JP7096003B2 - Freebie acquisition game machine and its control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game machine and a control method thereof, in which a prize acquisition unit moves a grip portion on a field to acquire a prize based on an operation input of a player.

In a prize acquisition game machine such as a crane game machine, in which a grip portion is moved on a field to acquire a prize placed on this field, there is a change by moving the field in the vertical direction by an elevating part. A game device that realizes a game is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 6017644

In such a prize acquisition game machine, when a player starts a game for prize acquisition, the upper end of the prize and the lower end of the grip portion are close to each other depending on the vertical position of the field, and the prize or the field And the grip portion may interfere with each other and the smooth movement of the grip portion may be hindered.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a prize acquisition game machine capable of preventing interference between a prize or a field and a grip portion at the start of a game, and a control method thereof.

In order to achieve this object, the present invention has a field having a prize placing surface on which the prize is placed, an elevating part for moving the field in the vertical direction, and a gripping part for gripping the prize on the field. A prize acquisition game machine having a prize acquisition unit that moves a grip portion on the field based on a player's operation input to acquire a prize, and a control unit that controls the operation of the elevating unit and the prize acquisition unit. In the control unit, regardless of the player's operation, the control unit restricts the movement of the grip portion by the prize acquisition unit until a predetermined start condition is satisfied, or the prize acquisition unit moves the grip portion in a direction away from the field. It is characterized by.

Here, it is preferable that the detection unit is provided with a detection unit for detecting the vertical position of the prize mounting surface, and the detection unit detects that the vertical position of the prize mounting surface is lower than the predetermined position under the above-mentioned start condition.

Further, it is assumed that a timekeeping unit is provided, the control unit controls the field to move up and down periodically, and the above-mentioned start condition is the time elapsed by the timekeeping unit, which causes the control unit to move the field up and down. good.

Further, it is preferable to provide a notification means for notifying the player that the operation of the prize acquisition unit is restricted when the detection unit detects that the vertical position of the prize mounting surface is equal to or higher than a predetermined position.

Further, the first vertical movement range of the field by the elevating part during the prize acquisition operation by the prize acquisition unit and the second vertical movement range of the field by the elevating part other than the prize acquisition operation by the prize acquisition unit are obtained. It may be set in advance and the control unit may move the field up and down by the elevating unit within these first and second vertical movement ranges. At this time, it is further preferable to set the upper limit of the second vertical movement range higher than the upper limit of the first vertical movement range.

Then, it has an input unit that accepts the operation input output from the information processing terminal, and the prize acquisition unit moves the grip unit on the field based on the operation input accepted by the input unit to acquire the prize. Good to do.

Further, the present invention has a field having a prize placing surface on which the prize is placed, an elevating part for moving the field in the vertical direction, and a gripping part for gripping the prize on the field, and can be used as an operation input of the player. Based on this, it is a control method of a prize acquisition game machine having a prize acquisition unit that moves a grip portion on the field to perform an operation for acquiring a prize, and a predetermined start condition is satisfied regardless of the operation of the player. It is characterized in that the movement of the grip portion by the prize acquisition portion is restricted until the prize acquisition portion is obtained, or the grip portion is moved in a direction away from the field by the prize acquisition portion.

In such a prize acquisition game machine of the present invention, the control unit restricts the movement of the grip portion by the prize acquisition unit or is gripped by the prize acquisition unit until a predetermined start condition is satisfied, regardless of the operation input of the player. Move the part away from the field.

Due to the above configuration, by appropriately setting the predetermined start conditions, the movement of the grip portion is restricted or the movement of the grip portion is restricted until a sufficient vertical distance between the prize or the field and the grip portion can be secured at the start of the game. The prize acquisition portion allows the grip portion to be moved in a direction away from the field. This makes it possible to prevent the prize or field from interfering with the grip portion at the start of the game.

Here, a detection unit for detecting the vertical position of the prize mounting surface is provided, and the above-mentioned start condition is determined because the detection unit detects that the vertical position of the prize mounting surface is below a predetermined position. By appropriately setting this predetermined position, the movement of the grip portion is restricted until a sufficient vertical distance between the prize or the field and the grip portion can be secured at the start of the game, or the grip portion is restricted by the prize acquisition portion. Can be moved in a direction away from the field. This makes it possible to more appropriately prevent interference between the prize or the field and the grip portion at the start of the game.

