operation on the first operation unit 46A and moves the prize acquisition unit 16 in the direction of the operation (X-axis and Y-axis) using the movement unit 60 (step S104). It also repeatedly performs the following: determining whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of the current game (step S106), and determining whether the second operation unit 46B has been operated (step S108). If it determines that the predetermined amount of time has not elapsed (step S106:N) and the second operation unit 46B has not been operated (step S108:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S104 and repeats the process from there onward.

[0040] On the other hand, if a predetermined time has elapsed (step S106:Y) or if the second operation unit 46B has been operated (step S108:Y), the control unit 40 extends the support unit 16A vertically downward at the current position of the prize acquisition unit 16 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and begins to move the gripping unit 16B and gripping claws 16C downward (step S110). Then, in step S110, the control unit 40 extends the support unit 16A and repeatedly performs the following: determining whether the second operation unit 46B has been operated (step S112), and determining whether the support unit 16A has been extended to a predetermined length (step S114). If the control unit 40 determines that the second operation unit 46B has not been operated (step S112:N) and that the support unit 16A has not been extended to a predetermined length (step S114:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S110 and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0041] On the other hand, if the second operating unit 46B is operated during the extension operation of the support unit 16A (step S112:Y), or if the control unit 40 determines that the support unit 16A has been extended to a predetermined length (step S114:Y), the control unit 40 stops the extension operation of the support unit 16A, closes the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 to perform the operation of grasping the prize 14 (step S116), and then retracts the support unit 16A to its shortest state (step S118). In this embodiment, the system is configured such that by operating the second operating unit 46B when the support unit 16A of the prize acquisition unit 16 is extended, the extension of the support unit 16A stops at that point, and the system proceeds to the operation of grasping the next prize. This allows the prize acquisition unit 16 to perform the grasping operation at the height (position in the Z-axis direction) desired by the player.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 40 moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to the drop position in the drop space 18 using the movement unit 60 (step S120). Here, the drop position is in the drop space 18 and is a position in which the prize 14 can fall into the drop space 18 when the gripping claws 16C open and release the prize 14. This position may be the same as the standby position described above, or it may be a different position from the standby position. When the prize acquisition unit 16 reaches the drop position, the control unit 40 causes the gripping claws 16C to open and release the prize 14 (step S122). When the prize 14 falls into the drop space 18, the control unit 40 can detect that the player has acquired the prize 14 based on the output from the passage sensor 74 described above. Therefore, the control unit 40 can perform sound and light effects in response to the acquisition of the prize 14.

[0043] Finally, if the drop position and the standby position are different, the control unit 40 moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to the standby position, and if the drop position and the standby position are the same, it puts the prize acquisition unit 16 into a standby state at that position (step S124). Then, the control unit 40 determines whether or not there are remaining credits (step S126), and if it determines that there are remaining credits (step S126: Y), the control unit 40 returns to step S102 and repeats the process described above (execution of the next game). On the other hand, if it determines that there are no remaining credits (step S126: N), the control unit 40 returns to step S100 and transitions to a state where it accepts credits from the player.

[0044] In the above description, the case where the first operation unit 46A is a joystick and the second operation unit 46B is a button has been described. However, the first operation unit 46A may be a button. In this case, when the first operation unit 46A is being operated (the button is being pressed) on the prize acquisition unit 16 in the standby state, the control unit 40 moves the prize acquisition unit 16 in the X-axis direction (the direction toward the right in the left-right direction). When the operation of the first operation unit 46A is released (the button returns), the control unit 40 stops the prize acquisition unit 16 at that position. Next, when the second operation unit 46B is being operated (the button is being pressed), the control unit 40 moves the prize acquisition unit 16 in the Y-axis direction (the direction toward the back in the front-back direction). When the operation of the second operation unit 46B is released (the button returns), the control unit 40 stops the prize acquisition unit 16 at that position, extends the support unit 16A, closes the gripping claws 16C to perform an operation of grasping the prize 14, contracts the support unit 16A, moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to the dropping space, opens the gripping claws 16C to perform an operation of releasing the prize 14, and performs control to wait at the standby position.

[0045] In the above description, the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 transition to the standby state in the open state. However, after causing the prize acquisition unit 16 to perform an operation of releasing the prize in step S122, the control unit 40 may close the gripping claws 16C and then transition to the standby state in step S124. In this case, at the start of the next game, since the gripping claws 16C are in the closed state, the control unit 40 causes the gripping claws 16C to perform an operation of opening before starting the extension of the support unit 16A in step S110.

