CN115315295A - Article acquisition game device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention will further increase the interest in a hook toy game device where the crane approaches the drop opening. The toy catching game device (100) has a placement area (112) on which a prize is placed and a drop opening (114). A player operates the operation unit (118) to move the crane (108). The size of the drop opening (114) is variable. A toy grasping game device (100) detects the boundary position between a drop hole (114) and a placement area (112), and changes the grasping force of an arm (126) when a crane (108) approaches the boundary position.

Description

Article acquisition game device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an article acquisition game in which an article such as a prize is moved to be acquired.

Background

In many game arcades, a toy-grasping game device (article-acquiring game device) is provided. A platform (game area) is provided in a housing of the toy grasping game device, and a prize (article) such as a stuffed toy or a snack is placed thereon. The player actuates levers or various buttons to operate the crane. When the prize is gripped by the crane and moved to the drop port, the player can obtain the prize (see patent document 1).

[ Prior art documents ]

[ patent document ]

Patent document 1 Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2015-226707

Disclosure of Invention

[ problems to be solved by the invention ]

Generally, when a prize is gripped by a crane and carried to the vicinity of a drop hole, in other words, near the moment of determining whether or not the prize is available, the expectation of a player is most likely to be increased.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a technique for further enhancing the interest of a hook in approaching a drop hole (a prize transfer destination) in a toy-catching game device.

[ means for solving the problems ]

An article acquisition game device according to the present invention includes: a game area provided in the game space and having a1 st area in which an article to be acquired is placed and a2 nd area to which the article is to be moved; a crane which grips an article; an operation unit that receives an operation from a player; a crane control unit that drives the crane in accordance with an operation; and a boundary detection unit which detects the boundary position of the 2 nd region.

The crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane according to the boundary position of the 2 nd area.

An article acquisition game device according to the present invention includes: a game area provided in the game space and having a1 st area in which an article to be acquired is placed and a2 nd area to which the article is to be moved; a crane which grips an article; an operation unit that receives an operation from a player; and a crane control unit that drives the crane in accordance with the operation.

The 2 nd region is configured to change its shape. The crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane according to the shape of the 2 nd area.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, it becomes easy to deepen interest of an article acquisition game apparatus.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a toy catching game device.

Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a toy catching game device.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the prize table.

Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram of the position detection sensor.

Fig. 5 (a) is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the movement amount m = 0. Fig. 5 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the movement amount m = X1. Fig. 5 (c) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the movement amount m = X2.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a gripping force adjustment process of the arm.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing a state where the prize is placed in the placement area.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the base.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the reward sensor.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a prize and a method of detecting a color ball.

Fig. 11 is a1 st exploded perspective view showing the toy grasping game device in a state where the display lever is provided.

Fig. 12 is a2 nd exploded perspective view showing the toy grasping game device in a state where the display lever is provided.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing the fitting portion of the rod with the 1 st column.

Fig. 14 (a) is a plan view of the crane at the initial setting. Fig. 14 (b) is a front view of the crane at the initial setting.

Fig. 15 (a) is a plan view of the crane when rotated 30 degrees. Fig. 15 (b) is a front view of the crane when rotated 30 degrees.

Fig. 16 (a) is a plan view of the crane with the design cover adjusted. Fig. 16 (b) is a front view of the crane with the design cover adjusted.

Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the periphery of the design cover of the crane.

FIG. 18 is a side cross-sectional view of the design cover perimeter of the hoist.

Fig. 19 is a side sectional view of the storage box.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a toy catching game device 100. The toy grasping game apparatus 100 is generally installed in a game facility such as an amusement park or a game arcade. As shown in fig. 1, the left-right direction of the toy grasping game device 100 as viewed from the player is the X direction, the front-back direction is the Y direction, and the up-down direction is the Z direction.

The toy catching game device 100 includes: a rectangular parallelepiped base 102; and a box-shaped prize accommodating portion 104 provided on the base 102. Inside the prize accommodation portion 104, a game space S is formed, and a prize placing table 106 (game area) is provided. The prize placing table 106 is provided with a color ball (described later) for decorating the prize placing table 106, in addition to prizes such as plush toys and miscellaneous goods. A crane 108 is provided above the prize table 106. The crane 108 can move forward, backward, leftward, rightward, upward, downward, and downward in the play space S to catch/release the prize.

The prize storage section 104 is embedded with transparent glass on the front surface and the left and right side surfaces thereof. The prize is designed in consideration of visibility from the outside. A camera may be provided on the top surface of the prize storage section 104, and the camera may take an image of the prize placing table 106 from above. A glass door 110 is provided on the front surface of the prize storage portion 104, and an operator (clerk) can open the door 110 to place a prize in the prize storage portion 104.

The prize table 106 is divided into a placement area 112 (area 1) and a drop opening 114 (area 2). A prize is placed on the placement area 112, and a player can obtain a prize when the prize is transported from the placement area 112 to the drop opening 114. A shield plate 128 is provided between the mounting area 112 and the drop-in port 114. The shielding plate 128 prevents the prize or the color ball in the placement area 112 from falling down to the drop opening 114.

A prize outlet 116 is formed in the front surface of the base 102, and the prize outlet 116 is used to take out a prize falling through the falling port 114.

An operation unit 118 and a setting display unit 120 are provided on the front surface side of the base 102. When a game is started, a player inserts coins into a coin insertion slot or touches an IC card with electronic money inserted in an IC card reader. Hereinafter, in the toy catching game device 100, a surface on which the operation portion 118 and the like are provided, in other words, a surface on which the player is positioned is referred to as a "front surface", and a surface on the back side (the Y-axis positive direction side) as viewed from the player is referred to as a "back surface".

The operation unit 118 includes: an operation lever 122 used by the player to move the crane 108 forward, backward, leftward, and rightward to determine a descending position; and a grip button 124 for lowering the hoist 108 and gripping the prize.

