JP4368993B2 - Play equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game apparatus in which a game is executed by a player's operation and a prize is paid out according to the game result.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there are game devices that pay out prizes and medals according to game results, for example, those called crane game machines, prize game machines, or medal game machines.
[0003]
The crane game machine is a game machine that acquires a prize by picking up a prize arranged in a prize storage unit from above by a crane device and inserting it into a prize exit provided at a predetermined position.
[0004]
The inventor of the present application has studied a game machine having a novel configuration that can lead a prize to a prize exit by a method that is more innovative than the prize acquisition method in this crane game machine. I thought that the prize could be led to the prize exit by moving up and down.
[0005]
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been conceived under the circumstances described above, and has a novel configuration in which a game is advanced by utilizing the fact that the prize placement surface of the prize storage unit fluctuates in the vertical direction. The issue is to provide
[0006]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention takes the following technical means.
[0007]
  The game apparatus provided by the present invention has a placement surface on which a prize is placed, the placement surface is partitioned into a plurality of areas, and a prize exit for delivering the prize to the outside in at least one area. A prize that has a plurality of unit bodies that can be moved up and down in the whole or a part of the remaining area excluding the prize exit, and that moves the prize by the raising and lowering operation of each unit body. A moving means, an elevating means provided on each of the plurality of unit bodies and independently raising and lowering each unit body, an operating means operated by a player, and the elevating means based on an operation of the operating means by the player And an elevating control means for controlling the driving of the player, and causing the player to operate the operating means within a preset number of operations or operating time, and based on the operation, And a game control means for controlling a game for moving the prize to the prize exit by operating the article moving means, wherein each unit body is provided on the upper surface of all or a part of the plurality of unit bodies. Direction regulating means for regulating the direction of movement of the prize based on the lifting and lowering operation ofRemovably attached, the direction regulating meansDirection to regulate the directionBy detachingChangeableBecomeIt is characterized by being.
[0009]
  According to a preferred embodiment,The elevating control means is configured to determine a unit body to be moved up and down and a height position of an upper surface of the unit body based on operation information from the operating means, and a unit body determined by the determining means. Drive control means for driving the corresponding lifting means to move the unit body to the height position determined by the determination means..
[0011]
  According to another preferred embodiment,The direction regulating means isUpper surface of the unit bodyHas a protruding part protruding upward, andSlopeFaceAnd / or curved surfaceButIs formed.
[0012]
  According to another preferred embodiment,From the operation number counting means for counting the number of operations of the operation means by the player, and from the prize exitScene to be paid outGoodsDetection means to detect andWhen the game is started, the game control means causes the operation number counting means to start counting, and the operation means by the player until the operation number preset by the operation number counting means is counted. When the prize is paid out from the prize exit by the operation of, the player is not allowed to perform the next operation.End the gameThe
[0013]
  According to another preferred embodiment, a time measuring means for measuring time;From the prize exitScene to be paid outGoodsDetection means to detect andWhen the game is started, the game control means causes the time measuring means to start measuring time, and until the operation time preset by the time measuring means is timed, the game control means operates the operation means by the player. When the prize is paid out from the prize exit, the prize is paid out when the prize is paid out.End the gameThe
[0014]
  According to another preferred embodiment,The plurality of regions are partitioned in a lattice shape on the placement surface of the prize storage means.
[0015]
  According to the present invention, prize storage for storing prizesmeansThe placement surface is divided into a plurality of areas, and a unit body that can be raised and lowered is provided in each of the divided areas.meansFor example, when the prize stored in the area is on the boundary of the partitioned area, the prize is moved by being pushed by the raising / lowering operation of the unit body in the area. In addition, when the prize is on the unit body, the prize is dropped from the unit body and moved as a result by the lifting operation. If one of the divided areas communicates with, for example, an external payout opening, the player acquires the prize by moving the prize to the area connected to the payout opening by raising and lowering the unit body. Can do. Therefore, according to the present invention, prize storagemeansIt is possible to provide a game apparatus having a novel configuration in which a game is advanced by changing the placement surface of the prize in the vertical direction.