[0046] In the above description, the support unit 16A of the prize acquisition unit 16 is configured by a telescopic pipe. However, the support unit 16A may be configured by a wire, and the support unit 16A may be configured to be extended and contracted by feeding out and winding up this wire using a drum.

[0047] Next, the control of the control unit 40 in the setting mode will be described. As described above, when an operator inserts a regular setting key into the key slot 72, the control unit 40 shifts the control state to the setting mode. When shifting to the setting mode, the control unit 40 displays information, menus, etc. for setting the device 10 on the display unit 44. Since the display unit 44 is composed of a touch panel, the operator can operate this menu etc. to perform desired settings etc. In the setting mode, it is possible to set the permission / non-permission of automatic retraction to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 described later to the retracted position, the permission / non-permission of automatic return to return to the standby position, and the permission / non-permission of detection of the entry of an operator into the dropping space 18 by the passing sensor 74. However, in order to set automatic return and automatic retraction to permission, in order to prevent the prize acquisition unit 16 from moving unintentionally for an operator working in the dropping space 18, detection by the passing sensor 74 needs to be permitted.

[0048] Also, in the setting mode, the control unit 40 can preset the retracted position (coordinates in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction within the storage space 12) when the prize acquisition unit 16 automatically retracts by receiving an operation on the display unit 44. Note that the retracted position is a position within the storage space 12 that does not interfere with the work of an operator who has entered the dropping space 18 even if the prize acquisition unit 16 is located there, so it is set at least on the right side (between the center and the end) of the standby position (home end in the X-axis direction).

[0049] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the device 10 seen from above. FIG. 12(a) shows a state where the prize acquisition unit 16 is in the standby position, and FIG. 12(b) shows a state where the prize acquisition unit 16 is in the retracted position. Also, in the figure, the region R surrounded by the dotted line indicates the range (movable region) where the prize acquisition unit 16 can move from the moving unit 60. As shown in FIG. 12(b), the retracted position can be set, for example, at the end of the X-direction guide 66A and the end of the Y-direction guide 64A (the position in the right back when viewed from the front).

[0050] When in setting mode, the worker can open the left and right opening doors 26A and 26B to load, unload, and arrange prizes 14 in the storage space 12. As described above, in order to work on the storage space 12, the worker may enter the drop space 18 to work, but as shown in Figure 12(a), the prize acquisition unit 16, which is in a standby state, is located above this drop space 18 and gets in the way of the work. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 40 detects an operation that is different from the operation of the player on the device 10 (the player's operation in game mode), it is configured to automatically move the prize acquisition unit 16 to a position (retracted position) that does not interfere with the work of the worker in the drop space 18, depending on whether automatic retraction and automatic return are permitted or not.

[0051] Figures 9 to 11 show the process by which the control unit 40 automatically retracts and returns the prize acquisition unit 16. As mentioned above, the automatic retraction and return process is configured to be executable when the control state is in setting mode. Therefore, the explanation will be based on the assumption that the current control state is in setting mode. Furthermore, this explanation will describe the case where the automatic retraction and return are triggered by the opening and closing of the left opening / closing door 26A.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, when the control state is in setting mode, the control unit 40 monitors the open / closed state of the left door 26A using the detection signal from the left door sensor 27A (step S200). If it determines that the left door 26A has been opened (step S200:Y), the control unit 40 switches the control state to work mode (step S202). This work mode is a control state that indicates that an employee is performing work on the accommodation space 12. The control unit 40 then determines whether the prize acquisition unit 16 is moving (step S204). If it determines that it is moving (step S204:Y), it stops the movement of the prize acquisition unit 16 by the movement unit 60 (step S206), does not perform automatic retraction, and proceeds to the automatic return process described later (step S234).

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 40 sequentially determines whether automatic retraction is permitted (step S208), whether the current position of the prize acquisition unit 16 is to the right of the center in the X-axis direction (step S210), whether the current control state is in work mode (step S212), whether the right opening / closing door 26B is open (step S214), and whether the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S216). The control unit 40 monitors the open / closed state of the right opening / closing door 26B using the detection signal from the right door sensor 27B. In addition, whether the current position of the prize acquisition unit 16 is to the right of the center in the X-axis direction can be determined, for example, from the outputs of the central X sensor 68B and the end-side X sensor 68C of the X position sensor 68 described above.

[0054] If the control unit 40 determines that automatic retraction is not permitted (step S208:N), if it determines that the prize acquisition unit 16 is located to the right of the center (step S210:Y), if it determines that the current control state is not in work mode (step S212:N), if it determines that the right opening / closing door 26B is open (step S214:Y), or if it determines that the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S216:Y), the control unit 40 will not perform automatic retraction and will proceed to the automatic recovery process described later (step S234).

