JP2005177123A - Prize put-out apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a prize put-out apparatus where a put-out ratio is adjusted properly by only changing the operation pattern of a prize moving means. <P>SOLUTION: When a present put-out ratio is slightly larger than a target put-out ratio in lifting operation of lifting the prize upward or moving operation of moving the prize toward the prize put-out port after scooping and keeping the prize with an arm, the prize put-out apparatus starts moving slowly and accelerates to reach a prescribed moving speed in a prescribed period (normal mode). When the present put-out ratio is larger than the target put-out ratio, the prize put-out apparatus immediately accelerates to reach the prescribed moving speed in a shorter period than that of normal mode (acceleration mode). When the present put-out ratio is further larger than the target put-out ratio, the prize put-out apparatus accelerates in a direction of moving away from a prize put-out port when starting moving. At the next moment, the apparatus immediately reverses an acceleration direction and accelerates to reach the prescribed moving speed in a shorter period than in the normal mode (reverse acceleration mode). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a prize payout device for paying out a prize that has fallen to a prize payout exit.

  A premium payout game machine (premium payout device) is a type of amusement machine that is installed and widely used in game centers, shopping centers, and the like. In the prize payout game machine, a plurality of prizes are arranged in a play space (game space) surrounded by a transparent acrylic board or the like, and held by an arm device called a catcher controlled by the player's operation. Lift and move to the prize payout exit. A type in which a catcher is moved by being suspended by a crane device is particularly called a “crane game machine”.

  In the operation of such a prize payout game machine, it is important how to maintain a target payout rate from the viewpoint of profitability. The payout rate is the rate at which prizes are paid out with respect to the number of game plays. If the payout rate is higher than the target value, the prize is acquired more than expected, which makes it unprofitable, which is a particular problem.

As a method for adjusting the payout rate of the prize payout game machine, for example, a technique in which the catcher automatically changes the urging force for gripping the prize is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). For example, if the urging force is weakened, it becomes difficult to catch a relatively heavy prize, and even if it is caught well, it becomes easy to come off while moving to the prize payout exit. As a result, the payout rate tends to decrease. On the contrary, if the urging force is increased, it becomes possible to reliably hold a relatively heavy prize, and the payout rate is likely to increase. Therefore, the payout rate can be automatically approximated to a desired value.
Japanese Patent No. 2925514

  However, the above-described method requires a special mechanism for changing the payout rate, which is one of the factors that increase the manufacturing cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to realize a prize payout device capable of appropriately adjusting the payout rate only by changing the operation pattern of the prize moving means. is there.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the first invention is a prize payout device for paying out a prize that has fallen to a prize payout exit, and a lifting operation for lifting a prize in a play space (for example, arrow (4) in FIG. 2). ) And a moving means (for example, an arm 1010, a moving rail 1014, a motor 1015 in FIG. Shaft 1016), payout rate calculation means for calculating the payout rate of the prize (for example, control unit 1020 in FIG. 2, processing unit 20 in FIG. 5, step S20 in FIG. 7), and the calculated payout rate , Operation pattern changing means for changing an operation pattern from the start of the lifting operation to the end of the moving operation (for example, the processing unit 20 in FIG. 5 and the step in FIG. 7) 22) and operation control means (for example, the processing unit 20 in FIG. 5, the arm driving unit 30, and step S24 in FIG. 7) for controlling the operation of the prize moving unit with the operation pattern changed by the operation pattern changing unit. It is characterized by providing.

  One important aspect of whether or not a prize can be obtained when playing a game with a prize paying apparatus is an operation of lifting a once held prize and an action of moving it to a prize paying exit after being lifted. The prize that is barely lifted by the prize moving means falls in the middle of the start of such a movement operation and even a slight shaking during the movement, and cannot be obtained even if it can be lifted with great effort. Accordingly, the first invention calculates the payout rate, changes the operation pattern from the start of the lifting operation of the prize moving means to the end of the moving operation based on the calculated payout rate, and uses the changed operation pattern to give the prize. Control the movement of the moving means. As a result, the payout rate is adjusted by controlling the occurrence of the shake of the prize in the process of moving the held prize to the prize payout exit. There is no need to add a special mechanism for adjusting the payout rate, so that the manufacturing cost is not increased.