[0016]
In addition, the player can select a desired unit body and the amount by which the unit body is raised and lowered by operating an operation button, for example, and can guide the prize object to an area communicating with the payout opening. , You can get a sense of accomplishment in the game. It should be noted that the unit body and its elevation may be selected, for example, by a roulette type method, and this will add unexpectedness to the progress of the game, and will be more interesting.
[0017]
  In addition, the direction regulating means having a protruding portion in which an inclined surface and / or a curved surface is formed on the upper surface of each unit body in order to move the prize in a predetermined direction.Is detachably attached, and the direction regulating meansDirection to regulate the directionBy detachingChangeableBecomeTherefore, the prize will always move when the unit body is moved up and down. Therefore, the player can set an indication of the direction in which the prize is moved, and can enjoy the game more strategically.
[0018]
  Further, as the progress of the game with the above-described configuration, the number of times the unit body is moved up and down is defined as a predetermined number (for example, three times) in one game, and the prize is paid out within the predetermined number of times. If not, end the gameIf the prize can be paid out within a predetermined number of times, the game is terminated without causing the player to perform the next operation.It can be mentioned.
[0019]
  Further, as the progress of other games, a time limit is determined (for example, 60 seconds) in one game, and the unit body moves up and down so that it can follow the player's operation input to some extent. If the prize cannot be paid out within the above time limit, the game will be terminated.If you can pay out the prize within the time limit, you can end the game at that timeIt can be mentioned.
[0021]
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0023]
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is an external view of a game apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This amusement device is installed in a game corner or the like of a game center or shopping center, and a prize can be obtained by guiding a prize stored in the apparatus to a predetermined payout opening.
[0024]
This game apparatus includes a substantially rectangular main body 1, and a prize storage section 2 for storing prizes such as stuffed animals, with four sides covered with transparent glass. At the center of the front surface of the main body 1, a protruding base 3 protruding in the front direction is formed. The upper surface of the protruding base 3 is formed in a substantially tapered shape, and a display unit 4 for displaying the progress of the game, an operation unit 5 for proceeding with the game, and coins necessary for playing the game are inserted into this part. A coin insertion slot 6 is formed.
[0025]
A payout opening 7 for paying out prizes is formed below the protrusion 3. An openable / closable dispensing door 8 is attached to the dispensing outlet 7, and the dispensing door 8 is normally closed. Although not shown in the figure, the prize storage unit 2 stores a number of prizes such as stuffed animals as appropriate. Although not shown, the main body 1 is provided with a return opening for returning coins erroneously inserted by the user and an openable / closable maintenance door for maintenance personnel to collect and deliver the inserted coins. It may be.
[0026]
The prize storage section 2 has a lattice-like surface on which prizes are placed, for example, a total of 25 areas of 5 vertical and 5 horizontal. In addition, in the main body 1, an appropriate number of cylindrical members 11 as shown in FIG. 2 are provided corresponding to the above-described regions, and a substantially rectangular unit body 12 is provided in the cylindrical member 11. It is supported and retracted by an elevating mechanism 13 described later.
[0027]
The elevating mechanism 13 is provided at the lower part of each unit body 12 in each cylindrical member 11, and is supported rotatably on the lower surface of the motor 14, the unit body 12, and a shaft 15 having a single thread. It is attached to the rotating shaft 16 of the motor 14 and comprises a gear 17 that is screwed into the thread of the shaft 15. In the elevating mechanism 13, when the motor 14 is rotated by a motor drive device (not shown), the gear 17 rotates, and the shaft 15 screwed to the gear 17 moves in the vertical direction while rotating itself. . The unit body 12 is moved up and down by the movement of the shaft 15. In addition, the raising / lowering mechanism 13 is not limited to said structure, You may employ | adopt the structure of a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, etc.
[0028]
The unit body 12 is raised and lowered stepwise by the lifting mechanism 13. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the unit body 12 can be lifted up, for example, by six steps on the basis of the state at the lowest level, and can be raised and lowered within a range of 0 to 6 steps. Therefore, characters such as “1” to “6” corresponding to the height of the step are written on the side surface of the unit body 12, so that the player grasps the actual height of the unit body 12. be able to.
