JP2023151230A - Prize acquisition game device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a prize acquisition game device preventing a player from easily recognizing behavior of arm gripping operation.SOLUTION: A crane game machine 100 includes: a play field 2 for placing a prize P; a gripping device 200 that has an arm 203 for gripping the prize P and can travel within the play field 2; an operation lever 81 and an operation button 82 that a player can operate; and a control part 300 that moves the gripping device 200 according to operation of the operation lever 81 and the operation button 82 and controls gripping operation of the arm 203. The control part 300 performs gripping operation of the arm 203 with second gripping force smaller than first set gripping force in gripping operation of the arm 203, and then can execute control for changing from the second gripping force to the first gripping force.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device.

A prize acquisition game device, typified by a crane game machine, is used with a large number of prizes placed within a play field formed inside a housing. A player can move a prize acquisition device having an arm within the play field using operating means such as a lever or a button. After the player moves the prize acquisition device to the position where the desired prize is placed, the player grips the prize with the arm and transports the prize in that state to the prize outlet. can be obtained.

Among such prize acquisition game devices, one is known in which the arm is actuated by applying an excitation voltage corresponding to a gripping force set to the arm biasing means (for example, Patent Document 1 reference).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-135842

However, the prize acquisition game device described in Patent Document 1 has a characteristic that the operating speed varies because the power for operating the arm varies depending on the applied excitation voltage. Therefore, there is a problem in that the player has to look at the operating speed of the arm to determine whether or not he can obtain the prize, which leads to a loss of interest.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a prize acquisition game device that makes it difficult for players to recognize the behavior of the gripping motion of the arm.

In order to solve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a play field on which a prize is placed, a prize acquisition device having an arm for grasping the prize and movable within the play field; A prize acquisition game device comprising an operation means that can be operated by a player, and a control means that moves the prize acquisition device according to the operation of the operation means and controls a gripping operation of the arm,
In the gripping operation of the arm, the control means performs the gripping operation of the arm with a second gripping force that is smaller than the set first gripping force, and then adjusts the gripping force from the second gripping force to the first gripping force. It is characterized by being able to execute control to change the gripping force.

The invention according to claim 2 is the prize acquisition game device according to claim 1,
The prize acquiring device has an electromagnetic coil and a plunger that can be inserted into and removed from the electromagnetic coil, and by applying a voltage to the electromagnetic coil, the prize acquisition device can acquire the prize with a gripping force corresponding to the magnitude of the applied voltage. Equipped with a driving means for performing a gripping operation of the arm,
The control means applies a voltage corresponding to the first gripping force to the electromagnetic coil after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after applying a voltage corresponding to the second gripping force to the electromagnetic coil during the gripping operation of the arm. It is characterized in that it is applied to the electromagnetic coil.

The invention according to claim 3 is the prize acquisition game device according to claim 1 or 2,
The prize acquiring device is characterized in that it includes an adjusting means for adjusting a gap between the arms in the closed state.

The invention according to claim 4 is the prize acquisition game device according to claim 3,
The prize acquiring device includes a main body that houses a drive source for driving the arm, a base end that is rotatably attached to the main body, and a distal end that is rotatably attached to the arm of the arm. A support member rotatably attached,
The mounting position of the base end portion of the support member attached to the main body portion is movable in the vertical direction along the main body portion,
The adjustment means is characterized in that the size of the gap between the arms in the closed state is adjusted by changing the attachment position of the base end of the support member.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a prize acquisition game device that makes it difficult for players to recognize the behavior of the gripping motion of the arm.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the crane game machine in this embodiment. (A) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gripping device in the open state, and (B) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gripping device in the closed state. (A) is a front view showing the appearance of the gripping device in the closed state of the arm, (B) is a diagram illustrating how to adjust the position of the arm in the closed state, and (C) is a diagram showing the appearance of the gripping device in the closed state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gripping device whose position has been adjusted. It is a front view of a service panel part. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the crane game machine. (A) is a flowchart explaining payout setting processing, and (B) is a flowchart explaining play processing. (A) is a flowchart for explaining crane movement processing, (B) is a diagram for explaining an example of an input direction movement management table, and (C) is a flowchart for explaining attack processing. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a service monitor in a service panel section. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the gripping device according to the present embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A prize acquisition game device (for example, a crane game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example. In the following description, parts having the same functions and configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a crane game machine 100 as an example of a prize acquisition game device to which the present invention can be applied will be described. Note that FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the crane game machine in this embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, left and right, front and back, and top and bottom mean left and right, front and back, and top and bottom with respect to the state viewed from the front side by the player of the crane game machine 100. In this embodiment, the left-right direction may be referred to as the X-axis direction, the front-back direction may be referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction may be referred to as the Z-axis direction.

The crane game machine 100 is formed into a box shape, and an appropriate number of casters C are attached to the bottom surface. Therefore, the crane game machine 100 can be easily transported by pushing the crane game machine 100 by an operator of an amusement place such as a game center.

The crane game machine 100 includes a box-shaped base 1 and a play field 2 formed above the base 1.

The base 1 houses, for example, a control board having a control unit 300 (see FIG. 5) that performs overall control of the crane game machine 100, and an opening/closing door 1a provided on the right side of the front surface of the base 1. By opening it, you can access the inside. Furthermore, a service panel section 400 is also provided within the base 1, and can be accessed by opening the opening/closing door 1a. The detailed configuration of the service panel unit 400 will be described later. Further, at the lower center of the front surface of the base 1, a bill collection door 1b is provided so as to be openable and closable for collecting coins and other media such as coins accepted by coin selectors 84a and 84b, which will be described later.