[0055] Here, when the prize acquisition unit 16 is located to the right of the center in the X-axis direction (towards the end end), that is, when it is in the right-hand region RR of the movable region R of the prize acquisition unit 16 shown in Figure 12, regardless of its position in the Y-axis direction, even if a worker enters the drop space 18, they will not come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16, so the system is configured not to perform automatic retraction. With this configuration, when the prize acquisition unit 16 is to the right of the center in the X-axis direction, the worker can start working immediately without waiting for the prize acquisition unit 16 to move to its standby position. Also, when the right opening / closing door 26B is open, there is a possibility that a worker has entered the storage space 12 through the right-hand opening 12A and is working. If automatic retraction is started in this state, there is a possibility that the worker may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16, so in this embodiment, the system is configured not to perform automatic retraction. Furthermore, when a worker enters the falling space 18, the light emitted from the light source of the passage sensor 74 is blocked by the worker and does not enter the light receiving unit (the output of the passage sensor 74 is turned off). By detecting this state, the control unit 40 can determine that there is a possibility that a worker is in the falling space 18. If the prize acquisition unit 16 is moved while a worker is in the falling space 18, there is a possibility that the worker may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, automatic retraction is not performed.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined that automatic retraction is permitted (step S208:Y), that the prize acquisition unit 16 is located to the left of the center, that is, that the prize acquisition unit 16 is in the left region RL of Figure 12 (step S210:N), that the current control state is work mode (step S212:Y), that the right opening / closing door 26B is closed (step S214:N), and further determined that the output of the passage sensor 74 is not off (step S216:N), then, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 40 executes the retraction start process (step S218). In this retraction start process, the control unit 40 displays, for example, on the display unit 44 that the prize acquisition unit 16 is in the process of automatic retraction, and also displays a button (emergency stop button) to cancel the automatic retraction (stop the movement of the prize acquisition unit 16), and makes it possible to accept operation from an operator on this button.

[0057] Furthermore, if the support portion 16A of the prize acquisition unit 16 is extended when automatic retraction is initiated, the control unit 40 will shorten the support portion 16A to its shortest length in step S218.

[0058] Then, the control unit 40 starts moving the prize acquisition unit 16 to the retracted position (step S220). At this point, the control unit 40 is configured to repeatedly perform the following actions in addition to controlling the movement of the prize acquisition unit 16 in step S220: determining whether the right opening / closing door 26B has been opened (step S222), determining whether the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S224), determining whether an emergency stop operation has been performed, such as pressing the emergency stop button displayed on the display unit 44 as described above (step S226), determining whether the left opening / closing door 26A has been closed (step S228), and determining whether the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the retracted position (step S230).

[0059] If the control unit 40 determines that the right opening / closing door 26B has been opened (step S222:Y), that the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S224:Y), that an emergency stop operation has been performed (step S226:Y), or that the left opening / closing door 26A has been closed (step S228:Y), the control unit 40 cancels the automatic retraction and stops the prize acquisition unit 16 (step S232), and proceeds to the automatic recovery process described later (step S234).

[0060] If the right opening / closing door 26B is opened while the prize acquisition unit 16 is being moved to the retracted position, there is a possibility that a worker entering the storage space 12 through the right-side opening 12A to perform work may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16. Therefore, the control unit 40 is configured to cancel automatic retraction and stop the prize acquisition unit 16. Similarly, if a worker enters the drop space 18 while the prize acquisition unit 16 is being moved to the retracted position, there is a possibility that they may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16. Therefore, the control unit 40 is configured to cancel automatic retraction and stop the prize acquisition unit 16 when it determines that the output of the passage sensor 74 has turned off. Furthermore, if an emergency stop operation is performed, the control unit 40 is configured to cancel automatic retraction and stop the prize acquisition unit 16. Note that the emergency stop operation can include not only operations on the emergency stop button displayed on the display unit 44 as described above, but also operations on the operation unit 46 (first operation unit 46A, second operation unit 46B). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the prize acquisition unit 16 is configured to automatically return to its standby position when the left opening / closing door 26A is closed. Therefore, the control unit 40 is configured to stop the automatic retraction and stop the prize acquisition unit 16 when it detects that the left opening / closing door 26A has been closed.

