JP2023076589A - Article acquisition game device - Google Patents

Abstract

To achieve a configuration for handling a bar-like member for fixing an article easily in an article acquisition game device.SOLUTION: A crane game device 100 includes a placement region 112 in which gifts are placed and a dropping port 114. A player operates an operation part 118 to move a crane 108. The crane game device 100 includes a first support pillar 180, a second support pillar 186, and a display bar 134 to fix an article for decorating a game space. The display bar 134, one end of which is inserted into the first support pillar 180 and the other end of which is hooked on a part of the second support pillar 186, is fixed to the first support pillar 180 and the second support pillar 186.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

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

Many arcades are equipped with a crane game device (item acquisition game device). A stage (game field) is provided in the housing of the crane game device, and prizes (goods) such as stuffed toys and sweets are placed thereon. A player operates a crane by making full use of an operating rod or various buttons. If the crane can grab the prize and move the prize to the drop opening, the player can win the prize (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2015-226707 A

In a crane game machine, prizes are sometimes displayed as samples in the housing. There are various methods for fixing the prize sample, but in many cases the prize sample is supported by a rod-shaped member. It is desirable that such a rod-shaped member be configured so that the position can be easily adjusted and removed/attached.

The present invention has been completed based on the recognition of the above problem, and its main purpose is to provide a technique for facilitating handling of a rod-shaped member for fixing an article in a crane game machine. .

An article acquisition game device according to one aspect of the present invention is a game device intended to acquire an article by operating an article holding section to move an article placed in a first area to a second area. is.
This item acquisition game device includes a first support, a second support, and a rod-shaped member for fixing an item for decorating a game space.
The rod-shaped member is attached to the first support and the second support by inserting the first end inside the first support and hooking the second end to a part of the second support. Fixed.

According to the present invention, it becomes easy to handle the rod-shaped member for fixing the article in the article acquisition game device.

1 is a perspective view of a crane game device; FIG. It is a functional block diagram of a crane game machine. It is a top view of a premium|prize mounting base. 3 is a configuration diagram of a position detection sensor; FIG. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the amount of movement m=0. FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the amount of movement m=X1. FIG. 5(c) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the movement amount is m=X2. 4 is a flow chart showing a gripping force adjustment process of an arm. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing how prizes are placed in a placement area; It is a perspective view of a base. It is a perspective view of a prize sensor. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of detecting a prize and colored balls; FIG. 10 is a first exploded perspective view of the crane game device showing how the display bar is installed; FIG. 11 is a second exploded perspective view of the crane game device showing how the display bar is installed; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a fitting portion of the display bar and the first support; FIG. 14(a) is a top view of the crane at the time of initialization. FIG. 14(b) is a front view of the crane during initialization. FIG. 15(a) is a top view of the crane when rotated 30 degrees. FIG. 15(b) is a front view of the crane when rotated 30 degrees. FIG. 16(a) is a top view of the crane when the design cover is adjusted. FIG. 16(b) is a front view of the crane when the design cover is adjusted. It is an exploded perspective view of the periphery of the design cover of the crane. It is a side cross-sectional view around the design cover of the crane. It is a sectional side view of a storage box.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crane game machine 100. FIG.
The crane game machine 100 is generally installed in amusement facilities such as amusement parks and game arcades. As shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal direction of the crane game device 100 as seen from the player is defined as the X direction, the front-rear direction as the Y direction, and the vertical direction as the Z direction.

The crane game device 100 includes a rectangular parallelepiped base 102 and a box-shaped prize container 104 provided on the base 102 . A play space S is formed inside the prize storage section 104, and a prize placement table 106 (game field) is provided. On the prize mounting table 106, in addition to prizes such as stuffed animals and miscellaneous goods, colored balls for decorating the prize mounting table 106 are arranged (described later). A crane 108 is provided above the prize placing table 106 . The crane 108 can move forward, backward, left, right, and up and down in the play space S to grasp/release the prize.

The prize container 104 has a front surface and left and right side surfaces covered with transparent glass. The visibility of the prize from the outside is taken into consideration. A camera for capturing an image of the prize mounting table 106 from above may be installed on the ceiling surface of the prize storage section 104 . A door 110 made of glass is provided in front of the prize container 104 , and an operator (clerk) can open the door 110 to place a prize in the prize container 104 .

The prize mounting table 106 is divided into a mounting area 112 (first area) and a drop opening 114 (second area). If a prize is placed on the placement area 112 and the player can carry the prize from the placement area 112 to the drop opening 114, the player can acquire the prize. A shielding plate 128 is installed between the placement area 112 and the drop opening 114 . The shielding plate 128 prevents the prizes or colored balls in the placement area 112 from rolling down into the drop opening 114 .

The front surface of the base 102 is formed with a prize take-out opening 116 for taking out the prize dropped from the drop opening 114 .

An operation unit 118 and a setting display unit 120 are provided on the front side of the base 102 . At the start of the game, the player inserts a coin into the coin slot or touches an IC card charged with electronic money to an IC card reader. Hereinafter, in the crane game device 100, the surface on which the operation unit 118 and the like are installed, in other words, the surface on which the player is positioned is referred to as the "front surface", and is on the far side (positive direction of the Y axis) when viewed from the player. The face is called "back".

