JP6025935B2 - Game device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus that can be set by an administrator or the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, game devices that can easily set or change the difficulty level of a game are known. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a prize acquisition game device that gives a predetermined profit based on the operation content of a player. In this prize acquisition game device, a remote control sensor for wireless communication using an infrared signal is provided in a lower part of the game casing. The prize acquisition game device receives setting data set in the portable game machine main body through a remote control sensor, and performs operation setting according to the setting data.

JP 2002-239203 A

  In this way, it has been possible to set or change the degree of difficulty or the like by using the portable game machine main body for the prize acquisition game device. However, in the prior art, it is not possible to easily confirm the current setting contents set for the game device and the operation status that changes in accordance with the setting change, such as a change in the payout rate.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game apparatus that can make various settings and easily check the operation status associated with the settings.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a game device of the present invention is a game device that operates to control a mechanism unit in accordance with a player's operation so as to pay out an article. A first game unit provided, a second game unit provided with a second mechanism unit, and a display for displaying setting data for controlling the first mechanism unit and the second mechanism unit A setting device configured to be portable, provided with a storage unit for detachably storing the setting device in a main body housing, and at least one of the first game unit and the second game unit. Input means for inputting an instruction to select; and control means for displaying setting data corresponding to the first mechanism section or the second mechanism section on the display in accordance with the instruction input from the input section. Characterized in that it has.

  According to the present invention, by providing a setting device, it is possible to make various settings and easily check the operation status associated with the settings.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the game device in this embodiment. The front view of the crane game device in this embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the setting apparatus 28 in this embodiment. The top view which shows the premium field and the upper surface of a panel part. The figure which looked at the circumference | surroundings of the prize field and the panel part in which the setting apparatus was accommodated from the upper direction. The figure which shows the cross section of the side surface of the crane game apparatus which shows the accommodation state of the setting apparatus shown in FIG.4 and FIG.5. The figure which shows the structural example which provided the accommodating part in the outer side of the transparent plate. The figure which shows the cross section in the CC line in FIG. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the crane game apparatus in this embodiment. The flowchart shown about the setting process according to setting operation to a setting apparatus. The flowchart shown about the display update process for updating the display content displayed on the display of a setting apparatus. The flowchart shown about the control processing based on the payout rate setting set by the setting apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the data displayed on the display. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen for adjustment of arm force. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen for selecting a setting object from several crane game devices. The figure for demonstrating the condition in the case of setting operation about a some crane game apparatus. The figure for demonstrating the condition in the case of setting operation about a some crane game apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a game device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the game device according to the present embodiment. The game apparatus of the present embodiment shows an example of a crane game apparatus 10 that operates to control a crane arm in accordance with a player's operation and pay out a prize. A crane game apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is composed of an upper housing 12 and a lower housing 13. The upper casing 12 is partially covered with a transparent plate 15 (opening / closing member) such as an acrylic plate on the front and side surfaces, and the prize fields 16L and 16R inside the casing can be visually recognized through the transparent plate 15. Yes. The transparent plate 15 is configured to be openable and closable on the front side, for example. Replacement or supplementation of prizes in the prize fields 16L and 16R, change of the form (height, inclination angle, etc.) of the prize fields 16L and 16R, or transparent board 15 can be opened, for example, when the setting device 28 stored in a storage section provided inside the terminal 15 is used.

  The crane game apparatus 10 in this embodiment is equipped with two game units (a left unit 10L and a right unit 10R) so that two players can play a game at the same time. The prize fields 16L and 16R of the two game units are divided by a partition plate (not shown). A prize can be loaded on each of the two prize fields 16L and 16R divided by the partition plate.

  In the crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, a vertical tilt adjustment mechanism that can change the height and tilt angle of the prize fields 16L and 16R is provided. The vertical tilt adjustment mechanism can individually adjust the height and tilt angle of each of the prize fields 16L and 16R for the front and rear fields. 1 and 2 show an example in which the height of the front field and the rear field of the prize field 16R is adjusted to be different in the right unit 10R.

  In addition, in the prize fields 16L and 16R, for example, a plane part on which a prize can be placed by combining a plurality of plane members and mounted on the frame, and a prize for dropping the plane member by not mounting the plane member are provided. A prize dropout is formed. The shape and size of the planar member can be arbitrarily determined as long as it can be attached to the frame. In addition, the planar member can be mounted at an arbitrary position, and the administrator can freely determine the planar portion and the prize drop opening. When the positions of the plane part and the prize dropout are changed, the administrator can use the setting device 28 to make various settings according to the positions of the plane part and the prize dropout. Details will be described later.