[0061] On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the right opening / closing door 26B is not open (step S222:N), that the output of the passage sensor 74 is not off (step S224:N), that no emergency stop operation has been performed (step S226:N), and further determines that the left opening / closing door 26A is not closed (step S228:N), then, as described above, in step S230, it determines whether or not the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the retracted position. If it determines that the prize acquisition unit 16 has not reached the retracted position (step S230:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S220 and repeats the processing from there onward. On the other hand, if it determines that the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the retracted position (step S230:Y), the control unit 40 terminates the automatic retraction and stops the prize acquisition unit 16 (step S232), and proceeds to the automatic return process (step S234) described later.

[0062] As shown in Figure 11, when the automatic return process is initiated, the control unit 40 first determines whether automatic return is permitted (step S234). If it is determined that automatic return is not permitted (step S234:N), the control unit 40 returns the control state from work mode to setting mode (step S266) and terminates the automatic retraction and automatic return process. On the other hand, if it is determined that automatic return is permitted (step S234:Y), the control unit 40 monitors whether the left opening / closing door 26A has been closed (step S236), and if it is determined that the left opening / closing door 26A has been closed (step S236:Y), the control unit 40 executes the return start process (step S238). In this return start process, the control unit 40 displays, for example, on the display unit 44 that the prize acquisition unit 16 is in the process of automatic return, and also displays a button (emergency stop button) to interrupt the automatic return (temporarily stop the movement of the prize acquisition unit 16), and makes it possible to accept operation from an operator on this button.

[0063] Furthermore, if the support portion 16A of the prize acquisition unit 16 is extended when the automatic return is initiated, the control unit 40 will shorten the support portion 16A to its shortest length in step S238.

[0064] The control unit 40 sequentially determines whether the current control state is in work mode (step S240), whether the left opening / closing door 26A is open (step S242), whether the right opening / closing door 26B is open (step S244), whether the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S246), and whether the emergency stop operation has been released (step S248). If it determines that the current control state is not in work mode (step S240:N), if it determines that the left opening / closing door 26A is open (step S242:Y), if it determines that the right opening / closing door 26B is open (step S244:Y), if it determines that the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S246:Y), or if it determines that the emergency stop operation has not been released (step S248:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S240 and repeats the processing from there onward. If the left opening / closing door 26A is opened immediately after being closed, or if the right opening / closing door 26B is open, or if the output of the passage sensor 74 is off, there is a possibility that a worker is working in the containment space 12 or the drop space 18. If the prize acquisition unit 16 is automatically returned to its original position in this state, there is a possibility that the worker may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16. Therefore, the system is configured not to perform automatic return. Also, as described above, the work mode is a control state that indicates a worker is working in the containment space 12. However, this work mode can be changed to other control states by operating the display unit 44. Similarly, when the control state is not the work mode, the control unit 40 is configured not to perform automatic return. Furthermore, if the emergency stop operation for automatic return has not been released, the control unit 40 is configured not to perform automatic return.

[0065] On the other hand, if the control unit determines that the current control state is in work mode (step S240:Y), that the left opening / closing door 26A is not open (step S242:N), that the right opening / closing door 26B is not open (step S244:N), that the output of the passage sensor 74 is not off (step S246:N), and further determines that the emergency stop operation has been released (or that the emergency stop operation has not been performed) (step S248:Y), the control unit 40 starts moving the prize acquisition unit 16 to the standby position using the moving unit 60 (step S250). Here, the control unit 40 is configured to repeatedly perform the following steps, in addition to controlling the movement of the prize acquisition unit 16 in step S250: determining whether the left opening / closing door 26A has been opened (step S252), determining whether the right opening / closing door 26B has been opened (step S254), determining whether the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S256), determining whether an emergency stop operation has been performed, such as pressing the emergency stop button displayed on the display unit 44 (step S258), and determining whether the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the standby position (step S260).

[0066] If the control unit 40 determines that the left door 26A has been opened (step S252:Y), that the right door 26B has been opened (step S254:Y), that the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S256:Y), or that an emergency stop operation has been performed (step S258:Y), the control unit 40 interrupts the automatic recovery and temporarily stops the prize acquisition unit 16 (step S262), and is configured to wait for automatic recovery to become possible by repeating the process from step S240 onward. When the left door 26A or the right door 26B is opened, or when the passage sensor 74 is turned off, there is a possibility that a worker may enter the storage space 12 or the drop space 18 to perform work, and if automatic recovery continues, there is a possibility that the worker may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16, so the control unit 40 is configured to temporarily stop the prize acquisition unit 16. The same applies when an emergency stop operation is performed. Furthermore, the emergency stop operation can include not only operations on the emergency stop button displayed on the display unit 44 as described above, but also operations on the operation unit 46 (first operation unit 46A, second operation unit 46B). Also, when an emergency stop operation is performed, automatic recovery cannot be resumed until the cause of the emergency stop is resolved. Therefore, in step S262, when the prize acquisition unit 16 is temporarily stopped, it is desirable to display on the display unit 44 that an emergency stop is in progress, and to display a button for canceling the emergency stop operation, and to allow the operator to press this button.