The setting display unit 120 is provided with a touch panel. The setting display unit 120 functions as a "setting input unit" for an operator (clerk) to input setting information of the game, and also functions as an "information display unit" for displaying information related to the game, such as an operation method of the operation unit 118 and a game result. In addition to this, the toy grasping game device 100 includes a speaker (not shown), an external connection terminal, and the like.

The crane 108 has 3 arms 126, the 3 arms 126 being capable of grasping and releasing the prize. The crane 108 includes a motor that drives the arm 126 to open and close. The crane 108 opens and closes the arm 126 to grasp and release the prize.

The crane 108 is movable along a guide rail (not shown) provided at an upper portion of the prize accommodation portion 104, and is driven by a crane driving portion 130 (described later). The crane driving unit 130 includes: a moving mechanism that drives the crane 108 in the lateral direction (X direction) and the longitudinal direction (Y direction); and a lifting mechanism which is driven in the vertical direction (Z direction). The moving mechanism includes an X-direction motor and a Y-direction motor. The lifting mechanism comprises a Z-direction motor. The crane 108 can be moved to an arbitrary position in the play space S by the crane driving unit 130.

The crane 108 in this embodiment is of a so-called "three-jaw gripper (triple catcher) type" having 3 arms 126. Within the time limit, the player can move the crane 108 freely back and forth and right and left by operating the lever 122. When the player moves the crane 108 upward of the prize, the player presses the grip button 124. When the grip button 124 is pressed, the hoist 108 is lowered. When the crane 108 descends a predetermined distance, the arm 126 is automatically moved in the locking direction (hereinafter referred to as "grasping" or "grasping operation"). At this time, the crane 108 can grasp a relatively large prize at the descending place by the arm 126. Further, the grip button 124 may be pressed again while the crane 108 is descending, and the arm 126 may be caused to perform the gripping operation at the point of pressing.

With the gripping action maintained, the crane 108 is raised and then automatically moved toward the lower drop opening 114. The crane 108 moves the arm 126 in the release direction (hereinafter referred to as "release" or "release operation") on the drop hole 114. When the prize can be gripped firmly, the prize is carried to the drop opening 114 by the crane 108 and is dropped from above the drop opening 114 (success of catching the toy game). On the other hand, if the arm 126 cannot firmly grip the prize, the prize may fall from the crane 108 before the crane 108 reaches directly above the drop opening 114 (failure in gripping the toy game).

Further, the operator can also rotate the crane 108 horizontally (rotation about the Z axis). As shown in fig. 1, the state in which 1 of the 3 arms 126 is located on the player side is the home position, but the operator can adjust the horizontal rotation angle of the crane 108 in consideration of the arrangement state of the prize. On the front surface of the crane 108, a design cover 132 is provided. The design cover 132 in the present embodiment has a mark (advertisement information) indicating a product name recorded thereon. The direction of the design cover 132 can be adjusted in accordance with the horizontal rotation of the crane 108, and details will be described later in connection with fig. 14 and the like.

Inside the drop opening 114, a plurality of optical sensors are provided. The optical sensor detects the fall of a prize article toward the fall opening 114 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "prize acquisition"). These optical sensors are configured to be able to distinguish whether or not any of the color ball and the prize falls, and details will be described later in association with fig. 8 and the like.

At least 1 display rod 134 is provided on the back surface of the prize accommodation portion 104. The display rod 134 is a metal bar extending in the X direction, and can hold a prize for display therein. The operator opens the door 110 into the drop opening 114 and places the display rod 134 on the back. The number and height of the display rods 134 is arbitrary. The method of setting the display rod 134 will be described later in association with fig. 11 and later.

A storage box for storing spare parts such as color balls is provided on the back surface of the drop port 114. This storage box will be described in detail later in connection with fig. 19.

Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the toy catching game device 100. The components of the toy catching game device 100 are realized by: a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or various processors, a storage device such as a memory (memory) or a storage (storage), hardware including a wired or wireless communication line connecting these devices, and software stored in the storage device and supplying a Processing command to the processor. The computer program may also be constituted by: a device driver, an operating system, various application programs at their upper layers, and a library that provides these programs with common functions. Each block described below is not a hardware unit configuration, and represents a functional unit block.

The toy grasping game device 100 includes a user interface processing unit 140, a mechanism unit 142, a data processing unit 144, and a data storage unit 146. The user interface processing unit 140 is responsible for processing related to a user interface, such as image display and audio output, in addition to receiving operations from a player via various input devices. The mechanism unit 142 drives various mechanisms such as the crane 108. The data storage unit 146 stores various data. The data processing unit 144 executes various processes based on the input from the user interface processing unit 140 and the data stored in the data storage unit 146. The data processing unit 144 also functions as an interface for the mechanism unit 142, the user interface processing unit 140, and the data storage unit 146.

The user interface processing section 140 includes: an input section 148; and an output unit 150 that outputs various information such as images and sounds.

The input unit 148 receives a setting input from the operator via the setting display unit 120. The input unit 148 receives an operation input from the player via the operation unit 118. In the toy grasping game device 100, there are a setting mode and a game mode. In the setting mode, the operator performs various settings described later. The installation of the prize delivery or display rod 134 will also be in the set mode. In the game mode, the player operates the operation unit 118 to play a toy catching game.

The mechanism unit 142 includes a crane driving unit 130 and a sensor group 152. The movement of the crane 108, the gripping of the arm 126, and the release are performed by the crane driving unit 130 as described above. The sensor group 152 corresponds to an optical sensor (described later) at the drop port 114, an optical sensor that detects the position of a plate (described later) in the placement area 112, and the like.

The data processing unit 144 includes a crane control unit 154, a movement determination unit 156, and a boundary detection unit 158. The crane control unit 154 instructs the crane 108 to move, grip, and release in accordance with the operation instruction of the operation unit 118. The movement determination unit 156 determines whether or not the prize has dropped to the drop outlet 114, in other words, whether or not the toy catching game has succeeded. The boundary detection unit 158 detects the boundary position between the drop port 114 and the placement area 112. The details of the boundary position detection method will be described later.

