JP2008048892A - Crane game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust the number of prizes mounted on a game field and adjust a prize put-out rate by selecting the prizes provided on the game field based on prices. <P>SOLUTION: The crane game machine gripping a prize, which is put on the game field, with a crane arm includes: a plurality of prize units A, B and C sequentially supplying a plurality of previously retained prizes on the game field; a prize unit control part 32 controlling the supply of the prizes by the plurality of prize units A, B and C; and a central control unit 30 adjusting the number of prizes to be supplied to the game field by the prize units A, B and C by controlling the prize unit control part 32. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a crane game machine that holds a prize placed on a game field by a crane arm.

  A crane game machine is a game in which a large number of prizes such as dolls and stuffed toys stored in a case are obtained by controlling a crane arm by operating a button or a joystick. The game field on which the prize of the crane game machine is placed has a prize payout port communicating with the outside of the case, and the prize held by the crane arm is moved to above the prize payout opening, and at that position. You can receive prizes by dropping them.

  In a conventional crane game machine, a number of prizes are placed in advance in a game field (bottom of the case) in the case (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When there are no more or less prizes on the field, prizes are replaced or supplemented.

In addition, in the crane game machine, adjustment of the prize payout rate based on the play fee and the prize unit price is performed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the conventional crane game machine, the prize payout rate is adjusted by adjusting the force (gripping force) for holding the prize by the crane arm. The crane game machine described in Patent Document 2 includes a catcher motor that opens and closes a catcher arm, a catcher spring that adjusts a gripping force that acts between the catcher arms, and a catcher spring motor that adjusts the strength of the catcher spring. And the strength of the catcher spring is automatically adjusted so that the set payout rate is achieved by rotating the catcher spring motor in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-127940 JP 2006-68217 A

  As described above, in the conventional crane game machine, prizes must be prepared in advance in the game field, and therefore, a lot of prizes are prepared in the game field in stores where the supplement or exchange of prizes cannot be made frequently. . In this case, since a large amount of prizes are packed in the game field and piled up, it becomes difficult to hold the prizes by the crane arm. In such a situation, a user who knows that it is difficult to grab a prize with the crane arm refrains from using the crane game machine.

  Moreover, in the conventional crane game machine, although the strength of the catcher spring can be automatically adjusted, it is not always possible to grip the prize according to the shape and weight of the prize. For this reason, the adjustment of the catcher spring strength sometimes fails to adjust the prize payout rate. Conventionally, in order to adjust the prize payout rate, it has been necessary to adjust the gripping force of the crane arm, change the play fee, etc. each time the prize is replaced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a crane game machine capable of adjusting the number of prizes placed on a game field. In particular, the prize payout rate can be adjusted by selecting a prize provided to the game field based on the price.

  The present invention relates to a crane game machine that grips a prize placed on a game field by a crane arm, a plurality of prize units that sequentially supply a plurality of prizes held in advance to the game field, and the plurality of prize units. A prize unit control means for controlling the supply of prizes, and an adjustment means for adjusting the number of prizes supplied to the game field by the prize unit by controlling the prize unit control means.

  A prize price storage means for storing data indicating a price of the prize held in each of the plurality of prize units; and the game field from the prize unit based on the data stored by the prize price storage means. And a prize payout rate calculating means for calculating a prize payout rate according to the prize supplied to the plurality of prizes, and the adjusting means is based on the prize payout rate calculated by the prize payout rate calculating means. A premium is supplied from any of the premium units.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of prizes can be held in advance in a plurality of prize units, and prizes can be sequentially supplied from this prize unit to the game field, so the number of prizes prepared in the game field is adjusted. It becomes possible. In addition, since the prize payout rate is calculated according to the prize supplied from the prize unit and the prize is supplied from any of the prize units based on the prize payout rate, it is possible to stably adjust the prize payout rate.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a crane game machine 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the upper half of the casing of the crane game machine 10 is covered with a transparent case 11 at a part of the front and side surfaces so that the inside of the case 11 can be visually recognized. In the game field 12 in the case 11, prizes supplied from a plurality of prize units A, B, and C provided in the upper part in the case 11 are placed. The prize units A, B, and C sequentially supply a plurality of prizes held in advance to the game field 12 (detailed configuration will be described with reference to FIG. 4). Further, in the upper part of the case 11, a crane arm 13 and a mechanism part for moving the crane arm 13 in the upper part of the game field 12, for example, in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction (downward) ( (Not shown) is provided. When the crane arm 13 is moved to a predetermined position in the XY direction by a mechanism unit that operates in response to a user operation, the crane arm 13 is moved downward in order to hold a prize on the game field 12. Two gripping claws for gripping prizes are provided at the tip of the crane arm 13 (three or four gripping claws may be provided).