[0067] On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the left opening / closing door 26A is not open (step S252:N), that the right opening / closing door 26B is not open (step S254:N), that the output of the passage sensor 74 is not off (step S256:N), and further determines that an emergency stop operation has not been performed (or the emergency stop operation has been released) (step S258:N), then, as described above, in step S260, it determines whether or not the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the standby position. If it determines that the prize acquisition unit 16 has not reached the standby position (step S260:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S250 and repeats the processing from there onward. On the other hand, if it determines that the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the standby position (step S260:Y), the control unit 40 stops the prize acquisition unit 16 and ends the automatic return (step S264), returns the control state from work mode to setting mode (step S266), and ends the automatic retraction and automatic return process.

[0068] Thus, according to this embodiment, when the control state is in setting mode, opening the left opening / closing door 26A on the side of the falling space 18 allows the prize acquisition unit 16, which is waiting in the standby position above the falling space 18, to be automatically moved to the retracted position. Therefore, there is no need for the worker to operate the prize acquisition unit 16, and since the prize acquisition unit 16 is automatically retracted, even if a worker enters the falling space 18 to work, the prize acquisition unit 16 will not obstruct the worker's work. Furthermore, when the left opening / closing door 26A and the right opening / closing door 26B are closed to prevent workers from entering the containment space 12 or the falling space 18, the prize acquisition unit 16 automatically returns to the standby position, eliminating the need for the worker to operate the prize acquisition unit 16 back to the standby position after completing their work.

[0069] Here, the control unit 40 is configured to change the control state to work mode and manage the system when it starts the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16. However, since the work mode can be deactivated by operating the menu displayed on the display unit 44, as described above, when the control state is changed from work mode to another mode, the control unit 40 is configured not to perform automatic retraction and automatic return. This prevents workers from unintentionally coming into contact with the moving prize acquisition unit 16.

[0070] Furthermore, when the prize acquisition unit 16 is automatically retracting or returning to its original position, the control unit 40 may be configured to notify (warn) the worker that the prize acquisition unit 16 is moving by sound or light.

[0071] The above explanation describes a configuration in which the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 is initiated when the left opening / closing door 26A located on the side of the falling space 18 is opened. However, the trigger for initiating automatic retraction is not limited to this configuration.

[0072] The left opening / closing door 26A and the right opening / closing door 26B are locked by the locking parts 48A and 48B when a game is being offered to the player (when the control state is game mode). For this reason, a locking sensor 76 (for example, a left locking sensor 76A that detects the state of the left locking part 48A and a right locking sensor 76B that detects the state of the right locking part 48B) (not shown) is provided to detect the locking state of the locking parts 48A and 48B (whether they are locked or unlocked). The control unit 40 monitors the locking state of the locking parts 48A and 48B, and the system may be configured to start the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 when the left locking part 48A corresponding to the left opening / closing door 26A is unlocked. As described above, the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 is a process that is executed when a worker performs work on the storage space 12. Therefore, if the automatic retraction is started when the left locking unit 48A for the left opening / closing door 26A is unlocked, the worker can smoothly transition to the subsequent work (work performed on the storage space 12 after opening the left opening / closing door 26A). In this configuration, it is desirable that the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 be stopped or the automatic return interrupted not by the unlocking of the right locking unit 48B, but by the opening of the right opening / closing door 26B. This is because the likelihood of a worker entering the storage space 12 at the time the right locking unit 48B is unlocked is low. On the other hand, it is desirable that the automatic return of the prize acquisition unit 16 be started when the left locking sensor 76A and the right locking sensor 76B detect that the left locking unit 48A and the right locking unit 48B are locked. When the left and right locking parts 48A and 48B are locked, the possibility of workers entering the storage space 12 or the drop space 18 is reduced, allowing the prize acquisition unit 16 to be safely returned to its standby position.

[0073] Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the open / closed state of the left opening / closing door 26A and the locked state of the left locking unit 48A described above, the control unit 40 may be configured to initiate retraction to the retracted position or return to the standby position in response to an operation on a menu displayed on the display unit 44 in the setting mode. Specifically, the control unit 40 can be configured to display buttons on the display unit 44 that instruct the retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 to the retracted position or return to the standby position (home position), and when these buttons are operated, the retraction or return described above will be performed.

