JP3006569B2 - Prize acquisition game machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game apparatus which makes it easy to acquire a prize.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, home video game devices have become widespread, and characteristics such as screen resolution and the complexity of character operation have been significantly improved. For this reason, game devices installed in playgrounds such as game centers are required to have even more entertaining game devices, and various devices have been proposed. In such a situation,
Conventional game machines, such as crane game machines and pinball machines, which have been less noticeable due to the appearance of video game machines, are also gaining in popularity. In particular, the crane game machine is interesting to be able to obtain a prize stored therein, and is motivated to challenge by using a popular character for the prize. For this reason, it is installed in many arcades and is in the spotlight.

Various game machines have been proposed for enjoying such a prize acquisition operation. A crane game machine will be described below as an example of the game device with reference to the drawings. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a box-shaped accommodation section 2 is provided on a rectangular parallelepiped base 1. The front and side surfaces 2a of the housing 2 are made of a transparent resin or glass plate. The rear wall surface is made of a transparent or mirror-like plate member or a decorative plate member. A large number of prizes 3 such as stuffed toys can be accommodated in the accommodation section 2. A cylindrical receiving portion 4 is provided at the bottom of the housing portion 2 in the vertical direction. Further, a crane is hung on the inner upper surface of the storage section 2. The crane includes a rod-shaped support member 5 suspended vertically from an inner upper surface, and a gripping member provided at a lower end thereof for gripping a premium 3. This gripping member is provided with two crab-footed arms 6 that can be opened and closed. Note that the arm 6 is normally closed, and is configured to be opened by a player's operation when grasping a prize. Further, the support member 5 can be slid in the left and right directions and in the front and rear direction, and can be expanded and contracted in the up and down direction by a driving source (not shown) provided on the upper part of the housing portion 2. Is provided.

On the other hand, a support member 5 of a crane
A button switch 7 is provided for stopping the prize in accordance with a desired prize 3 position. This is the first switch 7a for stopping the crane at the corresponding position in the left-right direction.
And a second switch 7b for positioning the crane positioned in the left-right direction by the first switch 7a in the front-rear direction. Further, a prize take-out opening 8 is provided below the base 1, and the take-out opening 8 is connected to a lower end of the receiving portion 4. Here, the crane game machine shown in FIG. 4 is provided with two sets of crane and button switches for operating the crane, and is a game device that can be played by two players.

The operation of the conventional example having the above-described configuration is as follows. That is, when the player inserts a coin and presses the first switch 7a, the driving source is activated and the support member 5 slides in the left and right direction.
Then, when the first switch 7a is released, it stops at the position in the left-right direction corresponding to the desired premium. Next, when the player presses the second switch 7b, the support member 5 slides back and forth. And the second switch 7
By releasing b, the support member 5 temporarily stops, extends downward while opening the two arms 6, and once performs the operation of closing the arm 6 (gripping the prize) at the position of the prize 3 below the housing portion 2. Thereafter, the support member 5 contracts again with the arm 6 closed, and moves to above the receiving portion 4. And
The arm 6 is opened above the receiving part 4. Therefore, when the prize can be grasped by the prize holding operation, the prize 3 is grasped by the arm 6 and carried to the receiving portion 4,
It falls into the receiving part 4. Then, the player takes out the prize 3 from the lower outlet 8.

[0006]

However, the prior art has the following problems. That is, positioning of the arm 6 by operating the button switch 7 is important for obtaining a prize. For this purpose, the button switch 7 is operated while grasping the positional relationship between the prize and the arm 6, and this requires a certain amount of skill.
Therefore, it is difficult for a player who is not accustomed to grasping the positional relationship or operating the button switch 7 to obtain a prize, and the enjoyment is reduced.

In particular, the positional relationship between the prize and the arm 6 is confirmed by looking into the outside of the housing. This means that when checking the position in the front-rear direction, in addition to peeping from the front surface of the storage unit, the user will peep from the side surface of the storage unit. In this case, it is difficult to grasp the exact position, and in reality it depends on intuition. Such intuition is a major reason why the operation of the button switch 7 requires skill. For this reason, some players lose their willingness to play the game again.