[0029]
Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, directional members 18 having a shape for specifying the direction in which the prize moves are detachable on the upper surface of the unit body 12, respectively. Is attached.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 3, the direction member 18 may be formed in a substantially right-angled triangle shape that is inclined with respect to one direction, as shown in FIG. 4, or in two opposite directions as shown in FIG. 4. It may be formed in an inclined isosceles triangle shape in a side view. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, it may be formed in a substantially hemispherical shape having curved surfaces in all directions, but is not limited to these shapes.
[0031]
When the directional member 18 having an inclined shape or the like is attached to the unit body 12, the inclination direction is randomly attached so as to face either the front, rear, left, or right. The direction member 18 may be attached by changing the direction at an appropriate time, for example, by an employee of a game center. Some unit bodies 12 may not have these directional members 18 attached thereto. In this way, when the direction member 18 is attached to the unit body 12, the direction member 18 almost determines the direction in which the prize is moved. Therefore, the player can predict the movement direction of the prize to some extent, which is a guideline for moving the prize and can enjoy the game more strategically.
[0032]
Returning to FIG. 1, in one or two of the divided areas, a prize outlet 21 for paying out prizes is formed. The prize outlet 21 is formed to be higher by a predetermined height (for example, one stage) from the lowest level in order to make it difficult to obtain prizes, and communicates with the payout opening 7 via a payout passage (not shown). In the middle of the payout passage, a payout prize detector 32, which will be described later, is provided. If the payout prize is detected by the payout prize detector 32, the prize is newly replenished by a prize replenishing device (not shown). It has become so. Two or more prize outlets 21 may be provided.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 6, the display unit 4 includes a matrix display unit 22 partitioned in a lattice shape corresponding to each of the above regions, and a height display that displays the value when determining the height of the unit body 12. Part 23.
[0034]
In each area of the matrix display unit 22, a 7-segment LED and an illumination LED that lights substantially the entire area are overlapped. When one of the unit bodies 12 is in a state where it can be moved up and down, the area of the matrix display unit 22 corresponding to the unit body 12 is turned on by the illumination LED. Further, the current height of the unit body 12 is displayed by a 7-segment LED. For example, when the unit body 12 is at the third position from the lowest level, “3” is displayed in the area of the matrix display unit 22 corresponding to the unit body 12 (see A in FIG. 6). In addition, B shows the area | region with the prize exit 21 in the figure.
[0035]
The height display unit 23 includes a liquid crystal display, and when the player determines the height of one of the unit bodies 12, a numerical value indicating the height is sequentially changed (scrolled). Then, when the operation unit 5 is pressed by the player, the scrolling is stopped almost simultaneously, and the elevation height of the unit body 12 is determined.
[0036]
In addition, the numerical value displayed on the said height display part 23 is a value which shows the relative height of the unit body 12, ie, the variation | change_quantity from the present height of the unit body 12 is displayed. Therefore, the display changes in the range of “−6” to “+6”. However, when the unit body 12 moves to the lowermost stage or the uppermost stage, it does not move downward or upward.
[0037]
The matrix display unit 22 may use a dot matrix LED, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, a CRT, or the like instead of the 7-segment LED and the illumination LED. Or the whole display part 4 may be comprised by one liquid crystal display.
[0038]
The operation unit 5 includes a substantially cylindrical operation button 24, and is pressed by the player when determining the unit body 12 to be moved up and down, determining the height of the unit body 12 to be lifted, and the like.
[0039]
FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram of the game apparatus shown in FIG. This game apparatus includes a CPU 26, and includes a ROM 27, a RAM 28, and an I / O unit 29 connected to the CPU 26 by a bus. The display unit 4, the operation unit 5, the motor drive device 30, the coin detector 31, the payout prize detector 32, and the plurality of height position detectors 33 are connected to the I / O unit 29.
[0040]
The CPU 26 is a control center of the present game apparatus, and executes operation control and data processing of each unit according to the game execution program stored in the ROM 27 and the contents of the input from the operation unit 5.
