GB2455621A

GB2455621A - A prize supply device

Info

Publication number: GB2455621A
Application number: GB0822402A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Yasuji Fukutomi; Toshiki Miyakawa
Original assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc
Current assignee: Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc
Priority date: 2007-12-13
Filing date: 2008-12-09
Publication date: 2009-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-09
Also published as: GB2455621B; GB0822402D0; JP2009142430A; JP4761579B2

Abstract

A prize supply device comprising a prize shelf 42 that holds a prize and drops a prize when the shelf pivots around a first pivot axis 52, a support section 56 supporting the prize shelf so that the shelf can slide by an external force while limiting pivoting of the prize shelf when the shelf is located at a first position and supports the prize shelf so that the shelf can pivot around the first pivot axis when the shelf is located at a second position, a biasing section 70 that slides the prize shelf from the first position to the second position, the biasing section including a weight section 64 disposed in a first area and a pivot section connected to the weight section and pivots around a second pivot axis due to a weight of the weight section falling from the first area and exerting a force on the shelf moving it from the first position to the second position.

Description

PRIZE SUPPLY DEViCE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a prize supply device used for a prize game machine A prize game machine that allows a player to acquire a prize that has been placed in a game field and fallen into a prize outlet has been known. For example, a prize game machine may include a turntable that is rotated with prizes placed thereon, a slide table that is moved on a stationary table in a direction toward a prize outlet, and a moving section that has a scoop section provided on the end. A player operates the moving section to scoop the prize placed on the turntable utilizing the scoop section.

When the player has dropped the scooped prize on the stationary table at a correct timing, the prizes placed on the stationary table are sequentially pushed by the slide table and fall into the prize outlet.

Such a prize game machine does not allow a player to acquire a large number of prizes when the player scoops the prize on the turntable and drops the prize on the stationary table. Therefore, measures that improve the game playability by allowing the player to acquire a large number of prizes at a time or acquire special prizes that are not placed on the turntable have been proposed.

For example, a prize game machine in which a prize container is supported by a support rod and the support rod is removed in response to a given trigger event so that prizes placed in the prize container are supplied to a game field or a prize outlet has been disclosed (see JP-A-2004-194757).

According to the prize game machine disclosed in JP-A-2004-194757, when the support rod is pushed by the prizes and tilted, the bottom of the prize container is tilted gradually. Therefore, the display of the prizes created in the prize container is impaired when the bottom of the prize container is tilted.

Moreover, when the total weight of the prizes placed in the prize container increases, the movement of the support rod may be hindered.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a prize supply device used for a prize game machine that allows a player to acquire a prize that has been placed in a first area and fallen onto a second area, the prize supply device comprising: a prize shelf that holds a prize and drops the prize when the prize shelf pivots around a first pivot axis; a support section that supports the prize shelf so that the prize shelf can slide by an external force while limiting pivoting of the prize shelf when the prize shelf is located at a first position, and supports the prize shelf so that the prize shelf can pivot around the first pivot axis when the prize shelf is located at a second position; and a biasing section that slides the prize shelf from the first position to the second position, the biasing section including: a weight section disposed in the first area; and a pivot section that is connected to the weight section and pivots around a second pivot axis due to a weight of the weight section when the weight section has fallen from the first area to apply a force to slide from the first position to the second position to the prize shelf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. I is a perspective view showing an example of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3. is a side view showing a prize supply device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a prize supply device according to one embodiment olthe invention.

FI(i 5A is a top view showing a prize supply device according to one embodiment of the invention, and FIG. SB is a front view showing a prize supply device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views showing a prize supply device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 isa perspective view showing part of a prize supply device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8A is a top view showing a prize supply device according to one embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 8B is a front view showing a prize supply device according to one embodiment of the invention.

1 5 FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a prize game machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. bA, lOB, and lOC are perspective views showing part of a prize supply device according to a modification of one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. Ibis a perspective view showing part of a prize supply device according to a modification of one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. l2A and 12B are side views showing a prize supply device according to a modification of one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The invention may provide a prize supply device that can stably hold a prize and reliably supply the prize in response to a given trigger event.

(1) According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a prize supply device used for a prize game machine that allows a player to acquire a prize that has been placed in a first area and fallen onto a second area, the prize supply device comprising: a prize shelf that holds a prize and drops the prize when the prize shelf pivots around a first pivot axis; a support section that supports the prize shelf so that the prize shelf can slide by an external force while limiting pivoting of the prize shelf when the prize shelf is located at a first position, and supports the prize shelf so that the prize shelf can pivot around the first pivot axis when the prize shelf is located at a second position; and a biasing section that slides the prize shelf from the first position to the second position, the biasing section including: a weight section disposed in the first area; and a pivot section that is connected to the weight section and pivots around a second pivot axis due to a weight of the weight section when the weight section has fallen from the first area to apply a force to slide from the first position to the second position to the prize shelf.