Further, since the crane game machine has a wide range of target ages, it is particularly difficult for a short child to select and obtain a prize.
In other words, the grasp of the positional relationship between the prize and the arm 6 is usually confirmed by looking down from above to some extent, but when the height is short, the viewpoint is low, and the line of sight is close to the water direction.
In this case, it is difficult to confirm the position of the prize to be acquired, and further, the holding of the prize by the arm 6 or the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to make it easy for a player with a wide skill level and a player of a wide age to obtain a prize and enjoy a game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a prize acquisition game device capable of performing the above.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object , in the prize acquisition game apparatus of the present invention, prizes are stored.
And a storage section for holding the prize
Acquisition means, and the acquisition means inside and outside the storage unit
A support member for moving right and up and down;
Irradiating the lower central position of the obtaining means provided in the obtaining means
Illuminating means . It is preferable that the illuminating means is configured to be able to irradiate a position which is a lower central point of the acquiring means. In addition, as illumination means , a condensing laser
And a search light . It is.

It is also preferable that a weight sensor is provided in the acquisition means . Means for obtaining this is grippable configure prize.

[0012]

In the present invention having the above structure, the prize acquisition game device is provided with the illuminating means as the position confirmation means, so that the position illuminated by the illuminating means becomes the center of the prize. When the means is moved, the acquisition means is at a position where the prize can be acquired correctly, so that the acquisition means can be moved to an accurate position.

Further, the display means may include, as information, a confirmation content obtained by the position confirmation means, in addition to displaying an image.
It can also be displayed , and in this case, even a player who is not familiar with the game can easily operate the obtaining means to be the prize position.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(1) Main Embodiment Hereinafter, one embodiment of a prize acquisition game apparatus according to the present invention will be described.
This will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a crane game machine as an example of a prize acquisition game device.

In this embodiment, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a prize acquisition game apparatus of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of a game according to this embodiment. Denotes a display monitor for displaying an image from a camera provided on the crane. In the present embodiment, members having the same functions as those of the related art are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The accommodation part 2 is provided in the upper part of. This accommodation part 2
A large number of premiums 3 such as stuffed toys can be stored inside. A crane is suspended inside such a housing part 2 as a means for acquiring premiums. The crane has a rod-shaped support member 5 suspended vertically.
And two crab-shaped arms 6 provided at the distal end, and are configured to grip the prize 3. Further, the crane is provided with a small camera 10 using a CCD or the like for the support member 5 as a means for confirming the position of the prize 3 or the arm 6. This small camera 10
It is arranged at the base of the arm 6 so as to show the lower side of the arm 6.

On the other hand, the base 1 has button switches 7 (first switch 7a and second switch 7b) as operating means for the support member 5, and liquid crystal or the like as display means for displaying an image from the small camera 10. Display monitor 1 consisting of multiple screens
1 is provided.

The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above is as follows.
It looks like this: That is, when the player inserts a coin and presses the first switch 7a, the support member 5 slides in the left-right direction. Then, when the support member 5 reaches a position in the left-right direction corresponding to a desired premium, the first switch 7a is released, and the support member 5 stops at that position. Next, when the player presses the second switch 7b, the support member 5 slides back and forth.
Then, when the second switch 7b is released, the support member 5 stops temporarily, extends downward while opening the two arms 6, and closes the arm 6 at the position of the prize 3 at the lower part of the housing 2 (gripping of the prize). Once. Thereafter, the support member 5 contracts upward again with the arm 6 closed, moves to a position above the receiving portion 4, and opens the arm 6.

Here, the small camera 10 provided on the support member 5 starts operating at the same time as the player inserts coins, and projects a premium below the support member 5. This image is displayed on a display monitor 11 provided on the base 1. Since the small camera 10 is provided at the base of the arm 6 of the support member 5, the display monitor 11 has two arms 6,
6 is also projected. Accordingly, the image displayed on the display monitor 11 is shown as the prize 3 moves between the two arms 6 and 6 as the support member 5 moves, as shown in FIG. In the vicinity of the position of the desired prize 3, the user operates the button switch 7 while looking at the display monitor 11 so that the desired prize 3 is located between the two arms 6 and 6, as shown in FIG. To make fine adjustments. Further, after the stop, as shown in FIG. 2 (C), as the support member 5 descends, the prize is displayed on the display monitor 11 so that the prize gradually approaches between the two arms 6 and 6. Will be reflected. The crane game machine shown in FIG. 1 is a game device in which a crane and a button switch for operating the crane are one set, and are played alone.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the small camera 10 is provided on the crane which is the key to the crane game.
An image of the prize 3 by the small camera 10 is displayed on the monitor 1
1, the game can be played from a different viewpoint. Accordingly, since the position of the arm 6 can be grasped by directly looking into the storage unit 2 and confirming the detailed position on the display monitor 11, the positioning of the arm 6 which has conventionally relied on intuition can be significantly performed. It will be easier. Moreover, even in the case of a child having a low viewpoint, the selection of the prize and the position of the arm 6 can be confirmed on the display monitor 11, so that the user can fully enjoy the game and easily obtain the prize.