[0074] In addition to the operations described above, the control unit 40 may be configured to detect when the prize acquisition unit 16 is pushed in (for example, when the worker pushes the prize acquisition unit 16 inwards in the Y-axis direction) and automatically retract to the retracted position. The control unit 40 can determine whether the prize acquisition unit 16 has been pushed in, for example, by the output (detection signal) of the X-position sensor 68 and Y-position sensor 70 of the moving unit 60.

[0075] Furthermore, although the above explanation described a device 10 having two opening / closing doors 26A and 26B, the same applies when there is only one opening / closing door. In this case, the control unit 40 will automatically retract and return the prize acquisition unit 16 when the opening / closing door corresponding to the left opening / closing door 26A is opened or closed.

[0076] Furthermore, although the above-described device 10 was explained in the case where the prize acquisition unit 16 moves in the X-axis and Y-axis directions and extends and retracts in the Z-axis direction to grasp the prize 14, for example, even if the prize acquisition unit 16 is configured to move in the X-axis direction (or Y-axis direction) and Z-axis direction and extend and retracts in the Y-axis direction (or X-axis direction) to grasp the prize 14, the automatic retraction and automatic return of the prize acquisition unit 16 can be performed in the same manner.

[0077] Furthermore, in the device 10 according to this embodiment, even if the above-mentioned sensor malfunctions, the safety of the worker is maintained during the automatic recovery and automatic retraction process.

[0078] Specifically, if only the left door sensor 27A malfunctions and it is detected that the left opening / closing door 26A is always open, when the control state enters the setting mode, the control unit 40 changes the control state from the setting mode to the work mode and moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to the retracted position. However, at the point when the control state enters the setting mode, the left opening / closing door 26A is not yet open, so the possibility of a worker coming into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16 is low. Also, since the left door sensor 27A has detected that the left opening / closing door 26A is open, the control unit 40 does not perform an automatic reset. Therefore, even if a worker opens the left opening / closing door 26A and works on the storage space 12, they will not unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0079] If only the right door sensor 27B malfunctions and the right opening / closing door 26B is detected as being constantly open, when the left opening / closing door 26A is opened, the control unit 40 changes the control state to work mode. However, because the right opening / closing door 26B is open, the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 is not performed, nor is the automatic return to its original position. Therefore, even if a worker opens the right opening / closing door 26B and performs work on the storage space 12, they will not unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0080] Furthermore, if both the left door sensor 27A and the right door sensor 27B fail, as described above, the control unit 40 will determine that the left opening / closing door 26A is open and change the control state to work mode, but will determine that the right opening / closing door 26B is open and will not automatically retract or automatically return the prize acquisition unit 16. Therefore, even if an employee opens either the left or right opening / closing door 26A or 26B and performs work, they will not unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0081] Furthermore, if the passage sensor 74 malfunctions and the light receiving unit cannot detect light from the light source (the output of the passage sensor 74 is turned off as described above), when the left opening door 26A is opened, the control unit 40 changes the control state to work mode, but because the output of the passage sensor 74 is off, neither the automatic retraction nor the automatic return of the prize acquisition unit 16 is performed. Therefore, even if an employee opens either the left or right opening door 26A or 26B and performs work, they will not unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0082] Note that the "on" and "off" states of the sensor output in the above explanation are merely examples, and the logic can be reversed.

[0083] The following summarizes the characteristic configuration and effects of the prize acquisition game device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0084] In this embodiment, the prize acquisition game device 10 is configured such that when the control unit 40 detects an operation from an external source, such as the left door sensor 27A, that is different from an operation performed by a player (for example, the left opening / closing door 26A being opened), it moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space 12. When a worker is performing work within the storage space 12, the prize acquisition unit 16, which is waiting in front of the device 10 (above the drop space 18), would obstruct the work. By automatically retracting it with a predetermined operation, the worker does not need to move the prize acquisition unit 16, thereby reducing the burden on the worker.