The play field 2 has a bottom part 2a on which a large number of prizes P are placed, and is formed by an internal space closed by a front plate 2b, a left side plate 2c, a right side plate 2d, a back plate 2e, and a top plate 3. . The front plate 2b, the left side plate 2c, and the right side plate 2d are made of plate-like members made of transparent glass or resin, so that the internal space can be visually recognized. In this embodiment, opaque or translucent resin panels are provided on the upper inner surfaces of the front plate 2b, left side plate 2c, and right side plate 2d, making the upper part of the play field 2 difficult to see. In addition, in this embodiment, in order to raise the bottom of the prize P and make it easier to obtain it, and to protect the gripping device 200 described later, a large number of colored balls CB are provided at the bottom as a cushioning material made of hollow spheres. 2a, and the prize P is placed on these colored balls CB. The color ball CB used in this embodiment is made of resin, but is not limited to this.

A rectangular prize outlet 4 is provided at the front left corner of the bottom 2a of the play field 2, so that the prize P can be discharged downward. The prize P discharged from the prize outlet 4 falls to a prize take-out chamber 6 provided at the lower left portion of the base 1. The prize P discharged from the prize outlet 4 is detected by the prize dispensing sensor 41. The prize payout sensor 41 is composed of, for example, an infrared sensor. The prize taking-out chamber 6 has a prize taking-out opening opening in a rectangular shape on the front side, and the prize taking-out opening is closed by a door body 7. The upper end of the door body 7 is swingably supported by a hinge, and when the player presses the door body 7, the prize extraction port opens and the prize P in the prize extraction chamber 6 can be taken out. It has become. Here, the door body 7 is constituted by a plate-like member made of transparent glass or resin, and allows the inside of the prize takeout chamber 6 to be visually recognized through the door body 7. In addition, a partition plate 5 is provided upright on the bottom 2a so as to surround the right end and rear end of the prize outlet 4, and the partition plate 5 is used to store prizes P and colors placed or stacked on the bottom 2a. The ball CB is prevented from falling from the prize outlet 4.

A gripping device 200 as an example of a prize acquisition device is provided above the play field 2, and is suspended by a hanging wire 200a. At the top of the playfield 2, two horizontal rails 501f and 501r are provided near the front end and near the rear end, respectively, extending in the left-right direction and parallel to each other, and one vertical rail 502 is provided. It is installed on the traverse rails 501f and 501r. The vertical rail 502 is provided to extend in the front-back direction, and is provided with a horizontal motor unit 503 and a vertical motor unit 505. The traverse motor unit 503 has a built-in traverse motor 302 (see FIG. 5), and the traverse motor 302 moves the vertical rail 502 along the extending direction of the traverse rails 501f and 501r. The vertical motor unit 505 includes a vertical motor 301 (see FIG. 5) and a wire winding device 303 (see FIG. 5). The vertical motor 301 moves the vertical motor unit 505 along the extending direction of the vertical rail 502. The wire winding device 303 moves the gripping device 200 attached to the tip of the hanging wire 200a in the vertical direction by winding and feeding out the hanging wire 200a. Further, a rectangular support member 504 is provided at a position facing the traverse motor unit 503 and near the traverse rail 501r provided near the rear end. In addition, instead of the hanging wire 200a, a hanging support part made of a retractable pipe is provided so as to hang down from the longitudinal motor unit 505, and the gripping device 200 is attached to the tip of this hanging support part. The gripping device 200 may be moved in the vertical direction by expanding and contracting.

As will be described in detail later, the gripping device 200 includes a main body case 201 to which a hanging wire 200a is attached, an arm mounting portion 202 disposed at the lower part of the main body case 201, and one or more wires supported by the arm mounting portion 202. The arm 203 is configured to include an arm 203. The arm 203 is configured to be movable between an open state and a closed state, and can grip the prize P placed on the play field 2.

On the other hand, an operating section 8 is provided at the center of the front surface of the base 1, and has a box-like shape. The operating section 8 has an operating lever 81, an operating button 82, and a display section 83 arranged on its upper surface. The operation lever 81 and the operation button 82 can be operated by the player. That is, in this embodiment, the operating lever 81 and the operating button 82 function as operating means. The display unit 83 displays, for example, the remaining number of games that can be played (the number of remaining credits), the remaining playing time, and the like. The player moves the gripping device 200 to any position within the playfield 2 by operating the operating lever 81, and lowers the gripping device 200 and performs the gripping operation by operating the operating button 82. I can do it. When the gripping operation is completed, the gripping device 200 rises, moves above the prize outlet 4 while maintaining the arm 203 in the closed state, and changes the arm 203 into the open state. At this time, if the prize P is held by the gripping device 200, the prize P falls toward the prize outlet 4 and is guided to the prize take-out chamber 6, and as a result, the player can leave the prize take-out chamber 6. The prize P can be taken out. In this embodiment, the gripping device 200 is configured to operate by operating the operation lever 81 and the operation button 82, but it is not possible to cause the gripping device 200 to operate by using only the operation button. It may be configured. For example, it includes a horizontal movement button and a vertical movement button, and first operates the horizontal movement button to move the gripping device 200 in the left and right directions, and then operates the vertical movement button to move the gripping device 200 in the front and rear directions. , the gripping device 200 may be configured to perform the gripping operation at that location. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that only the operating lever is provided and no operating button is provided. Further, a configuration without the display section 83 may be used.