The operation unit 118 includes an operation rod 122 for the player to move the crane 108 back and forth and left and right to determine its landing point, and a grasping button 124 for lowering the crane 108 to grasp a prize.

A touch panel is installed in the setting display unit 120 . The setting display unit 120 functions as a "setting input unit" for an operator (clerk) to input game setting information, and is an "information display unit" for displaying information about the game such as the operation method of the operation unit 118 and game results. also functions as The crane game device 100 also includes a speaker (not shown), an external connection terminal, and the like.

Crane 108 has three arms 126 capable of gripping and releasing prizes. Crane 108 includes a motor that drives arm 126 to open and close. Crane 108 grasps and releases prizes by opening and closing arms 126 .

The crane 108 is movable along a guide rail (not shown) installed above the prize storage section 104, and is driven by a crane driving section 130 (described later). The crane driving unit 130 includes a moving mechanism that drives the crane 108 in the horizontal direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Y direction), and a lifting mechanism that drives the crane in the vertical direction (Z direction). The movement mechanism includes an X-direction motor and a Y-direction motor. The lift mechanism includes a Z direction motor. The crane driving unit 130 can move the crane 108 to any position in the play space S.

The crane 108 in this embodiment is of the so-called “triple catcher type” having three arms 126 . The player can freely move the crane 108 forward, backward, leftward, and rightward with the operating rod 122 within the time limit. The player presses the grip button 124 after moving the crane 108 above the prize. When the grip button 124 is depressed, the crane 108 is lowered. When the crane 108 descends a predetermined distance, it automatically moves the arm 126 in the closing direction (hereinafter referred to as "grasping" or "grasping action"). At this time, the crane 108 can grab a relatively large prize at the descent point with the arm 126 . If the gripping button 124 is pressed again while the crane 108 is descending, the arm 126 can be caused to perform a gripping operation at the time of pressing.

While maintaining the gripping action, the crane 108 rises and then automatically moves toward the drop port 114 . The crane 108 moves the arm 126 in the release direction over the drop port 114 (hereinafter referred to as "release" or "release operation"). If the prize is firmly grasped, the prize is carried to the drop opening 114 by the crane 108 and dropped from above the drop opening 114 (success of the crane game). On the other hand, when the arm 126 cannot grip the prize firmly, the prize falls from the crane 108 before the crane 108 reaches directly above the drop port 114 (failure of the crane game).

Note that the operator can also horizontally rotate the crane 108 (rotation about the Z-axis). As shown in FIG. 1, the home position is a state in which one of the three arms 126 is on the player side, but the operator can adjust the horizontal rotation angle of the crane 108 in view of the arrangement of prizes. A design cover 132 is installed on the front surface of the crane 108 . A logo (advertising information) indicating a product name is written on the design cover 132 in this embodiment. The direction of the design cover 132 can also be adjusted in accordance with the horizontal rotation of the crane 108, details of which will be described later with reference to FIG.

A plurality of optical sensors are installed inside the drop opening 114 . This optical sensor detects the drop of the prize into the drop opening 114 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "getting the prize"). Further, these optical sensors are configured to be able to distinguish which of the colored balls and prizes has fallen, and the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 8 and the like.

At least one display bar 134 is installed on the back of the prize container 104 . The display bar 134 is a metal bar extending in the X direction, and a prize for display can be sandwiched therebetween. The operator opens the door 110, enters the drop opening 114, and installs the display bar 134 on the back. The number and height of display bars 134 are arbitrary. A method for installing the display bar 134 will be described later in connection with FIG. 11 and subsequent figures.

A storage box for storing fixtures such as colored balls is provided at the back of the drop port 114 . This storage box will be described in detail later in connection with FIG.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the crane game machine 100. As shown in FIG.
Each component of the crane game machine 100 includes computing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various coprocessors, storage devices such as memory and storage, hardware including wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, and storage devices. , and implemented by software that supplies processing instructions to the computing unit. A computer program may consist of a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located in their higher layers, and a library that provides common functions to these programs. Each block described below represents a functional block rather than a hardware configuration.

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

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

The input unit 148 receives setting inputs from the operator via the setting display unit 120 . Also, the input unit 148 receives an operation input from the player via the operation unit 118 . The crane game device 100 has a setting mode and a play mode. In the setting mode, the operator makes various settings, which will be described later. Importing prizes or attaching display bars 134 is also done during the setup mode. In the play mode, the player operates the operation unit 118 to play the crane game.

Mechanism section 142 includes crane drive section 130 and sensor group 152 . As described above, the crane drive unit 130 moves the crane 108 and grips/releases the arm 126 . The sensor group 152 corresponds to an optical sensor (described later) in the drop opening 114, an optical sensor that detects the position of a plate (described later) in the placement area 112, and the like.

Data processing unit 144 includes crane control unit 154 , movement determination unit 156 and boundary detection unit 158 .
The crane control unit 154 instructs the crane 108 to move, grip, and release according to the operation instruction from the operation unit 118 . The movement determination unit 156 determines whether the prize has fallen into the drop opening 114, in other words, whether the crane game has succeeded or failed. A boundary detection unit 158 detects the boundary position between the drop opening 114 and the placement area 112 . The details of the boundary position detection method will be described later.