According to the above embodiment, the pivot section pivots around the second pivot axis when the weight section has fallen from the first area to slide the prize shelf from the first position to the second position. The prize shelf then pivots around the first pivot axis so that the prize placed on the prize shelf falls. The prize supply device thus supplies the prize.

(2) In this embodiment, the pivot section may apply a force in a direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis to the prize shelf at symmetrical jositions with respect to a line of symmetry that is a line perpendicularly intersecting the first pivot axis and passing through a center of gravity of the prize shelf.

According to the above embodiment, the prize shelf can be reliably slid and pivot around the first pivot axis by causing the pivot section to symmetrically apply a force in the direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis to the prize shelf. Therefore, when the weight section has fallen from the first area, the prize placed on the prize shelf can be supplied reliably.

(3) In this embodiment, the pivot section may include: the second pivot axis; a connection section connected to the weight section; and an action section that pushes the prize shelf from the first position to the second position.

According to the above embodiment, when the weight section has fallen from the first area and the connection section has moved to pivot the pivot section, the action section pushes the prize shelf from the first position toe the second position so that the prize shelf can slid and pivot around the first pivot axis.

(4) In this embodiment, the prize supply device may further comprise: a first engagement section secured on the prize shelf, the first engagement section engaging with the support section when the prize shelf is located at the first position, and falling from the support section when the prize shelf is located at the second position; and a second engagement section secured on each side of the prize shelf, the second engagement section engaging with the support section when the prize shelf is located at the first position, and functioning as the first pivot axis when the prize shelf is located at the second position, wherein the support section supports the second engagement section on each side of the prize shelf.

According to the above embodiment, when the first engagement section has fallen from the support section, the prize shelf pivots around the second engagement section (the first pivot axis). When the prize shelf is located at the first position, the first engagement section and the second engagement section engage with the support section. In particular, the second engagement section engages with the support section on each side of the prize shelf. Therefore, the prize can be stably placed on the prize shelf when the prize shelf is located at the first position.

According to the above embodiment, if both sides of the prize shelf are sLipported, the prize shelf can be slid reliably by causing the pivot section to symmetrically apply a force in the direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis to the prize shelf. Therefore, the prize placed on the prize shelf can be supplied reliably when the weight section has fallen from the first area while stably placing the prize on the prize shelf.

(5) In this embodiment, the support section may include a slide control section that controls slide movement of the prize shelf.

According to the above embodiment, a situation in which the prize shelf slides to the second position due to a reason other than pivoting of the pivot section can be prevented.

(6) In this embodiment, the prize shelf may drop a prize onto at least one of the first area and the second area when the prize shelf pivots around the first pivot axis.

According to the above embodiment, a game can be implemented that allows a player to drop a prize placed in the first area onto the second area to acquire the prize while dropping a prize placed on the prize shelf to make the prize be in an acquirable state by dropping the weight section from the first area. This implements a prize game machine that can effectively motivate a player to play the game.

Some embodiments of the invention will be described below. Note that the embodiments described below do not in any way limit the scope of the invention laid out in the claims herein. In addition, not all of the elements of the embodiments described below should be taken as essential requirements of the invention.

I. Basic configuration of prize game machine FIG. I is a perspective view showing the appearance of an example of a prize game machine for which a prize supply device according to one embodiment of the invention 1-nay be used. As shown in FIG. 1, a prize game machine 10 according to this embodiment includes a housing 12 that is approximately formed in the shape of a cylinder, and operation sections 14 that allow players to perform an operation input and are provided at four locations on the periphery of the housing 12 at equal intervals so that four players can play the game at the same time. An opening 16 is formed in the housing 12 over each operation section 14. The opening 16 is covered with a transparent plate 18. Therefore, a player can observe the internal state of the prize game machine 10, but cannot touch the inside of the prize game machine 10. In this embodiment, the internal space of the housing 12 serves as a game space.

A circular turntable 20 (an example of the first area) is provided in the housing 12 to form the bottom of the game space. A number of prizes 22 such as confectionery and toys are placed (or disposed) on the turntable 20. The turntable 20 is rotated at a constant speed in a constant direction.