  The prize fields 16L and 16R can be formed not only by combining a plurality of plane members but also by using a single plane member in which a hole corresponding to a prize drop opening or a part of a corner or side is cut out. is there. Moreover, not only a flat member but also a member provided with a shape for supporting irregularities and prizes on the surface can be used.

  Below the prize fields 16L and 16R, prize guidance spaces are provided for guiding prizes that have fallen from the prize fields 16L and 16R to the prize outlets 21L and 21R provided on the front side of the lower housing 13. ing. The prize guidance space provided in the lower part of the prize field 16L is provided with a size corresponding to almost the entire front field of the prize field 16L and communicates with the prize take-out port 21L. Also, the prize guiding space provided in the lower part of the prize field 16R has a size corresponding to the entire front field of the prize field 16R and communicates with the prize take-out port 21R.

  Above the left and right prize fields 16L and 16R, crane arms 18L and 18R whose operations are controlled according to player operations are mounted. Above the prize fields 16L and 16R in the upper housing 12, crane mechanisms (for example, crane mechanisms for moving the crane arms 18L and 18R in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction (vertical direction), respectively) (Not shown) is provided. The crane mechanism is controlled according to player operations on the buttons 24L and 24R.

  Two arms 18La and 18Ra (gripping claws) for gripping prizes are provided at the distal ends of the crane arms 18L and 18R (three or four arms may be provided). The operations of the arms 18La and 18Ra are controlled so as to be closed (gripping an object) at a position where the crane arm 18 is lowered to reach the prize.

On the front side of the lower housing 13, there are provided control panel sections 23L and 23R that are operated by the prize outlets 21L and 21R and the player.
The prize outlets 21L and 21R are for taking out prizes from the inside of the casing (prize field), and communicate with a prize guidance space provided in the lower part of the prize fields 16L and 16R. By operating the crane arms 18L and 18R, the prize is dropped to the prize dropout opening, so that the prize can be taken out from the prize outlets 21L and 21R.

  In the control panel sections 23L and 23R, a plurality of buttons 24L and 24R operated by the player to operate the crane arms 18L and 18R, coin insertion slots 26L and 26R into which coins to be played are inserted, play charges and insertions Display devices 27L and 27R (for example, a 7-segment display) for displaying the number of remaining plays corresponding to the coins that have been played are provided. In addition, a speaker 49 is provided for outputting sound effects, music, message voices, and the like during game execution.

  The crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with a setting device 28 for an administrator to make various settings for the crane game apparatus 10. The setting device 28 is configured to be removable from the main body housing of the crane game apparatus 10. The setting device 28 shown in FIG. 1 shows a state in which it is housed in a housing portion provided inside the transparent plate 15. When performing various settings, the setting device 28 can be taken out of the storage unit and handled in a state of being held in the hand in the vicinity of the crane game apparatus 10. The setting device 28 is connected to a control unit housed in the casing of the crane game apparatus 10 via, for example, a cable. The setting device 28 can be configured not only to be connected to the control unit by wire, but also to be connected by wireless communication (such as a wireless local area network (LAN)). The setting device 28 can individually make various settings for the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the setting device 28 in the present embodiment.
The setting device 28 is connected to a control unit that controls the entire crane game apparatus 10 by, for example, a cable, and operates under the control of the control unit. In the setting device 28, setting data for controlling a mechanism part (mechanism part) including the crane arms 18L and 18R, setting data for controlling game contents, an electric decoration provided on the crane game apparatus 10, and a speaker 49 are used. Setting data and the like for controlling the output BGM (back ground music) can be set by the operation of the administrator.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the setting device 28 has a horizontally long casing, and a display 28a, a screen switch 28b, a reset switch 28c, an enter switch 28d, two select switches 28e, a maintenance play switch on one surface. 28f, an arm adjustment knob (L) 28g, an arm adjustment knob (R) 28h, and a test switch 28k are provided.

  The display 28a is used to display a setting screen including a menu at the time of setting operation, a screen showing the contents of the setting data, a screen showing the contents of the update data updated when the game is executed, various messages, and the like. Is done. The update data includes, for example, a payout rate indicating the ratio between the amount of the paid out premium and the amount received as the play fee (income information), income information (number of coins inserted), number of plays, number of prize payouts, etc. is there. On the display 28a, it can be displayed constantly during the operation of the crane game apparatus 10, or the display can be turned on by an operation on the screen switch 28b by the administrator. When the setting device 28 is stored in the storage unit, the display can be switched on / off according to a predetermined operation on the button 24 provided on the control panel units 23L and 23R.