The data storage unit 146 stores information such as a crane game game program, crane game settings, and game play results (payout rate).
A plurality of features of the crane game machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described below in order.

[Gripping Force Control of Arm 126]
FIG. 3 is a top view of the prize mounting table 106. FIG.
Prize mounting table 106 includes mounting area 112 and drop opening 114 as described above. The placement area 112 further includes a first placement area 112a located on the Y-axis positive direction side (back side) of the drop opening 114, a second placement area 112b located on the X-axis positive direction side (right side), and a drop opening 114. It is composed of a third placement area 112 c located diagonally behind the mouth 114 .

The upper portion of the first mounting area 112a is covered with a Y plate 160 (first plate). An upper portion of the second mounting area 112b is covered with an X plate 162 (second plate). The upper surface of the Y plate 160 in the first mounting area 112a, the upper surface of the X plate 162 in the second mounting area 112b, and the upper surface of the third mounting area 112c are formed to be flush with each other. In other words, the Y plate 160 (covering the first mounting area 112a), the X plate 162 (covering the second mounting area 112b), and the (exposed) third mounting area 112c each have a stepped upper surface. configured to prevent

The X plate 162 is horizontally movable in the negative direction of the X axis. By horizontally moving the X plate 162, the operator can reduce the size (lateral width) of the drop opening 114. FIG. A shield plate 128 is fixed to the end of the X plate 162 . As the X plate 162 moves, the shield plate 128 also moves in a direction to narrow the drop opening 114 . A position detection sensor 164 (optical sensor) for detecting the amount of movement of the X plate 162, in other words, the position of the X plate 162 is provided in the second placement area 112b. The details of the detection method will be described later with reference to FIG. 4 onwards.

Similarly, the Y plate 160 is horizontally movable in the Y-axis negative direction. By horizontally moving the Y plate 160, the operator can reduce the size (vertical width) of the drop port 114. FIG. Since the shielding plate 128 is also fixed to the end of the Y plate 160 , the shielding plate 128 also moves in the direction to narrow the drop opening 114 as the Y plate 160 moves. Although not shown, the amount of movement of the Y plate 160 can also be detected by a method similar to that of the X plate 162 .

In this embodiment, Y plate 160 and X plate 162 cannot be moved simultaneously. When the Y plate 160 is moved in the Y-axis negative direction to narrow the drop opening 114 in the Y direction, the X plate 162 cannot be moved. Further, when moving the X plate 162 in the negative direction of the X axis to narrow the drop opening 114 in the X direction, the Y plate 160 cannot be moved. This is because the top surfaces of the Y plate 160 and the X plate 162 are flush with each other, rather than having the Y plate 160 and the X plate 162 intersect each other with a step. If there is a step between the Y plate 160, the X plate 162, and the third placement area 112c, the prize or the arm 126 may get caught on this step, thereby hindering play. In this embodiment, in order to prevent such a problem, the Y plate 160, the X plate 162 and the third mounting area 112c are formed flush.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the position detection sensor 164. As shown in FIG.
A detection plate 170 that protrudes in the negative direction of the Z-axis is fixed to the lower surface of the X plate 162 . The position detection sensor 164 includes a transmitter plate 164a and a receiver plate 164b. The transmitting plate 164a and the receiving plate 164b protrude in the positive Z-axis direction from the upper surface of the second placement area 112b. The detection plate 170 moves between the transmission plate 164a and the reception plate 164b as the X plate 162 moves in the X direction.

Position detection sensor 164 includes a first photosensor 166 and a second photosensor 168 . The first optical sensor 166 has a first transmitter 166a that transmits an optical signal such as an infrared ray or a laser beam on a transmitter plate 164a, and a first receiver 166b that receives the optical signal from the first transmitter 166a on a receiver plate 164b. including. Similarly, the second photosensor 168 includes a second oscillator 168a that emits an optical signal at the transmitter plate 164a and a second receiver 168b that receives the optical signal from the second oscillator 168a at the receiver plate 164b.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the amount of movement m=0.
In this embodiment, the amount of movement m of the X plate 162 in the negative direction of the X axis is set in three stages. In the data storage unit 146, for each of the movement amount m=0 (first stage), m=X1 (second stage), and m=X2 (X2>X1) (third stage), the drop opening 114 and the X coordinate of the boundary position of the tip of the X plate 162 (hereinafter referred to as "X boundary coordinate"). In other words, the boundary detection unit 158 detects the X boundary coordinates by measuring the movement amount m with the position detection sensor 164 .

When the movement amount m=0 (first stage), both the first optical sensor 166 and the second optical sensor 168 are shielded by the detection plate 170, so both the first receiver 166b and the second receiver 168b are Detect no optical signal. The boundary detector 158 determines that the movement amount m of the X plate 162 is zero when no photodetection signal is received from both the first receiver 166b and the second receiver 168b.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the amount of movement m=X1.
When the movement amount m=X1 (second stage), only the first optical sensor 166 is shielded by the detection plate 170, so the first receiver 166b does not detect the optical signal, and the second receiver 168b detects the optical signal. to detect The boundary detection unit 158 determines that the movement amount m of the X plate 162 is the intermediate value X1 when the photodetection signal is received only from the second receiver 168b.

FIG. 5(c) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the amount of movement m=X2.
When the amount of movement m=X2 (third stage), neither the first optical sensor 166 nor the second optical sensor 168 is blocked by the detection plate 170, so both the first receiver 166b and the second receiver 168b receive light. Detect a signal. The boundary detection unit 158 determines that the movement amount m of the X plate 162 is the maximum value X2 when the photodetection signals are received from both the first receiver 166b and the second receiver 168b.

The movement amount n of the Y plate 160 in the Y-axis negative direction can also be detected in the same manner. In the data storage unit 146, the drop opening 114 is stored in advance for each of the movement amount n=0 (first stage), n=Y1 (second stage), and n=Y2 (Y2>Y1) (third stage). and the Y coordinate of the boundary position of the tip of the Y plate 160 (hereinafter referred to as "Y boundary coordinate"). By providing the position detection sensor 164 in the first placement area 112a, the movement amount n is measured, and the boundary detection section 158 detects the Y boundary coordinates.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the gripping force adjustment process of the arm 126 .
In this embodiment, the crane controller 154 increases the gripping force of the arm 126 as the crane 108 approaches the drop port 114 . When the crane 108 grabs the prize, the player expects that the prize will be carried to the drop opening 114 without falling on the way. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the distance dx between the X coordinate of the crane 108 (hereinafter referred to as "X crane coordinate") and the X boundary coordinate becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value Tx (Y in S10), the crane control unit 154 increases the gripping force of arm 126 (S12). When the distance dx is greater than the threshold Tx (N of S10), the grip force is not changed.

More specifically, the boundary detection unit 158 uses the position detection sensor 164 to specify the movement amount m of the X plate 162 in advance. The boundary detection unit 158 identifies the X boundary coordinates depending on which of the three stages of movement m is. Crane control unit 154 calculates distance dx based on the X boundary coordinates and the X crane coordinates.

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

The Y coordinate may be similarly determined. The crane control unit 154 also increases the gripping force of the arm 126 when the distance dy between the Y boundary coordinate and the Y coordinate of the crane 108 (hereinafter referred to as "Y crane coordinate") is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value Ty. good too.

[Premium detection method]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing how the prize 172 is placed in the placement area 112. As shown in FIG.
A plurality of color balls 174 are spread over the placement area 112 . Various prizes 172 such as stuffed animals are placed on the layer of colored balls 174 . Here, it is assumed that all of the length, width, and depth of the prize 172 are larger than those of the color ball 174 . The color ball 174 is an elastic vinyl ball. One of the purposes of spreading the colored balls 174 is to enhance the decorativeness of the play space S. FIG. Also, if the arm 126 directly touches the mounting area 112, the arm 126 or the mounting area 112 may be damaged. prevent contact with

Also, since the layer of colored balls 174 creates a gap under the prize 172 , the arm 126 can be easily inserted under the prize 172 . Therefore, by forming a layer of colored balls 174, the arm 126 can easily grip the prize 172 firmly.

The object to be obtained by the player is the prize 172, and originally, the color ball 174 is not to be obtained. However, in rare cases, the color ball 174 may be picked up by the arm 126 and fall into the drop opening 114 . The operator needs to be aware of the payout rate of the crane game machine 100, that is, the degree of difficulty in obtaining prizes. For this reason, the crane game machine 100 is required to have a function of detecting the fall of the prize 172 . When the color ball 174 falls into the drop opening 114, there is a possibility that this is erroneously recognized as acquisition of the prize 172. - 特許庁In the following, when either the color ball 174 or the prize 172 falls into the drop opening 114, a configuration for easily distinguishing between them will be described.

8 is a perspective view of the base 102. FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the prize sensor 176. FIG.
A prize sensor 176 is arranged on the inner wall surface of the drop opening 114 . The prize sensor 176 includes a first detection plate 176a and a second detection plate 176b facing each other. 15 optical sensors 178 are arranged on each of the first detection plate 176a and the second detection plate 176b, for a total of 30 optical sensors 178 .

Eight optical sensors 178 are arranged on the upper stage of the first detection plate 176a, and seven optical sensors 178 are arranged on the lower stage thereof, and the same applies to the second detection plate 176b. 15 optical sensors 178 arranged on each of the first detection plate 176a and the second detection plate 176b are arranged to face each other, forming a total of 15 pairs. Similar to the position detection sensor 164, one optical sensor 178 functions as an optical transmitter, and the other optical sensor 178 facing it functions as an optical receiver. An optical signal is constantly transmitted from one of the two optical sensors 178 forming a pair to the other. Movement determiner 156 receives light detection signals from each pair of light sensors 178 .

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of detecting the prize 172 and the color ball 174. FIG.
In the second detection plate 176b, eight photosensors 178 from photosensors 178-1 to 178-8 are arranged in the upper stage, and seven photosensors 178 from photosensors 178-9 to 178-15 are arranged. is placed at the bottom. The Y coordinates of the installation positions of the upper and lower photosensors 178 are offset.