Rectangular stationary tables 24 (an example of the first area) are provided over the turntable 20 at four locations corresponding to the operation sections 14 to partially cover the turntable 20. A plurality of prizes 22 are also placed on the stationary table 24 in advance. A prize chute 28 (an example of the second area) that communicates with a prize outlet 26 provided under the operation section 14 is provided under the front end of each stationary table 24 (on the periphery side of the housing 12).

A slide table 30 that reciprocates on the stationary table 24 in a direction A in FIG. us provided on the back side of each stationary table 24 (on the center side of the housing 12). The slide table 30 is moved on the stationary table 24 from the back side of the stationary table 24 to the center of the stationary table 24 toward the prize chute 28 to push the prizes 22 placed on the stationary table 24 toward the prize chute 28. In this embodiment, the prizes 22 cannot be dropped into the prize chute 28 by merely moving the prizes 22 from the turntable 20 to the stationary table 24. When a certain number of prizes 22 have been moved onto the stationary table 24, the prizes 22 pushed by the slide table 30 push other prizes 22 so that the prizes 22 fall into the prize chute 28.

A moving section 32 and a scoop section 34 that move the prizes 22 are provided over each stationary table 24. The moving section 32 is moved by a motor (not shown) between a position over the stationary table 24 (as shown in FIG. I) and a position at which the prizes 22 on the turntable 20 can be scooped up. The scoop section 34 can pivot by a motor (not shown) with respect to the moving section 32.

In this embodiment, the moving section 32 is moved from the position over the stationary table 24 to the position over the turntable 20 based on an operation input from each operation section 14, and the scoop section 34 then pivots to scoop up the prizes 22 placed on the turntable 20. The moving section 32 is then moved to the position over the stationary table 24, and the scoop section 34 pivots in a direction opposite to the direction when scooping up the prizes 22 so that the prizes 22 positioned on the scoop section 34 are dropped onto the stationary table 24.

Specifically, the prize game machine 10 according to this embodiment is configured so that a player operates the operation section 14 to scoop up the prizes 22 on the turntable 20 by using the scoop section 34 and drop the scooped prizes 22 onto the stationary table 24. The prizes 22 on the stationary table 24 are pushed by the movement of the slide table 30 and drop into the prize chute 28 so that the player can acquire the prizes 22 from the prize outlet 26.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the details of the inside of the housing 12 of the prize game machine 10 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a prize supply device 40 is provided in front of each moving section 32 over the stationary table 24, as shown in FIG. 2. The prizes 22 are placed on the prize supply device 40. When the prize supply device 40 pivots, the prizes 22 drop from the prize supply device 40. In this embodiment, the prizes 22 placed on the prize supply device cannot be scooped up by using the scoop section 34.

In this embodiment, the prize supply device 40 is configured so that the front side of the prize supply device 40 pivots downward around a position on the back side of the prize supply device 40 as a pivot axis. The prize supply device 40 pivots in response to a given trigger event to drop the prizes 22 placed on the prize supply device and supply the prizes 22 onto the stationary table 24. Note that the prizes 22 may be dropped onto an area other than the stationary table 24, such as the turntable 20, the prize chute 28, or the slide table 30.

In this embodiment, a player can acquire a large number of prizes 22 at a time or acquire special prizes 22 that are not placed on the turntable 20 by dropping the prizes 22 placed on the prize supply device 40 from the prize supply device 40 as a special event so that the player can acquire the prizes 22. This motivates the player to play the game.

2. Details of prize supply device FIG. 3 is a side view showing the prize supply device 40 according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the prize supply device 40 according to this embodiment includes a prize shelf 42, a support section 48, and a biasing section 62.

The prize shelf 42 shown in FIG. 3 receives and holds the prizes 22. The prize shelf 42 is a rectangular plate of which the upper side is flat. In this embodiment, a front plate 44 that is a rectangular plate-shaped member that extends upward and prevents a fall of the prizes 22 is provided on the front end of the prize shelf 42. An angle adjustment plate 46 that is a fan-shaped plate member that extends upward and is disposed so that the arc faces forward is provided on each side of the prize shelf 42.

The angle adjustment plate 46 includes a first engagement pin 50 (an example of the first engagement section) that is provided at a relatively forward (rightward direction in FIG. 3) position, and a second engagement pin 52 (an example of the second engagement section) that is provided backward (leftward direction in FIG. 3) with respect to the first engagement pin 50 In this embodiment, the angle adjustment plate 46 includes three first engagement pins 50 along the arc, as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, a manager or a clerk can change the angle of the prize shelf 42 when the prize shelf 42 is supported by the support section 48 by pivoting the prize shelf 42 around the second engagement pin 52 as a pivot axis to change the first engagement pin 50 that engages the support section 48 to another.