The change of the operation pattern is not limited to the configuration based on the once calculated payout rate.
For example, the prize dispensing device of the second invention is a prize moving means (for example, an arm 1010 in FIG. 2) that performs a lifting operation for lifting a prize in a play space and a movement operation for carrying the lifted prize above the prize paying exit. , Moving rail 1014, motor 1015, lifting shaft 1016), payout detection means (for example, payout sensor 1212 in FIG. 2) for detecting the payout of the prize, and the prize moving means based on the detection result by the payout detection means. The movement pattern changing means (for example, the processing unit 20 in FIG. 5, step S22 in FIG. 7) for changing the movement pattern from the start of the lifting movement to the end of the moving movement is changed by the movement pattern changing means. Motion control means (for example, the processing unit 20 in FIG. Part 30, characterized in that it comprises a step S24) in FIG.

  Further, for example, the third invention is a prize payout device according to the second invention, further comprising coin detection means (for example, coin mech 1037 in FIG. 1) for detecting coin insertion, wherein the operation pattern changing means is The operation pattern is changed based on a detection result by the payout detection unit and a detection result by the coin detection unit.

  According to the second invention, the movement pattern of the movement operation of the prize moving means is changed based on the number of detections of the prize payout, that is, the number of prizes paid out, and the prize moving means is operated with the changed operation pattern. Can be controlled. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the operation pattern can be changed based on the detected number of coins received in addition to the detected number of prize payouts. The number of detections of prize payout and the number of detections of accepted coins are important factors related to the payout rate. Therefore, according to the second and third inventions, similarly to the first invention, the payout rate can be adjusted by controlling the occurrence of the shake of the prize in the process of moving the held prize to the prize payout exit. .

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the premium payout device of the third aspect, the movement pattern changing means detects the movement pattern when the coin detection means newly detects the insertion of a coin within a predetermined time after the game play ends. It is a prize paying device characterized by having means for changing during continuous play (for example, the processing unit 20 in FIG. 4 and steps S23-2 to S23-3 and S34 in FIG. 9).

  According to the fourth invention, the operation pattern can be changed in a so-called “continue” state in which the game is continuously repeated. For example, when the game is continued, the operation pattern is changed so as to reduce the occurrence of shakes of the prize, so that when the game is continued, the prize can be more easily obtained than the previous game play. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the prize payout device by encouraging the player to be happy.

  A fifth invention is the prize dispensing device according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the operation pattern changing means changes an operation speed of the lifting operation and / or the moving operation. (The processing unit 20 in FIG. 5, the arm driving unit 30, the operation setting TBL 512 in FIG. 6, and step S <b> 22 in FIG. 7).

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to change at least one of the operation speed of the operation of lifting the prize and the operation of moving the prize to the prize payout exit. For example, if the operating speed is increased, the moving distance is fixed, so that acceleration of acceleration and deceleration increases, and an inertial force acts on the held premium so that the prize can be easily dropped during movement. In addition, as the moving speed increases, shaking increases and the prize can be easily dropped.

  A sixth invention is the prize dispensing device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the operation pattern changing means is an acceleration for changing an acceleration when starting the lifting operation and / or the moving operation. It has a change means (for example, the process part 20, the arm drive part 30, FIG. 6, operation setting TBL512 of FIG. 6, step S22 of FIG. 7), It is characterized by the above.

  According to the sixth invention, the same effect as any one of the first to fifth inventions can be obtained, and at least of the operation in which the prize moving means lifts the prize and the movement from the lift to the prize payout exit. The acceleration at the start of any one of the operations can be varied. As described above, the process of moving the prize by the prize moving means is one of important aspects of whether or not the prize can be acquired, and the player tends to pay attention to the movement. If an attempt is made to cause a shake in the prize during movement, a change in speed that is apparent to the user needs to be apparent, which may cause doubt to the player. However, when starting to move from a stationary state, it is difficult to see the change in acceleration, and even if the lifted prize is shaken and dropped, it appears to be the original feature of the device or when it is lifted Since it seems as if there was a problem with the posture of the prize, the payout rate can be adjusted without causing the player to have any doubts.

  A seventh invention is the prize dispensing device according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the operation pattern changing means changes direction of the moving operation (for example, FIG. ) In the reverse acceleration mode, the processing unit 20 in FIG. 5, the arm driving unit 30, and steps S <b> 22 to S <b> 24 in FIG. 7.

  As a more preferred example, the eighth invention is a prize dispensing device according to the seventh invention, wherein the direction changing means instantaneously reverses the prize dispensing outlet when starting the moving operation. After the movement, it is changed so as to move in the direction of the prize payout exit.

  According to the seventh invention, the same effect as any one of the first to sixth inventions can be obtained, and the direction of the prize moving operation of the prize moving means can be changed. When the moving direction is changed, the inertial force acts on the lifted prize, so that the prize can be shaken more effectively.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the movement direction can be once reversed and the movement direction can be reversed in the forward direction. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively generate a shake in the moving prize and reduce the probability that the prize is acquired. Here, “instantaneous” means that the time is short enough for the player to hardly notice the change in the moving direction.

  According to the present invention, the payout rate is calculated, the operation pattern from the start of the lifting operation of the prize moving means to the end of the moving operation is changed based on the calculated payout rate, and the prize movement is performed with the changed operation pattern. By controlling the operation of the means, the payout rate can be adjusted by controlling the occurrence of shaking in the process of moving the held prize to the prize payout exit.

  Further, by changing the acceleration when the prize moving means starts moving, the payout rate can be adjusted without causing doubt to the player. Furthermore, by changing the direction of the prize moving operation of the prize moving means, when the movement direction is changed, inertial force is applied to the lifted prize to shake the prize, thereby adjusting the payout rate more effectively. It can be performed.

  As the best mode for carrying out the present invention, a prize payout game machine that scoops up and holds a prize with an excavator-type arm and moves it will be described as an example. The present invention is not limited to the scooping-up type prize payout game machine, but a crane-type prize payout game machine having an arm for holding a general prize, or a prize payout game machine in which a part of the prize is hooked with a hook-shaped arm. The same applies to the above. Also, the arrangement form of the arm can be similarly applied to a ceiling hanging type or a type movable vertically and horizontally on a vertical surface, and is not particularly limited.

[Description of configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a prize payout game machine 1000 to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vertical cross section of the prize payout game machine 1000. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a play space (game space) surrounded by a clear cover 1002 is formed in the upper part of the case of the prize payout game machine 1000 in the present embodiment.

In the play space, a turntable 1004 for placing a prize Q, a chute 1200 that forms a prize payout exit 1202 for paying out the prize Q, and a prize Q is lifted and moved to the prize payout exit 1202. And an arm 1010 to be dropped.
Outside the play space, a control panel 1030 for the player to operate the arm 1010 and a prize outlet 1204 for taking out the prize Q that has fallen to the prize payout outlet 1202 are provided. Inside the case of the prize payout game machine 1000, a control unit 1020 for controlling each part by arithmetic processing, a power supply unit (not shown), and the like are provided.

  The turntable 1004 is a disk-shaped movable table, and is always rotated counterclockwise by a motor 1005 inside the casing with the vertical axis at the center of the apparatus as a rotation axis. A conical part 1004a is mounted on the upper surface of the turntable 1004 so that the rotation axis is a vertex, and a plurality of prizes Q are stacked on the part 1004a. The turntable 1004 and the part 1004a may be integrally formed. The prize Q is preferably large enough to be scooped up by the excavator 1012 from the viewpoint of game characteristics. For example, a stuffed toy of about the size of a palm or a candy wrap is suitable.

  The chute 1200 is a prize payout passage connecting the inside and outside of the play space. An opening that opens upward in the play space is a prize payout opening 1202, and an opening that opens to the outside of the play space is a prize takeout outlet 1204. A payout sensor 1212 is provided inside the chute 1200 and can detect the number of prizes Q that have dropped to the prize payout outlet 1202. By dividing the number of prizes Q (number of prizes paid out) detected by the payout sensor 1212 by the number of coins inserted (number of times played), the current payout rate can be obtained. Instead of simply calculating the payout rate, the number of prizes Q detected by the payout sensor 1212 may be used. For example, when the number of prizes Q paid out exceeds a predetermined condition, the payout rate can be adjusted as a whole by changing so that the prize Q is difficult to be acquired.

  The chute 1200 is provided at a total of four locations on the outer periphery of the turntable 1004 in a substantially cross shape when viewed from above. Between the four chutes 1200, a slope 1007 descending toward the center of the turntable 1004 is provided so that the prize Q stays on the turntable 1004.

  The arm 1010 is an engaging means for the prize Q whose operation is controlled by the control unit 1020 in accordance with an operation input from the control panel 1030. The arm 1010 is driven by a motor 1015 and can move freely in the play space in the horizontal direction along a moving rail 1014 provided on the ceiling of the play space. Further, the tip portion can be raised and lowered by extending and lowering the lifting shaft 1016. An excavator 1012 is provided at the tip of the arm 1010. The excavator 1012 swings from above to below by a built-in motor (not shown), and scoops up the prize Q stacked on the turntable 1004. do.

  The swing direction of the excavator 1012 is set so as to face the rotation direction of the turntable 1004, and is configured so as to easily win the prize Q. The excavator 1012 itself has a spatula-shaped tip. Specifically, a surface that is bent up substantially in an L shape at a position that is a predetermined distance away from the rotation axis of the swing to scoop up the prize Q is formed. This surface has a slowly bent shape from the bent part to the tip. On the other hand, the direction perpendicular to the bend, that is, the cross section in the moving direction by the moving rail 1014 has a substantially flat shape, and a stopper structure that prevents the fall of the prize Q (for example, the end is bent into an L shape, the center Etc.) are not provided.

  The control panel 1030 includes a move button 1032, a scoop button 1034, and a coin insertion slot 1036 for the coin mech 1037. The move button 1032 and the scoop button 1034 are buttons that can emit light to prompt the player to operate. In this embodiment, the control panel 1030, the arm 1010, and the chute 1200 are provided as one set, and four sets are provided in a substantially cross shape when viewed from above. That is, four players can enjoy the game at a time.

  The control unit 1020 includes a CPU 1021 and various IC memories such as a RAM 1022 and a flash memory 1024, and integrally controls each part of the apparatus through arithmetic processing. The control unit 1020 is provided in the lower part of the housing and can be accessed from the maintenance hatch 1006.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the prize moving operation in the present embodiment will be described. The prize moving operation means that an arm 1010, a moving rail 1014, a motor 1015, and a lifting shaft 1016 hold and hold a prize in the play space, lift the held prize, and lift the prize to the prize payout exit. A series of actions that are carried down and dropped.

  When the player inserts a predetermined coin from the coin insertion slot 1036, game play is possible. While the movement button 1032 is being pressed, the arm 1010 moves along the moving rail 1014 from above the prize payout exit 1202 toward the center of the turntable 1004 by driving the motor 1015 (arrow (1)). That is, the player can horizontally move (laterally move) the arm 1010 to a desired position within the range of the moving rail 1014.

  Next, when the player presses the scoop button 1034, the arm 1010 automatically descends until the tip of the scoop touches the mountain of the prize Q (arrow (2)), and the excavator 1012 scoops and holds the prize Q. (Arrow (3)). Then, the lift shaft 1016 is shrunk and returned, the scooped up and held premium is lifted (arrow (4)), and moved along the moving rail 1014 above the premium payout outlet 1202 (arrow (5)).

  If the arm 1010 has moved to above the prize payout exit 1202, the excavator 1012 is tilted to pay off, and the scooped up prize Q is dropped to the prize payout exit 1202 (arrow (6)). If the excavator 1012 successfully scoops up the prize Q during the previous scooping operation, the player can take out the prize Q from the prize outlet 1204.

[Description of the principle of payout rate adjustment]
Next, the principle of the payout rate adjustment method in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 shows the speed / speed when the arm 1010 starts moving up the prize Q and then starts to move toward the prize payout outlet 1202 along the moving rail 1014 (arrow (5) at the start of movement in FIG. 2). It is a figure which shows the concept of the relationship between an acceleration and a target payout rate. In addition, the vertical axis plus direction in the velocity / acceleration graph means movement in the direction of the prize payout exit 1202.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, in accordance with the difference between the target payout rate desired by the manager of the prize payout game machine 1200 and the current payout rate, three operation modes are preset in the control unit 1020. Has been. The control unit 1020 controls an operation of moving toward the prize payout exit 1202 along the moving rail 1014 according to this operation mode.

  When the current payout rate is equal to or less than the target payout rate or slightly higher (less than 1.0%), the operation is controlled in the normal mode shown in FIG. In the normal mode, the arm 1010 starts moving slowly at first and accelerates toward the prize payout exit 1202 so as to reach a predetermined moving speed in a predetermined time. Specifically, for example, after the first stage acceleration so that the moving rail 1014 moves at a speed that is 1/2 of the maximum moving speed, the maximum moving speed is reached after a predetermined time (for example, about 1 second). The second stage of acceleration is controlled so as to move at. Of course, you may implement | achieve by continuous acceleration instead of stepwise acceleration.

When the current payout rate is higher than the target payout rate (less than 1.0 to 3.0%), the operation is controlled in the “acceleration mode” shown in FIG. In the acceleration mode, the arm 1010 starts moving suddenly and accelerates at a stretch so as to reach a predetermined moving speed in a shorter time than in the normal mode. Specifically, for example, control is performed such that the moving rail 1014 accelerates faster than the normal mode acceleration so that the moving rail 1014 moves at the maximum moving speed immediately after the movement starts. By accelerating at a stretch, the prize Q scooped up by the excavator 1012 is pulled in a direction opposite to the acceleration direction by the action of inertia to maintain a stationary state, and easily drops from the excavator 1012. Therefore, even if the prize Q can be scooped up, there is a high possibility that it will be shaken off and not paid out, and as a result, the payout rate can be lowered.
The shovel 1012 of the present embodiment is not provided with a stopper structure that prevents the prize Q from dropping in the direction of the moving rail 1014 (for example, the end portion is bent into an L shape, the center portion is concave, etc.). Therefore, the effect is demonstrated more.

When the current payout rate is further higher than the target payout rate (3.0% or more), the operation is controlled in the “reverse acceleration mode” shown in FIG. In the reverse acceleration mode, the arm 1010 is first accelerated in a direction away from the prize payout exit 1202, and then accelerated so that the acceleration direction is reversed and approaches the prize payout exit 1202. Specifically, for example, at the start of movement, the primary acceleration is temporarily performed in a direction away from the prize payout exit 1202 for a very short time (for example, less than 0.5 seconds), and then the secondary acceleration is performed in a direction approaching the prize payout exit 1202. To do. Further, in the secondary acceleration, control is performed so that the moving rail 1014 accelerates faster than the acceleration in the “acceleration mode” so that the moving rail 1014 reaches the maximum moving speed immediately after reversal.
The prize Q scooped up by the excavator 1012 is not only shaken when starting to move from the stationary state, but also in a state of being further shaken by the action of inertia even during acceleration reversal, and is more likely to fall than in the acceleration mode. Therefore, the payout rate can be easily lowered.

  The number of times of acceleration, the size, and the acceleration time are not limited to the above, and may be appropriately set according to the form of the prize payout game machine. For example, the number of accelerations in normal mode and reverse acceleration mode is not limited to two. The primary acceleration time is a guideline, and the operating mode of the arm 1010 has changed, and the player feels distrust. It is preferable to consider so that there is no.

[Description of functional block]
FIG. 5 is a principal functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the prize payout game machine 1000 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the prize payout game machine 1000 includes a coin detection unit 10, an operation input unit 12, a payout detection unit 14, a processing unit 20, an arm drive unit 30, and a storage unit 50.

  The coin detection unit 10 is means for detecting coins inserted as a consideration for game play and outputting a detection signal to the processing unit 20, and corresponds to the coin insertion slot 1036 and the coin mech 1037 in FIG.

  The operation input unit 12 is a means for inputting a game operation of the player, and outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 20. The operation input unit 12 is realized by, for example, a button switch or a lever. In FIG. 1, the move button 1032 and the red button 1034 correspond to this.

  The payout detection unit 14 is a means for detecting a prize Q that has fallen from the prize payout outlet 1202 to the chute 1200 and outputs a detection signal to the processing unit 20. For example, it can be realized by a photo sensor, a proximity sensor, or a weight sensor. The payout sensor 1212 in FIG. 2 corresponds to the payout detection unit 14.

  The arm drive unit 30 is a means for operating the arm 1010, and is realized by various motors, a linear motion guide, and a telescopic shaft. The arm driving unit 30 is configured to drive a horizontal driving unit 32 that is driven along a moving rail 1014 provided in the upper portion of the play space of FIG. 1, and a lift shaft 1016 and an excavator 1012 that are not shown. Each drive unit is included. The specific mechanism of the arm drive unit 30 can be realized by a known configuration similar to a catcher or the like of a so-called “crane game machine” and will not be described here.

  The processing unit 20 controls each functional block in an integrated manner by performing arithmetic processing according to a program stored in the storage unit 50. Specifically, for example, the drive power to the motors constituting the arm drive unit 30 and the horizontal drive unit 32 is controlled to perform operation control according to each operation mode. The processing unit 20 is realized by, for example, a CPU, an ASIC, an IC memory such as a RAM or a flash memory, and various electronic circuits, and the control unit 1020 of FIG.

  The storage unit 50 is a means for storing programs and data for causing the processing unit 20 to realize various functions, and is realized by, for example, an IC memory, a hard disk, or a memory card. In FIG. 1, the RAM 1022 and the flash memory 1024 installed in the control unit 1020 correspond to this.

  In the present embodiment, the storage unit 50 stores a system program 502, a target payout rate 504, a total payout number 506, a total coin acceptance number 508, and an operation setting TBL (table) 512.

  The target payout rate 504 is a reference value for payout rate adjustment. The manager of the prize payout game machine 1000 accesses the control unit 1020 from the maintenance hatch 1006 and sets it in advance.

  The total payout number 506 stores the total number of prizes that have been dropped and paid out to the prize payout exit 1202. When the payout detection unit 14 detects a prize Q that has fallen on the chute 1200, the count is added by the number detected, that is, the number of prizes Q that have been paid out.

  The total coin acceptance number 508 stores the total number of coins inserted into the coin mech 1037. When coin insertion is detected by the coin detection unit 10, a count is added. Depending on the setting of the play fee, this total coin acceptance number 508 corresponds to the number of plays. For example, one coin is one play.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the operation setting TBL 512 in the present embodiment. The operation setting TBL 512 stores the applicable payout rate 512b and the control pattern information 512c of the horizontal drive unit 32 in association with each other for each operation mode 512a.
When referring to the operation setting TBL 512, the processing unit 20 calculates a value obtained by dividing the total payout number 506 by the total coin received number 508 as the current payout rate, and corresponds to the applied payout rate 512b that matches the calculated payout rate. The operation mode 512a is selected. Based on the control pattern information 512c of the selected operation mode 512a, the arm drive unit 30, specifically the horizontal drive unit 32 in this embodiment, is controlled.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of processing will be described by taking as an example the case of playing a game once with one coin.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the processing unit 20 in the present embodiment. The processing described here is realized by the processing unit 20 reading and executing the system program 502.

  First, if the coin detection unit 10 detects that a predetermined coin has been inserted (step S2), the processing unit 20 controls the arm driving unit 30 to move the arm 1010 to the initial position (step S4). . Specifically, the arm drive unit 30 moves the arm 1010 onto the prize payout outlet 1202 so that the lifting shaft 1016 is in the most contracted state.

  Next, the processing unit 20 adds “1” to the total coin received number 508 (step S6), and starts the game. The processing unit 20 lights the movement button 1032 of the operation input unit 12 to prompt the player to operate (step S8), controls the arm driving unit 30 according to the input from the movement button 1032, and moves the arm 1010 along the moving rail 1014. (Step S10).

  Next, the processing unit 20 illuminates the scoop button 1034 of the operation input unit 12 to prompt the player to operate (step S12), and controls the arm driving unit 30 according to the input from the scoop button 1034 to move the lifting shaft 1016. The arm 1010 is lowered until the tip of the arm 1010 comes into contact with the mountain of the prize Q (step S14). When the tip of the arm 1010 comes into contact, the descent is stopped, the excavator 1012 is automatically swung, the premium Q is held and held (step S16), and the elevating shaft 1016 is raised and lifted (step S18).

Next, the processing unit 20 calculates the current payout rate (step S20). Specifically, when the total coin acceptance number 508 is less than “10”, a value obtained by adding “10” to the total payout number 506 “total payout number + 10” is a value obtained by adding “10” to the total coin acceptance number 508. Divide by “total number of coins received + 10” to calculate the current payout rate. When the total coin acceptance number 508 is “10” or more, a value obtained by dividing the total payout number 506 by the total coin acceptance number 508 is set as the current payout rate. Note that “10” to be added is an example, and other values including “0” may be used.
When the payout rate is calculated, an appropriate operation mode 512a is selected with reference to the operation setting TBL 512 (step S22), and the horizontal driving unit 32 is controlled with the control pattern information 512c of the selected operation mode (step S24). ).

  Next, when the arm 1010 has moved above the premium payout exit 1202 (initial position), the excavator 1012 is paid out and the prize Q that has been scooped up is dropped into the premium payout exit 1202 (step S26). If the prize Q can be scooped up with the shovel 1012 during the scooping operation, the payout detection unit 14 detects the prize Q dropped to the prize payout outlet 1202 (step S28; YES), and the processing unit 20 adds the detected number to the total payout number 506 (step S30).

  This completes one game play. Here, if a coin is inserted again within a predetermined time (for example, within 10 seconds after the game ends) (step S32; YES), the processing unit 20 determines that the game is continued and played continuously. The process proceeds to step S4.

  By the above processing, the payout rate can be adjusted by controlling the movement operation of the arm 1010 according to the current payout rate.

[Description of Modification]
As mentioned above, although one embodiment of the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and as long as the same actions and effects are achieved without departing from the spirit of the invention, the change or deletion of the components as appropriate, You may add.

  For example, the movement operation of the arm 1010 is controlled for the horizontal movement along the moving rail 1014. However, the movement is not limited to this. For example, after the scooping operation of the excavator 1012, the lifting operation of the lifting shaft 1016 (the arrow (4 in FIG. 2) It is good also as a structure applied to)). In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the arm is raised by controlling the operation of the lifting shaft 1016 in the operation mode selected after the calculation of the payout rate and the selection of the operation mode (steps S20 and S22) (step S23-1). ).

  In addition, in the case of so-called “continue” in which coins are newly inserted within a predetermined time after the game play ends, and so-called “continue”, the operation mode is changed so that the prize Q is more easily acquired. Also good. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when a coin is newly inserted within a predetermined time after the end of the game play (step S32; YES), a flag indicating that the coin has been continued is set in the storage unit 50 (step S34). ). And if it is continued after step S22 (step S23-2; YES), the once selected operation mode 512a is changed to a mode in which it is easier to obtain the prize Q (step S23-3). Specifically, for example, when the acceleration mode is selected, the normal mode is reselected at the time of continuing. When the normal mode is selected, there is no mode in which the prize Q can be easily acquired, and the normal mode is maintained. As a result, when the continuation is made, it is possible to make it easier to obtain the prize Q. In this state, if the player can obtain the prize Q, it is possible to think that “there was a desire to continue”, to increase the satisfaction with the game, and to be more eager.

  In the above embodiment, the operation mode is selected from the operation setting TBL 512 based on the calculated payout rate, and the payout rate is automatically adjusted. However, the control unit 1020 is provided with a switch, and the switching of the switch is performed. Thus, the operation mode may be arbitrarily fixed manually. In this case, the processing unit 20 determines whether or not the operation mode is fixed by the switch in the previous stage of Step S20, and if it is fixed, the processing unit 20 is fixed by omitting Steps S20 to S24. The horizontal drive unit 32 is controlled in the operation mode.

  Further, the shape and swing direction of the excavator 1012 are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the swing direction may be a direction from the center of the turntable 1004 toward the prize payout outlet 1202 so that the prize Q piled up by the excavator 1012 is scratched toward the prize payout outlet 1202.

The figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the prize payout game machine to which this invention is applied. 1 is a schematic view of a vertical section of a prize payout game machine to which the present invention is applied. The perspective view which shows operation | movement of an arm. The figure which shows the concept of the relationship between the speed and acceleration at the time of an arm moving toward a prize payout exit along a moving rail, and a target payout rate. The principal part functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of a prize payout game machine. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of operation | movement setting TBL (table). The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process. The flowchart for demonstrating the modification of the flow of a process. The flowchart for demonstrating the modification of the flow of a process.

Explanation of symbols

20 processing unit 30 arm driving unit 32 horizontal driving unit 50 storage unit 502 system program 504 target payout rate 506 total payout number 508 total coin received number 512 operation setting TBL (table)
512a operation mode 512b applicable payout rate 512c control pattern information 1000 premium payout game machine 1010 arm 1012 excavator 1014 moving rail 1015 motor 1016 lift shaft 1020 control unit 1212 payout sensor

Claims (8)

In the prize dispensing device that dispenses the prize that has fallen to the prize outlet,
A prize moving means for performing a lifting operation for lifting a prize in the play space, and a movement operation for carrying the lifted prize above the prize payout exit;
A payout rate calculating means for calculating a payout rate of the prize,
Based on the calculated payout rate, an operation pattern changing unit that changes an operation pattern from the start of the lifting operation of the prize moving unit to the end of the moving operation;
Operation control means for controlling the operation of the prize moving means with the action pattern changed by the action pattern changing means;
A prize dispensing device comprising: In the prize dispensing device that dispenses the prize that has fallen to the prize outlet,
A prize moving means for performing a lifting operation for lifting a prize in the play space, and a movement operation for carrying the lifted prize above the prize payout exit;
A payout detecting means for detecting the payout of the prize;
An operation pattern changing unit that changes an operation pattern from the start of the lifting operation of the prize moving unit to the end of the moving operation based on a detection result by the payout detection unit;
Operation control means for controlling the operation of the prize moving means with the action pattern changed by the action pattern changing means;
A prize dispensing device comprising: A coin detecting means for detecting coin insertion;
The operation pattern changing means changes the operation pattern based on a detection result by the payout detection means and a detection result by the coin detection means.
The prize payout device according to claim 2, wherein: The action pattern changing means includes a continuous play time changing means for changing the action pattern when the coin detecting means newly detects the insertion of a coin within a predetermined time after the end of the game play.
The prize payout device according to claim 3. The operation pattern changing means includes an operation speed changing means for changing an operation speed of the lifting operation and / or the moving operation.
The prize dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The movement pattern changing means includes acceleration changing means for changing acceleration when starting the lifting action and / or the moving action.
The prize payout device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The operation pattern changing unit includes a direction changing unit that changes an operation direction of the moving operation.
The prize dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The direction changing means is changed so as to move in the direction of the prize payout exit after instantaneously moving in the direction opposite to the prize payout exit when starting the moving operation.
The prize payout device according to claim 7.

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