  The screen switch 28b displays information indicating the contents of the setting data set by the setting device 28 and the operation status (for example, the current payout rate) of the crane game apparatus 10 controlled according to the setting data. Switch.

The reset switch 28c is a switch for resetting the setting contents when the setting screen is displayed.
The enter switch 28d is a switch for instructing confirmation of a setting item, setting content, or the like selected using the select switch 28e on the setting screen.

  The select switch 28e is a switch for selecting a setting target from a plurality of setting items displayed on the setting screen (menu). By pressing the select switch 28e, the selection target is changed in a plurality of setting items displayed on the setting screen.

  The maintenance play switch 28f is a switch for executing a game operation without newly inserting coins when coins inserted into the coin insertion slots 26L and 26R are clogged. When a game operation is executed by the maintenance play switch 28f, update data (payout rate, income information) is updated on the assumption that a play fee has been received (income).

  The arm adjustment knob (L) 28g and the arm adjustment knob (R) 28h are the strength for gripping the prize, the opening width, and the time for holding the prize for each of the two arms 18La and 18Ra attached to the crane arms 18L and 18R. It is a knob for adjusting the etc. Each of the arm adjustment knob (L) 28g and the arm adjustment knob (R) 28h can specify a set value (for example, a range of 0 to 100) according to the rotation amount. For example, when the left unit 10L is designated as a setting target, the strength of the left arm 18La of the crane arm 18L is selected by selecting the strength for gripping the prize as the setting target and rotating the arm adjustment knob (L) 28g. You can specify the strength to grab.

  The test switch 28k is a switch for switching a setting target to either the left unit 10L or the right unit 10R and executing a test operation corresponding to the setting content. The test switch 28k can be switched by sliding operation to any of the left side, the center (standby position), and the right side. The left unit 10L can be set as the setting target by switching to the left side, and the right unit 10R can be set as the setting target by switching to the right side. For example, when the test switch 28k is switched to the left side, the setting content is input for the crane arm 18L of the left unit 10L, and the setting is confirmed by the enter switch 28d, the crane arm 18L executes a test operation according to the new setting content. . When the setting screen is not displayed on the display 28a and the test switch 28k is on the left side, the setting content (setting data) and change data for the left unit 10L are displayed on the display 28a, and the test switch 28k is In the case of being on the right side, setting contents (setting data) and change data for the right unit 10R are displayed on the display 28a. When the test switch 28k is in the center (standby position), the setting data and change data of both units set for the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R are displayed on the display 28a.

  Note that the types of various switches and adjustment knobs provided in the setting device 28 are merely examples, and any switch, adjustment knob, or the like can be input according to the setting contents or setting method that can be set for the crane game apparatus 10. It is possible to implement a device.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the top surfaces of the prize fields 16L and 16R and the panel sections 23L and 23R. As shown in FIG. 4, a storage unit for storing the setting device 28 in the main body housing is provided inside the transparent plate 15. For example, in the setting device 28, the display surface of the display 28a is almost the same between the transparent plate 15 and the prize fields 16L and 16R at the same height as the control panel portions 23L and 23R with the upper part shown in FIG. Housed vertically. That is, the display 28a of the setting device 28 faces the prize fields 16L and 16R, and the display content of the display 28a can be visually recognized in the stored state. The administrator can check update data such as setting contents (setting data) and payout rate displayed on the display 28a by opening the transparent plate 15 and looking through the setting device 28 stored in the storage unit. it can.

  FIG. 5 is a view of the periphery of the prize fields 16L and 16R and the control panel portions 23L and 23R in which the setting device 28 is stored, as viewed from above. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the setting device 28 is accommodated in a state different from that in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the setting device 28 has a casing between the transparent plate 15 and the prize fields 16L and 16R, with the upper part shown in FIG. Is housed in an inclined state. That is, the display content of the display 28a can be more easily seen than in the storage state shown in FIG. The administrator can check update data such as setting contents (setting data) and payout rate displayed on the display 28a by opening the transparent plate 15 and looking through the setting device 28 stored in the storage unit. it can.

  However, the information displayed on the setting device 28 is information required by the administrator, and when various data are always displayed on the display 28a, it is necessary to prevent the player from seeing the information. Therefore, when various data are always displayed, if the transparent plate 15 is not opened, the display surface of the display 28a of the setting device 28 is inclined at an angle that cannot be confirmed, and the setting device 28 is stored in the storage unit. Shall.