In addition, two coin selectors 84a and 84b (hereinafter, the two coin selectors 84a and 84b may be collectively referred to as "coin selector 84") are arranged in parallel on the front of the operation unit 8, and each has a reception desk. There are different types of coins and medals possible. In this embodiment, for example, the coin selector 84a is configured to accept only 100 yen coins, and the coin selector 84b is configured to accept only 500 yen coins, but the invention is not limited to this. Coin selectors 84a and 84b output a throw-in signal when accepting coins. The coins and medals accepted by the coin selector 84 are collected, for example, in a collection box at the bottom of the base 1, and can be collected by an operator of the play area opening the collection door 1b by unlocking the box. It looks like this. Further, the front surface of the operating section 8 is configured to be openable and closable, and, for example, the operator of the amusement park can perform maintenance of the operating section 8 by unlocking the front surface of the operating section 8. It looks like this.

The coin selector 84 is configured to be able to change between a state in which it accepts an inserted coin or medal and a state in which it returns the inserted coin or medal to a return slot by driving a solenoid.

In this embodiment, the game is made possible by inserting media such as coins and medals into the coin selector 84 as play value, but for example, an IC card equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentifier) tag It is equipped with a reader/writer device that can read and write prepaid information or payment information on a recording medium such as a magnetic card or a mobile terminal equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) function, and accepts play value from the information read by the reader/writer device. , based on this, it may be possible to play games. Further, the player may be configured to include a reading device capable of reading two-dimensional codes and barcodes, accept play values from read information read by the reading device, and be able to play based on this.

Next, the configuration of the gripping device 200 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The gripping device 200 includes a main body case 201 formed in a cylindrical shape, and a hanging wire 200a is fixed to the center of the upper surface. The main body case 201 is provided with a cylinder 210 that is movable forward and backward along the axial direction of the main body case 201 from the lower surface. Furthermore, an arm attachment portion 202 is fixed to the lower end of the cylinder 210 to which one or more arms 203 can be detachably attached. The main body case 201 houses an actuator using an electromagnetic coil and a plunger that is attracted by applying voltage to the electromagnetic coil (that is, a plunger that can be inserted into and removed from the electromagnetic coil). , the cylinder 210 connected to the plunger can be driven in the vertical direction by applying a voltage. Note that the actuator is not limited to an electromagnetic coil, and any known driving means such as a motor can be applied.

An annular mounting base 204 is attached to the outer periphery of the main body case 201 approximately in the center, and one end side of three rotating support members 205 at equal intervals is attached to the mounting base 204 by a main body side shaft pin 205a. Possibly supported.

The arm attachment portion 202 includes, for example, an attachment member 202a for attaching an arm 203 extending radially in three directions, and swingably supports the arm 203 by a support shaft 202b.

The cylinder 210 is attached to the upper center of the arm attachment portion 202. The arm attachment portion 202 is set to have a weight that allows it to move in a direction away from the main body case 201 due to its own weight, but the shape and weight of the arm attachment portion 202 can be designed as appropriate.

In this embodiment, three arms 203 are attached to the arm attachment portion 202 at equal intervals. The arms 203 are bent into a substantially F-shape, and can grasp and lift the prize P with the tips of the plurality of arms 203, and can also, for example, be hung on a string attached to the prize P. It is also possible to hang up the prize P. The arm 203 is swingably supported at the other end of the rotation support section 205 by an arm-side shaft pin 205b at a position (rotation support position) spaced a predetermined distance from the base end. That is, it can be said that the arm 203 is swingably supported from two points, the arm mounting portion 202 and the rotation support portion 205. Note that in this embodiment, the arm 203 is made of metal, but it may be made of resin.

The rotation support parts 205 are each formed by bending a flat plate into a U-shape, and have the inside of one end sandwiched against the mounting base 204, and are swingable to the mounting base 204 by a main body side shaft pin 205a. They are fastened together, and the inside of the other end is held between the arm 203 and the arm 203 is swingably fastened together by an arm-side shaft pin 205b.

Since the gripping device 200 is configured as described above, the electromagnetic coil is not driven and the arm 203 is in the open state, as shown in FIG. 2(A). When the cylinder 210 is pulled upward, the arm 203 is swung around the support shaft 202b and the arm-side shaft pin 205b, and the tip is brought into a closed state where the other end faces the other. It's about to change.

Further, in this embodiment, the mounting base 204 can be moved up and down along the extending direction of the main body case 201 to change the mounting position. The mounting base 204 shown in FIG. 3(A) is at a position (reference position) where the gap formed between the ends of the arms 203 becomes small when the arms 203 are in a closed state.

In this embodiment, when expanding the gap formed between the ends of the arms 203 in the closed state, loosen the plurality of mounting screws 204a provided at appropriate positions to fix the mounting base 204 to the main body case 201. The mounting base 204 is made slidable relative to the main body case 201, and the fixing position of the mounting base 204 is determined while adjusting the gap between the tips of the arms 203 in the closed state, as shown in FIG. 3(B). For example, it is conceivable to adjust the gap between the ends of the arm 203 in the closed state to a size slightly larger than the outer diameter of the color ball CB so as not to scoop up the color ball CB placed in the play field 2. However, the purpose is not limited to those mentioned above, and the size can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the characteristics of the game. After setting the gap between the tips of the arms 203 in the closed state, the mounting screws 204a are tightened to fix the mounting base 204 to the main body case 201. Note that FIG. 3(C) shows a perspective view of the gripping device 200 in the closed state after adjusting the position of the arm 203 in the closed state.