Assume that the distance in the Y direction between the upper photosensor 178 (eg, photosensor 178-3) and the adjacent lower photosensor 178 (eg, photosensor 178-11) is 100 millimeters. It is also assumed that the distance in the Y direction between the lower optical sensor 178 (for example, optical sensor 178-10) and the adjacent lower optical sensor 178 (for example, optical sensor 178-11) is 200 millimeters. Assume that the diameter of the color ball 174 in this embodiment is 120 millimeters. It is also assumed that the width of the prize 172 is at least 400 millimeters or more.

In FIG. 10, when the color ball 174 falls into the drop port 114, the optical signal of the lower optical sensor 178-11 is temporarily interrupted (hereinafter referred to as "transmission reaction"). When detecting the passage reaction of the optical sensor 178-11, the movement determination unit 156 recognizes that the prize 172 or the color ball 174 has passed in front of the optical sensor 178-11.

The diameter of color ball 174 is 120 millimeters and the distance from photosensor 178-11 to its neighbor photosensor 178-12 is 200 millimeters. Therefore, when the color ball 174 falls, no passing reaction is detected from the optical sensors other than the optical sensor 178-11 in the lower stage. The same applies to the upper stage. Therefore, when any of the optical sensors 178 detects a passage reaction and the number of passage reactions in the upper stage is 1 or less and the number of passage reactions in the lower stage is 1 or less, the movement determination unit 156 determines that the color ball 174 has fallen. I judge.

A passing response is also detected at one or more optical sensors 178 when the prize 172 falls. In FIG. 10, the passage reaction is detected by the upper photosensor 178-6 and the lower photosensors 178-13 and 178-14. Since the prize 172 is larger than the color ball 174, the passing reaction is detected by two or more optical sensors 178 adjacent to each other on the same level. Therefore, the movement determining unit 156 determines that the prize 172 has fallen when passage reactions are generated by the optical sensors 178 in the upper and lower stages and the number of passage reactions in either the upper or lower stage is 2 or more.

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

[How to install the display bar 134]
FIG. 11 is a first exploded perspective view of the crane game machine 100 showing how the display bar 134 is installed.
In FIG. 11, some members such as the door 110 are omitted for convenience of explanation. The display bar 134 is a metal rod-shaped member with one end bent at right angles. When installing the display bar 134 , the operator must open the door 110 and the prize outlet 116 to enter the drop opening 114 .

The operator first installs the display bar 134 on the first support 180 at the back of the crane game machine 100 (on the positive side of the X axis). A plurality of lateral grooves 182 are formed in the first strut 180 . The operator inserts the insertion portion 184 at the tip of the display bar 134 from the horizontal direction into the lateral groove 182 of the first support 180 . Details of the fitting structure of the insertion portion 184 and the lateral groove 182 will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a second exploded perspective view of the crane game machine 100 showing how the display bar 134 is installed.
Also in FIG. 12, some members such as the door 110 are omitted. A plurality of insertion holes 188 are formed in advance in the second strut 186 on the front side of the back surface of the crane game device 100 (X-axis negative direction side). The position of the insertion hole 188 is at the same height as the position of the lateral groove 182 of the first strut 180 .

The operator inserts the support rod 190 into any insertion hole 188 . After inserting one end (back side) of the display bar 134 into the lateral groove 182 of the first support 180, the operator hooks the hook 192 at the other end (front side) of the display bar 134 to the support rod 190 to lock it. In this manner, the operator inserts one end of the display bar 134 into the first support 180 and then hooks the other end of the display bar 134 onto the support bar 190 to attach the display bar 134 to the second support 186 and the first support 180 . fixed.

Conventionally, the work of installing the display bar 134 on the first support 180 far from the operator was a heavy burden. The operator opens the door in front of the prize outlet 116 and the glass door 110 of the prize container 104 to enter the prize drop space (the space where the drop port 114 is formed). Even if the operator enters the prize drop space to perform the installation work, the prize drop space is located on the left side of the housing (negative direction of the X axis). Many operators cannot reach the first column 180 located in the positive direction of the Y axis). In the present embodiment, one end (insertion portion 184 ) of the display bar 134 is laterally inserted into the lateral groove 182 , so even an operator who cannot reach the first column 180 can perform the installation work. After the display bar 134 is inserted into the first post 180, the display bar 134 can be easily installed because the hook 192 is hooked on the support rod 190 on the front side and locked.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the fitting portion of the display bar 134 and the first support 180. As shown in FIG.
As described above, a plurality of lateral grooves 182 are formed in the first strut 180 . The operator inserts a relatively small-diameter insertion portion 184 at the tip of the display bar 134 into the lateral groove 182 from the horizontal direction. Inside the lateral groove 182, a plate-shaped first support member 208 is formed on the front side (Y-axis negative direction side), and a plate-shaped second support member 210 is also formed on the back side (Y-axis positive direction side). be done. Below the lateral groove 182, the first support member 208 is formed to be higher (relatively protrude) than the second support member 210 in the Z-axis direction. Also, above the lateral groove 182, the second support member 210 is formed to be lower (relatively protrude) than the first support member 208 in the Z-axis direction.