  The game field 12 is provided with a prize payout opening 15. The prize payout port 15 is used for paying out prizes from the game field 12 to the outside, and communicates with a prize takeout port 21 provided at the lower part of the casing. The prize can be taken out from the prize taking-out port 21 by dropping the prize to the prize dispensing port 15 by the crane arm 13.

  A control panel 18 is provided on the front surface of the case 11. A joystick 19 for operating the movement of the crane arm 13 and a 7-segment display 20 as a display device are provided on the upper surface of the control panel 18. In addition, a speaker 22 for outputting sound effects, music, explanation sounds, and the like during game execution is provided on the side of the casing of the crane game machine 10.

  The lower half of the casing of the crane game machine 10 is provided with a prize take-out port 21 for taking out a prize dropped into the prize payout slot 15, and a coin insertion slot 23 into which a coin for a play fee of the crane game machine 10 is inserted. It has been.

  FIG. 2 is a front view of the game field 12 shown in FIG. Three premium units A, B, and C are provided in the upper portion of the game field 12, and different premiums A, B, and C are held in advance in a suspended manner. The prizes A, B, and C are supplied (dropped) from the prize units A, B, and C, so that the prizes A, B, and C are placed on the game field 12 and can be held by the crane arm 13 that moves by operating the joystick 19. .

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a joystick 19 and a 7-segment display 20 provided on the control panel 18. A joystick 19 provided on the control panel 18 is operated to control the movement of the crane arm 13, and can be operated in four directions, for example, up, down, left, and right. The actual holding of the prize is performed by moving the joystick 19 up and down, left and right, determining the position, and then pressing a holding button 36 provided on the joystick 19. This gripping operation may be performed only once, or may be performed any number of times within the time limit. The gripping 7-segment display 20 is for displaying the remaining play time and can display a two-digit number.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the premium unit 24 (premium units A, B, and C).
The premium unit 24 is attached to the housing at the upper back in the case 11 by a mounting plate 25. A drive motor 40 (40A, 40B, 40C) to be described later is attached to the back surface of the attachment plate 25. A rotating member 27 provided on the front surface side of the mounting plate 25 is attached to the rotating shaft of the drive motor 40 via the mounting plate 25.

  A helical premium holding coil 28 is attached to the rotating member 27 substantially horizontally toward the front side. The prize holding coil 28 is rotated by rotating the drive motor 40. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of prizes are suspended from the prize holding coil 28 by strings. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that only one type of premium is prepared in one premium unit 24. When the prize holding coil 28 is rotated, a string for hanging the prize along the prize holding coil 28 is sent forward. When the string reaches the end of the prize holding coil 28, the prize is paid out (dropped) to the game field 12.

  The mounting plate 25 is provided with a support member 26 in parallel with the prize holding coil 28. At the tip of the support member 26, a prize drop sensor 29 for detecting a prize paid out (dropped) from the prize holding coil 28 is provided. For example, the prize drop sensor 29 detects that a string for hanging a prize to be paid out has passed. The prizes can be paid one by one from the prize unit 24 by stopping the rotation of the prize holding coil 28 when the prize drop sensor 29 detects that the prize has been paid out to the game field 12. Further, the number of remaining prizes can be managed by decrementing the number of prizes held in the prize unit 24 in accordance with the detection of the prize drop sensor 29.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the crane game machine 10 in the present embodiment. The crane game machine 10 is realized by installing a computer function.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the crane game machine 10 includes a central control device 30, a program storage unit 31, a premium unit control unit 32, an arm control unit 33, an output control unit 34, and an input control unit 35.

  The central control device 30 is constituted by a processor, a memory, and the like, and controls the crane game machine 10 as a whole. The central controller 30 realizes various functions by executing various programs stored in the program storage unit 31. The central control device 30 implements the functions of the adjustment unit 30a, the premium price storage unit 30b, and the premium payout rate calculation unit 30c by executing the program stored in the program storage unit 31.

  The adjustment unit 30 a controls the number of premiums supplied to the game field 12 by the premium units A, B, and C by controlling the premium unit control unit 32. When the adjustment unit 30a detects that a prize has been paid out by the prize payout sensor 47, the adjustment unit 30a executes a process for adjusting the number of prizes in the game field 12. Further, the adjustment unit 30a supplies the giveaway units A and B so as to supply a giveaway having a price that can approach the preset giveout rate based on the giveaway payout rate calculated by the giveaway payout rate calculating unit 30c. , C are supplied with prizes. Further, the adjustment unit 30a randomly selects one of the plurality of prize units A, B, and C each time the number of prizes supplied from the plurality of prize units A, B, and C becomes a predetermined number. The number of prizes can be adjusted by selecting and supplying prizes from the selected prize unit.

  The prize price storage unit 30b stores data indicating a price (premium unit price) set for a prize previously held in each of the plurality of prize units A, B, and C. The premium payout rate calculation unit 30c calculates a premium payout rate (PAYOUT rate) corresponding to the premium supplied from the premium units A, B, and C to the game field 12 based on the data stored in the premium price storage unit 30b. calculate.

  The program storage unit 31 is configured by a hard disk device or the like, and stores various programs and data. The programs stored in the program storage unit 31 include programs for realizing the adjustment unit 30a, the premium price storage unit 30b, and the premium payout rate calculation unit 30c in the central controller 30.

  The premium unit control unit 32 controls the drive of the drive motors 40A, 40B, and 40C under the control of the central controller 30. The drive motors 40A, B, and C rotate the premium holding coils 28 of the corresponding premium units A, B, and C, respectively.

  The arm control unit 33 controls driving of the X-axis motor 42, the Y-axis motor 43, and the Z-axis motor 44 under the control of the central control device 30. The arm control unit 33 selectively drives the X-axis motor 42, the Y-axis motor 43, and the Z-axis motor 44 according to the operation of the joystick 19 by the user, and grips the prize on the game field 12 by the crane arm 13. To work.

  The output control unit 34 controls audio output from the speaker 22 and display of numbers (remaining play time) by the 7-segment display 20 under the control of the central control device 30.

  The input control unit 35 controls input from various input devices. The input control unit 35 controls input from the joystick 19, the prize drop sensor 29, the coin selector 46, and the prize payout sensor 47, and the input data is transmitted to the central control unit. 30 is notified. The coin selector 46 is installed in the back of the coin insertion slot 23 and detects the type of coins inserted (the amount of money inserted) from the coin insertion slot 23. The prize payout sensor 47 is provided between the prize payout opening 15 communicated with the prize payout opening 15 and detects a prize paid out through the prize payout opening 15.

Next, operation | movement of the crane game machine 10 in this embodiment is demonstrated, referring the flowchart shown in FIGS.
In the crane game machine 10 according to the present embodiment, prizes are supplied from the three prize units A, B, and C so that the number of prizes placed on the game field 12 is a constant number (falling to the game field 12). ) At this time, prizes are supplied from any one of the prize units each holding a prize of a different price so that the prize payout rate approaches a preset prize payout rate.

  First, for the prizes A, B, and C prepared in advance for each of the three prize units A, B, and C, weighting settings that are referred to when selecting a prize to be supplied to the game field 12 are performed. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a weight of “high”, “normal”, or “low” is set for the prize.

  First, as the person who maintains the crane game machine 10 replenishes each of the premium units A, B, and C, the price of the premium replenished to the premium units A, B, and C (premium unit price). Is set (step S1). For example, an input device for setting a premium unit price is provided, and the prices of the premiums A, B, and C corresponding to the premium units A, B, and C are input through the input device. The central control device 30 inputs data indicating the price of the prize through the input control unit 35 and stores it in the prize price storage unit 30b. The central controller 30 also inputs and stores the number of prizes supplemented (held) in each prize unit A, B, C together with the prize unit price.

  Here, if there is a relationship of “Premium A = Premium B” (Step S3, Yes) and “Premium B = Premium C” (Step S7, Yes), the central controller 30 determines each of the Premiums A, B, and C. Is set to “high” weighting (steps S4, S5, S8). Further, when there is a relationship of “Premium A = Premium B” (Step S3, Yes) and “Premium B> Premium C” (Step S7, No), the central control device 30 determines the prizes A and B respectively. “High” weighting is set (steps S4 and S5), and “normal” weighting is set for the prize C (step S9). When there is a relationship of “Premium A = Premium B” (Step S3, Yes) and “Premium B <Premium C” (Step S6, No), the central controller 30 is “high” with respect to the premium C. A weight is set (step S10), and a "normal" weight is set for the prizes A and B (steps S11 and S12).

  When there is a relationship of “Premium A> Premium B” (Step S3, No) and “Premium B = Premium C” (Step S15, Yes), the central controller 30 weights the “Premium A” with “High”. Is set (step S13), and “normal” weighting is set for each of the prizes B and C (steps S16 and S17). When there is a relationship of “Premium A> Premium B” (Step S3, No) and “Premium B> Premium C” (Step S15, No), the central controller 30 is “High” with respect to the Premium A. A weight is set (step S18), and “normal” is given to the prize B and “cheap” is given to the prize C (steps S18 and S19). When there is a relationship of “Premium A> Premium B” (Step S3, No) and “Premium B <Premium C” (Step S14, No), the central controller 30 is “High” with respect to the Premium A. A weight is set (step S13), and a “cheap” weight is set for each prize B (step S20). Furthermore, when there is a relationship of “Premium A = Premium C” (Yes in Step S22), a weight of “High” is set for the premium C (Step S23), and there is a relationship of “Premium A> Premium C”. In the case (No at Step S22), “normal” weighting is set for the prize C (Step S24). Further, in the case where there is a relationship of “Premium A> Premium B” (Step S3, No), “Premium B <Premium C” (Step S14, No), and “Premium A <Premium C” (Step S21, No). If there is a relationship, the central controller 30 is “high” for the prize A (step S13), “normal” for the prize B (step S25), and “cheap” for the prize C (step S26). Set each weight.

  If there is a relationship of “prize A <prize B” (step S2, No), the central controller 30 assigns “high” weight to the premium B and “normal” weight to the premium A respectively. If there is a relationship of “Premium B = Premium C” (Step S30, Yes), “High” weighting is set for the Premium C (Step S31). If there is a relationship of “Premium B> Premium C” (Step S30, No) and “Premium A = Premium C” (Step S33, Yes), “Normal” is set for the Premium C (Step S34) If there is a relationship of “Premium B> Premium C” (Step S30, No) and “Premium A> Premium C” (Step S33, No), “Cheap” is set for the Premium C ( Step S35). If there is a relationship of “Premium A <Premium B” (Step S2, No), “Premium B> Premium C” (Step S30, No), and “Premium A <Premium C” (Step S32, No), The central controller 30 sets weights of “high” (step S27) for the prize B, “normal” (step S36) for the prize C, and “cheap” (step S37) for the prize A. . When there is a relationship of “Premium A <Premium B” (Step S2, No) and “Premium B <Premium C” (Step S29, No), the central control device 30 is “High” with respect to the Premium B ( In step S27), “normal” (step S28) for the prize A and “cheap” (step S71) for the prize C are set.

  Thus, the central controller 30 sets the weights for the prizes A, B, and C according to the relationship of the prices (prize unit price) of the prizes A, B, and C held in the prize units A, B, and C. Remember.

  Next, the central controller 30 controls the prize unit control unit 32 to supply prizes one by one from the prize units A, B, C to the game field 12 (steps S38, S39, S40). The prize unit control unit 32 rotates the drive motors 40A, 40B, and 40C until the prize payout sensor 47 detects the payout of the prize under the control of the central control device 30. In the crane game machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the number adjustment is performed so that three prizes are always provided to the game field 12.

  Next, the central controller 30 presets a target prize payout rate (desired PAYOUT rate) (step S41). The desired PAYOUT rate may be determined in advance, or when the person who maintains the crane game machine 10 replenishes the premium units A, B, and C, or changes the play fee. You may be able to specify when you do. The desired PAYOUT rate can be designated by designating any value in the range of 0 to 99, for example, by an input device used when setting the price of the prize (prize price).

  When the desired PAYOUT rate is set, the central controller 30 calculates the average premium unit price for a plurality (three) of premiums supplied to the game field 12 based on the data stored in the premium price storage unit 30b. (Step S42). That is, the average premium unit price = (price of premium A + price of premium B + price of premium C) / 3.

  Next, the central controller 30 initializes (= 0) variable values “PAYOUT” and “INCOME” for calculating the PAYOUT rate (step S43). The variable value “PAYOUT” indicates the total amount of the paid-out premium, and the variable value “INCOME” indicates the total revenue of the crane game machine 10 (the total play fee inserted from the coin insertion slot 23). .

  Also, the variable value “UNIT” indicating the prize unit for executing the prize payout is initialized (= 0) (step S44). The crane game machine 10 according to the present embodiment pays prizes in order from the three prize units A, B, and C when the difference between the preset desired PAYOUT rate and the actual PAYOUT rate is within a predetermined range. Shall be put out. That is, the variable value “UNIT” is sequentially incremented by 1 and updated as 1 → 2 → 3 → 1 → 2.

  Here, when the central controller 30 is notified through the input control unit 35 that a coin has been inserted from the coin insertion slot 23 (step S45), it updates the total revenue of the crane game machine 10 (“INCOME”). = “INCOME” + PLAY fee), and the next prize unit for paying out the prize is set (“UNIT” = “UNIT” +1) (step S46).

  Next, the central controller 30 controls the execution of the crane game. That is, the central control device 30 sets the remaining play time and displays it on the 7-segment display 20 through the output control unit 34. During this time, when the central control device 30 is instructed to drive the crane arm 13 by operating the joystick 19, the arm control unit 33 drives the X-axis motor 42, the Y-axis motor 43, and the Z-axis motor 44 to The arm 13 is operated so as to hold a prize placed on the game field 12. When a prize is gripped by the crane arm 13 and the prize is dropped into the prize dispensing port 15, it is detected by a prize dispensing sensor 47.

  When the remaining play time is 0 and the game is finished (step S47, Yes), the central control device 30 replenishes the game field 12 with the prize when the prize has been paid out (step S48, yes). The process for this is executed as follows.

  First, the central controller 30 updates the total amount of paid out prizes (“PAYOUT” = “PAYOUT” + average prize unit price) (step S51). Here, since it is not possible to identify which prize has been paid out among a plurality of kinds of prizes supplied to the game field 12, an average prize unit price is added to obtain the total amount of prizes paid out.

  Next, the central controller 30 (premium payout rate calculation unit 30c) calculates the PAYOUT rate (premium payout rate) (“PAYOUT rate” = “PAYOUT” / “INCOME”).

  Here, it is determined whether or not the difference between the actual PAYOUT rate after the prize is paid out and the preset desired PAYOUT rate is within a preset predetermined range (step S53). In this embodiment, the setting value for determining the predetermined range is 15%, and it is determined whether or not the relationship of “+ 15% of desired PAYOUT rate> PAYOUT rate> −15% of desired PAYOUT rate” is satisfied.

  When it is determined that the PAYOUT rate is within the predetermined range, the central control device 30 controls the premium unit control unit 32 so that the premium is displayed in the game field by the premium units in a predetermined order indicated by the variable value “UNIT”. 12 (step S54). For example, when “UNIT” = 1, the prize unit control unit 32 rotates the prize holding coil 28 by driving the drive motor 40 </ b> A, and the prize A suspended from the prize holding coil 28 is input to the game field 12. Drop it. When the prize drop sensor 29 detects that the prize A has been dropped, the central controller 30 causes the prize unit controller 32 to stop driving the drive motor 40A. Also, the number of prizes held in the prize unit A is decremented by one. When “UNIT” = 2, the prize B is supplied from the prize unit B, and when “UNIT” = 3, the prize C is supplied from the prize unit C.

  When the central controller 30 supplies a premium from any premium unit, it calculates an average premium unit price for a plurality (three) of premiums supplied to the game field 12 (step S49). Here, the average premium unit price = (average premium unit price + average premium unit price + price of the premium most recently supplied to the game field 12) / 3. For example, when the premium A is supplied from the premium unit A, the average premium unit price is calculated based on the data indicating the price of the premium A stored in the premium price storage unit 30b.

  Here, if “UNIT” = 3 is not satisfied (step S50, No), the central controller 30 determines that the PAYOUT rate is predetermined when the prize is paid out by executing the crane game as described above. If it is within the range, the payout of the prize is executed by the prize unit corresponding to the value of “UNIT” that is sequentially updated. If “UNIT” = 3 (step S50, Yes), the central control unit 30 initializes “UNIT” (= 0), and pays out the premium from the premium unit A again. Set to be done.

  By the way, when the payout rate is out of the predetermined range due to the payout of the prize (step S53, No), first, the central controller 30 executes a random lottery process (step S55). In this random lottery, for example, 5% of all the lotteries will be won.

  Here, when winning by random lottery (step S56, Yes), the central control device 30 controls the premium unit control unit 32 to give the premium to the game field 12 by the premium unit indicated by the variable value “UNIT”. Supply (step S54). In other words, as will be described later, a premium of a price that can make the PAYOUT rate close to the desired PAYOUT rate is supplied to the game field 12, but by executing a random lottery, Will be able to supply different prizes. Thereby, it can be made difficult for the user to understand that the crane game machine 10 is supplying the prize so as to adjust the PAYOUT rate. For example, if a premium with a high price has already been placed on the game field 12, the premium with the next lowest price will normally be supplied, but the premium unit indicated by “UNIT” according to the result of the random lottery By supplying premiums from the above, expensive premiums can be continuously supplied to the game field 12.

  On the other hand, when the random lottery is not won (step S56, No), the central controller 30 selects one of the plurality of premium units A, B, and C according to the current PAYOUT rate and supplies the premium. To do.

  First, when “PAYOUT rate> desired PAYOUT rate + 15%” (step S57, Yes), the central control unit 30 determines that if there is still a gift with a weight of “cheap” (step S58, Yes) A premium is supplied from the premium unit (step S59). In addition, when there is no prize that is weighted “cheap” (step S58, No), the central controller 30 determines that a prize that is weighted “normal” remains (step S60, Yes). A premium is supplied from the premium unit (step S61). In addition, when no prize weighted with “normal” is left (step S60, No), the central control device 30 determines that a prize weighted with “high” remains (step S62, Yes). A premium is supplied from the premium unit (step S63).

  In this way, when the current PAYOUT rate is higher than the desired PAYOUT rate + set value (+ 15%), a “cheap” weighted prize is preferentially supplied to the game field 12 in order to lower the PAYOUT rate.

  The PAYOUT rate can be lowered by supplying a prize with a “cheap” weight to the game field 12, but if a “normal” or “high” weight is given, the PAYOUT rate is increased. there is a possibility. However, since the crane game cannot be executed unless the prize is supplied to the game field 12, the prize remains so that a predetermined number (three in this case) of prizes are placed on the game field 12. Supply prizes from the prize unit. As a result, as long as prizes remain in any of the plurality of prize units A, B, and C, the crane game can be maintained in a state that can be executed.

  If no prize weighted with “high” remains (No in step S62), no prize remains in all the prize units A, B, and C, so the crane game is executed. A machine stop process is executed to stop coins from being inserted from the coin insertion slot 23 (step S70).

  In the above description, when there are a plurality of the same weighted prizes (for example, when the weights of the prize units A and B with respect to the prizes A and B are “cheap”), any one prize (prize unit) is randomly selected. It is also possible to select a prize (premium unit) having a large number of remaining prizes to be selected and supply it to the game field 12.

  On the other hand, if “PAYOUT rate> desired PAYOUT rate + 15%” is not satisfied (step S57, No), that is, if “PAYOUT rate <desired PAYOUT rate−15%”, the central controller 30 is weighted “high”. If prizes remain (step S64, Yes), prizes are supplied from the prize unit (step S65). In addition, when no prize weighted with “high” remains (step S64, No), the central controller 30 determines that a prize weighted with “normal” remains (step S66, Yes). A premium is supplied from the premium unit (step S67). If there is no remaining “normal” weighted gift (step S66, No), the central controller 30 determines that there is still a “cheap” weighted gift (step S68, Yes). A premium is supplied from the premium unit (step S69).

  Thus, if the current PAYOUT rate is lower than the desired PAYOUT rate minus the set value (−15%), the “high” weighted prize is preferentially supplied to the game field 12 in order to increase the PAYOUT rate.

  The PAYOUT rate can be increased by supplying “high” weighted prizes to the game field 12, but when a “normal” or “cheap” weighted prize is supplied, the PAYOUT rate is lowered. there is a possibility. However, as described above, the crane game cannot be executed unless the prize is supplied to the game field 12, so that a predetermined number (three in this case) of prizes are placed on the game field 12. The premium is supplied from the premium unit where the premium remains. As a result, as long as prizes remain in any of the plurality of prize units A, B, and C, the crane game can be maintained in a state that can be executed.

  If no prize weighted with “cheap” is left (No in step S68), no prize remains in all the prize units A, B, and C, so the crane game is executed. A machine stop process is executed to stop coins from being inserted from the coin insertion slot 23 (step S70).

  In this way, in the crane game machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of prizes can be prepared in advance for each of the plurality of prize units A, B, C, and the prize placed on the game field 12 Therefore, regardless of the remaining number of prizes prepared in advance in the crane game machine 10, the crane game can always be executed under the same situation. This eliminates the need for frequent maintenance of the crane game machine 10.

  In addition, it is not necessary to pile up or pack prizes in the game field 12, and a predetermined number of prizes can be placed on the game field 12 in a pleasing manner, so that the prize is effectively appealed to the user. can do.

  In addition, the prize payout rate (PAYOUT rate) can be adjusted by selecting a prize to be provided to the game field 12 from the plurality of prize units A, B, and C, so that the work of adjusting the spring of the crane arm 13 is adjusted. It is no longer necessary to provide the crane arm 13 with a mechanism portion for this purpose. In addition, in the adjustment of the strength of the catcher spring, it is not always possible to grip the prize according to the shape and weight of the prize, so the stable prize payout rate could not be adjusted, but the prize units A, B, By selecting and providing the type (price) of the premium supplied from C, it is possible to stably adjust the premium payout rate.

  In the above description, it is assumed that the same number of prizes are always paid out from the prize unit in the game field 12, but the number of prizes supplied to the game field 12 is determined in advance. You may make it change according to conditions. For example, the number of prizes is changed every predetermined period, the number of prizes placed on the game field 12 is selected and changed by lottery every fixed period, and the number of prizes is changed (for example, If the PAYOUT rate can be brought close to the desired PAYOUT rate by increasing or decreasing it by one, it may be varied.