Further, since an image is displayed on the display monitor 11 as if the player themselves were the arm 6 of the crane, the same crane game can have a more realistic feeling than the conventional game.

Therefore, in this embodiment, since the small camera as the position confirmation means and the display monitor for displaying the image from this camera are provided, the player can grasp the position of the prize and the arm 6 from many viewpoints. Therefore, regardless of the skill level of the operation of the button switch 7 or the height of the button switch 7, the user can enjoy the prize 3 while enjoying it. This provides freshness even for a player who is familiar with the conventional crane game, and can be differentiated from other game machines. Thereby, the place where the game device of the present embodiment is installed can be activated.

(2) Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the specific shape, or each mounting position and method can be changed as appropriate. For example, the shape and operation method of the button switch 7 and the moving direction of the crane associated therewith can be changed as appropriate. Although FIG. 1 shows a device that is played by one person, a plurality of sets of cranes and button switches may be provided so that the game device can be played by a plurality of people.

Further, the position confirmation means and the display means can also be configured as follows.

Position Confirmation Means The mounting position of the small camera, which is the position confirmation means, is not limited to the support member 5 of the crane. As shown in FIG. It is also possible to provide. The support member 12 is suspended inside the housing so as to be movable in the left-right and front-back directions. In this case, the camera 10 is provided with a wide-angle lens and is configured to project the inside of the housing section including the tip of the arm, so that an image of the housing section is viewed from above. On the other hand, an operation button 13 for the small camera 10 is provided on the base 1, and the supporting member 12 for the small camera is moved by operating the button 13. With such a configuration, the prize 3 can be viewed from a viewpoint from multiple points on the upper part of the housing 2 together with a viewpoint from the outside of the housing 2. This can provide the same effect as in the above-described embodiment.

Further, the small camera 10 can be configured to change the zoom ratio manually or automatically. In the case of manual operation, it is configured to be able to be operated by the player. As a result, at the beginning of the game, the entire image of the accommodation section is projected at a low magnification with the zoom, and the arm is moved to an approximate position of a desired premium. Then, in the vicinity of the desired prize 3,
The zoom is set to a high magnification, and the arm 6 is moved so that the desired prize is displayed at the center. Thus, by changing the zoom magnification according to the situation, the position of the prize 3 can be reliably grasped.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to dispose the small cameras 10 at a plurality of positions inside the housing portion. The display on the display monitor is configured so that the images of the cameras can be freely switched. In this case, by configuring the camera to be freely angled, it is possible to grasp the situation in the housing from a viewpoint from above. Further, this camera can be used in combination with a small camera which can move in the front and rear and left and right directions in the housing section. By providing such a camera, the prize can be seen from many viewpoint positions, and the prize position can be grasped more three-dimensionally. Therefore, even a prize having a complicated shape can be easily grasped as compared with the related art, and the surface can be more self-evident.

[0028] Then, such a small camera 10, Jing
In addition to being provided inside the storage section for grasping the position of the prize 3, the prize 3 may be provided at a position where the prize that has fallen into the prize take-out port 8 is projected. Thereby, the acquisition of the premium 3 can be confirmed on the display monitor 11 .

Further, in the present invention, instead of the above-described small camera, a condensed laser such as red for irradiating a position serving as a center point between the arms at the lower part of the housing , or a light (illuminating between the arms at the lower part of the housing) An illumination means for illuminating a prize, such as a searchlight, may be provided. In this case, the support member is moved so that light shines on a desired prize. This means that the support member 5 is moved so that the prize 3 is located at the center of the prize 3 in the case of the red condensing laser , and the desired prize 3 is illuminated by the light in the case of the light (search light).