As shown in cross-sectional view A1, the heights of the first support member 208 and the second support member 210 are different, so that the operator inserts the display bar 134 into the lateral groove 182 while tilting it slightly upward. can be done. After insertion, as shown in cross-sectional view A2, the rear side of the insertion portion 184 is regulated by the second support member 210 which relatively protrudes, and the front side is regulated by the first support member 208 which relatively protrudes. be done. Even after the display bar 134 is inserted into the lateral groove 182, it can be tilted upward but not downward. Even so, the display bar 134 is kept more horizontal and is less likely to slide down from the lateral grooves 182 .

Furthermore, since a relatively large-diameter regulating member 212 is provided on the far side of the insertion portion 184 , even if the display bar 134 is pulled forward (Y-axis negative direction), the regulating member 212 is held by the second support member 210 . 212 is regulated. Such a structure makes the display bar 134 more difficult to fall off.

[Adjustment of design cover 132]
FIG. 14(a) is a top view of the crane 108 at the time of initialization. FIG. 14(b) is a front view of the crane 108 at the time of initialization.
As mentioned above, the crane 108 has three arms 126 (first arm 126a, second arm 126b and third arm 126c). The first arm 126a, the second arm 126b and the third arm 126c are each offset by 120 degrees. Among them, the first arm 126a is usually provided at a position directly facing the player (see also FIG. 1).

A design cover 132 is installed on the first arm 126a. A logo plate 194 is fixed to the design cover 132 . The logo plate 194 functions as an advertisement or decoration for attracting the player to the crane game machine 100 . On the logo plate 194, for example, the product name and character image of the crane game device 100 are written.

FIG. 15(a) is a top view of the crane 108 when rotated 30 degrees. FIG. 15(b) is a front view of the crane 108 when rotated 30 degrees.
When a plurality of players sequentially play the crane game, the layout of the plurality of prizes 172 also changes. For example, if one prize 172 is near the drop opening 114, the player may operate the crane 108 with this prize 172 as a target (acquisition target).

Since the drop opening 114 is surrounded by the shield plate 128 (see FIG. 1), the arm 126 may hit the shield plate 128 near the boundary of the drop opening 114, making it difficult to grasp the prize 172. FIG. Therefore, the operator usually adjusts the horizontal rotation angle of the crane 108 while observing the placement of the prize 172 so that the arm 126 does not hit the shielding plate 128 . Depending on the orientation of the prize 172, changing the position of the arm 126 may make it easier to obtain the prize 172. FIG. The operator may adjust the crane 108 so that it is easy to acquire the prize 172 by horizontally rotating the crane 108 in order to arouse the customer's desire to play.

In FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the crane 108 is rotated 30 degrees to the right when viewed from above. Along with this, the design cover 132 and the logo plate 194 also face leftward as seen from the player. When a plurality of crane game machines 100 are installed in an amusement facility, the horizontal rotation angles of the cranes 108 often do not match. As a result, many logo plates 194 are oriented in different directions, which may impair the appearance of the amusement facility. Further, when the crane game is started, if the logo plate 194, which should originally function as an advertisement, is not facing the front (toward the player), some players feel uncomfortable.

FIG. 16(a) is a top view of the crane 108 when the design cover 132 is adjusted. FIG. 16(b) is a front view of the crane 108 when the design cover 132 is adjusted.
In this embodiment, the design cover 132 is horizontally rotatable independently of the crane 108 by a structure described later. After rotating the main body of the crane 108 to the right, the operator can rotate only the design cover 132 to the left so that the logo plate 194 faces the front (toward the player).

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the periphery of the design cover 132 of the crane 108. FIG. FIG. 18 is a side sectional view around the design cover 132 in the crane 108. As shown in FIG.
A guide groove 204 is formed in the cover member 200 which is the outer wall of the crane 108 , and the design cover holder 196 is sandwiched between the guide groove 204 and the lock plate 198 . Lock plate 198 is fixed to cover member 200 by screws. The design cover holder 196 is horizontally rotatable along the guide groove 204 while being guided by the lock plate 198 in the horizontal plane (XY plane). The design cover 132 (logo plate 194) is fixed to the rotatable design cover holder 196 with screws.

While holding the crane 108 with one hand, the operator grasps the design cover 132 with the other hand and rotates it, thereby removing the design cover 132 as shown in FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b). Orientation can be adjusted manually.

[Storage box 206]
19 is a side sectional view of the storage box 206. FIG.
FIG. 19 shows a cross section of the crane game machine 100 cut along the line AA in FIG. 1, with the line of sight being the positive direction of the X axis. In the crane game device 100 of this embodiment, a storage box 206 is formed below the first placing area 112a. The storage box 206 forms a space for storing fixtures such as support rods 190 (see FIG. 12), color balls 174, various screws and tools. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the storage box 206 is inclined. The inclination angle is 10-30 degrees, more preferably 12-20 degrees.