[0041]
In addition to the game execution program, the ROM 27 stores sound data such as sound effects output through a speaker (not shown). The acoustic data is output to the speaker at any time according to a command from the CPU 26.
[0042]
The RAM 28 temporarily stores variable data during execution of the program, and provides a working area to the CPU 26. As will be described in detail later, the RAM 28 stores the current height of the unit body 12 in each area.
[0043]
As described above, the display unit 4 includes a plurality of 7-segment LEDs, illumination LEDs, and a liquid crystal display, and these 7-segment LEDs are connected by the CPU 26 connected via the I / O unit 29. Drive controlled.
[0044]
The operation unit 5 includes operation buttons 24. When the operation button 24 is pressed by the player, an operation signal is sent to the CPU 26 connected via the I / O unit 29.
[0045]
The motor drive device 30 sends a drive signal to each motor 14 provided corresponding to each unit body 12 based on a control signal from the CPU 26 connected via the I / O unit 29. . The drive signal includes a forward or reverse signal of the motor 14. That is, the unit body 12 is raised when the forward rotation is set, and the unit body 12 is lowered when the reverse rotation is set.
[0046]
The coin detector 31 is provided in the middle of a path connecting the coin insertion slot 6 and a coin storage box (not shown) for storing coins, detects the type of coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 6, It has a function to count the number of coins inserted. If the coin detector 31 detects the number of coins that can be executed, the coin detector 31 gives a detection signal to the CPU 26 connected via the I / O unit 29.
[0047]
The payout prize detector 32 is provided in the middle of a payout passage connecting the prize exit 21 and the payout exit 7, and detects a prize that has fallen from the prize exit 21. When the payout prize detector 32 detects a prize, it gives a detection signal to the CPU 26 connected via the I / O unit 29.
[0048]
The height position detector 33 is a sensor for detecting the height of the unit body 12 in each region, and is provided for each unit body 12 and for each number of stages. A detection signal from the height position detector 33 is sent to the CPU 26 connected via the I / O unit 29.
[0049]
The height position detector 33 may be an encoder that is concentrically attached to the rotating shaft 16 of the motor 14 and detects the height of the unit body 12 based on the number of rotations of the motor 14 instead of the sensor. Further, the height of each unit body 12 may be recognized by software, for example, an EEPROM may be provided, and the height of each unit body 12 may be stored in the EEPROM. If the EEPROM is used, the data will not be erased even when the game device is turned off.
[0050]
Next, the control operation of the CPU 26 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the game executed in the control operation shown below, the ascending / descending operation of each unit body 12 that can be executed per game is defined a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times), If the prize cannot be guided to the prize exit 21, the game is over. In this game, there is no time limit in principle.
[0051]
First, the CPU 26 determines whether or not a coin has been inserted by the player (S1). Specifically, when the coin detector 31 detects the number of coins necessary to execute the game, the coin detector 31 sends a detection signal to the CPU 26. Upon receiving this detection signal, the CPU 26 determines that a coin has been inserted (S1: YES), and then performs a process for determining the unit body 12 to be moved up and down. On the other hand, when it is determined that no coin is inserted (S1: NO), this determination process is continued.
[0052]
In the process for determining the unit body 12 to be lifted / lowered, the CPU 26 sets the number of times of lifting / lowering A to “0” (S 2), and then the matrix display unit 22 until the player performs an input operation on the display unit 4. A display signal for sequentially lighting each area is continuously sent (S3). In the matrix display unit 22, each area is sequentially lit in the horizontal direction from the upper left area in FIG. If it is lit up to the right end area, the lower area is lit from the left end, and thereafter, similarly, the lower right area in FIG. Then, it returns to the upper left area again and continues lighting.
[0053]
The CPU 26 continues to send the display signal and determines whether or not the operation button 24 has been pressed (S4). At this time, the player confirms the display sequentially lit on the matrix display unit 22 and presses the operation button 24 in order to select a desired region corresponding to the unit body 12 to be moved up and down. When the operation button 24 is pressed by the player, an operation signal is sent to the CPU 26. Upon receiving this operation signal, the CPU 26 determines that the operation button 24 has been pressed (S4: YES), and simultaneously stops the continuous display of each area on the matrix display unit 22 (S5). On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation button 24 has not been pressed (S4: NO), continuous display of each area in the matrix display unit 22 is continued.
[0054]
In step S5, when the continuous display of each area in the matrix display section 22 is stopped, the area of the matrix display section 22 that is lit at that time is recognized, and the unit body 12 in the area is set as a unit body to be moved up and down. Determine (S6). Note that if the speed at which the areas are sequentially turned on is relatively high, the player may not be able to set a desired area (unit body 12), but the areas are sequentially turned on to ensure that the player sets the desired area. The speed may be relatively slow.
[0055]
Next, the CPU 26 performs a process of determining the height at which the unit body 12 moves up and down. That is, the numerical value (number of steps) indicating the elevation height of the unit body 12 is scrolled and displayed on the height display unit 23 (S7).
[0056]
Next, the CPU 26 performs the above display and determines whether or not the operation button 24 has been pressed (S8). The player confirms the numerical value displayed on the height display unit 23 and presses the operation button 24 to select a desired height. When the operation button 24 is pressed by the player, the operation signal is sent to the CPU 26. Upon receiving the operation signal, the CPU 26 determines that the operation button 24 has been pressed (S8: YES), and simultaneously stops scrolling the height display on the height display unit 23 (S9). And the value of the height currently displayed is recognized, and the value is determined as the height at which the unit body 12 moves up and down (S10). On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation button 24 is not pressed (S8: NO), scrolling of the height display in the height display unit 23 is continued.
[0057]
If the height at which the unit body 12 moves up and down is determined in step S10, the CPU 26 sends a drive signal to the motor drive device 30 to operate the motor 14 corresponding to the unit body 12 in the determined area. (S11). Specifically, the drive signal is continuously sent for a time corresponding to the elevation height. For example, if it is necessary to drive the motor 14 for 1 second to raise the unit body 12 by one step, a drive signal is sent to rotate the motor 14 for 4 seconds when the determined height is four steps. . Thereby, the unit body 12 moves up and down through the rotation of the shaft 15 accompanying the rotation of the motor 14, and stops at a predetermined height position. Instead of performing the time control as described above, the motor 14 may be driven based on the detection output from the height position detector 33.
[0058]
Thus, when the unit body 12 moves up and down, if the prize is placed on the upper surface of the unit body 12, the prize is out of balance by the raising and lowering operation of the unit body 12 and falls to the adjacent unit body 12, resulting in Moved to. Further, when the prize is located at the boundary of the region, the prize is pushed or pulled and moved by the raising / lowering operation of the unit body 12.
[0059]
In step S12, the CPU 26 determines whether or not a prize has been paid out. This is done by detecting whether a detection signal from the payout prize detector 32 has been sent. That is, as described above, when the unit body 12 is moved up and down and the prize moves and reaches the prize exit 21, the prize is guided to the payout exit 7. At this time, the payout prize detector 32 detects a prize and sends a detection signal to the CPU 26. Upon receiving the detection signal, the CPU 26 determines that the prize has been paid out (YES in S12), and enters a waiting state for coin insertion in the next game.
[0060]
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the prize has not been paid out (S12: NO), that is, when the prize has not been led to the prize outlet 21 by the elevation of the unit body 12, the number of times of raising / lowering A is set to 1. In addition, the added number is set to A (S13). Then, in step S14, it is determined whether or not the number A of times of elevation is 3, and if the number of times of elevation A is 3, the game ends. On the other hand, if it is less than three times, the process returns to step S3, and processing for the next raising / lowering operation of the unit body 12 is performed. Note that the upper limit of the number A of times of raising and lowering is not limited to three, and may be set to an arbitrary number. The larger the value of the number of times of raising / lowering A, the higher the number of times of raising / lowering the unit body 12 and the higher the possibility that the player can acquire a prize.
[0061]
Further, in the progress of the game, the unit body 12 moved up and down in the previous game may be maintained in the height as it is in the next game. When starting the next game, The unit body 12 may be at the lowest level. Or you may make it become the height position state from which the height position state of each unit body 12 differs from the state at the time of the last completion | finish.