[0085] In particular, if the control unit 40 is configured to detect when the opening / closing door separating the storage space 12 from the outside is opened and to retract the prize acquisition unit 16, the prize acquisition unit 16 will retract in conjunction with the first operation performed on the storage space 12 (the operation to open the opening / closing door 26), thereby improving the worker's work efficiency. In this case, if the opening / closing door 26 consists of two doors arranged on the left and right (left opening / closing door 26A and right opening / closing door 26B), it is desirable to configure the control unit 40 to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 in conjunction with the operation to open the left opening / closing door 26A, which is located on the side of the falling space 18. If the prize 14 is large, the storage space 12 will also be larger, and even if the opening / closing doors 26A and 26B are opened and the worker puts their upper body into the storage space 12 through the opening 12A to perform the work, they may not be able to reach the back of the storage space 12. Therefore, when a worker enters the falling space 18 to perform their work, they open the left opening / closing door 26A to enter the falling space 18. If the control unit 40 retracts the prize acquisition unit 16 in conjunction with the operation of opening the left opening / closing door 26A, the worker does not need to move the prize acquisition unit 16, and work efficiency is improved. In addition, the prize acquisition unit 16 in standby mode is located above the falling space 18, and if the control unit 40 retracts the prize acquisition unit 16 in conjunction with the opening of the left opening / closing door 26A located on the falling space 18 side, the retracting prize acquisition unit 16 moves away from the left opening / closing door 26A (falling space 18) (to the right when viewed from the front). Therefore, the possibility of a worker unintentionally coming into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16 when entering the falling space 18 is reduced.

[0086] Alternatively, instead of the control unit 40 detecting when the opening / closing door 26 (left opening / closing door 26A) is opened, it may be configured to detect the locked state of the locking unit 48 (left locking unit 48A) that locks the opening / closing door 26 (left opening / closing door 26A) and retract the prize acquisition unit 16. When a worker performs work on the storage space 12, they open the opening / closing door 26 (left opening / closing door 26A), but before that, they unlock the locking unit 48 (left locking unit 48A). If the prize acquisition unit 16 is retracted when this unlocking occurs, the worker can start working on the storage space 12 sooner, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0087] On the other hand, since the retracted prize acquisition unit 16 moves to the right side of the storage space 12, if a worker performs work from the opening 12A on the right opening door 26B side, there is a high possibility of unintentionally coming into contact with the moving prize acquisition unit 16. For this reason, it is desirable for the control unit 40 to stop the prize acquisition unit 16 when it detects that the right opening door 26B has opened while the prize acquisition unit 16 is moving. Similarly, it is desirable for the control unit 40 not to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 even if the left opening door 26A is opened when the right opening door 26B is open. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to prevent workers from unintentionally coming into contact with the moving prize acquisition unit 16.

[0088] Furthermore, the drop space 18 is equipped with a passage sensor 74 for detecting the prize 14 that is released from the prize acquisition unit 16 and falls from the storage space 12 into the drop space 18. Since this passage sensor 74 detects the passing prize 14, when a worker enters the drop space 18, the output of the passage sensor 74 continues to detect the prize 14. Specifically, if the passage sensor 74 is composed of a light source unit and a light receiving unit that detects the light emitted from the light source unit, when the prize 14 passes between the light source unit and the light receiving unit, the light receiving unit will only be in a state where it cannot detect light (off) at that time, but will remain off when a worker is in the drop space 18. Therefore, by configuring the control unit 40 not to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 when the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (when an object is detected), the prize acquisition unit 16 will not move when a worker is in the drop space 18, thus preventing the worker from unintentionally coming into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 40 may be configured to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 to a retracted position when it detects that an employee has pushed the prize acquisition unit 16 in. With this configuration, when an employee pushes the prize acquisition unit 16 in, the prize acquisition unit 16 automatically moves to the retracted position as a result of this operation, eliminating the need for the employee to move the prize acquisition unit 16 to the back of the storage space 12, thus improving work efficiency. Alternatively, the control unit 40 may be configured to display a button (retraction means) on the display unit 44 to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 to the retracted position, and to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 when this button is operated.

[0090] Furthermore, if the support portion 16A is extended while the prize acquisition unit 16 is moving (for example, when it is being moved to a safe position), there is a high possibility of it coming into contact with a worker. Therefore, it is desirable that the control unit 40 be configured to retract the support portion 16A before moving the unit.

[0091] Furthermore, by configuring the control unit 40 to stop the prize acquisition unit 16 when it receives an operation on a button displayed on the display unit 44 (an emergency stop button which is a stopping means) or when it receives an operation on the first operation unit 46A or the second operation unit 46B of the operation unit 46 while the prize acquisition unit 16 is moving, the prize acquisition unit 16 can be stopped in the event of an unexpected situation, thereby improving safety.

[0092] Furthermore, by enabling the control unit 40 to set whether to allow or disallow automatic retraction, which detects when the left opening / closing door 26A is opened and automatically retracts the prize acquisition unit 16, workers who are aware of automatic retraction can set it to allow, thereby improving work efficiency. For workers who are not aware of automatic retraction, setting it to disallow can prevent the prize acquisition unit 16 from moving unintentionally, thereby improving safety.