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

The crane game device 100 has been described above based on the embodiment.
According to this embodiment, the gripping force of arm 126 is enhanced when crane 108 approaches drop throat 114 . Therefore, when the crane 108 approaches the drop opening 114, the possibility of the crane 108 dropping the prize 172 is reduced. When the crane 108 carries the prize 172 to the vicinity of the drop opening 114, the gripping force of the arm 126 is strengthened, so that the player's sense of anticipation for obtaining the prize is heightened. In particular, when the prize 172 is brought close to the drop opening 114 by playing the game a plurality of times, the possibility of obtaining the prize increases, and the player's desire to continue the game is likely to be enhanced.

The operator can freely change the shape of the drop port 114 by horizontally moving the Y plate 160 or the X plate 162 . The "shape" here may be any one or more of the opening size (area) of the drop opening 114, the X boundary coordinates, and the Y boundary coordinates. By changing the shape of the drop opening 114, the difficulty of the crane game can be adjusted.

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

In this embodiment, the placement area 112 is covered with colorful balls 174 , and a prize 172 is placed on a layer of the colored balls 174 . Therefore, it is conceivable that the color ball 174 instead of the prize 172 will fall into the drop opening 114 . A prize sensor 176 formed on the inner wall of the drop opening 114 includes a plurality of optical sensors 178 . According to the number of passage responses of the optical sensor 178, the movement determination unit 156 can determine with a simple configuration which of the prize 172 and the color ball 174 has fallen.

The crane game device 100 according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the display bar 134 can be easily fitted into the rear first support 180, which is particularly difficult to attach. The operator can stabilize the display bar 134 on the first post 180 by laterally inserting the display bar 134 into the lateral groove 182 formed on the first post 180 . After inserting the display bar 134 into the first post 180 , the operator can easily fix the display bar 134 by hooking the hooks 192 of the display bar 134 on the support rod 190 . Therefore, the display bar 134 can be easily installed even when the first support 180 is out of reach.

The crane 108 in this embodiment can rotate horizontally according to the situation of the crane game. Since the design cover 132 can be horizontally rotated relative to the crane 108, the design cover 132 (logo plate 194) can be adjusted to face the player regardless of the orientation of the crane 108. In particular, when arranging a plurality of crane game machines 100, if the logo plates 194 of all the crane game machines 100 are oriented in the same direction, not only the visibility of the logo plates 194 is improved, but also the sense of unity in the amusement facility is enhanced. It is also effective in making.

Further, in this embodiment, a storage box 206 is formed in part of the base 102 . By inclining the lower surface of the storage box 206 with respect to the horizontal plane, the workability of the operator can be improved. In addition, as a result, the storage space of the storage box 206 can be effectively expanded.

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

[Modification]
In the present embodiment, it has been described that the distance dx is calculated based on the X boundary coordinates and the X crane coordinates, and the crane control unit 154 strengthens the gripping force of the arm 126 when the distance dx is equal to or less than the threshold value Tx. Alternatively, the crane control 154 may increase the gripping force of the arm 126 depending on the opening size of the drop port 114 . For example, when the opening size of the drop port 114 is “maximum” (eg, movement amount m=0), the crane control unit 154 sets the gripping force of the arm 126 to “weak” (eg, normal 70%)”. When the opening size of the drop port 114 is "medium" (eg, movement amount m=X1), the crane control unit 154 may set the gripping force of the arm 126 to "normal" regardless of the X crane coordinate. When the opening size of the drop port 114 is minimum (eg, movement amount m=X2), the crane control unit 154 sets the gripping force of the arm 126 to “strong (eg, 130% of normal)” regardless of the X crane coordinates. May be set. When the size of the opening of the drop port 114 is large, the gripping force becomes weak, and when the size of the opening of the drop port 114 is small, the gripping force is set to be large. can be stabilized. The same applies when adjusting the opening size of the drop port 114 by the Y plate 160 .

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

In the present embodiment, the X boundary coordinates and the Y boundary coordinates are described as being detected by the boundary detection unit 158 based on the amount of movement of the X plate 162 and Y plate 160 . As a modification, the operator may horizontally move the X plate 162 or the like, and then input the X boundary coordinates or the like as setting information via the setting display section 120 . The boundary detection unit 158 may identify the X boundary coordinates of the drop opening 114 based on this setting information.

In the present embodiment, it has been described that when the crane 108 approaches the X boundary coordinate, the gripping force is strengthened to increase the player's expectation of winning the prize. Alternatively, the gripping force may be reduced as the crane 108 approaches the X boundary coordinate. For example, the gripping force of the arm 126 is set to "strong" at the initial stage, and when the distance dx between the X boundary coordinates and the X crane coordinates becomes equal to or less than the threshold value Tx, the crane control unit 154 increases the gripping force of the arm 126. May be set to "medium" or "weak". According to such a control method, since the arm 126 has a strong gripping force at the beginning, it becomes difficult to fail in lifting the prize 172 . In addition, weakening the gripping force of the arm 126 when the crane 108 approaches the drop port 114 may excessively reduce the difficulty of the crane game and excessively increase the expectation of prize acquisition. can prevent By realizing such "easy to grab and easy to drop" game characteristics, disappointment due to the arm 126 not being able to grab the prize 172 is less likely to occur early on, and tension when the crane 108 carries the prize 172. It becomes easier for more players to experience the feeling. The same applies to the distance dy between the Y boundary coordinates and the Y crane coordinates.