[0062]
FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams specifically showing the above control as the operation of a prize. For example, it is assumed that the prize S is located on the leftmost unit body 12 as shown in the upper left of the figure. By the operation of the operation unit 5 by the player, the unit body 12 to be moved up and down is determined as shown by the display unit 4 shown in the upper right of the figure (see C in the figure). Next, as shown in the lower right of the figure, the elevation height (for example, three stages) of the unit body 12 is determined. Thereby, as shown in the lower left of the figure, the unit body 12 rises, for example, by three stages, and the prize S falls from the unit body 12, but as a result, proceeds in the right direction.
[0063]
If such a movement is performed and the prize S is moved to the area adjacent to the prize exit 21 as shown in the upper left of FIG. 10, the player's operation is performed as shown in the upper right and lower right of the figure. Thus, the unit body 12 on which the prize S is placed and its elevation height (for example, one stage) are determined. Thereby, as shown in the lower left of the figure, the unit body 12 rises, for example, by one step, and the prize S falls from the unit body 12 and moves to the right and falls to the prize outlet 21. Therefore, the player can acquire the prize S.
[0064]
In this way, the player determines the unit body 12 and its elevation height, moves the unit body 12 up (or descends), moves the prize, and continues the above operation, thereby giving the prize to the prize exit 21. Guide and win prizes. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game apparatus having a novel configuration in which a game is progressed by moving the prize placement surface in the prize storage unit 2 in the vertical direction.
[0065]
As the number of prizes stored in the prize storage unit 2 increases, there is a possibility that a plurality of prizes may move like an avalanche by the lifting and lowering operation of the unit body 12. Therefore, the opportunity for a player to acquire a large amount of prizes at a time increases.
[0066]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display unit and an operation unit in a modification of the embodiment. According to the figure, the display unit 41 includes a plurality of display units 42 and a matrix display unit 43 formed of a liquid crystal display unit, and the operation unit 44 includes a plurality of operation buttons 45 corresponding to the plurality of display units 42. .
[0067]
The display device 42 displays the row and column of each region and the height of the unit body 12, and in detail, the display value is scrolled similarly to the height display unit 23 of the above-described embodiment. The Then, when each operation button 45 is pressed by the player, the scrolling is stopped, and the displayed numerical values become the determined values. For example, if “4, 3, +2” is displayed from the left end in the figure, the unit body in the region of the 4th row and the 3rd column is raised by two stages.
[0068]
Further, in the display on the display unit 4, for example, when the display is made with a doublet such as “3, 3, +3”, all the unit bodies 12 may be raised by a predetermined step as a bonus. Alternatively, when the “skull” pattern is prepared, a process such as lowering all the unit bodies 12 to the lowest level may be employed.
[0069]
In this way, if the display control used in a so-called slot machine is performed by scrolling all the displays on the display 42 and stopping the scrolling by the operation of the player, the bonus privilege can be obtained as described above. Thus, there is an advantage that the game content can be widened.
[0070]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another modification of the above embodiment. In this game machine, a main body 51 having a substantially octagonal prism shape is provided, and a prize storage section 52 covered with a transparent dome-shaped glass is provided on the top of the main body 51. On the prize placement surface of the prize storage section 52, a suitable number of radially partitioned areas are formed, and the unit bodies 53 are supported so as to be movable up and down corresponding to each area, and the upper surface of each unit body 53 faces the center. It is formed so as to be inclined. A prize outlet 54 is formed at the center of the placement surface.
[0071]
A height display portion 55 for determining the elevation height of the unit body 53 is provided at the periphery of the prize storage portion 52. The height display unit 55 includes a plurality of illumination lamps 56 corresponding to each region, and each illumination lamp 56 has a numerical value (for example, “+1”, “−1”, “+3”, “−2”, “+1”). A protrusion base 57 is formed on the front side of the main body 51, and an operation button 58 for stopping the lamp display and a coin insertion slot 59 are formed on the upper surface of the protrusion base 57. Further, on the front side surface of the protruding table 57, a payout opening 60 for paying out a prize and a coin return opening 61 are formed.