In addition, a timekeeping unit is provided, and the control unit controls the field to move up and down periodically, and the above-mentioned start condition is set to the time lapse of a predetermined time by the timekeeping unit, which causes the control unit to move the field up and down. Therefore, by appropriately setting this predetermined time, the movement of the grip portion is restricted until the vertical distance between the prize or the field and the grip portion can be sufficiently secured at the start of the game, or the prize acquisition unit controls the movement of the grip portion. The grip can be moved in a direction away from the field. This makes it possible to more appropriately prevent interference between the prize or the field and the grip portion at the start of the game.

Further, when the detection unit detects that the vertical position of the prize mounting surface is equal to or higher than a predetermined position, it is provided with a notification means for notifying the player that the operation of the prize acquisition unit is restricted, so that the prize is provided at the start of the game. It is possible to notify the player in a timely manner that the operation of the acquisition unit is restricted, and the player can be appropriately introduced into the game.

Further, the first vertical movement range of the field by the elevating part during the prize acquisition operation by the prize acquisition unit and the second vertical movement range of the field by the elevating part other than the prize acquisition operation by the prize acquisition unit are obtained. Since it is set in advance and the control unit moves the field up and down by the elevating unit within these first and second vertical movement ranges, the field can be moved up and down even when the prize acquisition unit does not acquire the prize. , It is possible to perform an interesting production for a player in the vicinity of a prize acquisition game machine.

In particular, by setting the upper limit of the second vertical movement range higher than the upper limit of the first vertical movement range, the player can further feel the expectation of the prize acquisition, and the player in the vicinity of the prize acquisition game machine can feel it. On the other hand, it is possible to perform a more interesting production.

Then, it has an input unit that accepts the operation input output from the information processing terminal, and the prize acquisition unit moves the grip unit on the field based on the operation input accepted by the input unit to acquire the prize. Since it is performed, it is possible to realize a game in various modes.

Further, according to the control method of the prize acquisition game machine of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the prize or the field from interfering with the grip portion at the start of the game.

It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the main body part of the prize acquisition game machine which is an embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware composition of the elevating part of the prize acquisition game machine which is an embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the prize acquisition game machine which is an embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation of the prize acquisition game machine which is an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the positional relationship between the gripping part and a prize in the prize acquisition game machine which is an embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of the positional relationship between the grip part and a prize in the prize acquisition game machine which is an embodiment.

The prize acquisition game machine of the present invention uses a crane mechanism and an XY stage as a prize acquisition unit, and the crane mechanism is moved based on a player's operation input to aim to acquire a prize placed on the field (a game machine that aims to acquire a prize placed on the field. An embodiment of the present invention applied to a so-called crane game machine) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a main body of a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The game machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a main body portion 2 including a prize acquisition section, and an elevating section 3 connected to the main body section 2 via a communication circuit.

First, various mechanisms included in the game machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 as appropriate.

The game machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a housing 4, and in the housing 4, a field 40 having a prize mounting surface 40a on which a prize is placed and an ascending / descending field 40 are moved up and down. A unit 3 (see FIGS. 5 and 6 in each case) is housed.

A crane mechanism 10 and an XY stage 12 for moving the crane mechanism 10 substantially horizontally in the housing 4 are provided on the upper part of the housing 4. In the present embodiment, the crane mechanism 10, the XY stage 12, and the control board constitute a prize acquisition portion, and the crane mechanism 10 constitutes a grip portion.

The XY stage 12 is a linear motion stage whose operation is controlled by a control board based on an operation input instruction of a player, and is realized by, for example, a gantry type stage. The XY stage 12 includes a pair of X-axis rails 12a (see FIGS. 5 and 6) provided along the left-right direction of the housing 4, and an X-axis slider (not shown) that can move the upper part of each of the X-axis rails 12a. And have.

The X-axis slider is a relative position of the X-axis direction drive motor 12x that drives the X-axis slider with respect to the X-axis rail 12a by electronic control of the control board and the X-axis slider with respect to a predetermined reference position of the X-axis rail 12a. Is provided with a crane position sensor 31 for detecting the above. The crane position sensor 31 is realized by, for example, a rotary encoder, a distance sensor, a rotation sensor of gears and pulleys included in the X-axis direction drive motor 12x, and the like.