As shown in FIG. 4, when placing a thin prize 22 on the prize shelf 42, the prize shelf 42 is tilted by causing the center first engagement pin 50 among the three first engagement pins 50 to engage with the support section 48, for example. Since a player can easily observe the thin prize 22 on the prize shelf 42, the thin prize 22 can be displayed advantageously.

The support section 48 shown in FIG. 3 is secured on a base plate 56 that is secured on the housing 12 through a stay 54. The support section 48 slidably and pivotably supports the prize shelf 42. Specifically, the support section 48 includes a first slide groove 58 that is formed on the front end, and a second slide groove 60 that is formed on the rear side with respect to the first slide groove 58. The support section 48 supports the first engagement pin 50 in the first slide groove 58 and supports the second engagement pin 52 in the second slide groove 60 to slidably support the prize shelf 42.

FIG. 5A is a top view showing the prize supply device 40 according to this embodiment, and FIG. SB is a front view showing the prize supply device 40 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the support section 48 is provided on each side of the base plate 56, as shown in FIGS. 5A and SB. The first engagement pin 50 and the second engagement pin 52 protrude toward the outside from the angle adjustment plate 46 provided on each side of the prize shelf 42, and respectively engage with the first slide groove 58 and the second slide groove 60 formed in the support section 48 provided on each side. In this embodiment, since each side of the prize shelf 42 is supported by the support section 48, a heavy prize 22 can be placed on the prize shelf 42. Moreover, the prize 22 can be stably placed on the prize shelf 42 if a player vibrates the prize game machine, for example.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the base plate 56 is formed to enclose three sides of the prize shelf 42 so that the base plate 56 does not interfere with the prize shelf 42 if the prize shelf 42 pivots.

The biasing section 62 shown in FIG. 3 applies a force that slides the prize shelf 42 forward to the prize shelf 42. The biasing section 62 includes a weight 64 (i.e., weight section) disposed on the stationary table 24, and a pivot section 70 that is connected to the weight 64 through a wire 66 and pivots around an arm axis 68 secured on the base plate 56.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pivot section 70 includes an arm 71 that is formed of a rod-like member. The upper end of the arm 7 I functions as an action section 72 (the load) that comes in contact with the prize shelf 42, and the lower end of the arm 71 functions as a connection section 74 (the effort) connected to the wire 66. The arm 71 is pivotably secured on the base plate 56 so that the arm 71 stands still in an inclined state when the prize shelf 42 is located at a position shown in FIG. 3 in a state in which the action section 72 comes in contact with the rear end of the angle adjustment plate 46 of the prize shelf 42 and the connection section 74 is located at a position higher than its lowermost point.

Therefore, when a player has moved the prizes 22 to the stationary table 24, the weight 64 is pushed by the prizes 22 pushed by the slide table 30 so that the weight 64 falls from the stationary table 24. As a result, the arm 71 is pulled by the wire 66 so that

II

the arm 71 pivots in a direction B shown in FIG. 3 due to the weight of the weight 64.

The action section 72 on the upper end of the arm 71 pushes forward the rear end of the angle adlustment plate 46 of the prize shelf 42 so that the prize shelf 42 slides forward.

Specifically, the potential energy when the weight 64 falls from the stationary table 24 is converted into the fbrce that slides the prize shelf 42 forward.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first slide groove 58 slidably receives the first engagement pin 50, and has an open front end. The second slide groove 60 slidably and pivotably receives the second engagement pin 52, and has a closed front end. The second slide groove 60 is formed to be longer than the first slide groove 58 in the forward and backward direction.

Therefore, when the prize shelf 42 slides forward due to the pivoting of the pivot section 70 as shown in FIG. 6A, the first engagement pin 50 falls from the open end of the first slide groove 58 as shown in FIG. 6B. The front end of the prize shelf 42 then pivots in a direction C of FIG. 6B around the second engagement pin 52 or a pivot axis that engages with the second slide groove 60 so that the prizes 22 placed on the prize shelf 42 fall from the prize shelf 42.

In this embodiment, when the prize shelf 42 is located at a position shown in FIG. 3 (an example of the first position), the support section 48 supports the prize shelf 42 so that the prize shelf 42 can slide forward by an external force while limiting pivoting of the prize shelf 42. The support section 48 pivotably supports the prize shelf 42 when the prize shelf 42 is located at a position shown in FIG. 6B (an example of the second position) by sliding forward from the position shown in FIG. 3.