Next, the external configuration of the service panel section 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

The service panel section 400 includes a service monitor 401 configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), dip switches 402a, 402b and maintenance buttons 403a to 403e for making various settings, and a selection dial for changing setting values. 404, a volume adjustment volume 405 for adjusting the volume, and a power switch 406 for turning on/off the power of the crane game machine 100.

The service monitor 401 can display the operating status of the crane game machine 100, display settings when performing various settings, and the like.

DIP switches 402a and 402b each have a plurality of (for example, eight) changeover switches, and when the crane game machine 100 starts up, the position of each switch is read, and settings are made according to the read result. It is configured so that Settings that can be made by operating the dip switches 402a and 402b include, for example, setting whether or not to output audio in a demonstration performance that is executed in a standby state where no game is being played, and settings that can be set on the crane game machine 100. There are various light emitting patterns of the light emitting means.

The maintenance buttons 403a to 403e are composed of five buttons, each of which is a first button 403a, a second button 403b, a third button 403c, a fourth button 403d, and a fifth button 403e. The number of buttons is not limited to this, and may be four or less, or six or more.

When the first button 403a is operated once while the crane game machine 100 is in a standby state, a play data display screen is displayed on the service monitor 401, and when the first button 403a is further operated once, the screen is hidden. That is, each time the first button 403a is operated, displaying and non-displaying of the play data display screen can be switched. Note that details of the play data display screen will be described later. Furthermore, when the first button 403a is pressed and held for a predetermined period of time (for example, 2 seconds) while the crane game machine 100 is in a standby state, payout settings can be made. A specific method for setting payout settings will be described later.

Further, when the second button 403b is pressed and held while the crane game machine 100 is in a standby state, credits can be set. In the credit setting, for example, the number of games that can be played when coin insertion is accepted (that is, the number of games that can be played with one coin) can be set.

Further, when the third button 403c is pressed and held while the crane game machine 100 is in a standby state, the gripping force of the arm 203 of the gripping device 200 can be adjusted.

Further, when the fourth button 403d is pressed and held while the crane game machine 100 is in a standby state, the test mode can be entered. The test mode is a mode for checking the operating status of various devices, and is a mode for checking the operation of the gripping device 200 without inserting coins, and for confirming that the operating lever 81 and operating button 82 in the operating section 8 are operating normally. It is possible to confirm whether the

Further, the fifth button 403e functions as a service button, and when the fifth button 403e is operated once while the crane game machine 100 is in a standby state, the credit is incremented and it is possible to play without inserting money. It can be done.

The selection dial 404 is, for example, a rotary switch using a rotary encoder, and can change designated parameters according to the direction and amount of rotation.

The volume adjustment volume 405 is composed of, for example, a variable resistor, and the volume can be adjusted by changing its rotational position.

Next, the functional configuration of the crane game machine 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Here, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the crane game machine 100.

As shown in FIG. 5, for example, a control unit 300 that performs overall control of the crane game machine 100 is provided, and the control unit 300 includes an operation unit 8, a display unit 83, a coin selector 84, and an arm drive unit. 201b, the prize payout sensor 41, the vertical motor 301, the horizontal motor 302, the wire winding device 303, and the service panel section 400 are electrically connected to each other.

The control unit 300 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 300a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 300b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 300c. The processing program is read out and expanded into the RAM 300c, and the operations of each part are centrally controlled according to the expanded program.

The ROM 300b is composed of a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor, and stores various data in addition to the various programs described above. The RAM 300c forms a work area that temporarily stores various programs executed by the CPU 300a and data related to these programs.

Next, the payout setting process executed in the crane game machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6(A). Here, FIG. 6(A) is a flowchart explaining the payout setting process. The payout setting process is a process that is started when the first button 403a of the service panel section 400 is pressed and held while the crane game machine 100 is in a standby state.

The CPU 300a of the control unit 300 first executes a prize unit price setting process (step S201). When the prize unit price setting process is executed, a prize unit price setting screen is displayed on the service monitor 401, as shown in FIG. 8(A). On the prize unit price setting screen, the unit price of the prize to be set is displayed, and in the example shown in FIG. In order to make it easier to recognize, the number part "0300" is blinking. Below the display of the unit price of the prize, an explanation is displayed to the effect that the setting of the unit price of the prize can be changed by operating the selection dial 404. By rotating the selection dial 404 clockwise, the unit price of the prize can be changed. The character information "CW:INC" indicating that the set unit price can be incremented, and the text information "CW: INC" indicating that the set unit price of the prize can be decremented by rotating the selection dial 404 counterclockwise. The character information “CCW:DEC” is displayed. For example, the operator of the amusement park can accurately manage the payout rate of prizes by inputting the purchase unit price of prizes. Additionally, when the third button 403c is operated while the prize unit price setting screen is displayed, the screen shifts to the payout rate setting screen, and when the first button 403a is operated, the payout setting process is ended and the screen shifts to a standby state. It is configured. Therefore, "demonstration mode: button No. 1" and "payout rate setting: button No. 3" are displayed at the bottom of the service monitor 401 to notify the user of this fact.

Subsequently, the CPU 300a executes a payout rate setting process (step S203). When the payout rate setting process is executed, a payout rate setting screen is displayed on the service monitor 401, as shown in FIG. 8(B). On the payout rate setting screen, the set payout rate that is the target of setting is displayed, and in the example shown in FIG. 8(B), "050%" is displayed as the set payout rate, and furthermore, the setting can be changed. In order to make it easier to recognize, the number part "015" is blinking. Below the display of the set payout rate, an explanation is displayed stating that the setting of the payout rate can be changed by operating the selection dial 404. By rotating the selection dial 404 clockwise, the set payout rate can be changed. ``CW:INC'' character information indicating that the set payout rate can be incremented, and ``CCW:DEC'' character information indicating that the set payout rate can be decremented by rotating the selection dial 404 counterclockwise. is displayed. Further, when the third button 403c is operated while the payout rate setting screen is displayed, the screen shifts to the grip force setting screen, and when the first button 403a is operated, the screen shifts to the prize unit price setting screen. Therefore, "Prize unit price setting: Button No. 1" and "Gripping force setting: Button No. 3" are displayed at the bottom of the service monitor 401 to notify the user of this fact.

Next, the CPU 300a executes grip force setting processing (step S205). When the gripping force setting process is executed, a gripping force setting screen is displayed on the service monitor 401, as shown in FIG. 8(C). The gripping force setting screen displays the gripping force of the arm 203 that is the target of the setting, and in the example shown in FIG. 8(C), "6" is displayed as the gripping force setting value, and furthermore, the setting can be changed. To make it easier to recognize, the number "6" is flashing. This gripping force setting value corresponds to the magnitude of the gripping force of the arm 203 when gripping the prize, and is selected from 10 levels from "1", which has the smallest gripping force, to "10", which has the largest gripping force. Can be set to . Below the display of the gripping force set value, an explanation is displayed to the effect that the set value can be changed by operating the selection dial 404, and by rotating the selection dial 404 clockwise, the set value can be incremented. The text information "CW:INC" indicating that the setting value can be set is displayed, and the text information "CCW:DEC" indicating that the setting value can be decremented by rotating the selection dial 404 counterclockwise are displayed. has been done. Further, when the third button 403c is operated while the grip force setting screen is displayed, the screen shifts to the soft catch setting screen, and when the first button 403a is operated, the screen shifts to the payout rate setting screen. Therefore, "Payout rate setting: Button No. 1" and "Soft catch setting: Button No. 3" are displayed at the bottom of the service monitor 401 to notify the user of this fact. Note that in this embodiment, the grip force setting process is also executed when the third button 403c is pressed and held in the demonstration mode.

Next, the CPU 300a executes catch software setting processing (step S207). When the catch software setting process is executed, a soft catch setting screen is displayed on the service monitor 401, as shown in FIG. 8(D). On the soft catch setting screen, it is possible to set the operation pattern for closing the arm 203, which is the target of the setting, to be in catch soft mode (ON) or normal mode (OFF), as shown in FIG. 8(D). In the display shown in the figure, "ON" is displayed to indicate that the catch soft mode is set, and the "ON" character is blinking to make it easier to recognize that the setting can be changed. There is. When the soft catch setting is set to "ON", at the start of the closing operation of the arm 203, a voltage (e.g., 20V) sufficient to bring the arm 203 into the closed state is applied to the electromagnetic coil, and the voltage is applied to the electromagnetic coil for a predetermined period of time (e.g., , 300 seconds), control is performed to increase the voltage to a voltage (for example, 50V) corresponding to the set gripping force. This makes it difficult for the player to guess the gripping force due to the action of arm 203 in the closed state. In addition, when a high voltage is applied to the electromagnetic coil, the closing action of the arm is performed rapidly, so for example, the colored balls CB spread out to raise the bottom of the prize P or to buffer it may be flipped with great force, causing the Inconveniences such as color balls CB being unintentionally discharged from the prize discharge port 4 are less likely to occur.

Next, the CPU 300a executes a setting confirmation process (step S209). When the setting confirmation process is executed, as shown in FIG. 8E, the setting results of the prize unit price, payout rate, gripping force of the arm 203, and soft catch set in the manner described above are displayed on the service monitor 401. Is displayed. Further, when the third button 403c is operated while the setting confirmation screen is displayed, the screen shifts to the play area selection screen, and when the first button 403a is operated, the screen shifts to the soft catch setting screen. Therefore, "Soft catch setting: Button No. 1" and "Demonstration mode: Button No. 3" are displayed at the bottom of the service monitor 401 to notify this fact. When the setting confirmation process ends, the CPU 300a ends the payout setting process.

Next, the play process executed in the crane game machine 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6(B). Here, FIG. 6(B) is a flowchart explaining the play process.

First, the CPU 300a determines whether a coin has been inserted (step S301). That is, the CPU 300a determines whether or not input signals from the coin selectors 84a and 84b have been input. If the CPU 300a does not determine that a coin has been inserted (step S301: No), it executes the process of step S301 until it is determined that a coin has been inserted.

On the other hand, if the CPU 300a determines that a coin has been inserted (step S301; Yes), it executes a game process. In the play process, the operation of the operation lever 81 and operation button 82 of the operation unit 8 is accepted, and the movement operation of the gripping device 200 and the gripping operation of the arm 203 are performed within a predetermined time limit (for example, 30 seconds). Execute. At this time, the gripping operation of the arm 203 is controlled so as to be performed in accordance with the payout rate. Thus, in this embodiment, the control unit 300 functions as a control means.

After that, the CPU 300a determines whether the game has ended (step S305). If the CPU 300a does not determine that the game has ended (step S305; No), the CPU 300a continues the game process in step S303. On the other hand, if the CPU 300a determines that the game has ended (step S305; Yes), the CPU 300a increments the play count counter (step S307). The number of plays counter is a counter stored in the work area of the RAM 300c.

Next, the CPU 300a determines whether the prize P has been paid out (step S309). Specifically, the CPU 300a determines whether to pay out the prize P based on the presence or absence of a signal from the prize payout sensor 41.

If the CPU 300a determines that the prize P has been paid out (step S309; Yes), the CPU 300a increments the prize payout counter (step S311). On the other hand, if the CPU 300a does not determine that the prize P has been paid out (step S309; No), the CPU 300a executes the process of step S313 without executing the process of step S311.

After that, the CPU 300a calculates the payout rate (P/O) (step S313), and ends the play process. The payout rate (P/O) is calculated by dividing the amount (payout amount) obtained by multiplying the preset unit price of the prize P by the value of the prize payout counter by the income (sales). In addition, in this embodiment, when a game is set to be possible once by inserting 100 yen and six times by inserting 500 yen, when a game is executed by inserting 100 yen, the corresponding game is The income per play is assumed to be 100 yen, and when a game is executed by inserting 500 yen, the income per play is calculated as 500/6 = 83.3 yen. Alternatively, the income per game may be calculated as 100 yen, regardless of the amount invested. The calculated payout rate is updated and recorded in the RAM 300c, and is also displayed on the play data display screen of the service monitor 401, as will be described later.

Next, the crane movement process executed in the game process in the play process shown in FIG. 6(B) will be described with reference to FIG. 7(A). Here, FIG. 7(A) is a flowchart explaining the crane movement process. Note that the crane movement process is a process that is activated at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 2 ms) in the game process.

First, the CPU 300a determines whether the operating lever 81 is turned on in any direction (step S401). If the CPU 300a determines that the operating lever 81 is turned on in any direction (step s401; Yes), the CPU 300a sets the input flag of the direction corresponding to the input direction in the input direction operation management table shown in FIG. 7(B). is set to ON (step S403), and then the gripping device 200 is moved in the input direction of the operating lever 81 (step S405). Note that the input direction operation management table is stored in the RAM 300c of the control unit 300. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that the operating lever 81 is not turned on in any direction (step s401; No), the crane movement process is ended and the process returns to the play process.

After that, the CPU 300a determines whether or not there is a direction in which the operating lever 81 is turned off among the operating levers 81 that are turned on (step S407). If the CPU 300a does not determine that there is a direction in which the operating lever 81 is turned off (step S407; No), the CPU 300a executes the process of step S405, and if it is determined that there is a direction in which the operating lever 81 is turned off, the CPU 300a executes the process in step S405. (Step S407; Yes), in the input direction operation management table, enter the limit timer ( For example, 500 ms) is set (step S409), and an NG flag is set in the input restriction flag (step S411). The input restriction flag remains NG until the limit timer reaches 0. After that, the CPU 300a clears the input flag for the direction in which the operating lever 81 is turned off (step S412).

After that, the CPU 300a determines whether there is a direction in which the operating lever 81 is newly turned ON (step S413). If the CPU 300a determines that there is a direction in which the operating lever 81 is newly turned ON (step S413; Yes), the CPU 300a determines whether or not the input restriction flag is NG for the input direction (step S415). . If the CPU 300a does not determine that the input restriction flag is NG for the input direction (step S415; No), the CPU 300a executes the processes of steps S417 to S421. Note that the processing from step S417 to step S421 is similar to step S403 to step S407, so the description thereof will be omitted. On the other hand, if the CPU 300a does not determine in step S413 that there is a direction in which the operation lever 81 is newly turned ON (step S413; No), or in step S415, the input restriction flag is NG for the input direction. If it is determined that (step S415; Yes), the process of step S413 is executed. Note that in this case, if the gripping device 200 is moving, the gripping device 200 continues to move. In this embodiment, the operating lever 81 can be inputted in eight directions, and the gripping device 200 can also be moved in eight directions correspondingly. In other words, if the input direction of the operation lever 81 is front, back, left, or right, it can be said that the input of the operation lever 81 is in the direction of one element, and the input direction of the operation lever 81 is If it is diagonal (front left, front right, rear left, rear right), it can be said that there was an input from the operating lever 81 in the direction of the two elements. In this embodiment, in step S415, if the regulation flag for at least one of the two element directions is NG, input of the operating lever 81 in the direction of the two elements is prohibited. It is made invalid and the movement of the gripping device 200 is restricted.

Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, after moving the grip device 200 to the left, the player PL suddenly moves the operating lever 81 from the left to the right. If a direction change is input, movement in directions including the right direction (front right, right, rear right) is restricted for a predetermined period of time, so that the gripping device 200 suspended by the wire 200a will not swing significantly due to inertia. can be suppressed.

Next, attack processing will be described with reference to FIG. 7(C). Here, FIG. 7(C) is a flowchart illustrating attack processing. The attack process is a process that is activated at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 2 ms) in the game process.

First, the CPU 300a determines whether or not the operation button 82 has been pressed (step S501). If the CPU 300a determines that the operation button 82 has been pressed (step S501; Yes), the CPU 300a determines the payout rate (P/O) by referring to the RAM 300c (step S503).

Subsequently, the CPU 300a determines whether the catch software (CS) mode is ON (step S505). If the CPU 300a determines that the CS mode is ON (step S505; Yes), the CPU 300a executes a gripping operation of the arm 203 according to the CS mode (step S507), and then ends this process. Specifically, regarding the gripping operation of the arm 203, the CPU 300a generates a voltage (voltage applied to the electromagnetic coil) in the arm drive unit 201b that is sufficient for the arm 203 to operate from the open state to the closed state. After setting the voltage (for example, 20V), the voltage generated in the arm drive unit 201b after the closed state is established is increased to a voltage (for example, 50V) corresponding to the set gripping force.

On the other hand, if the CPU 300a does not determine that the CS mode is ON (that is, the normal mode) (step S505; No), the CPU 300a performs the normal gripping operation of the arm (step S509). Finish the process. That is, in the case of the normal mode, the CPU 300a sets the voltage generated in the arm drive unit 201b from the open state to the closed state to a voltage (for example, 50V) corresponding to the set gripping force for the gripping operation of the arm 203. Set.

In this manner, in this embodiment, by keeping the voltage constant during the operation of the arm 203 from the open state to the closed state, it is made difficult for the player to estimate the gripping force of the arm 203. Further, by applying sufficient voltage to enable the arm 203 to operate from the open state to the closed state, it is possible to suppress the arm 203 from suddenly closing the arm 203. It is possible to prevent the inconvenience of unintentionally ejecting the colored balls CB from the prize ejecting port 4 by flipping the colored balls CB laid out inside.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the crane game machine 100 has a play field 2 on which a prize P is placed, an arm 203 for grasping the prize P, and moves within the play field 2. A control lever 81 that can be operated by the player moves the grasping device 200 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in accordance with the operation of the control lever 81, and controls the grasping operation of the arm 203. The control unit 300 is also provided. The crane game machine 100 also includes a wire winding device 303 that suspends the gripping device 200 by a hanging wire 200a and can raise and lower the gripping device 200 by feeding out and winding up the hanging wire 200a. After the gripping device 300 is moved in the direction including the one element by operating the operating lever 81, the control unit 300 moves the operating lever 81 to include the element in the direction opposite to the one element before a predetermined time has elapsed. When the gripping device 200 is operated in the direction, movement of the gripping device 200 in accordance with the operation is restricted. As a result, it is possible to suppress large swings due to inertia caused by rapid reversal movement of the prize acquisition device, and it is possible to suppress the wire that hangs the prize acquisition device and the lifting device that pays out and winds up this wire. Damage can be reduced and the impact on product life can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, after the gripping device 200 is moved in a direction including one element by operating the operating lever 81, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the operating lever 81 is moved in a direction opposite to the one element. When the gripping device 200 is operated in a direction including the elements, the gripping device 200 is allowed to move in accordance with the operation. Therefore, movement in the opposite direction is allowed after the swinging of the prize acquisition device has subsided to some extent, so damage to the wire and the lifting device can be reduced, and the game can be continued smoothly.

Further, according to the present embodiment, after the gripping device 200 is moved in a direction including one element by operating the operating lever 81, the operating lever 81 is moved in a direction opposite to the one element before a predetermined period of time has elapsed. If the movement of the gripping device 200 is restricted by being operated in a direction that includes the first element, the operation lever 81 is operated again after the predetermined time has elapsed, so that the movement of the gripping device 200 is regulated in a direction that includes the first element. The gripping device 200 is allowed to move in response to an operation using the operating lever 81 in a direction including the opposite direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress large swings due to inertia caused by rapid reversal movement of the prize acquisition device, and it is possible to suppress the wire that hangs the prize acquisition device and the lifting device that pays out and winds up this wire. Not only can damage be reduced and the impact on the product lifespan can be reduced, but the player can also recognize when the operation has stopped due to sudden operation, and the player can be assured that the operation is normal. It can be recognized.

Further, according to the present embodiment, after the gripping device 200 is moved in a direction including one element by operating the operating lever 81, the operating lever 81 is moved in a direction opposite to the one element before a predetermined period of time has elapsed. When the gripping device 200 is operated in a direction that does not include the element, the gripping device 200 is allowed to move in accordance with the operation. As a result, by not restricting the movement of the prize acquisition device in a direction in which it is less likely to swing due to inertia, it becomes possible to play the game smoothly.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the crane game machine 100 has a play field 2 on which a prize P is placed, an arm 203 for grasping the prize P, and moves within the play field 2. A control lever 81 and a control button 82 that can be operated by the player move the holding device 200 according to the operation of the control lever 81 and the control button 82, and control the gripping operation of the arm 203. The control unit 300 is also provided. In the gripping operation of the arm 203, the control unit 300 performs the gripping operation of the arm 203 with a second gripping force that is smaller than the set first gripping force, and then changes the second gripping force to the first gripping force. It is possible to execute control to change the Therefore, the arm operates with a weak gripping force until it grips the prize, and changes the gripping force once it grips the prize, making it difficult for the player to recognize the behavior of the arm's gripping motion. This makes it difficult for the player to guess the gripping force based on the movement of the arm, and it is possible to prevent the player from losing interest. Further, according to the present embodiment, for example, when colored balls are spread all over the play field to increase the price of prizes, the trouble of the colored balls being bounced and being paid out to the prize payout port can be avoided. It can also be suppressed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the gripping device 200 includes an electromagnetic coil and a plunger that can be inserted into and removed from the electromagnetic coil, and by applying a voltage to the electromagnetic coil, the magnitude of the applied voltage is adjusted. An arm drive unit 201b is provided that causes the arm 203 to perform a gripping operation with a corresponding gripping force. In the gripping operation of the arm 203, the control unit 300 applies a voltage (for example, 20V) corresponding to the second gripping force to the electromagnetic coil, and then, after a predetermined time (for example, 300 ms) has elapsed, controls the first gripping force to be applied to the electromagnetic coil. A voltage (for example, 50V) corresponding to the gripping force is applied to the electromagnetic coil. As a result, by not applying the voltage corresponding to the first gripping force first, but applying the voltage corresponding to the second gripping force, which is weaker, it is possible to easily control the movement of the arm. become able to.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the gripping device 200 includes the mounting base 204 that adjusts the gap between the arms 203 in the closed state, so that, for example, colored balls or the like can be spread over the playfield in order to raise the prizes. This makes it possible to prevent the inconvenience of accidentally grasping the colored ball when the user holds the colored ball.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the gripping device 200 includes a main body case 201 that houses an electromagnetic coil for driving the arm 203, a base end is rotatably attached to the main body case 201, and a distal end is provided with a rotation support portion 205 rotatably attached to the arm portion of the arm 203. The mounting position of the base end portion of the rotation support portion 205 attached to the main body case 201 can be displaced in the vertical direction along the main body case 201. The mounting base 204 adjusts the size of the gap between the arms 203 in the closed state by changing the mounting position of the base end of the rotation support section 205. Therefore, the gap between the arms in the closed state can be easily adjusted.

The functions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most preferable functions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the functions and effects according to the present invention are not described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what has been done.

100 Crane game machine (prize acquisition game device)
2 Play field 81 Operation lever 81 (operation means)
200 Grasping device (prize acquisition device)
200a Hanging wire (wire)
201b Arm drive section (drive means)
203 Arm 204 Mounting base (adjustment means)
205 Rotation support part (support member)
300 Control unit (control means)
303 Wire winding device (lifting means)
P Prize

In order to solve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a play field on which a prize is placed, a prize acquisition device having an arm for grasping the prize and movable within the play field; A prize acquisition game device comprising an operation means that can be operated by a player, and a control means that moves the prize acquisition device according to the operation of the operation means and controls a gripping operation of the arm,
The prize acquiring device has an electromagnetic coil and a plunger that can be inserted into and removed from the electromagnetic coil, and by applying a voltage to the electromagnetic coil, the prize acquisition device can acquire the prize with a gripping force corresponding to the magnitude of the applied voltage. Equipped with a driving means for performing a gripping operation of the arm,
In the gripping operation of the arm, the control means applies a voltage corresponding to a second gripping force smaller than the set first gripping force to the electromagnetic coil, and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, By applying a voltage corresponding to the first gripping force to the electromagnetic coil, after performing a gripping operation of the arm with the second gripping force, the second gripping force is changed to the first gripping force. It is characterized by being able to execute control to change.

The invention according to claim 2 is the prize acquisition game device according to claim 1 ,
The prize acquiring device is characterized in that it includes an adjusting means for adjusting a gap between the arms in the closed state.

The invention according to claim 3 is the prize acquisition game device according to claim 2 ,
The prize acquiring device includes a main body that houses a drive source for driving the arm, a base end that is rotatably attached to the main body, and a distal end that is rotatably attached to the arm of the arm. A support member rotatably attached,
The mounting position of the base end portion of the support member attached to the main body portion is movable in the vertical direction along the main body portion,
The adjustment means is characterized in that the size of the gap between the arms in the closed state is adjusted by changing the attachment position of the base end of the support member.

Claims (4)

A play field on which a prize is placed, a prize acquisition device having an arm for grasping the prize and movable within the play field, an operating means that can be operated by a player, and an operation means for operating the operating means. A prize acquisition game device comprising a control means for moving the prize acquisition device accordingly and controlling a gripping operation of the arm,
In the gripping operation of the arm, the control means performs the gripping operation of the arm with a second gripping force that is smaller than the set first gripping force, and then adjusts the gripping force from the second gripping force to the first gripping force. A prize acquisition game device characterized by being able to execute control to change the grip force. The prize acquiring device has an electromagnetic coil and a plunger that can be inserted into and removed from the electromagnetic coil, and by applying a voltage to the electromagnetic coil, the prize acquisition device can acquire the prize with a gripping force corresponding to the magnitude of the applied voltage. Equipped with a driving means for performing a gripping operation of the arm,
The control means applies a voltage corresponding to the first gripping force to the electromagnetic coil after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after applying a voltage corresponding to the second gripping force to the electromagnetic coil during the gripping operation of the arm. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein the prize is given to the electromagnetic coil. 3. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein the prize acquisition device includes an adjusting means for adjusting a gap between the arms in a closed state. The prize acquiring device includes a main body that houses a drive source for driving the arm, a base end that is rotatably attached to the main body, and a distal end that is rotatably attached to the arm of the arm. A support member rotatably attached,
The mounting position of the base end portion of the support member attached to the main body portion is movable in the vertical direction along the main body portion,
4. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment means adjusts the size of the gap between the arms in the closed state by changing the attachment position of the base end of the support member.

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