[0030]

As described above, by attaching the illuminating means, it becomes easy to visually match the position of the arm 6 with the position of the desired prize. Also, when the arm is lowered, the illuminance of the light shining on the prize increases with the descent, and the prize is lighted up. This matches the player's expectation of obtaining the prize, and can provide a stunning effect.

Further, according to the present invention, the crane support member 5 or the arm 6 may be provided with a weight sensor such as a microswitch that is turned on and off by ultrasonic waves, infrared rays, or weight. Thus, it is possible to determine whether the arm is in contact with the prize, whether the arm is grasping at an accurate position, and the like.

The position confirmation means is not limited to a camera, a condensing laser, a searchlight, or a weight sensor alone, but may be a combination of two or more kinds of position confirmation means. It is. As a result, it is possible to provide a prize acquisition game device in which the position of the prize can be grasped much more easily than in the past.

Display Monitor In the present invention, the display on the display monitor 11 is not limited to displaying the image from the camera 10 but changing the display on the display monitor in accordance with the situation captured by the camera and other position confirmation means. Can also. For example, when it is determined that the prize is being grasped by the weight sensor, an effect of displaying an animation, fireworks, or the like showing joy on the display monitor can be performed. Further, even when the prize held by the arm shifts in the holding position in the middle or falls off the arm, an effect corresponding to the situation can be performed. Furthermore, not only images but also sound effects can be changed according to the situation. By performing such an effect, it is possible to synchronize with the mood of the player according to the situation,
An effect can be performed so that the player can obtain a sense of unity with the game device.

The display monitor 11 can display a sub game such as roulette, display a demo play when the player is not playing, display a play method during the game, and display instructions and the like. It is. In the sub game, for example, even if the pinch of the prize fails, a screen such as roulette indicating a "hit" or "losing" is displayed on the display monitor, and if the "hit" is displayed,
It is possible to try the game again. As a result, the loser can be resurrected for the player, and the game device becomes more popular. In addition, the display of the demo play makes it possible to emphasize the existence of the game device, which leads to activation of the store where the game device is installed.

Further, according to the present invention, the display monitor 11
The installation position is not limited to being provided on the base 1, and the installation position can be changed as appropriate, such as being provided on the back of the housing section 2 or provided on the support member 5 of the crane. Further, the size of the screen of the display monitor 11 can also be changed as appropriate, and can be the entire back surface of the storage section. Further, the screen of the display monitor 11 is configured as a touch panel, and a state (field) of the inside of the housing portion viewed from above is displayed on the screen. And it can also be comprised so that movement of the support member of a crane in the left-right and front-back direction can be operated on a screen. Thus, it is not necessary to provide a button switch on the base, and the screen of the display monitor can be enlarged. Thereby, the moving operation of the crane becomes easy. In addition, a large screen makes it easy for a small child to grasp the position of a desired prize.

The prize acquisition game device of the present invention
The present invention is not limited to the crane game machine, and can be applied to other prize acquisition game devices that acquire prizes. In this case, the same effect can be obtained.

[0038]

As described above, in the prize obtaining game apparatus of the present invention, since the illuminating means is provided as the position confirming means, it is easy to grasp the positions of the prize and the obtaining means.
Therefore, it is possible to acquire a prize simply by looking at the position where the light hits. Furthermore, the prize is illuminated with the descending of the acquisition means, and an effective effect is provided. Therefore,
Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a prize acquisition game device that can enjoy a game irrespective of the proficiency of operation and the height of the player.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a prize acquisition game apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the game shown in FIG. 1, in which the upper part shows a state of the crane and the prize position, and the lower part shows a display monitor for displaying an image from a camera provided on the crane.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a crane game machine which is an example of a conventional premium acquisition game device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Base 2 ... Accommodation part 3 ... Premium 4 ... Receiving part 5 ... Support member 6 ... Arm 7 ... Button switch 10 ... Small camera 11 ... Display monitor 12 ... Camera support member 13 ... Operation button 14 ... Case 15 ... LED

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 9/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] (1) PremiumToStoragein order toStorage section,Acquisition means configured to grip the prize, Inside the storage unit the acquisition means in the front-back and left-right direction and
A support member for moving in a vertical direction, A lower center position of the acquisition unit provided in the acquisition unit;
Illumination means for irradiating light. A prize characterized by
Acquisition game device. Wherein said illuminating means, the prize acquisition game apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the focused laser or searchlight. 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said obtaining means includes a weight sensor.
The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein