JP3357204B2 - Multiplayer game console - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-play game machine having a plurality of play rooms.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a multi-play game machine having a plurality of play rooms in which a plurality of players can simultaneously and independently play. This multi-play game machine has an advantage that a game area can be efficiently secured in a game center or the like. In a multi-play game machine, in addition to a plurality of play rooms having exactly the same game content arranged side by side, a game device having different game contents for each play room (one having a plurality of types of play rooms) is known.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional multi-player game machine, there is a case where one of a plurality of types of games has decreased in popularity but the popularity of other games has not yet decreased. Often there. In such a case, even if there is a game whose popularity has not yet fallen, the operating rate of the entire multiplayer game machine is reduced. At this time, it is conceivable to replace the multiplayer game machine with a new one.However, since the multiplayer game machine is larger than a general game machine and its cost is higher, it is difficult to determine the replacement time. Was.

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and has as its object to make the operating rates of each game in a multi-player game machine uniform.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of play rooms (10a to 10c) in which a plurality of players can simultaneously and independently play.
A multiplayer game machine (10) having, provided in common to a plurality of the play room, attachable playfield desired playing field among a plurality of types of playing field having compatibility (11-13) mounting portion and (18b), a plurality of types of the respective electrical configuration provided respectively on the play field components and electrically coupling can body control unit (30) and multiplayer games with a
In the machine (10), the player achieves a certain
Place multiple prizes to be paid out to the player when raised
In addition, each prize can be observed from the player side
An endless transport body (23) for sequentially transporting in the play room;
Provided for each of the playrooms, and provided by the player
Prize payment operated when receiving prize payout
An operation unit (15b) for taking out and a front in each of the play rooms.
The prize dispensing operation is provided near the endless conveyance body.
The prize is driven based on the operation of the
A driven body (41) for moving above and outside the endless conveyance body,
The driven body is provided corresponding to each of the play rooms.
The prize moved to and out of the endless transport body is guided by
And a prize take-out opening (16) .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of play rooms (10a to 1a) in which a plurality of players can simultaneously and independently play.
0c) multiplayer game machine with a (10) met
A plurality of types of compatible play fields (11 to 13) which are provided in common to the plurality of play rooms and have compatibility.
A play field mounting portion (18b) capable of mounting a desired play field, and a main body control portion (30) capable of electrically coupling with each of the electrical components provided in each of the plurality of types of play fields. Prepare multiple
In the game machine (10), the player
Multiple prizes to be paid out to the player when they achieve a regular result
Placed and multiple prizes can be observed from the player side
Endless transport bodies (2
3) and the prize at the scheduled prize placement position on the endless transport body.
Detecting the presence or absence, and based on the detection result, the endless transport body
A scene to replenish prizes in a position where the upper prize is not placed
An article supply unit (60) is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the multi-player game machine according to the first or second aspect , each of the play rooms is driven by an operation from a player to fire a ball toward the play field. Department (80)
And an information display section (21a, 21b) for displaying predetermined game information at the time of a game, and a ball return board section (22) for returning a ball shot from the shooting section to a shooting position. . The invention of claim 4 is the claim
3. The multiplayer game machine according to claim 3 , wherein each of the play fields includes a winning detection unit that detects a winning of the ball fired by the firing unit.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the multi-player game machine according to the third or fourth aspect , at least one of the play fields has an obstructing portion (11b or the like) obstructing a winning of the ball fired by the firing portion. ).

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided any one of the first to fifth aspects.
In the multiplayer game machine according to claim 1, the prize placed on the endless transport body is an article stored in a transparent or translucent storage body having a fixed shape,
A collection unit (17) provided between the game areas of the players corresponding to the respective play rooms, for collecting the storage body;
It is characterized by having.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, each play room is provided with a play field attachment portion, and a desired play field of a plurality of types is attached to the play field attachment portion. The electric components of each play field are electrically connected to the main body control unit. Therefore, a new game can be provided to the player by exchanging the play field (and, if necessary, the storage unit) for the less popular game in the play room. At this time, the player
When the player has achieved a certain result, the prize desired by the player
Is paid out to the player. These giveaways are for games
Each machine is placed on an endless transfer body
It is transported in the room so that it can be observed by the player. Therefore,
Increase the number and types of prizes that can be obtained by the player, and
Can be displayed efficiently. Also, various kinds of prizes
To motivate players to play games
Can be done. And the prize payout operation unit is
When activated, the driven body is driven and the prize is sent to the player
You will be guided to a prize take-out unit. Therefore, if the player
Paying out desired prizes to players with a simple structure
Can be.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the presence / absence of a prize on the endless conveyance body is detected by the prize detection section, and the prize supply section places the prize at a position where no prize exists. Therefore, prizes can be automatically supplied onto the endless transport body.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the ball is fired from the firing section toward the play field by the operation of the player. The score during the game, the remaining time, and the like are displayed by the information display unit. Also, the fired ball is
The ball is returned to the firing position by the ball return board. Therefore, common parts other than the play field,
A game using a ball can be provided in each play room. In the invention according to claim 4 , the winning detection of the ball detects the winning of the ball. Therefore, various controls can be performed during the game based on the detection result. In the invention of claim 5 , the winning of the ball is obstructed by the obstructing portion. Therefore, the content of the game can be diversified and a more advanced game can be provided.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since the prize has a constant outer shape, the prize can be easily placed on the endless conveyance body, and the prize can be prevented from being damaged. In addition, the collection unit can be provided at a position that does not interfere with the player, and the storage body can be recycled.

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a multi-play game machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as "game machine") according to the present invention. This game machine 1
0, three independent play rooms 10a to 10a so that three players can play different games at the same time.
c. At the front of each of the play rooms 10a to 10c, a cover formed of a transparent acrylic plate or the like is provided. On the outside, each play room 10a
To 14c, a coin slot 15a
And an operation button 15b and a prize take-out port 16.

The operation unit 14 is operated by a player when the ball is launched toward a target. The coin insertion slot 15a is a part for inserting a fee required for the game, and the operation button 15b is a button operated when a player acquires a premium. The prize outlet 16
This is where the player receives the prize. Also, return port 17
Are provided between the game areas of the player in two places in total. Here, the premium is a transparent or translucent capsule having a fixed shape, in which a stuffed animal or the like is stored.
The return port 17 is for collecting the capsule. The returned capsule is recycled.

The prizes are placed on one belt conveyor (endless conveyor) that rotates endlessly below the play rooms 10a to 10c and on the player side. Therefore,
Each prize that rotates is installed so as to be observable by a player. The prize take-out unit 40 is driven by the operation of the player when the player acquires the prize, and guides a desired prize on the belt conveyor to the prize take-out opening 16. The prize automatic supply unit 60 is for replenishing a new prize at a position where the prize has been exhausted by the player and the prize has run out on the belt conveyor. And are programmed to operate alternately.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the operation unit 14 of FIG. The operation unit 14 includes a pad unit 14a,
A handle portion 14b is provided. Pad part 14a
Is formed from a soft cushion-like material, and is hit by the player in the direction A (downward) in the figure,
It sinks down with a stroke of several centimeters and uses that force to launch the ball toward the target. Pad part 14a
Will be restored to its original position when released. Handle part 14b
Is provided so as to be rotatable by a predetermined amount in directions B and C in the figure. The player can finely control the launch direction of the ball by moving the handle portion 14b to a desired position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a ball launching section 80 provided in connection with the operation section 14. As shown in FIG. The base portion 81 is a base of the ball launching portion 80. The base 81 is rotatably attached to the support shaft 83. Therefore, the operation unit 14 shown in FIG.
Is rotated, the base portion 81 is rotated about the support shaft 83 as a fulcrum. The base portion 81 has support shafts 84 and 85
And have been fixed. Each of the support shafts 84 and 85 is rotatably supported by a corresponding one of the arm portions 8.
6 and 87 are attached. The arm 86
In the figure, the pad portion 14a described above is connected to the left end. Further, a push rod 88 extending upward is attached to the right end of the arm 86 in the drawing. The push rod 88 is in contact with the arm 87. The pad portion 14a is hit and the arm portion 86
Is rotated counterclockwise in the figure about the support shaft 84, the push rod 88 pushes up the arm 87, and the arm 87 is rotated clockwise in the figure about the support shaft 85 as a fulcrum. The rotation of the arm 87 causes the hammer 89 to contact the ball, and the ball is launched toward the target.

Prizes are placed at predetermined intervals on the belt conveyor 23, and the belt conveyor 23 conveys these prizes. As described above, the prizes are arranged so that the player can observe them from the outside of the game machine 10. The prize and the belt conveyor 23 are installed so as to pass through the space above the arm 86 without interfering with the components of the ball launching unit 80.

FIG. 4 shows each of the play rooms 10a to 10 in FIG.
Play fields 11 to 1 provided in the
It is a figure which shows one Example of 3 etc. Each play room 10a
The games provided in the game Nos. 10 to 10c are a ball insertion game, a hit game, and a looping game, respectively. In each of the play rooms 10a to 10c, different play fields 11 to 13 and the respective play rooms 10a to 10c
, A display unit 21 and a return board 22 are provided in a linked manner. The display unit 21 is for displaying game information during play. The display unit 21 is provided above each of the play fields 11 to 13 and has a score display 21a for displaying a score in the game, and a timer display 21b for displaying the remaining time of the game. The return board 22 is for returning the hit ball to a predetermined position, and is arranged to be inclined forward (on the player side) in the figure.

In the play field 11 shown in FIG.
A winning opening 11a, a defense unit 11b that reciprocates before the winning opening 11a, and a ball return opening 11c are provided. The player launches the ball and passes through the winning opening 11a. The ball that has not passed through the winning opening 11a falls on the return board 22, and is returned to a predetermined ball launch position (opening 22a). The ball passing through the winning opening 11a is returned to the return board 2 from the return opening 11c.
Returned to 2 The passage of the ball through the winning opening 11a is detected by a sensor (not shown). The defending unit 11b obstructs the ball from easily entering the winning opening 11a while moving left and right. The player competes how many times the winning opening 11a can be passed within the time limit.

In the play field 12 shown in FIG.
Nine targets 12a arranged in each of the vertical and horizontal directions are provided. Each target 12a has a different score when hit. The target 12a is formed so as to fall backward when the ball hits. The fall of the target 12a is detected by a sensor (not shown). When all the targets 12a are defeated, all the targets 12a are raised again by a drive motor (not shown) provided on the back side of the play field 12.

In the play field 13 shown in FIG.
A wheel 13a that reciprocates randomly is provided. The player hits the ball so that the ball passes through the inside of the wheel 13a. Whether or not the ball has passed through the wheel 13a is detected by a sensor (not shown) provided on the wheel 13a. The player competes how many times the ball has passed through the wheel 13a within the time limit. In addition, the movement of the wheel 13a gradually increases as the score increases,
It will be difficult to score.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state where the play fields 11 to 13 are removed from the play rooms 10a to 10c. Between the playrooms 10a and 10b and between the playrooms 10b and 10c, there is provided a transparent (or opaque) separate panel 18a which partitions between the playrooms 10a to 10c. I have. Brackets 18b having screw holes are provided at four corners where the play fields 11 to 13 are attached. On the other hand, the outer frames of the play fields 11 to 13 are formed in the same shape, and holes 11d to 13d are formed at the same pitch at the four corners of the play fields 11 to 13, respectively. Therefore, each of the play fields 11 to 13 is compatible, and any of the play rooms 10 a
To 10c.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a moving mechanism provided on the back side of the play fields 11 and 13, respectively. This moving mechanism is also used in the play fields 11 and 13.
This is the one that has been standardized. Play field 11,
Fixed members 11e, 13e are attached to the respective members 13. Pulleys 11 are attached to the fixed members 11e, 13e.
f and 13f are rotatably supported. The play fields 11 and 13 have pulleys 11g and 1
Drive motors 11h and 13h to which 3g is attached are provided. And, between the pulleys 11f and 11g, 13f and 13g, the timing belts 11i and 13g are respectively provided.
i is stretched. This timing belt 11i, 1
A protection part 11b and a ring 13a are attached to 3i, respectively. By the rotation of the drive motors 11h and 13h,
The defense part 11b and the wheel 13a are moved in the left-right direction in the figure. Further, each pulley 11f and 11g, 13f and 13
g, limit switches 11j and 1j, respectively.
1k, 13j and 13k are provided, and the rotation directions of the drive motors 11h and 13h are controlled by these.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the play field, which is a play field for a mole hitting game. Nine mole patterns 19a are displayed on the play field 19, and are turned on and off under the control of a lighting unit (not shown) provided on the back side.
In FIG. 7, the mole pattern 19a-1 is lit,
An example in which the other mole pattern 19a is turned off is shown. If the ball hits while the mole pattern is lit, the score will be given. This play field can be attached to any of the play rooms 10a to 10c by the hole 19d as described above. Game console 1
In the play field attached to 0, as in the play field 19, an illumination unit is used, and in some cases, the drive motors 11h and 13h as shown in FIG. 6 are not used.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the electric configuration of the game machine 10. As shown in FIG. The game machine 10 includes a control unit 30 that controls the entire operation of the game, and a power supply unit 31 and a storage unit 32 that are electrically connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 is operated by the supply of power from the power supply unit 31 and proceeds with the game according to the game content stored in the storage unit 32. A coin signal from the coin slot 15a, a button signal from the operation button 15b, and a signal from various sensors (for example, a ball detection sensor) are transmitted to the control unit 30, and the control unit 30 performs predetermined processing based on the signal. Execute For example, a predetermined score is displayed on the score display 21a. Further, the control unit 30 has a timer function, and displays the remaining time of the game on the timer display 21b. Further, various lamps, LEDs, and the like provided on the game machine 10 are controlled in accordance with the progress of the game,
A predetermined sound is output from the speaker.

Each electric component of each of the play fields 11 to 13 (including the play field 19; the same applies hereinafter), such as the above-described drive motors 11h and 13h, limit switches 11j and 11k, 13j and 13k, and the like. , And the control unit 30 are electrically connected. The same harness and connector are used for each of the play fields 11 to 13, and any of the play fields 11 to 1 is used.
3 can also be electrically connected to the control unit 30.
A part (ROM) of the storage unit 32 is exchanged when the play fields 11 to 13 are exchanged, and the software is changed.
13 can be made available.

Therefore, a new game can be set only by exchanging the play fields 11 to 13 and exchanging a part of the storage section 32. As a result, of the plurality of games, only the game whose popularity has dropped can be exchanged, and the other games can be used without wasting. Further, by exchanging only the play fields 11 to 13 with the storage unit 32 as it is, it is possible to give the player an impression of a new game. Furthermore, it is possible to easily perform a replacement work at a setting place such as a game center without returning a large device such as the game machine 10 to the factory.

If the player scores above a predetermined score in this game, he / she has the right to acquire a prize. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of the premium payout section 40 driven when the player acquires the premium. The prize pusher 41 is provided above the belt conveyor 23 and is rotatably supported by a support shaft 42. When the prize pusher 41 is not rotating, the belt conveyor 23
It is arranged so as not to come into contact with the premium placed above. The prize pusher 41 is engaged with a drive motor 43 for rotating the prize pusher 41 with the support shaft 42 as a fulcrum. A prize pit 44 (shaded area in the figure) is formed behind the prize pusher 41. The prize pit 44 communicates with the prize take-out port 16 in FIG.

When the player presses the operation button 15b (FIG. 1) when the desired prize is located near the pit 44, the drive motor 43 is rotated. As a result, the prize pusher 41 is rotated in the direction of the pit 44 to come into contact with the prize, and the prize falls into the pit 44. The prize that has fallen into the pit 44 is guided to the prize take-out opening 16.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of the automatic prize supply unit 60 provided in the game machine 10. The prize automatic supply unit 60 has substantially circular disks 61a to 61c stacked in three stages. Each disk 61a-61
An opening (not shown) through which a prize can be dropped downward is formed at each predetermined position of c. Each disk 61
The separators 62a to 62c are provided on the a to 61c at regular intervals in the radial direction. A prize is placed between the partitions of the separators 62a to 62c. The drive motor 63 is connected to each of the separators 62a to 62c.

When each of the separators 62a to 62c is rotated by the drive of the drive motor 63, each of the disks 61a to 61c is rotated.
The prizes on 1c are sequentially dropped downward from the opening.
Therefore, the prize on the lowermost disk 61c falls from the opening and is placed on the belt conveyor 23. Also, a prize falls from the disk 61b at a position where the prize has disappeared on the disk 61c, and a prize falls from the disk 61a at a position where the prize has disappeared on the disk 61b. In addition, the belt conveyor 23
The presence or absence of the upper prize is determined by a sensor (not shown). If prizes are stored in the above configuration, many prizes can be stored in a small space.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.
The following various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. (1) The play rooms 11a to 13c are provided with the play fields 11 to 13, respectively. However, one or two types of play fields 11 to 13 may be provided in the play rooms 10a to 10c. (2) Although three play rooms 10a to 10c are provided in the embodiment, two or four or more play rooms may be provided. (3) In the embodiment, the example of the game using the ball is described, but the game is not necessarily limited to the game using the ball.
However, in the case of a game using a ball as in the embodiment, it is preferable to provide a detection unit for detecting a winning of the ball in all of the play fields 11 to 13. (4) The method of connecting the electric components of each of the play fields 11 to 13 with the main body of the game machine 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the connectors on the main body side include all the connectors on the play fields 11 to 13 side. The insertion position of the connector is changed for each of the play fields 11 to 13. Alternatively, a DIP switch may be provided on the main body to change the setting.

[0034]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a new game is provided by replacing the play field (and, if necessary, the storage unit) for the less popular game in the play room. Can be provided to the player. This exchange can be performed at the installation location without returning the game machine to the factory. This and
Increase the number and types of prizes that the player can obtain, and
Prizes can be displayed efficiently. In addition, many kinds
You can display prizes, so players will be willing to play games
Can be aroused. And the scenery that the player wanted
Goods can be paid out to players with a simple structure.
You.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a prize can be automatically supplied to the game machine.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a game using a ball in each play room while sharing the ball launching section and the like. According to the invention of claim 4 , various controls can be performed during the game by detecting the winning of the ball. According to the invention of claim 5 , it is possible to diversify the contents of the game and to provide a more advanced game.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily place the prize and prevent the prize from being scratched. Further, the storage unit can be recycled by the collection unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a multiplayer game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the operation unit 14 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a ball launching section 80 provided in connection with the operation section 14. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one embodiment of play fields 11 to 13 provided in each of the play rooms 10a to 10c of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state when play fields 11 to 13 are removed from play rooms 10a to 10c.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a moving mechanism provided on the back side of the play fields 11 and 13.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the play field.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of an electric configuration of the game machine 10.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a premium payout unit 40 driven when a player acquires a premium.

FIG. 10 is a prize automatic supply unit 6 provided in the game machine 10;
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 game machine 10 a to 10 c play room 11 to 13 play field 14 operation unit 15 a coin slot 15 b operation button 16 prize take-out port 17 return port 40 prize take-out unit 60 prize automatic supply unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Junichi Saito 2-3-5 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Taitonai Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A 5-13486 (JP, U) JP-A 6 −491 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 9/00-11/00 A63F 7/02

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A multi-play game machine having a plurality of play rooms in which a plurality of players can simultaneously and independently play.
A is provided in common to a plurality of the play room, respectively the desired playing field among a plurality of types of playing field with compatibility and attachable playfield mounting portion, a plurality of types of the playing field was a respective electrical component electrically coupled can body control unit
In a multi- player game machine equipped with
Multiple prizes to be paid out to
A plurality of prizes can be observed from the player side.
Endless transports that are transported sequentially in the game room, and are provided corresponding to each of the play rooms,
Prize payment operated when receiving prize payout
A takeout operation unit , provided near the endless transport body in each of the play rooms.
Driven based on the operation of the prize payout operation unit.
Transfer the prize on the endless carrier to outside of the endless carrier.
A driven body to be moved , and the driven body provided in correspondence with each of the play rooms.
The prize moved to and out of the endless transport body is guided by
And a prize outlet . 2. A multi-player game machine having a plurality of play rooms in which a plurality of players can simultaneously and independently play.
A is provided in common to a plurality of the play room, respectively the desired playing field among a plurality of types of playing field with compatibility and attachable playfield mounting portion, a plurality of types of the playing field was a respective electrical component electrically coupled can body control unit
In a multi- player game machine equipped with
With placing multiple the prize to be paid out to the person, it is placed
A plurality of prizes can be observed from the player side.
The endless transporter that sequentially transports the inside of the system and the presence / absence of a prize at the prize placement position on the endless transporter are detected.
Out, and based on the detection result, a prize on the endless carrier
Prize supply unit that supplies prizes to the position where is not placed
Multiplayer game machine, characterized in that it comprises a. 3. The multi-player game machine according to claim 1 , wherein each of the play rooms is driven by an operation of a player, and launches a ball toward the play field side. An information display unit for displaying predetermined game information, and a ball return board unit for returning a ball shot from the shooting unit to a shooting position. 4. The multiplayer game machine according to claim 3 , wherein each of the play fields includes a winning detection unit that detects a winning of the ball fired by the firing unit. 5. The multiplayer game machine according to claim 3 , wherein at least one of the play fields includes an obstruction that obstructs a winning of a ball fired by the firing unit. Multiplayer game machine. 6. The multiplayer game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the prize placed on the endless transport body is an article in a transparent or translucent storage body having a fixed shape. A multi-player game machine, which is provided between game areas of players corresponding to the respective play rooms and includes a collection unit for collecting the storage body.