The data storage unit 146 stores information such as a game program of the toy catching game, settings of the toy catching game, and a game result (payout rate) of the game.

Hereinafter, a plurality of features of the toy catching game device 100 in the present embodiment will be described in order.

[ grip force control of the arm 126 ]

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the prize table 106.

As described above, the prize placing table 106 includes the placing area 112 and the drop port 114. The mounting area 112 is also constituted by: a1 st placement region 112a located on the Y-axis positive direction side (the back side) of the drop port 114; a2 nd placement region 112b located on the X-axis positive direction side (right side); and a 3 rd placement area 112c located diagonally inward of the drop opening 114.

The upper portion of the 1 st mounting area 112a is covered with a Y plate 160 (1 st plate). The upper portion of the 2 nd placement region 112b is covered with an X plate 162 (2 nd plate). The upper surface of the Y plate 160 in the 1 st mounting region 112a, the upper surface of the X plate 162 in the 2 nd mounting region 112b, and the upper surface of the 3 rd mounting region 112c are formed to be coplanar. In other words, the Y plate 160 (covering the 1 st mounting region 112 a), the X plate 162 (covering the 2 nd mounting region 112 b), and the 3 rd mounting region 112c (exposed) are configured so that no step is generated on the upper surfaces thereof.

The X plate 162 is horizontally movable in the negative X-axis direction. By horizontally moving the X-plate 162, the operator can reduce the size (lateral width) of the drop hole 114. A shielding plate 128 is fixed to an end of the X plate 162. The shielding plate 128 also moves in a direction of narrowing the drop-off opening 114 together with the movement of the X-plate 162. In the 2 nd placement area 112b, a position detection sensor 164 (photosensor) is provided, and the position detection sensor 164 (photosensor) detects the amount of movement of the X plate 162, in other words, the position of the X plate 162. The details of the detection method will be described later in association with fig. 4.

Also, the Y plate 160 is horizontally movable in the Y-axis negative direction. By horizontally moving the Y plate 160, the operator can make the size (longitudinal width) of the drop opening 114 small. Since the shielding plate 128 is also fixed to the end of the Y plate 160, the shielding plate 128 also moves in a direction of narrowing the drop-in port 114 together with the movement of the Y plate 160. Although not shown, the amount of movement of the Y plate 160 can be detected in the same manner as the X plate 162.

In the present embodiment, the Y plate 160 and the X plate 162 cannot be moved simultaneously. When the Y plate 160 is moved in the Y-axis negative direction and the drop-off opening 114 is narrowed in the Y direction, the X plate 162 cannot be moved. When the X plate 162 is moved in the negative X-axis direction and the drop-off opening 114 is narrowed in the X direction, the Y plate 160 cannot be moved. This is not because the Y plate 160 and the X plate 162 intersect each other with a step added thereto, but because the top surfaces of the Y plate 160 and the X plate 162 are at the same height. When there is a step between the Y plate 160, the X plate 162, and the 3 rd mounting area 112c, there is a possibility that: the prize or arm 126 hooks up at this step and the game is blocked. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent such a failure, the Y plate 160, the X plate 162, and the 3 rd placement region 112c are formed to be coplanar.

Fig. 4 is a configuration diagram of the position detection sensor 164.

A detection plate 170 protruding in the Z-axis negative direction is fixed to the lower surface of the X plate 162. The position detection sensor 164 includes a transmission plate 164a and a reception plate 164b. The transmission plate 164a and the reception plate 164b protrude in the Z-axis positive direction on the upper surface of the 2 nd placement region 112 b. The detection plate 170 moves between the transmission plate 164a and the reception plate 164b in association with the movement in the X direction of the X plate 162.

The position detection sensor 164 includes a1 st photosensor 166 and a2 nd photosensor 168. The 1 st photosensor 166 includes: a1 st transmitter 166a that transmits an optical signal such as infrared light or laser light to the transmission plate 164 a; and a1 st receiver 166b that receives the optical signal from the 1 st transmitter 166a in the receiving board 164b. Similarly, the 2 nd photosensor 168 includes: a2 nd oscillator 168a that transmits the optical signal in the transmitting plate 164 a; and a2 nd receiver 168b that receives the optical signal from the 2 nd oscillator 168a in the receiving plate 164b.

Fig. 5 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the movement amount m = 0.

In the present embodiment, the X plate 162 is set to have 3 steps of movement amount m in the X-axis negative direction. In the data storage unit 146, X coordinates (hereinafter, referred to as "X boundary coordinates") of the boundary positions of the drop hole 114 and the tip of the X plate 162 are registered in advance for the movement amounts m =0 (stage 1), m = X1 (stage 2), and m = X2 (X2 > X1) (stage 3). In other words, the boundary detector 158 detects the X boundary coordinates by measuring the movement amount m by the position detection sensor 164.

When the movement amount m =0 (stage 1), both the 1 st photosensor 166 and the 2 nd photosensor 168 are shielded by the detection plate 170, and therefore neither the 1 st receiver 166b nor the 2 nd receiver 168b detects the optical signal. When the boundary detector 158 does not receive the light detection signal from both the 1 st receiver 166b and the 2 nd receiver 168b, it determines that the movement amount m of the X plate 162 is zero.

Fig. 5 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the movement amount m = X1.

When the moving amount m = X1 (2 nd stage), only the 1 st optical sensor 166 is shielded by the detection plate 170, and thus the 1 st receiver 166b does not detect the optical signal, and the 2 nd receiver 168b detects the optical signal. When receiving the light detection signal only from the 2 nd receiver 168b, the boundary detector 158 determines that the movement amount m of the X plate 162 is the intermediate value X1.

Fig. 5 (c) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the movement amount m = X2.

When the movement amount m = X2 (phase 3), the 1 st photosensor 166b and the 2 nd photosensor 168 are not shielded by the detection plate 170, and therefore both the 1 st receiver 166b and the 2 nd receiver 168b detect optical signals. Upon receiving the light detection signals from both the 1 st receiver 166b and the 2 nd receiver 168b, the boundary detector 158 determines that the movement amount m of the X plate 162 is the maximum value X2.

The amount of movement n of the Y plate 160 in the Y-axis negative direction can be similarly detected. In the data storage unit 146, Y coordinates (hereinafter, referred to as "Y boundary coordinates") of the boundary positions of the drop hole 114 and the tip of the Y plate 160 are registered in advance for the movement amounts n =0 (stage 1), n = Y1 (stage 2), and n = Y2 (Y2 > Y1) (stage 3). By providing the position detection sensor 164 in the 1 st placement area 112a, the movement amount n is measured, and the boundary detection unit 158 detects the Y boundary coordinates.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a gripping force adjustment process of the arm 126.

In the present embodiment, the crane control unit 154 increases the gripping force of the arm 126 when the crane 108 approaches the drop hole 114. When the hoist 108 catches the prize, the player waits for the prize not to fall on its way, but to be transported to the drop opening 114. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the distance dx between the X coordinate of the crane 108 (hereinafter referred to as "X crane coordinate") and the X boundary coordinate is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold Tx (yes in S10), the crane control unit 154 increases the gripping force of the arm 126 (S12). When the distance dx is greater than the threshold Tx (no in S10), the gripping force is not changed.

More specifically, the boundary detection unit 158 determines the movement amount m of the X plate 162 in advance by the position detection sensor 164. The boundary detector 158 determines the X boundary coordinates according to whether the movement amount m is any one of the 3-step movement amounts. The crane control unit 154 calculates the distance dx based on the X boundary coordinates and the X crane coordinates.

The movement determination unit 156 may detect the X crane coordinates by a rotary encoder (not shown) mounted on the crane 108. The movement determination unit 156 may calculate the X crane coordinates by a known technique such as laser measurement or image recognition by a camera.

The Y coordinate may be determined in the same manner. The crane control unit 154 may increase the gripping force of the arm 126 when the distance dy between the Y boundary coordinate and the Y coordinate of the crane 108 (hereinafter, referred to as "Y crane coordinate") is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold Ty.

[ prize detection method ]

Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing a state where the prize 172 is placed in the placement area 112.

In the placement area 112, a plurality of color balls 174 are spread. Various prizes 172 such as plush toys are placed on the layer of the color balls 174. Here, the vertical, horizontal, and depth dimensions of the prize 172 are all larger than the color balls 174. The color balls 174 are plastic balls having elasticity. One of the purposes of the full color balls 174 is to improve the decorativeness of the game space S. Further, since the arm 126 or the mounting area 112 may be damaged when the arm 126 directly contacts the mounting area 112, the mounting area 112 and the arm 126 are prevented from contacting each other by forming a layer of the color balls 174.

In addition, because the layer of colored balls 174 creates a gap under the prize 172, it is easy to insert the arm 126 into the lower portion of the prize 172. Thus, by forming the layer of colored balls 174, the arms 126 are readily able to securely grasp the prize 172.

The prize 172 is the target of the player, and the original color ball 174 is not the target of the player. But rarely, the color balls 174 are sometimes caught by the arm 126 and roll down to the drop opening 114. The operator needs to recognize in advance the payout rate of the toy grasping game apparatus 100, that is, the difficulty of prize acquisition. For this reason, the toy grasping apparatus 100 needs a function of detecting the fall of the prize 172. As the color ball 174 falls down the drop opening 114, it may be misidentified as the acquisition of a prize 172. The following configuration is explained below: when any one of the color ball 174 and the prize 172 falls down to the drop port 114, they are easily discriminated.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the base 102. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the reward sensor 176.

A reward sensor 176 is disposed on an inner wall surface of the drop port 114. The reward sensor 176 includes a1 st detection plate 176a and a2 nd detection plate 176b, which are opposed to each other. In the 1 st detection plate 176a and the 2 nd detection plate 176b, 15 each of the photosensors 178 is arranged, and a total of 30 photosensors 178 are arranged.

8 light sensors 178 are arranged in the upper stage and 7 light sensors 178 are arranged in the lower stage of the 1 st detection plate 176a, and the same applies to the 2 nd detection plate 176 b. The 1 st detection plate 176a and the 2 nd detection plate 176b are respectively provided with 15 photo sensors 178 arranged to face each other, and a total of 15 "pairs" are formed. Like the position detection sensor 164, one optical sensor 178 functions as an optical transmitter, and the other optical sensor 178, which is opposite thereto, functions as an optical receiver. The optical signal is always sent from one to the other of the 2 optical sensors 178 as a "pair". The movement determination section 156 receives the light detection signal from each "pair" of the photosensors 178.

Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of detecting the prize 172 and the color ball 174.

In the 2 nd detection plate 176b, 8 photosensors 178 from the photosensor 178-1 to the photosensor 178-8 are arranged in the upper stage, and 7 photosensors 178 from the photosensor 178-9 to the photosensor 178-15 are arranged in the lower stage. The Y-coordinates of the installation positions of the upper and lower photosensors 178 are shifted.

The distance in the Y direction between the photosensor 178 (e.g., photosensor 178-3) of the upper stage and the photosensor 178 (e.g., photosensor 178-11) of the lower stage adjacent thereto is set to 100 mm. Further, the distance in the Y direction between the photosensor 178 (e.g., photosensor 178-10) of the lower stage and the photosensor 178 (e.g., photosensor 178-11) of the adjacent lower stage is set to 200 mm. The diameter of the color ball 174 in this embodiment is set to 120 mm. The lateral width of the prize article 172 is 400 mm or more at the lowest.

In fig. 10, when the color ball 174 falls to the drop opening 114, the optical signal of the lower photosensor 178-11 is temporarily cut off (hereinafter referred to as "pass response"). When the movement determination unit 156 detects the passage reaction of the optical sensor 178-11, it recognizes that the prize 172 or the color ball 174 passes in front of the optical sensor 178-11.

The color ball 174 has a diameter of 120 mm and a distance of 200 mm from the light sensor 178-11 to the light sensor 178-12 located beside it. Therefore, upon the fall of the color ball 174, no pass response is detected by a light sensor other than the light sensor 178-11 in the lower stage. The same applies to the upper stage. Therefore, the movement determination unit 156 determines that the color ball 174 falls when the passing reaction is detected by any one of the optical sensors 178, the number of passing reactions in the upper stage is 1 or less, and the number of passing reactions in the lower stage is 1 or less.

When the prize 172 falls, the passage response is also detected by 1 or more of the photo sensors 178. In fig. 10, the upper photosensor 178-6, the lower photosensors 178-13 and 178-14 detect a pass response. The prize 172 is larger than the ball 174 and therefore, in the same segment, a pass response is detected in more than 2 adjacent photosensors 178. Therefore, when the passage reaction occurs by the optical sensor 178 of the upper stage and the lower stage and the number of passage reactions in either the upper stage or the lower stage is 2 or more, the movement determination unit 156 determines that the prize 172 falls.

According to this control method, it is possible to recognize "which of the prize 172 and the color ball 174 has fallen" with a simple configuration based on the positions and the number of responses to the plurality of light sensors 178.

[ setting method of the display rod 134 ]

Fig. 11 is a1 st exploded perspective view of the toy grasping game device 100 when the display lever 134 is provided.

In fig. 11, a part of the components such as the door 110 is omitted for convenience of explanation. The display rod 134 is a metal rod-shaped member whose one end is bent at a right angle. When the display lever 134 is set, the operator needs to open the door 110 and the prize outlet 116 and enter the drop opening 114.

The operator first sets the display bar 134 on the 1 st support column 180, and the 1 st support column 180 is located on the back side (the X-axis positive direction side) of the toy grasping apparatus 100. The 1 st support 180 has a plurality of lateral grooves 182 formed therein. The operator inserts the insertion portion 184 at the front end of the display rod 134 into the transverse slot 182 of the 1 st column 180 from the horizontal direction. Details of the fitting structure of the insertion portion 184 and the lateral groove 182 will be described later in connection with fig. 13.

Fig. 12 is a2 nd exploded perspective view showing the toy grasping game device 100 when the display lever 134 is provided.

In fig. 12, a part of the components such as the door 110 is also deleted. A plurality of insertion holes 188 are formed in advance in the 2 nd column 186, and the 2 nd column 186 is located on the rear side (the X-axis negative direction side) of the toy grasping play device 100. The insertion hole 188 is located at the same height as the lateral groove 182 of the 1 st support column 180.

The operator inserts the support rod 190 into any of the insertion holes 188 in advance. After inserting one end (the inner side) of the display rod 134 into the transverse groove 182 of the 1 st support 180, the operator hooks and locks the hook 192 at the other end (the front side) of the display rod 134 to the support rod 190. In this manner, the operator inserts one end of the display rod 134 into the 1 st column 180 and then hooks the other end of the display rod 134 to the support rod 190, thereby fixing the display rod 134 to the 2 nd column 186 and the 1 st column 180.

Conventionally, the operation of installing the display lever 134 on the 1 st support 180, which is far from the operator, has been a heavy burden. The operator opens the door located in front of the prize outlet 116 and the glass door 110 of the prize accommodating portion 104, and enters the prize falling space (the space in which the falling port 114 is formed). Even when the operator performs the setting operation while entering the prize falling space, the prize falling space is located on the left side (X-axis negative direction) of the housing, and therefore, many operators cannot reach the 1 st support column 180 located on the right back side (X-axis positive direction and Y-axis positive direction) of the housing. In the present embodiment, since the one end (the insertion portion 184) of the display rod 134 is inserted into the lateral groove 182 from the lateral direction, even an operator who cannot reach the 1 st support column 180 can perform the setting operation. Since the display rod 134 is inserted into the 1 st column 180 and the hook 192 is hooked to the support rod 190 and locked at the front side, the display rod 134 can be easily installed.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged view showing the fitting portion of the rod 134 and the 1 st support 180.

As described above, the 1 st support column 180 is formed with a plurality of lateral grooves 182. The operator inserts a relatively small-diameter insertion portion 184 at the front end of the display rod 134 into the lateral groove 182 from the horizontal direction. In the lateral groove 182, a plate-shaped 1 st support member 208 is formed on the front side (Y-axis negative direction side), and a plate-shaped 2 nd support member 210 is also formed on the rear side (Y-axis positive direction side). On the lower side of the lateral groove 182, the 1 st support member 208 is formed higher (more protruded) than the 2 nd support member 210 in the Z-axis direction. Further, on the upper side of the lateral groove 182, the 2 nd support member 210 is formed lower (comparatively protruded) than the 1 st support member 208 in the Z-axis direction.

As shown in the sectional view A1, since the 1 st support member 208 and the 2 nd support member 210 have different heights, the operator can insert the display rod 134 into the horizontal groove 182 in a state of being slightly inclined upward. After insertion, as shown in the sectional view A2, the insertion portion 184 is restricted on the rear side by the relatively protruding 2 nd support member 210 and on the front side by the relatively protruding 1 st support member 208. Although the display rod 134 can be inclined to the upper side after being inserted into the lateral groove 182, the display rod 134 is held more horizontally and is difficult to slip off the lateral groove 182 even in consideration of the play between the 1 st and 2 nd support members 208 and 210 because it cannot be inclined to the lower side.

Further, since the restricting member 212 having a relatively large diameter is provided on the back side of the insertion portion 184, the restricting member 212 is restricted by the 2 nd support member 210 even if the exhibit lever 134 is pulled in the forward direction (Y-axis negative direction). With this configuration, the display rod 134 is more difficult to fall off.

[ adjustment of design cover 132 ]

Fig. 14 (a) is a plan view of the crane 108 at the initial setting. Fig. 14 (b) is a front view of the crane 108 at the initial setting.

As described above, the crane 108 has 3 arms 126 (the 1 st arm 126a, the 2 nd arm 126b, and the 3 rd arm 126 c). The 1 st arm 126a, the 2 nd arm 126b, and the 3 rd arm 126c are shifted by 120 degrees, respectively. Here, the 1 st arm 126a is normally disposed at a position facing the player (see also fig. 1).

Above the 1 st arm 126a, a design cover 132 is provided. A sign board 194 is fixed to the design cover 132. The sign board 194 functions as an advertisement or decoration for attracting a player to the toy catching game device 100. For example, a trade name, a character image, or the like of the toy grasping game device 100 is described on the sign board 194.

Fig. 15 (a) is a plan view of the crane 108 when rotated by 30 degrees. Fig. 15 (b) is a front view of the crane 108 when rotated 30 degrees. When a plurality of players sequentially execute a toy catching game, the layout of the plurality of prizes 172 may also change. For example, if 1 prize 172 is located near the drop opening 114, the player may operate the crane 108 with the prize 172 as a target (target object is obtained).

Since drop port 114 is surrounded by shield plate 128 (see fig. 1), arm 126 may hit shield plate 128 near the boundary of drop port 114, making it difficult to catch prize 172. Therefore, in general, the operator may adjust the horizontal rotation angle of the crane 108 in advance so that the arm 126 does not come into contact with the shielding plate 128 while observing the arrangement state of the prize 172. Further, depending on the orientation of the prize 172, the prize 172 may be easily obtained by changing the position of the arm 126. In order to arouse the desire of the customer to play, the operator may rotate the crane 108 horizontally and adjust it so as to easily obtain the prize 172.

In fig. 15 (a) and 15 (b), the crane 108 rotates rightward by 30 degrees as viewed from above. Accordingly, the design cover 132 and the sign board 194 are also oriented in the left direction as viewed from the player. In the case where a plurality of toy grasping game devices 100 are installed in a game facility, the horizontal rotation angles of the respective cranes 108 often do not match. As a result, the plurality of sign boards 194 may be oriented in different directions, which may detract from the aesthetic appearance of the game facility. Further, even when the sign board 194 that is supposed to function as an advertisement at the time of starting the toy-catching game is not directed to the front (player side), there are some players who feel uncomfortable.

Fig. 16 (a) is a plan view of the crane 108 with the design cover 132 adjusted. Fig. 16 (b) is a front view of the crane 108 with the design cover 132 adjusted.

In the present embodiment, the design cover 132 is configured to be horizontally rotatable independently of the crane 108 by a configuration described later. The operator can adjust the design cover 132 by rotating only the left side after rotating the crane 108 body to the right side so that the sign board 194 faces the front side (player side).

Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the periphery of the design cover 132 of the crane 108. Fig. 18 is a side sectional view of the periphery of the design cover 132 in the hoist 108.

A guide groove 204 is formed in the cover member 200 that is an outer wall of the crane 108, and the design cover bracket 196 is sandwiched between the guide groove 204 and the lock plate 198. The lock plate 198 is fixed to the cover member 200 by screws. The design cover holder 196 is horizontally rotatable along the guide groove 204 while being guided to the lock plate 198 on a horizontal plane (XY plane). The design cover 132 (the index plate 194) is fixed to the rotatable design cover bracket 196 by screws.

The operator can manually adjust the orientation of the design cover 132 by rotating the design cover 132 while holding the crane 108 with one hand and by gripping the design cover 132 with the other hand, as shown in fig. 16 (a) and 16 (b).

[ storage case 206]

Fig. 19 is a side sectional view of the storage box 206.

Fig. 19 showsbase:Sub>A cross section of the toy grasping game device 100 taken along the linebase:Sub>A-base:Sub>A in fig. 1, with the line of sight in the positive X-axis direction. In the toy catching game device 100 of the present embodiment, a storage box 206 is formed at a lower portion of the 1 st placement region 112 a. The storage box 206 forms a space for storing spare parts such as the support rod 190 (see fig. 12), the color balls 174, and various screws and tools. In the present embodiment, the lower surface of the storage box 206 is inclined. The inclination angle is 10 to 30 degrees, and more preferably 12 to 20 degrees.

The operator opens the door 110 of the prize accommodation portion 104 and the front door of the prize discharge port 116, and enters the drop port 114 (prize drop space) to use the storage box 206. Since the lower surface of the storage box 206 is inclined, the operator can easily see the back surface of the storage box 206 without excessively squatting. In other words, by inclining the lower surface of the storage box 206 so as to approach the direction of the operator's line of sight (downward direction) during operation, the operator can relatively easily check the depth of the storage box 206. Further, the storage size of the storage box 206 can be increased by providing the inclination angle.

The above description has been made of the toy grasping game apparatus 100 according to the embodiment.

According to this embodiment, the gripping force of the arm 126 is strengthened as the crane 108 approaches the drop opening 114. Therefore, when the crane 108 approaches the drop opening 114, the probability that the crane 108 drops the prize 172 is reduced. When the hoist 108 carries the prize 172 to the vicinity of the drop-in port 114, the gripping force of the arm 126 becomes strong, and therefore the player can further improve the feeling of expectation of obtaining the prize. In particular, when the prize 172 approaches the drop opening 114 due to a plurality of games, the prize acquisition probability increases, and thus the player's desire to continue the game tends to increase.

The operator can freely change the shape of the drop-down hole 114 by horizontally moving the Y-plate 160 or the X-plate 162. The "shape" referred to herein may be any one of 1 or more of the opening size (area), X-boundary coordinates, and Y-boundary coordinates of the drop opening 114. By changing the shape of the drop opening 114, the difficulty of the toy grasping game can be adjusted.

The X-boundary coordinate and the Y-boundary coordinate when the X-plate 162 or the like is moved horizontally are automatically detected by the position detection sensor 164 and the boundary detection unit 158. The crane control unit 154 can appropriately change the timing of strengthening the gripping force of the arm 126 based on the detection result. In this way, the operator can automatically and appropriately adjust the gripping force of the arm 126 by moving the X-plate 162 or the like without performing other settings.

In the present embodiment, the placement area 112 is filled with colorful color balls 174, and a prize 172 is placed on the layer of the color balls 174. Therefore, a case where the color ball 174, not the prize 172, falls down to the drop opening 114 is also considered. Reward sensor 176, which is formed on the inner wall of drop opening 114, includes a plurality of light sensors 178. The movement determination unit 156 can determine whether or not any of the prize 172 or the color ball 174 falls with a simple configuration based on the number of responses by the optical sensor 178.

The toy grasping game apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has the following configuration: when the display rod 134 is mounted, the display rod 134 is easily fitted into the 1 st support 180 on the back side, which is particularly difficult to mount. The operator can stabilize the display rod 134 on the 1 st post 180 by inserting the display rod 134 into the lateral slot 182 formed in the 1 st post 180 from the lateral direction. The operator can fix the display rod 134 simply by hooking the hook 192 of the display rod 134 to the support rod 190 after inserting the display rod 134 into the 1 st support column 180. Thus, the display rod 134 is easily disposed even when the 1 st post 180 is not reached by hand.

The crane 108 in this embodiment can horizontally rotate according to the state of the toy catching game. Since the design cover 132 can be horizontally rotated relative to the crane 108, the design cover 132 (the sign board 194) can be adjusted so as to face the player regardless of the orientation of the crane 108. In particular, in the case where a plurality of the toy grasping game devices 100 are arranged, if the marker plates 194 of all the toy grasping game devices 100 can be oriented in the same direction, not only visibility of the marker plates 194 is improved, but also a sense of unity in the game facility is effective.

In the present embodiment, a storage box 206 is further formed in a part of the base 102. By inclining the lower surface of the storage box 206 with respect to the horizontal plane, the operability of the operator can be improved. In addition, this can effectively enlarge the storage space of the storage box 206.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and constituent elements may be modified and embodied without departing from the scope of the present invention. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments or modifications. Note that some of the components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiments and modifications.

[ modification ]

In the present embodiment, the following is explained: the distance dx is calculated based on the X boundary coordinates and the X crane coordinates, and when the distance dx is equal to or less than the threshold Tx, the crane control unit 154 strengthens the gripping force of the arm 126. As a modification, the crane control section 154 may strengthen the gripping force of the arm 126 depending on the opening size of the drop hole 114. For example, the crane control unit 154 may set the grasping force of the arm 126 to "weak (e.g., 70% in a normal state)" regardless of the X crane coordinate when the opening size of the drop port 114 is "maximum" (e.g., the movement amount m = 0). When the opening size of the drop hole 114 is "medium" (for example, the movement amount m = X1), the crane control unit 154 may set the gripping force of the arm 126 to "normal" regardless of the X crane coordinate. When the opening size of the drop hole 114 is the smallest (for example, a moving amount m = X2), the crane control unit 154 sets the gripping force of the arm 126 to "strong (for example, 130% in a normal state)" regardless of the X crane coordinate. Since the grip force is weakened when the opening size of the drop hole 114 is large, and the grip force is set to be large when the opening size of the drop hole 114 is small, the difficulty of the toy grasping game can be stabilized even when the opening size of the drop hole 114 is changed. The same applies to the case where the opening size of the drop hole 114 is adjusted by the Y plate 160.

Alternatively, the grasping force may be weakened when the opening size of the drop port 114 is small, and the grasping force may be strengthened when the opening size of the drop port 114 is large, thereby changing the difficulty level largely in conjunction with the opening size. In this way, the gripping force may be adjusted according to the size of the opening of the drop hole 114, without being limited to the distance between the drop hole 114 and the crane 108.

In the present embodiment, the following is explained: the X-boundary coordinate and the Y-boundary coordinate are detected by the boundary detection unit 158 based on the movement amounts of the X plate 162 and the Y plate 160. As a modification, the operator may input X boundary coordinates or the like as setting information via the setting display unit 120 after horizontally moving the X plate 162 or the like. The boundary detection unit 158 may determine the X boundary coordinates of the drop hole 114 based on the setting information.

In the present embodiment, the following is explained: when the crane 108 approaches the X boundary coordinate, the grip force is increased, and the player's expectation of the prize is improved. As a modification, the gripping force may be weakened when the crane 108 approaches the X boundary coordinate. For example, in the initial stage, the gripping force of the arm 126 may be set to "strong", and when the distance dx between the X boundary coordinate and the X crane coordinate is equal to or less than the threshold Tx, the crane control unit 154 may set the gripping force of the arm 126 to "medium" or "weak". According to this control method, since the initial gripping force of the arm 126 is strong, the prize 172 is unlikely to be lifted up. Further, when the hoist 108 approaches the drop hole 114, the gripping force of the arm 126 can be weakened, thereby preventing the difficulty of the toy game from being excessively reduced or the expectation of prize acquisition from being excessively increased. By achieving this "easy-to-grasp, easy-to-fall" play, disappointment arising from the arm 126 not catching the prize 172 is less likely to occur early, and it is easier for more players to experience a sense of urgency when the crane 108 carries the prize 172. The same applies to the distance dy between the Y boundary coordinate and the Y crane coordinate.

In the present embodiment, the following is explained: when the distance dx is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold Tx, the crane control unit 154 weakens the gripping force of the arm 126. As a modification, the crane control unit 154 may gradually (continuously) weaken the gripping force of the arm 126 as the distance dx decreases. Conversely, the smaller the distance dx is, the stronger the gripping force of the arm 126 may be gradually increased. The same is true for distance dy.