[0072]
In addition, a display panel 64 having a dot matrix display unit 63 for performing various displays, connected to the main body 1 through two frames 62, is provided on the back surface of the main body 51.
[0073]
In such a configuration, when the game is started, the illumination lamps 56 of the height display unit 55 are sequentially turned on, and one of the illumination lamps 56 that are sequentially lit when the operation button 58 is pressed by the player. The illumination lamp 56 is turned on. The description corresponding to the illuminated illumination lamp 56 is the elevation height of the unit body 53, and accordingly, the unit body 53 corresponding to the illumination lamp 56 is elevated and lowered. As a result, the prize is pushed to the prize outlet 54 side, and the player can obtain the prize from the payout outlet 60.
[0074]
Thus, if the prize outlet 54 is provided in the center of the prize placing surface and the number of the unit bodies 12 is reduced, it is possible to provide an amusement apparatus having an easier configuration with reduced component costs.
[0075]
Second Embodiment
FIG. 13 is an external view of a game apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the game apparatus according to the second embodiment, a time limit is set when the player guides the prize to the prize exit 21, and the unit body 12 moves up and down so that it can follow the player's operation input to some extent. If the prize cannot be paid out within the time limit, the game content is such that the game is terminated.
[0076]
This game apparatus has a track ball 72 for designating a unit body 12 to be raised and lowered, and an operation button 73 for raising and lowering the unit 12 as an operation part 71 formed on the protruding base 3, and a display part. As 74, 7 segment LED which shows the remaining time of a game is provided. Further, the CPU 26 has a timer (not shown) for measuring the time required for the game. In this embodiment, the unit body 12 or the direction member 18 is provided with an illumination lamp (not shown), and the illumination lamp such as the unit body 12 designated by the trackball 72 is turned on. Instead of the trackball 72, a joystick device or the like may be employed. About another structure, it is substantially the same as the structure of 1st Embodiment.
[0077]
Next, the control operation of the CPU 26 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. After detecting the inserted coin (S21: YES), the CPU 26 recognizes the unit body 12 to be moved up and down (S22). That is, the area (unit body 12) designated by the stationary trackball 72 is recognized. Next, a timer is started (S23), and it is determined whether or not a prize has been paid out (S24). Immediately after the game is started, it is determined that the prize is not paid out (S24: NO), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed (S25). In this case, as described above, it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed immediately after the game is started (S25: NO).
[0078]
Next, it is determined which of the trackball 72 or the operation button 73 has been operated (S26). When the trackball 72 is operated, the CPU 26 detects the rotation direction of the trackball 72, turns on the unit body 12 designated by the trackball 72 (S27), and recognizes the unit body 12 that is lit (S28). ), The process returns to step S24. In this way, when the trackball 72 is operated, the CPU 26 recognizes the unit body 12 designated by the operation.
[0079]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that the operation button 73 has been pressed, the motor 14 of the recognized unit body 12 is driven in response to the press (S29), and the unit body 12 is moved up and down. Then, the process returns to step S24.
[0080]
As described above, the CPU 26 always recognizes the unit body 12 by the trackball 72 and, if there is an input from the operation button 73, moves the recognized unit body 12 up and down. Accordingly, it is possible to respond to continuous pressing of the operation button 73, that is, so-called “continuous hits”, and it is possible to enjoy a game full of speed. It should be noted that the unit body 12 repeats the operation of raising one step at a time from the lowest level to the highest level, then lowering to the lowest level and rising again each time the operation button 73 is pressed. In this case, for example, an illumination LED or the like may be built in the unit body 12 and color-coded display indicating whether the unit body 12 is rising or falling may be performed.
[0081]
Further, if the player continues to press the operation button 73, analog control may be performed such that the unit body 12 continues to move during that time. Further, the ascending / descending speed of the unit body 12 may be changed depending on whether the operation button 73 is pressed. That is, for example, when the player strongly presses the operation button 73, the corresponding unit body 12 rises so as to jump. Thereby, prizes can also move vigorously, and the fun of the game can be improved.