  In the above description, when the prize payout rate (PAYOUT rate) is out of the predetermined range (step S53), the random lottery is executed. However, the prize payout rate is within the predetermined range, and a plurality of premium units In a situation where prizes are supplied in order from A, B, C, for example, each time a predetermined number of prizes are supplied, a prize unit for supplying prizes may be selected by lottery.

  In the above description, the three premium units A, B, and C are provided. However, any number of premium units can be provided. By increasing the number of premium units, the number and types of premiums prepared in advance in the crane game machine 10 can be increased. In addition, by providing a premium of a different price for each premium unit, the premium payout rate can be adjusted more finely.

  Further, in the above description, a plurality of the same prizes are prepared in one premium unit. However, one prize can be identified by identifying individual prizes prepared in the premium unit. It is also possible to prepare multiple types of prizes (different prices) in the unit. For example, an IC tag (RFID) storing data that can identify the price of a prize is attached to each prize. Further, for example, the support member 26 is provided with a data reading device (reader) that can read data from an IC tag attached to a prize suspended by a prize holding coil 28. The central control device 30 inputs the data read by the data reading device, and determines the price of the prize to be dropped next from each prize unit. The central control device 30 identifies a prize of a price that can approach a preset prize payout rate, and causes the prize unit control unit 32 to drive the prize unit in which the prize is suspended. In this way, by allowing the price of each prize to be identified, a plurality of types of prizes can be mixed and prepared in the prize unit. For this reason, since any prize may be hung on any prize unit, the work burden for preparing the prize can be reduced, and the types of prizes can be increased.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the crane game machine 10 in this embodiment. The figure which looked at the game field 12 shown in FIG. 1 from the front. The figure which shows an example of the joystick 19 and the 7-segment display 20 which were provided in the control panel 18. FIG. The figure which shows the detailed structure of the premium unit 24 (premium unit A, B, C). The block diagram which shows the structure of the crane game machine 10 in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the crane game machine 10 in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the crane game machine 10 in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the crane game machine 10 in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the crane game machine 10 in this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Crane game machine, 11 ... Case, 12 ... Game field, 13 ... Crane arm, 15 ... Premium giveout port, 18 ... Control panel, 19 ... Joystick, 20 ... 7 segment display, 21 ... Premium takeout port, 22 ... Speaker, 23 ... Coin slot, 24 ... Premium unit, 25 ... Mounting plate, 26 ... Support member, 27 ... Rotating member, 28 ... Premium holding coil, 29 ... Premium drop sensor, 30 ... Central controller, 30a ... Adjuster , 30b ... Premium price storage unit, 30c ... Premiums payout rate calculation unit, 31 ... Program storage unit, 32 ... Premium unit control unit, 33 ... Arm control unit, 34 ... Output control unit, 40A, 40B, 40C ... Drive motor, 42 ... X-axis motor, 43 ... Y-axis motor, 44 ... Z-axis motor, 46 ... coin selector, 47 ... gift payout sensor, 3 ... input controller, A, B, C ... prize unit.

Claims (4)

In a crane game machine that holds a prize placed on a game field by a crane arm,
A plurality of prize units for sequentially supplying a plurality of prizes held in advance to the game field;
A prize unit control means for controlling supply of prizes by the plurality of prize units;
A crane game machine comprising: adjusting means for adjusting the number of prizes supplied to the game field by the prize unit by controlling the prize unit control means. A prize payout port for paying out prizes to the outside from the game field;
A prize payout detection means for detecting that the prize gripped by the crane arm is paid out to the outside through the prize payout opening;
The crane game machine according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting means adjusts the number of the prizes according to detection by the prize payout detecting means. A prize price storage means for storing data indicating a price of a prize held in each of the plurality of prize units;
A premium payout rate calculating means for calculating a premium payout rate according to the premium supplied from the premium unit to the game field based on the data stored by the premium price storage means;
2. The crane game machine according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting unit causes a premium to be supplied from any of the plurality of premium units based on the premium payout rate calculated by the premium payout rate calculating unit.   The crane game machine according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting means selects a prize unit for supplying a prize according to a lottery result.

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