In the present embodiment, it has been described that the crane control unit 154 weakens the gripping force of the arm 126 when the distance dx is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value Tx. Alternatively, the crane controller 154 may gradually (continuously) weaken the gripping force of the arm 126 as the distance dx becomes smaller. Conversely, the gripping force of the arm 126 may be gradually strengthened as the distance dx becomes smaller. The same is true for the distance dy.

As a modification, the gripping force of the arm 126 may be changed discontinuously according to the distance dx. For example, when the distance dx is greater than the threshold T1 (long distance), the grip force of the arm 126 is set to "normal", and when the distance dx is equal to or less than the threshold T1 and greater than the threshold T2 (<T1) (middle distance). , the gripping force of the arm 126 may be set to "weak", and when the distance dx is equal to or less than the threshold value T2 (short distance), the gripping force of the arm 126 may be set to "strong". According to such a control method, while the crane 108 is carrying the prize 172, the grasping force of the arm 126 is temporarily weakened. The same is true for the distance dy.

The crane control unit 154 may control the gripping force of the arm 126 according to the shape of the drop port 114, the distance dx, the distance dy, and the operation time of the crane 108. For example, a timer may be started at the start of the crane game, and the crane control unit 154 may weaken or strengthen the grasping force of the arm 126 as time elapses.

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

The crane control unit 154 may change the moving speed of the crane 108 when the distance dx becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. For example, the crane control unit 154 reduces the moving speed of the crane 108 before the crane 108 grabs the prize 172 to make it easier to grab the prize 172, and increases the moving speed of the crane 108 after grabbing the prize 172. The tension of the game may be heightened by making the prize 172 easier to fall. Design cover 132 may mount a monitor instead of logo plate 194 . The output unit 150 may change the image displayed on the monitor of the design cover 132 according to the distance dx.

In the present embodiment, it has been described that the prize sensor 176 distinguishes between the prize 172 and the color ball 174 . As a modification, multiple types of prizes 172 with different sizes may be placed on the placement area 112 . The movement determination unit 156 may determine which prize 172 among the plurality of types of prizes 172 has fallen into the drop opening 114 according to the number of passage responses of the optical sensor 178 in the prize sensor 176 .

In the prize sensor 176, the plurality of optical sensors 178 are arranged in two rows, upper and lower, but the plurality of optical sensors 178 may be arranged in one row, or may be arranged in three or more rows. . The distance between the photosensors 178 may be adjusted so that the number of times the photosensors 178 pass is different depending on the size of the falling object.

The crane game device 100 can also be applied to a so-called net catcher. Net catcher is a crane game in which the player operates the crane 108 of the crane game machine 100 at a remote location by transmitting operation information while confirming in real time how a prize is obtained by a camera image on a PC. The prize acquired by the player is mailed to the player. In the case of the net catcher, the prize placing table 106 is provided with a first area for placing the prize 172 and a second area for moving the prize 172 . The second area may be formed as a drop opening 114 or may be simply a panel.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Crane game device 102 Base 104 Prize container 106 Prize mounting base 108 Crane 110 Door 112 Mounting area 112a First mounting area 112b Second mounting area 112c Third mounting area , 114 drop port, 116 prize outlet, 118 operation unit, 120 setting display unit, 122 operation rod, 124 grip button, 126 arm, 126a first arm, 126b second arm, 126c third arm, 128 shield plate, 130 Crane drive unit, 132 design cover, 134 display bar, 140 user interface processing unit, 142 mechanism unit, 144 data processing unit, 146 data storage unit, 148 input unit, 150 output unit, 152 sensor group, 154 crane control unit, 156 movement determination unit 158 boundary detection unit 160 Y plate 162 X plate 164 position detection sensor 164a transmission plate 164b reception plate 166 first optical sensor 166a first transmitter 166b first receiver 168 second 2 optical sensors, 168a second oscillator, 168b second receiver, 170 detection plate, 172 prize, 174 color ball, 176 prize sensor, 176a first detection plate, 176b second detection plate, 178 optical sensor, 180 first post , 182 lateral groove, 184 insertion portion, 186 second support, 188 insertion hole, 190 support rod, 192 hook, 194 logo plate, 196 design cover holder, 198 lock plate, 200 cover member, 204 guide groove, 206 storage box, 208 first supporting member 210 second supporting member 212 regulating member

Claims (4)

A game device intended to obtain an item by operating an item holding section to move an item placed in a first area to a second area,
a first strut and a second strut;
a rod-shaped member for fixing an article for decorating the game space,
By inserting the first end of the rod-shaped member into the inside of the first support and hooking the second end to a part of the second support, Item acquisition game device fixed to the support of the. The second region is configured as a drop port for the article,
2. An article acquisition game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first support is erected on a farther side from said second area than said second support. One or more lateral grooves are formed in the first strut,
the first end of the rod-shaped member is formed in a shape in which the rod-shaped member is bent;
2. The article acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein said first end of said rod-shaped member is inserted into said first support by being pushed along a lateral groove of said first support. One or more support rods are fixed to the second support,
The second end of the rod-shaped member is configured as a hook,
4. The article acquisition game apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said second end configured as a hook of said rod-shaped member is hooked on a support rod of said second support.

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