The first engagement pin 50 secured on the prize shelf 42 engages with the first slide groove 58 when the prize shelf 42 is located at a position shown in FIG. 3, and falls from the first slide groove 58 when the prize shelf 42 is located at a position shown in FIG. 6B. The second engagement pin 52 engages with the second slide groove 60 when the prize shelf 42 is located at a position shown in FIG. 3. The second engagement pin 52 engages with the second slide groove 60 and functions as the pivot axis of the prize shelf 42 when the prize shelf 42 is located at a position shown in FIG. ÔB.

In this embodiment, a protrusion 78 that controls slide movement of the first engagement pin 50 is formed on the front end of a bottom surface 76 of the first slide groove 58, as shown in FIG. 6A. This prevents a situation in which the prize shelf 42 slides forward due to a reason other than pivoting of the pivot section 70 so that the first engagement pin 50 falls from the first slide groove 58.

In this embodiment, a bottom surface 80 of the second slide groove 60 is formed to slope down forward, as shown in FIG. 6A. Therefore, when the first engagement pin has fallen from the first slide groove 58, the second engagement pin 52 can smoothly slide forward.

3. Details of biasing section The details of the biasing section 62 are described below. In this embodiment, the potential energy when the weight 64 faIls from the stationary table 24 is converted into the force that slides the prize shelf 42 forward, as described above. Therefore, the force that slides the prize shelf 42 forward can be increased by increasing the weight of the weight 64. However, since it is necessary that the weight 64 falls from the stationary table 24 when pushed by the prizes 22 placed on the stationary table 24, the weight 64 must not fall from the stationary table 24 when increasing the weight of the weight 64 to a large extent. Therefore, the potential energy when the weight 64 falls from the stationary table 24 must be effectively transmitted to the prize shelf 42 while holding down the weight of the weight 64.

In this embodiment, the second engagement pins 52 provided on either side of the prize shelf 42 slide along the second slide grooves 60 provided on either side of the prize shelf 42, and then function as the pivot axis of the prize shelf 42. Therefore, unless a force is applied to the prize shelf 42 so that an axis that connects the right and left second engagement pins 52 moves forward in parallel, a situation may occur in which the second engagement pin 52 does not slide along the second slide groove 60, or the pivot axis of the prize shelf 42 is tilted so that the prize shelf 42 does not rotate.

Therefore, the biasing section 62 according to this embodiment applies a symmetrical force to the prize shelf 42 in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the prize shelf 42 by the pivot section 7Oso that the prize shelf reliably slides and pivots FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the details of the pivot section 70 according to this embodiment. The pivot section 70 according to the example shown in FIG. 7 includes a first arm 82, a second arm 84, and an arm axis 68.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the arm axis 68 is pivotably secured on the base plate 56, and connects the first arm 82 and the second arm 84 to serve as a pivot axis of the first arm 82 and the second arm 84.

The first arm 82 is formed so that a distance DI between a fulcrum 86 (i.e., the connection point of the first arm 82 and the arm axis 68) that functions as the fulcrum of the first arm 82 and the connection section 74 that functions as the point of load of the first arm 82 is four times greater than a distance D2 between the fulcrum 86 and the action section 72 that functions as the point of application of the first arm 82.

Therefore, the first arm 82 can transmit a force four times greater than the force applied to the connection section 74 to the action section 72 by the principle of leverage.

Specifically, the first arm 82 can effectively transmit a force corresponding to the weight of the weight 64 applied to the connection section 74 to the prize shelf 42.

The second arm 84 is provided on the other end of the arm axis 68, and has the same shape as that of the upper portion of the first arm 82 with respect to the fulcrum 86. The second arm 84 is provided so that the action section 72 of the second arm 84 comes in contact with the right angle adjustment plate 46 of the prize shelf 42 when the action section 72 of the first arm 82 comes in contact with the left angle adjustment plate 46 of the prize shelf 42.

In this embodiment, the material, length, thickness, cross-sectional shape, and the like of the arm axis 68 are determined so that the arm axis 68 is twisted to no or only a small extent. Therefore, a force about four times the force applied to the connection section 74 of the first arm 82 can be almost simultaneously transmitted to the left angle adjustment plate 46 through the action section 72 of the first arm 82 and the right angle adjustment plate 46 through the action section 72 of the second arm 84.

FIG. 8A is a top view showing the prize supply device 40 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a front view showing the prize supply device 40 according to this embodiment. in this embodiment, the pivot section 70 is provided so that the arm axis 68 (perpendicularly) intersects the slide direction (forward direction) of the prize shelf 42 and is parallel to an axis 88 that connects the second engagement pins 52 of the right and left angle adjustment plates 46 of the prize shelf 42, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. As indicated by an arrow D in FIG. SA, the first arm 82 and the second arm 84 almost simultaneously transmit a force that slides the prize shelf 42 forward to the rear ends of the right and left angle adjustment plates 46. The right and left angle adjustment plates 46 are provided at positions that are symmetrical with respect to a line 92 (line of symmetry) that perpendicularly intersects the axis 88 (pivot axis of the prize shelf 42) and passes through a center of gravity 90 of the prize shelf 42.

Therefore, the biasing section 62 according to this embodiment can reliably slide and pivot the prize shelf 42 by symmetrically applying a force in the direction perpendicular to the axis 88 (i.e., pivot axis of the prize shelf 42) to the prize shelf 42 by the pivot section 70.

Therefore, since a force can be applied to the prize shelf 42 so that the axis 88 that connects the right and left second engagement pins 52 moves forward without being inclined while stably supporting each side of the prize shelf 42 by the first engagement pins 50 and the second engagement pins 52, the second engagement pins 52 can be reliably slid in the second slide grooves 60 so that the prize shelf 42 can reliably pivot.

According to this embodiment, since a force corresponding to the weight of the weight 64 applied to the connection section 74 can be effectively transmitted to the prize shelf 42, the first engagement pins 50 slide over the protrusions 78 that control the slide movement of the first engagement pins 50 when the pivot section 70 pivots even if the protrusions 78 are formed on the front ends of the bottom surfaces 76 of the first slide grooves 58 of the right and left support sections 48 so that the prize shelf 42 can reliably pivot, as shown in FIG. 6A. This prevents a situation in which the prize shelf 42 slides forward due to a reason other than pivoting of the pivot section 70 so that the first engagement pin 50 falls from the first slide groove 58.

According to this embodiment, since a force corresponding to the weight of the weight 64 applied to the connection section 74 can be effectively transmitted to the prize shelf 42, the weight of the weight 64 can be reduced. Therefore, if the prize 22 placed on the stationary table 24 has a low weight, the weight 64 can be dropped from the stationary table 24.

4. Functional block diagram of prize game machine FIG. 9 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the prize game machine 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.

The prize game machine 10 according to this embodiment includes an operation section 14, a setting section 15, a processing section 100, a storage section 170, an information storage medium 180, a sound output section 190, and a prize moving section 200.

The operation section 14 is implemented by an operation button or an operation lever. The operation section 14 receives an operation input by a player, and transmits an operation signal to the processing section 100.

The setting section 15 receives a setting input from a manager (i.e., clerk) of a shop in which the prize game machine 10 is installed, and transmits a setting signal to the processing section 100. Examples of the setting input include a setting input that adjusts the operation of the turntable 20, the slide table 30. the moving section 32, or the scoop section 34 shown in FIG. 1. The setting section 1 5 may be provided in the housing 12 or the like, or the setting input may be input utilizing an operating section of the operation section 14.

The storage section I 70 serves as a work area fbr the processing section I 00 and the like. The function of the storage section 170 may be implemented by hardware such as a RAM.

The information storage medium I 80 (computer-readable storage medium) stores a program and information such as data. The function of the information storage medium 180 may be implemented by hardware such as a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a memory (ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MO), or an optical disk (CD or DVD). The processing section 100 performs various processes according to the invention based on information stored in the information storage medium 180.

Specifically, the information storage medium 180 stores information (program or data) that implements the means according to the embodiment of the invention (particularly blocks included in the processing section 100).

The sound output section 190 may be implemented by hardware such as a speaker.

The prize moving section 200 includes a turntable motor 2 10, a slide table motor 212, a moving section motor 214, and a scoop section motor 216. The prize moving section 200 operates the turntable 20, the slide table 30, the moving section 32, and the scoop section 34 shown in FIG. I according to control signals from the processing section 100.

The processing section 100 (processor) includes a game processing section 110, a drive control section 112, a setting change section 114, and a sound generation section 116. The processing section 100 performs various processes such as a game process and a sound generation process based on the operation signal from the operation section 14, a program, and the like. The function of the processing section 100 may be implemented by hardware such as a processor ((PU, DSP, etc.) or an ASIC (gate array, etc.) and a program (game program).

The game processing section 110 performs various game processes, such as starting the game when game start conditions have been satisfied, proceeding with the game, or finishing the game when game finish conditions have been satisfied, based on the operation signal from the operation section 14, a program stored in the information storage medium 180, and the like.

The drive control section 112 controls the prize moving section 200 based on the operation signal from the operation section 14, a program stored in the information storage medium 180, and the like. Specifically, the drive control section 112 controls the turntable motor 210, the slide table motor 212, the moving section motor 214, and the scoop section motor 2 16 to control the operations of the turntable 20, the slide table 30, the moving section 32, and the scoop section 34.

The setting change section 114 changes the setting of the drive control section 112 based on the setting input received by the setting section 15. Specifically, the setting change section 114 changes a setting value when the drive control section 112 controls the prize moving section 200 based on the setting input performed by a manager or the like.

The sound generation section 116 performs a sound process based on the results of various processes performed by the processing section 100, generates game sound such as background music (BGM), effect sound, or voice, and outputs the generated game sound to the sound output section 190.

A program or data for implementing the means according to the embodiment of the invention may be distributed to the information storage medium 180 from an information storage medium included in a host computer (server) through a network and a communication section. Use of the information storage medium of the host computer (server) is also included within the scope olthe invention.

5. Modification The method described relating to the above embodiments is oniy an example. A case of employing a method that achieves effects similar to those of the method described relating to the above embodiments is also included within the scope of the invention. The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications and variations may be made. Various methods described relating to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately used in combination as a method that implements the invention.

IS For example, the above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the turntable 20, the slide table 30, the moving section 32, and the scoop section 34 arc provided as the prize moving section. Note that some of the turntable 20, the slide table 30, the moving section 32, and the scoop section 34 may be omitted, or another prize moving section may be employed. Specifically, the invention may be applied to a prize game machine that is configured so that a player can acquire a prize that has been placed in the first area and fallen onto the second area and the weight section falls from the first area in response to a given trigger event.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the first arm 82 and the second arm 84 that come in contact with the prize shelf 42 on each side of the prize shelf 42 are secured on the arm axis 68 (e.g., the pivot section 70 shown in FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. IOA (pivot section 700), an arm 820 and an arm 840 that come in contact with the prize shelf 42 in the middle of the prize shelf 42 at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of gravity of the prize shelf 42 may be secured on the arm axis 68. As shown in FIG. lOB (pivot section 702), one arm 850 that comes in contact with the prize shelf 42 in the middle of the prize shelf 42 at symmetrical positions with respect to the center of gravity of the prize shelf 42 may be secured on the arm axis 68.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the first arm 82 connected to the weight 64 is provided on one end of the arm axis 68 (e.g., the pivot section 70 shown in FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. lOC (pivot section 704), an arm 860 connected to the weight 64 may be provided in the middle of the arm axis 68.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the first engagement pin 50 and the second engagement pin 52 are provided on each side of the prize shelf 42 and engage with the support section 48 on each side of the prize shelf 42 (e.g., the prize supply device 40 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B). As shown in FIG. II (prize supply device 400), the prize shelf 42 may be provided with a first engagement section 500 that protrudes toward the inside of the prize shelf 42 and a second engagement section 520 that protrudes toward the rightward direction and the leftward direction of the prize shelf 42 (i.e., directions that intersect the forward direction in FIG. II). In this case, the base plate 56 positioned inside (left in FIG. II) the prize shelf 42 functions as the support section 48. The first engagement section 500 engages with the base plate 56, and the second engagement section 520 engages with the right and left support sections 48 of the prize shelf 42. When the prize shelf 42 is slid forward, the first engagement section 500 falls from the base plate 56 so that the prize shelf 42 pivots around the second engagement section 520 or a pivot axis in a direction E shown in FIG. II.

The above embodiments have been described taking an example in which the first engagement pin 50 located at a relatively forward position and the second engagement piii 52 located backward with respect to the first engagement pin 50 are provided on each sdc of the prize shelf 42, and engage with the support section 48 on each side of the prize shelf 42 (e.g., the prize supply device 40 shown in FIGS. 5A and SB). As shown n FIGS. 12A and 12B (prize supply device 410), a pair of engagement sections 530 provided on either side of the prize shelf 42 may engage with the support sections 48 on either side of the prize shelf 42. In this case, a slide groove 600 of the support section 48 is formed so that the width of the slide groove 600 is reduced on the rear side (left in FIG. 12A) and increases on the front end (right in FIG. 12A), and the engagement section 530 is formed to have an elliptical cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 12A, for example. Therefore, the prize shelf 42 can be supported on a rear side 610 ( at the first position) of the slide groove 600 so that the prize shelf 42 can slide due to external force while limiting pivoting of the prize shelf 42, as shown in FIG 12A, and the prize shelf 42 can be supported on a front end 620 ( at the second position) of the slide groove 600 so that the prize shelf 42 can pivot in a direction F as shown in FIG. 12B.