6 (a) and 6 (b) are cross-sectional views of the side of the crane game apparatus 10 showing the accommodation state of the setting device 28 shown in FIGS.
FIG. 6A shows a cross section taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 4, and the setting device 28 is placed in a substantially vertical state on the storage member 28 m provided inside the transparent plate 15. . The setting device 28 is connected to a control unit 29 (control PCB (Print Circuit Board)) housed in the lower housing 13 via a cable 28L. Therefore, the setting device 28 can perform the setting operation by opening the transparent plate 15 and taking it out of the housing. That is, the administrator can perform setting operations on the crane arms 18L and 18R while standing in the vicinity of the crane game apparatus 10 while visually observing the operations of the crane arms 18L and 18R, for example.

  FIG. 6B shows a cross section taken along the line B-B shown in FIG. 5. The setting device 28 is arranged on the storage member 28 m provided inside the transparent plate 15, and the display 28 a is turned upside down. It is so placed. The setting device 28 is connected to the control unit 29 (control PCB) housed in the lower housing 13 through the cable 28L in the same manner as in FIG. It can be opened and taken out of the housing for setting operation. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the casing of the setting device 28 is placed on the storage member 28m in an oblique state so that the display 28a faces upward, so that the setting device 28 is accommodated in the display. The contents displayed on 28a can be easily confirmed.

  In addition, when the side part of the crane game apparatus 10 is covered with the transparent plate 15, it becomes easy to visually recognize the display 28a of the setting device 28 from the side, but in a state where the setting device 28 is stored in the storage member 28m. A member for attaching the display 28a to a blind spot or a special film for preventing the display contents from being confirmed from the lateral direction of the display 28a is attached to the display surface of the display 28a. The display content may not be confirmed by the player.

  When the setting device 28 is accommodated inside the transparent plate 15 and the display 28a can be turned on / off, as shown in FIGS. May be provided so that the setting device 28 can be accommodated in such a direction that the display content of the display 28a can be easily confirmed even from the outside of the transparent plate 15. For example, if the display on the display 28a can be turned on / off by performing a predetermined special operation on the button 24 used in the game, the work of opening the transparent plate 15 is not performed. Current setting data and update data can be easily confirmed. Of course, when the display of the display 28a can be turned on / off by the operation of the button 24, it is assumed that a special operation that cannot be accidentally performed by the player is determined in advance. As a special operation, for example, there is a long press for a predetermined time or more by combining a plurality of buttons 24.

  4 to 6, the storage member 28m for storing the setting device 28 is provided inside the transparent plate 15, but may be provided outside the transparent plate 15. FIG. 7 shows a configuration example in which a storage portion is provided outside the transparent plate 15.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration example in which the storage unit for the setting device 28 is provided in the control panel unit. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, a storage unit is provided between the panel unit 23L for the left unit 10L and the panel unit 23R for the right unit 10R.

  FIG. 8 is a view showing a cross section taken along line CC in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, a space that can accommodate the setting device 28 is provided in the control panel portion, and an openable / closable lid 28 n is provided to cover this space. The lid 28n is opened when the setting device 28 is taken out from the housing and used for setting operation, or when the display content of the display 28a is confirmed while the setting device 28 is housed as shown in FIG. The Normally, when a game is executed by a player, the lid 28n is closed and fixed by a key (not shown).

  In the configurations shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the display content of the display 28 a of the setting device 28 can be confirmed when the transparent plate 15 is opened for replacement of prizes installed in the game field.

  In the case of the configuration shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, it is possible to check the display contents of the display 28a of the setting device 28 by opening only the cover 28n for the storage unit without opening the transparent plate 15. .

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The crane game apparatus 10 implements control of each unit by being equipped with computer functions.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the crane game apparatus 10 includes a left unit 10L and a right unit 10R. The left unit 10L and the right unit 10R basically have the same function. Here, only the left unit 10L will be described. A control unit 29 (control PCB) of the left unit 10L is provided with a central control unit 30, a storage unit 31, an arm control unit 33, an input / output control unit 34, and a communication unit 35.

  The central control unit 30 is configured by a processor, a memory, and the like, and controls the crane game apparatus 10 as a whole. The central control unit 30 implements various functions by executing various programs stored in the storage unit 31. In the crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, setting data 31a set by a setting operation by the setting device 28 and update data 31b (payout rate, income information, etc.) updated when the game is executed are stored. .

  The storage unit 31 includes a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various programs and data.

  The arm control unit 33 controls driving of the X-axis motor 42, the Y-axis motor 43, the Z-axis motor 44, and the arm motor 45 under the control of the central control unit 30. The arm control unit 33 selectively drives the X-axis motor 42, the Y-axis motor 43, and the Z-axis motor 44 in accordance with, for example, an operation on the button 24L by the player, moves the crane arm 18L, and moves the arm motor 45. The arm 18La is operated so as to drive and grip the prize placed on the prize field 16L.

  The input / output control unit 34 controls input / output to / from various devices. The input / output control unit 34 controls input from the button 24L, the premium payout sensor 25, and the coin sensor 46, and notifies the central control unit 30 of input data. . The prize payout sensor 25 is used to count the number of prize payouts, and detects a prize that is dropped from the prize field 16L by the operation of the crane arm 18L and taken out from the prize outlet 21L. The coin sensor 46 is installed in the passage of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 26 and detects a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 26 (or the type of coin inserted). Further, the input / output control unit 34 controls audio output from the speaker 49, display by the display device 27, and the like under the control of the central control unit 30.

  The input / output control unit 34 is connected to the setting device 28 via a cable 28L. The setting device 28 is controlled by the control unit 29 (central control unit 30) via the input / output control unit 34. The central control unit 30 controls the display on the display 28a and inputs data corresponding to the operation on each switch and knob to execute setting processing and the like. When the display 28a can be switched on / off by the operation of the button 24, the central control unit 30 turns on or off the display of the display 28a when detecting that a special operation is performed on the button 24. Control to turn off.

  The central control unit 30 switches the setting target corresponding to the data input from the setting device 28 to either the left unit 10L or the right unit 10R according to the switching of the test switch 28k of the setting device 28. When the test switch 28k is switched to the left side (L side), the central control unit 30 stores the setting data 31a by executing the setting process according to the data input from the setting device 28, and the storage unit 31. The stored update data 31b is displayed on the display 28a.

  On the other hand, when the test switch 28k is switched to the right side (R side), the central control unit 30 notifies the right unit 10R through the communication unit 35 and causes the right unit 10R to execute the setting process. The central control unit 30 transmits the data input from the setting device 28 to the right unit 10R, and also inputs the update data stored in the storage unit of the right unit 10R and displays it on the display 28a.

  In the crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the setting process can be individually performed by the single setting device 28 for the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R.

Next, the effect of the setting device 28 provided in the crane game apparatus 10 in the present embodiment will be described.
As described above, the setting device 28 in the present embodiment is configured to be removable from the main body housing of the crane game apparatus 10. Therefore, the administrator can take out the setting device 28 from the storage unit and hold it in the vicinity of the crane game apparatus 10 to carry out the setting operation. For example, when trying to adjust the arm strength (the force to grab a prize) of the crane arms 18L and 18R, it is necessary to adjust according to the difference in shape, material, weight, etc. of the prize. That is, even if the rotation amounts of the arm adjustment knob (L) 28g and the arm adjustment knob (R) 28h are set in the same manner, the crane arms 18L and 18R actually vary in the operation of grabbing the prize. It is necessary to confirm the operation of the crane arms 18L and 18R. The setting device 28 according to the present embodiment can be set while facilitating the setting operation while the administrator holds the setting device 28 while watching the operations of the crane arms 18L and 18R up close.

  In addition, the setting device 28 is provided with a display 28a, and the setting content (setting data) can be easily confirmed with respect to the crane game apparatus 10. Furthermore, the setting device 28 according to the present embodiment can easily check not only the setting contents but also update data that changes when the crane game apparatus 10 is used, for example, payout rate and income information.

  Furthermore, since the setting data and the update data can be confirmed while the setting device 28 is stored in the storage unit, the management of the crane game apparatus 10 can be facilitated. In particular, the setting device 28 is stored inside the transparent plate 15 so that the display content of the display 28a can be confirmed from the outside, and the display can be switched on / off by a special operation on the button 24. Only at special times can the display 28a be turned on to check the setting data and update data. Thereby, even work for opening the transparent plate 15 becomes unnecessary, so that work efficiency can be improved.

Next, operation | movement of the crane game apparatus 10 in this embodiment is demonstrated, referring the flowchart shown in FIG.10, FIG11 and FIG.12.
First, a setting process corresponding to a setting operation on the setting device 28 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  The test switch 28k of the setting device 28 is set at the standby position in the initial state. When the test switch 28k is in the standby position, the central control unit 30 displays the standby data on the display 28a.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of data displayed on the display 28a. In FIG. 13, arm strength (ARM) is displayed as the setting data 31a. Further, as the update data 31b, a play count value (number of times played, PLAY), a prize payout number (OUT), and income information (number of coins inserted, COIN) are displayed. At the time of standby, data for each of the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R is displayed simultaneously. In addition, a message indicating other setting contents is also displayed.

  When setting the left unit 10L using the setting device 28, the test switch 28k is switched to the left side (L side), and when setting the right unit 10R, the test switch 28k is set to the right side (R side). Can be switched to.

  Here, for example, it is assumed that the test switch 28k is switched to the left side (L side). When the central control unit 30 detects that the test switch 28k has been switched to the left side (L side) (Yes in Step A1), the central control unit 30 displays a plurality of setting items on the setting screen (menu) on the display 28a (Step A2). .

  The setting items include game settings related to game contents (play fee, play time, game mode (normal, unlimited), etc.), mechanical settings related to control of the crane arm 18L (operating range, prize drop position, arm strength, etc.), Function settings for controlling peripheral functions (BGM (back ground music) selection, lighting on / off and lighting pattern designation, various sensor on / off, etc.), payout rate settings related to payout rate (payout) Rate support, customer support, time service). The payout rate setting is referred to in the control process and will be described in detail later (see FIG. 12).

  The central control unit 30 switches the setting item to be set among the plurality of setting items displayed on the display 28a by operating the select switch 28e (step A3). When the central control unit 30 detects that the enter switch 28d has been pressed, the central control unit 30 displays a setting screen for the setting item at that time, and inputs setting contents according to the setting operation by the administrator.

  For example, it is assumed that a setting item for setting the arm force of the crane arm 18L is selected. In this case, the central control unit 30 displays a setting screen for adjusting the arm force as shown in FIG. On the setting screen, messages about the current setting contents and setting operation methods are displayed. In FIG. 14, as the setting contents for the crane arm 18 </ b> L, the L side + force of the two arms 18 </ b> La is 95, and the arm force of the R side arm is 98.

  In adjusting the arm force, for the two arms 18La provided on the crane arm 18L, the arm force on the L side is designated by the arm adjustment knob (L) 28g, and the arm force on the R side is designated by the arm adjustment knob (R) 28h. The When the administrator performs an operation on the arm adjustment knob (L) 28g and the arm adjustment knob (R) 28h as necessary, and the enter switch 28d is pressed (Yes in step A4), the central control unit 30 Data corresponding to the rotational positions of the adjustment knob (L) 28g and the arm adjustment knob (R) 28h is input to update the setting data regarding the arm strength of the crane arm 18L (step A5).

When the test mode is set in the mechanical setting (step A6, Yes), the central control unit 30 controls the arm control unit 33 according to the updated setting data to operate the crane arm 18L. For example, in the same manner as when a normal game is performed, for example, the crane arm 18L is moved from the initial position in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction to the premium placed on the premium field 16L. Next, the arm 18La is driven to move downward (in the Z-axis direction) so as to grab a prize, and then a series of operations such as moving upward to a prize dropping position is executed. The administrator can confirm whether or not the changed setting content meets his / her desire by looking at the operation of the crane arm 18L in the test mode.
Hereinafter, the setting contents of other setting items can be changed by the same operation.

  When it is detected that the test switch 28k has been changed to the standby position (step A8, Yes), the central control unit 30 ends the setting process.

  In this way, by using the setting device 28, various settings for the crane game apparatus 10 can be easily performed.

  The setting process for the right unit 10R is executed when the test switch 28k is switched to the right side (R side). In this case, the setting content input from the setting device 28 is notified to the right unit 10R via the central control unit 30 of the left unit 10L, and is executed in the same manner as described above.

  Next, a display update process for updating the display contents displayed on the display 28a of the setting device 28 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Here, when the test switch 28k is in the standby position, the contents of the current setting data and update data are always displayed on the display 28a. In the display update process, the display content is changed in real time in accordance with update data that changes due to the use of the crane game apparatus 10.

  The central control unit 30 reads the current update data 31b stored in the storage unit 31 (step B1). Here, for example, play count value (PLAY), premium payout number (OUT), and income information (coin inserted number, COIN) are read as display targets. The central control unit 30 displays the current update data together with the setting data on the display 28a (step B2). The central control unit 30 of the left unit 10L receives setting data and update data from the right unit 10R and displays them together with the data of the left unit 10L (see FIG. 13).

  When the player inserts a coin from the coin insertion slot 26L and the start of the game is instructed by operating the button 24, the central control unit 30 executes the game process (step B3). That is, the central control unit 30 operates the crane arm 18L in accordance with an operation on the button 24 to execute an operation for acquiring a prize.

  On the other hand, the central control unit 30 updates the play count value (PLAY) and the coin insertion number (COIN) of the update data 31b as coin insertion is detected by the coin sensor 46 and the game process is executed (step S30). B4). If the prize is paid out by the game process (step B5, Yes), the central control unit 30 updates the number of prizes paid out (OUT) in response to the detection of the prize payout by the prize payout sensor 25 (step B6). . Further, the central control unit 30 calculates and updates the payout rate based on the updated coin insertion number (COIN) and premium payout number (OUT) (step B7).

  The central control unit 30 displays the content of the updated update data 31b in real time on the display 28a as described above during the operation of the crane game apparatus 10 (step B8, No).

  In this way, since the update data 31b can be displayed on the display 28a in real time by the display update process, by confirming the display content displayed on the display 28a of the setting device 28, the current state of the crane game apparatus 10 can be confirmed. The operating status can be easily grasped.

  In the display update process described above, the play count value (PLAY), the premium payout number (OUT), and the income information (the number of coins inserted, COIN) in the setting data 31a are displayed, but other data is displayed. It is also possible to target. In FIG. 13, only the arm forces of the crane arms 18L and 18R are shown as setting data, but other setting data may be displayed as well. Further, the data to be displayed may be switched by, for example, the operation of the select switch 28e of the setting device 28, or the data to be displayed by a special operation on the button 24 when the setting device 28 is stored in the storage unit. May be switched.

Next, control processing based on the payout rate setting set by the setting device 28 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The central control unit 30 executes a control process based on the payout rate setting during the operation of the crane game apparatus 10. The central control unit 30 reads the setting data 31a (step C1), determines whether the payout rate support setting, the customer support setting, and the time service setting are set, and controls the crane arm 18L according to the presence or absence of each setting. To do. Here, it is assumed that the strength (arm force) of the arm 18La of the crane arm 18L is automatically adjusted.

  When the payout rate support setting is made (step C2, Yes), the central control unit 30 sets the arm strength so that the current payout rate approaches the payout rate indicated by the setting data (step C3). For example, the administrator sets a target setting value for the payout rate within a range of 1 to 40%, for example, as the payout rate support setting. When the current payout rate is higher than the payout rate of the target setting value, that is, when the payout of the prize is higher than the target, the arm force is weakened to make it difficult for the crane arm 18L to grasp the prize. On the contrary, when the current payout rate is lower than the payout rate of the target set value, that is, when the payout of the prize is less than the target, the arm force is increased to make it easy to grasp the prize.

  When the customer support setting is made (step C4, Yes), the central control unit 30 sets the arm strength so that the current payout rate increases according to the number of consecutive coin insertions during the game. (Step C5). For example, as a customer support setting, the administrator sets the current payout rate by 1% according to the number of consecutive coins inserted during the game and sets it as a target setting value. For example, when the number of consecutive coin insertions is 10, the payout rate is + 10%. Therefore, when a player who has a large number of consecutive coin insertions plays a game, the arm force is increased to make it easier to grab a prize so as to increase the payout rate.

When the time service is set (step C6, Yes), the central control unit 30 determines whether it is within the target time of the time service. If it is within the target time (step C7, Yes), the central control unit 30 sets the arm strength so that the current payout rate approaches the payout rate set for each target time (step C8). For example, as a time service setting, the administrator sets a specific time (for example, 10:00 am to 12:00 am) with a relatively small number of users of the crane game apparatus 10 as a morning service time, and sets a target set value for a payout rate to 1 Set in the range of ~ 40%. In order to increase the number of users at a specific time, a higher payout rate than the normal time is set as a target set value. When the current payout rate is lower than the payout rate of the target setting value, that is, when the payout of the prize is less than the target, the arm force is increased to make it easy to grasp the prize.
The central control unit 30 executes the above-described control process during operation of the crane game apparatus 10 (step C9, No).

  In the control processing described above, the arm force of the crane arm 18L is adjusted. However, other mechanisms that vary the payout rate may be adjusted. For example, the presence or absence of rotation of the crane arm 18L, the operation speed of the crane arm 18L (grabbing, raising and lowering), the width of the opening of the arm 18La, the strength of holding the prize of the arm 18La, the interval between the two arms 18La, etc. The payout rate can be controlled so as to approach the target set value by adjusting any one or a combination thereof.

In this way, the payout rate is adjusted according to each setting in accordance with the payout rate support setting, customer support setting, and time service setting set using the setting device 28 by the control processing.
In the above description, the crane game apparatus 10 is described as being configured by the two left side units 10L and the right side unit 10R, but may be configured by three or more units. In addition, although it has been described that the control unit 29 is provided in each of the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R, a single control unit 29 that is common to a plurality of units is provided. It is good also as a structure which controls mechanism parts (crane arm etc.), sensors, buttons, etc. which are contained in a plurality of units. In this case, one control unit 29 stores setting data 31a and update data 31b corresponding to each unit, and controls each unit.

  In the above description, the setting operation is performed on one crane game apparatus 10 by the setting device 28, but the setting operation may be performed on a plurality of crane game apparatuses 10.

  For example, in the setting device 28, a setting target can be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of crane game apparatuses 10 on the setting screen as shown in FIG.

  16 and 17 are diagrams for explaining a situation when a setting operation is performed on a plurality of crane game apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,... The crane game apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,... Have the same configuration as the crane game apparatus 10 described above.

  In FIG. 16, the crane game apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,... Are connected by cables C1, C2,. Further, unique identification data (for example, a MAC (Media Access Control) address or the like) that can identify a communication partner is assigned to the crane game apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,. The setting device 28 to which the setting device 28 is connected communicates with the crane game device selected on the setting screen shown in FIG. 15, causes the crane game device 10 to execute setting processing, and updates the current setting data. The data is received and displayed on the display 28a of the setting device 28.

  In FIG. 17, crane game apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,... Operate independently and an example in which setting operations are individually performed by the setting device 28 is shown. In this case, in the above description, the setting device 28 is controlled by the control unit 29 (central control unit 30). However, the setting device 28 is provided with computer functions (including a processor, a memory, and the like). Configure as an electronic device that operates independently. The setting device 28 is provided with a communication function for communicating with the crane game apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,. As a wireless communication function, for example, a wireless local area network (LAN), short-range wireless communication, or infrared communication can be employed. The setting device 28 and the crane game apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,...

  The setting device 28 communicates with any of the crane game apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,... Based on the identification data corresponding to the crane game apparatus selected on the setting screen shown in FIG. The setting content corresponding to the setting operation by the administrator is transmitted to the crane game apparatus to execute the setting process. The setting device 28 can also receive the update data stored in the crane game apparatus to be set and display it on the display 28a.

  When the setting operation is not performed by the setting device 28, the setting device 28 may be stored in a storage portion provided in any of the crane game apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,. . In the same manner as described above, the setting device 28 receives the setting data and the update data of the crane game apparatus 10 that is the storage destination and displays them on the display 28a.

  In this way, for a plurality of crane game apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,..., Setting operation and content confirmation of update data (operation status confirmation) using one setting device 28 Therefore, it is not necessary to replace the setting device 28 for each crane game apparatus 10, so that the work efficiency can be improved.

  In the above description, the crane game apparatus 10 is described as an object, but other game apparatuses in which various setting operations are performed by an administrator or the like can be targeted. In addition, the external shape of the setting device 28 is not limited to the form illustrated in FIG. 3, and may be any form that can be stored in a storage unit provided in the crane game apparatus 10. Further, when the setting device 28 is an electronic device that operates independently, for example, an existing electronic device having a short-distance wireless communication function such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone) or a portable game machine may be used. It may be realized by installing a program for operating as 28.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Crane game machine, 12 ... Upper housing | casing, 13 ... Lower housing | casing, 15 ... Transparent board, 16L, 16R ... Premium field, 18L, 18R ... Crane arm, 21L, 21R ... Premium outlet, 23L, 23R ... Control panel Part, 24L, 24R ... button, 26L, 26R ... coin insertion slot, 28 ... setting device, 28a ... display, 30 ... central control unit, 31 ... storage unit, 31a ... setting data, 31b ... update data, 33 ... arm control 34, an input control unit, 35, an output control unit, 42, an X-axis motor, 43, a Y-axis motor, 44, a Z-axis motor, 45, an arm motor, 46, a coin sensor.

Claims (3)

A game device that operates to control a mechanism unit in accordance with a player's operation and to pay out an article,
A first game unit provided with a first mechanism unit;
A second game unit provided with a second mechanism part;
A portable setting device provided with a display for displaying setting data for controlling the first mechanism unit and the second mechanism unit;
A storage section for detachably storing the setting device in the main body housing;
Input means for inputting an instruction to select at least one of the first game unit and the second game unit;
A game device comprising: control means for displaying setting data corresponding to the first mechanism section or the second mechanism section on the display in accordance with an instruction input from the input means.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting device includes setting data input means for inputting the setting data.   The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the display to display update data updated in accordance with the control of the first mechanism unit or the second mechanism unit.