[0093] Furthermore, if the control unit 40 is configured to return the prize acquisition unit 16, which had been retracted to the retracted position, to the standby position (home position) when no operation that would trigger the retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 is detected, for example, when the left opening / closing door 26A is closed, then the worker can avoid the trouble of moving the prize acquisition unit 16 to the standby position when the work on the storage space 12 is completed, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0094] 10 Prize acquisition game device 12 Storage space 12A Opening 16 Prize acquisition section 18 Dropping space 20 Housing 22 Base 24 Housing 26 Opening / closing door 26A Left opening / closing door (first opening / closing door) 26B Right opening / closing door (second opening / closing door) 27 Door sensor 27A Left door sensor 27B Right door sensor (detection section) 40 Control unit 44 Display unit (input section, detection section) 46 Operation unit (input section, detection section) 48 Locking section 48A Left locking section 48B Right locking section 60 Moving section 68 X position sensor 70 Y position sensor (detection section) 74 Passage sensor (passage detection section) 76 Locking sensor 76A Left locking sensor 76B Right locking sensor (detection section)

Claims

1. A prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which prizes stored in a storage space are acquired and dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space, comprising: a housing having the storage space and the drop space inside; a prize acquisition unit disposed in the storage space and performing the action of acquiring the prizes; a control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit; and a detection unit that detects an operation from the outside that is different from an operation by a player, wherein when the detection unit detects the operation, the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space.

2. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a housing that forms the storage space, and a base located below the housing and having a drop space formed thereon, the housing has an opening on its side that communicates with the storage space and an opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening, the detection unit is configured to detect when the opening / closing door is operated and the opening is opened, and the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space when the detection unit detects that the opening is opened.

3. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a housing that forms the storage space, and a base located below the housing and having a drop space formed thereon, the housing is provided with an opening communicating with the storage space and an opening / closing door for opening and closing the opening on its side, the opening / closing door has a locking part that can be locked when the opening is closed, the detection unit is configured to detect when the locking part of the opening / closing door has been unlocked, and the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space when the detection unit detects that the locking part of the opening has been unlocked.

4. The prize acquisition unit is configured to be extendable and retractable in the vertical direction, and the control unit, when the detection unit detects the operation while the prize acquisition unit is extended, retracts the prize acquisition unit and then moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space, as described in claim 1.

5. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a housing that forms the accommodation space, and a base located below the housing and having a drop space formed thereon, the housing comprises an opening communicating with the accommodation space, a first opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening on the drop space side of the opening, and a second opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening on the opposite side of the drop space, the detection unit is configured to detect when the first opening / closing door is operated and the opening on the drop space side is opened, and the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the accommodation space.

6. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 5, further comprising a second detection unit that detects when the second opening / closing door is operated and the opening on the opposite side of the falling space is opened, wherein the control unit, when the detection unit has detected that the first opening / closing door has been operated and the opening on the falling space side has been opened, and has moved the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space, stops the movement of the prize acquisition unit when the second detection unit detects that the second opening / closing door has been operated and the opening on the opposite side of the falling space has been opened.

7. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 5, further comprising a second detection unit that detects when the second opening / closing door is operated and the opening on the opposite side of the falling space is opened, wherein the control unit, when the second detection unit has detected that the second opening / closing door has been operated and the opening on the opposite side of the falling space is opened, does not move the prize acquisition unit even if the detection unit detects that the first opening / closing door has been operated and the opening on the falling space side is opened.

8. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect an operation to push in the prize acquisition unit, and the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space when the detection unit detects that the prize acquisition unit has been pushed in.

9. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, having an input unit that receives operations to the control unit, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect that the retraction means of the input unit has received an operation, and the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retraction position in the storage space when the detection unit detects that the retraction means has been operated.

10. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, which has an input unit that receives operations to the control unit, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect that the stopping means of the input unit has received an operation, and when the control unit is moving the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space, the detection unit detects that the stopping means has been operated and stops the movement of the prize acquisition unit.

11. A prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, comprising a passage detection unit that detects an object and determines that the object has fallen from the containment space into the drop space, wherein the control unit, when the passage detection unit has detected the object, does not move the prize acquisition unit even if the detection unit detects the operation.

12. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to switch between allowing and not allowing automatic retraction, and when automatic retraction is permitted, the detection unit moves the prize acquisition unit to the predetermined retraction position when it detects the operation, and when automatic retraction is not permitted, the detection unit is configured not to move the prize acquisition unit to the predetermined retraction position even when it detects the operation.

13. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined standby position in the storage space when the detection unit no longer detects the operation.

Images