Although only some embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. PRIZE SUPPLY DEViCE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

SUMMARY

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

II

The sound output section 190 may be implemented by hardware such as a speaker.

Although only some embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A prize supply device used for a prize game machine that allows a player to acquire a prize that has been placed in a first area and fallen onto a second area, the prize supply device comprising: a prize shelf that holds a prize and drops the prize when the prize shelf pivots around a first pivot axis; a support section that supports the prize shelf so that the prize shelf can slide by an external force while limiting pivoting of the prize shelf when the prize shelf is located at a first position, and supports the prize shelf so that the prize shelf can pivot around the first pivot axis when the prize shelf is located at a second position; and a biasing section that slides the prize shelf from the first position to the second position, the biasing section including: a weight section disposed in the first area; and a pivot section that is connected to the weight section and pivots around a second pivot axis due to a weight of the weight section when the weight section has fallen from the first area to apply a force to slide from the first position to the second position to the prize shelf.
2. The prize supply device as defined in claim 1, wherein the pivot section applies a force in a direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis to the prize shelf at symmetrical positions with respect to a line of symmetry that is a line perpendicularly intersecting the first pivot axis and passing through a center of gravity of the prize shelf.
3. The prize supply device as defined in claim I or 2, wherein the pivot section includes: the second pivot axis; a connection section connected to the weight section; and an action section that pushes the prize shelf from the first position to the second position.
4. The prize supply device as defined in any one of claims I to 3, further comprising: a first engagement section secured on the prize shelf, the first engagement section engaging with the support section when the prize shelf is located at the first position, and falling from the support section when the prize shelf is located at the second position and a second engagement section secured on each side of the prize shelf, the second engagement section engaging with the support section when the prize shelf is located at IS the first position, and functioning as the first pivot axis when the prize shelf is located at the second position, wherein the support section supports the second engagement section on each side of the prize shelf.
5. The prize supply device as defined in any one of claims I to 4, wherein the support section includes a slide control section that controls slide movement of the prize shelf.
6. The prize supply device as defined in any one of claims I to 5, wherein the prize shelf drops a prize onto at least one of the first area and the second area when the prize shelf pivots around the first pivot axis.

6. The prize supply device as defined in any one of claims I to 5, wherein the prize shelf drops a prize onto at least one of the first area and the second area when the prize shelf pivots around the first pivot axis.

CLAIMS: 1. A prize supply device used for a prize game machine that allows a player to acquire a prize that has been placed in a first area and fallen onto a second area, the prize supply device comprising: a prize shelf that holds a prize and drops the prize when the prize shelf pivots around a first pivot axis; a support section that supports the prize shelf so that the prize shelf can slide by an external force while limiting pivoting of the prize shelf when the prize shelf is located at a first position, and supports the prize shelf so that the prize shelf can pivot around the first pivot axis when the prize shelf is located at a second position; and a biasing section that slides the prize shelf from the first position to the second position, the biasing section including: a weight section disposed in the first area; and a pivot section that is connected to the weight section and pivots around a second pivot axis due to a weight of the weight section when the weight section has fallen from the first area to apply a force to slide from the first position to the second position to the prize shelf.

2. The prize supply device as defined in claim 1, wherein the pivot section applies a force in a direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis to the prize shelf at symmetrical positions with respect to a line of symmetry that is a line perpendicularly intersecting the first pivot axis and passing through a center of gravity of the prize shelf.

3. The prize supply device as defined in claim I or 2, wherein the pivot section includes: the second pivot axis; a connection section connected to the weight section; and an action section that pushes the prize shelf from the first position to the second position.

4. The prize supply device as defined in any one of claims I to 3, further comprising: a first engagement section secured on the prize shelf, the first engagement section engaging with the support section when the prize shelf is located at the first position, and falling from the support section when the prize shelf is located at the second position and a second engagement section secured on each side of the prize shelf, the second engagement section engaging with the support section when the prize shelf is located at IS the first position, and functioning as the first pivot axis when the prize shelf is located at the second position, wherein the support section supports the second engagement section on each side of the prize shelf.

5. The prize supply device as defined in any one of claims I to 4, wherein the support section includes a slide control section that controls slide movement of the prize shelf.