As a modification, the gripping force of the arm 126 may be changed discontinuously according to the distance dx. For example, the grasping force of the arm 126 may be set to "normal" when the distance dx is greater than the threshold value T1 (long distance), the grasping force of the arm 126 may be set to "weak" when the distance dx is equal to or less than the threshold value T1 and greater than the threshold value T2 (< T1) (medium distance), and the grasping force of the arm 126 may be set to "strong" when the distance dx is equal to or less than the threshold value T2 (short distance). According to this control method, "a dangerous distance that may cause the prize 172 to fall" can be shown in which the gripping force of the arm 126 temporarily weakens during the movement of the prize 172 by the crane 108. The same is true for distance dy.

The crane control section 154 controls the gripping force of the arm 126 in accordance with the operation time of the crane 108, in addition to the shape, distance dx, and distance dy of the drop opening 114. For example, a timer may be started when the toy-catching game is started, and the crane control unit 154 may weaken the catching force of the arm 126 as time passes, or may strengthen the catching force.

Game components other than the gripping force of the arm 126 may be controlled based on the shape of the drop opening 114, the distance between the drop opening 114 and the crane 108, and the like. For example, when the distance dx is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the output unit 150 may change BGM (background music) or change the volume of BGM. When the monitor is provided in the toy grasping game device 100, the output unit 150 may change the image displayed on the monitor according to the distance dx.

The crane control unit 154 may change the moving speed of the crane 108 when the distance dx is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. For example, the crane control unit 154 may increase the tension of the game by decreasing the moving speed of the crane 108 to facilitate grasping of the prize 172 before the crane 108 grasps the prize 172, and increasing the moving speed of the crane 108 to facilitate falling of the prize 172 after the prize 172 is grasped. The design cover 132 may be mounted with a monitor instead of the sign board 194. The output unit 150 may change the image displayed on the monitor of the design cover 132 according to the distance dx.

In the present embodiment, a case where the prize 172 and the color ball 174 are discriminated by the prize sensor 176 is described. As a modification, a plurality of prizes 172 having different sizes may be placed on the placement area 112. The movement determination unit 156 determines which one of the plurality of prizes 172 falls into the fall opening 114 based on the number of responses of the optical sensor 178 of the prize sensor 176.

Although the description has been given of the case where the plurality of photosensors 178 are arranged in 2 rows of the upper stage and the lower stage, the plurality of photosensors 178 may be arranged in 1 row, or may be arranged in 3 or more rows in the reward sensor 176. The interval of the photo sensors 178 may be adjusted according to the size of the falling objects so that the number of passing reactions of the photo sensors 178 is different.

The toy catching game device 100 can also be applied to a so-called network catcher (net catcher). The network grabber is a game of catching a toy in which a player operates a crane 108 of a toy catching game device 100 located at a remote place by confirming in real time the prize acquisition by a camera image on a PC and transmitting operation information. The prize won by the player is mailed to the player. In the case of a network capture device, the prize placement table 106 includes: a1 st zone on which a prize 172 is placed; and a2 nd zone that moves the prize 172. The 2 nd area may be formed as the drop opening 114 or may be a separate panel.

[ description of reference numerals ]

100-catch toy game device, 102 base, 104 prize accommodation section, 106 prize placement table, 108 crane, 110 door, 112 placement area, 112a 1 st placement area, 112b 2 nd placement area, 112c 3 rd placement area, 114 drop port, 116 prize extraction port, 118 operation section, 120 setting display section, 122 operation lever, 124 catch button, 126 arm, 126a 1 st arm, 126b 2 nd arm, 126c 3 rd arm, 128 shielding plate, 130 crane driving section, 132 design cover, 134 display lever, 140 user interface processing section, 142 mechanism section, 144 data processing section, 146 data storage section, 148 input section, 150 output section, 152 sensor group, 154 crane control section, 156 movement determination section 158 boundary detection portion, 160Y plate, 162X plate, 164 position detection sensor, 164a transmitting plate, 164b receiving plate, 166 1 st photo sensor, 166a 1 st transmitter, 166b 1 st receiver, 168 nd 2 photo sensor, 168a 2 nd transmitter, 168b 2 nd receiver, 170 detection plate, 172 prize, 174 color ball, 176 prize sensor, 176a 1 st detection plate, 176b 2 nd detection plate, 178 photo sensor, 180 1 st support column, 182 transverse groove, 184 insertion portion, 186 nd support column, 188 insertion hole, 190 support rod, 192 hook, 194 mark plate, 196 design cover bracket, 198, 200 cover member, 204 guide groove, 206 receiving box, 208 st support member, 210 nd support member, 212 restriction member.

Claims (5)

1. An article acquisition game device, comprising:

a game area provided in the game space and having a1 st area in which an article to be acquired is placed and a2 nd area to which the article is to be moved; a crane for gripping the article; an operation unit for accepting an operation from a player; a crane control unit that drives the crane in accordance with the operation; and a boundary detection unit that detects a boundary position of the 2 nd area;

the crane control unit changes the grasping force of the crane according to the boundary position of the 2 nd area.

2. The article acquisition game apparatus according to claim 1,

the crane control unit changes a gripping force of the crane according to a distance between the crane and the 2 nd area.

3. The article acquisition game apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

further comprising a plate for covering all or a part of the 2 nd area;

the boundary detection unit detects the boundary position by detecting the position of the plate.

4. The article acquisition game apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a1 st plate for shielding the 2 nd area from the 1 st direction; and a2 nd plate which shields the 2 nd area from a2 nd area different from the 1 st direction;

the boundary detection unit detects positions of the 1 st plate and the 2 nd plate, respectively, to detect a plurality of boundary positions of the 2 nd area;

the crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane according to the boundary positions.

5. An article acquisition game device, comprising:

a game area provided in the game space and having a1 st area in which an article to be acquired is placed and a2 nd area to which the article is to be moved; a crane for gripping the article; an operation unit for accepting an operation from a player; and a crane control unit that drives the crane in accordance with the operation;

the 2 nd region is configured to be changeable in shape;

the crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane according to the shape of the 2 nd area.

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