[0082]
In the amusement device according to the second embodiment, if the prize is stored in a substantially spherical capsule-type container and the container is stored in the prize storage section 2, the container body is moved by raising and lowering the unit body 12. Is much faster than stuffed animals, and the game can be played with a sense of urgency. In this case, if there are too many prizes, the prizes are frequently guided to the prize exit 21, so it is desirable that at most about three prizes are always present in the prize storage unit 2.
[0083]
Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, the progress of the game is not limited to the progress of the game machine described above, but can be applied to a game machine that pays out coins such as a prize game machine or a medal game machine. Further, the number of partitioned areas is not limited to the number shown in the above embodiment.
[0084]
Moreover, the following contents can be considered as other game progress contents in this game device. That is, a self-propelled radio controlled car that can be moved by the player's operation is placed in one of the unit bodies. Then, the plurality of unit bodies are raised at regular intervals, and the number of unit bodies to be raised each time is gradually reduced. On the way, the radio controlled car may be moved by the player, and if the radio controlled car remains in the uppermost unit at the end of the game, the game content may be such that the player can acquire a prize.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a game apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a unit body.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cylindrical member and a direction member.
FIG. 4 is a view showing a modification of the direction member.
FIG. 5 is a view showing another modification of the direction member.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display unit.
FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram of the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the CPU in the game apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the prize accompanying the ascending / descending operation of the unit body.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the prize accompanying the ascending / descending operation of the unit body.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display unit in a modified example of the game device.
FIG. 12 is an external view showing another modification of the game apparatus.
FIG. 13 is an external view of a game apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the CPU in the game apparatus of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Premium Storage Department
4 display section
5 Operation part
7 Exit
12 units
13 Lifting mechanism
14 Motor
26 CPU
32 Discharge prize detector

Claims (6)

A prize storage means having a placement surface on which a prize is placed, the placement surface being partitioned into a plurality of areas, and a prize exit for delivering the prize to the outside is formed in at least one area;
A prize moving means for moving the prize by raising and lowering each unit body, having a plurality of unit bodies that can be raised and lowered in all or part of the remaining area excluding the prize exit,
Elevating means provided on each of the plurality of unit bodies and elevating and lowering each unit body independently,
Operating means operated by the player;
Elevating control means for controlling the driving of the elevating means based on the operation of the operating means by the player;
A game for controlling a game for causing the player to operate the operation means within a preset number of operations or operation time, and to operate the prize moving means based on the operation to move the prize to the prize exit. A game device comprising control means,
Direction restricting means for restricting the direction of movement of the prize based on the raising / lowering operation of each unit body is detachably attached to the upper surface of all or a part of the plurality of unit bodies, and the direction of the direction restricting means is restricted. orientations is characterized in that enabled changed by detachable, game device. The elevating control means, based on operation information from the operating means, a determining means for determining a unit body to be raised and lowered and a height position of the upper surface of the unit body;
2. The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising : a drive control unit that drives a lifting unit corresponding to the unit body determined by the determination unit to move the unit body to a height position determined by the determination unit. . The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the direction restricting means has a protruding portion protruding upward with respect to the upper surface of the unit body, and an inclined surface and / or a curved surface is formed on the protruding portion. . An operation number counting means for counting the number of operations of the operation means by the player;
Detecting means for detecting the prize paid out from the prize exit,
When the game is started, the game control means causes the operation number counting means to start counting, and until the operation number preset by the operation number counting means is counted, the game control means operates the operation means by the player. The game device according to claim 1 , wherein when the prize is paid out from the prize exit, the game is ended without causing the player to perform the next operation . A time measuring means for measuring time;
Detecting means for detecting the prize paid out from the prize exit,
When the game control means starts the game, the time keeping means starts time keeping, and the prize is given by the operation of the operation means by the player until the operation time preset by the time keeping means is timed. If paid out from the prize outlet, the ends the game when the prize is paid out, the game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The prize placement surface of the housing means wherein the plurality of regions are partitioned in a grid pattern, game device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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