Further, the XY stage 12 has a Y-axis rail 12b (see FIGS. 5 and 6) spanned by the X-axis slider along the depth direction of the housing 4, and a schematic diagram movable along the Y-axis rail 12b. Further has a Y-axis slider. Like the X-axis slider, the Y-axis slider has a Y-axis direction drive motor 12y and a crane position sensor 31, and can be slidably moved with respect to a predetermined reference position of the Y-axis rail 12b under the control of the control board.

The crane mechanism 10 has a crane base 10a incorporating an elevating motor 10e and an opening / closing motor 10f. The crane base 10a is suspended and fixed from an X-axis slider, and the crane head 10b is lifted and controlled by electronic control of a control board, and the prize gripping arm 10c provided on the crane head 10b is opened and closed.

The crane mechanism 10 is moved to a desired upper position of the field 40 by the XY stage 12 in response to an operation input instruction of the player. Then, when the movement operation is completed, the operation is controlled so that the crane head 10b is lowered toward the field 40 with the prize gripping arm 10c open in response to the operation input instruction of the player.

If the descent motion control is performed, the crane mechanism 10 is gripped so as to close the prize gripping arm 10c, and then the crane head 10b is pulled up so as to be pulled up above the field 40. If the prize can be gripped well when the prize gripping arm 10c is closed, the prize will be won. That is, a series of controls from the descent motion control to the gripping motion control and the pulling motion control is the prize acquisition motion control in the present embodiment.

Then, after the acquisition operation is controlled, the crane mechanism 10 is moved above the prize drop port 7 provided in the housing 4, and the release operation is controlled so as to open the prize gripping arm 10c.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an operation table 13 is provided so as to project forward from the housing 4 on the front portion of the game machine 1. The operation table 13 is provided with a coin insertion slot 14 for inserting coins as consideration for game play, a point display panel 15, and an operation joystick 16 for inputting game operations.

The coins inserted from the coin slot 14 are detected and stored by the coin computer (not shown) built in the operation table 13. A coin calculator is a device that outputs a detection signal to a control board when a coin is inserted, and is also called a coin counter or the like. The coin slot 14 and the coin calculator can be replaced with a prepaid card or credit card insertion slot and a reader / writer device for those cards. Of course, both may be installed side by side.

In the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a player inserts a coin preset as a game consideration, a predetermined value of "play points" required for game play is given. The point display panel 15 is a means for displaying the current balance of play points, which is realized by, for example, a 7-segment display or a liquid crystal display, and is displayed and controlled by a control board.

In the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the crane mechanism 10 is moved from the home position of the XY stage 12 (for example, above the prize drop port 7) to a desired position in the field 40, and the prize is acquired by the crane mechanism 10. It is a game rule to play aiming at.

Therefore, the operation table 13 is provided with an operation joystick 16 configured to be tiltable in two directions of the left-right direction and the depth direction of the housing 4 in order to determine the target position where the crane mechanism 10 descends. The joystick 16 detects a Y-axis direction movement switch 33a that detects the inclination of the housing 4 in the depth direction and moves the crane mechanism 10 in the depth direction of the housing 4, and detects an inclination of the housing 4 in the left-right direction. It has an X-axis direction movement switch 33b for moving the crane mechanism 10 in the left-right direction of the housing 4.

Further, the operation table 13 is provided with an operation start button 17 for instructing the start of descent of the crane mechanism 10 to open and close the prize gripping arm 10c, and the operation start button 17 is an operation start for detecting the pressing of the button 17. It is equipped with a switch 33c.

More specifically, the XY stage 12 maintains the crane mechanism 10 in a predetermined home position at the beginning of the game. From there, the movement of the crane mechanism 10 by the XY stage 12 is started in response to the operation of the operation joystick 16, and when the operation joystick 16 is released, the movement by the XY stage 12 is stopped.

Then, when the operation start button 17 is pressed and the operation start switch 33c detects this pressing, the crane mechanism 10 automatically performs the acquisition operation. That is, the operation is controlled so that (1) the crane mechanism 10 descends with the prize gripping arm 10c open, (2) closes the prize gripping arm 10c when it descends to a predetermined position, and (3) rises again.

Further, (4) the XY stage 12 is automatically controlled so as to move the crane mechanism 10 directly above the prize drop port 7, and (5) when the crane mechanism 10 reaches directly above the prize drop port 7, the prize gripping arm 10c of the crane mechanism 10 is pressed. The XY stage 12 is controlled so as to release the prize that has been opened and gripped, and (6) return the crane mechanism 10 to the initial position.

The mechanism for instructing the operation of the XY stage 12 and the crane mechanism 10 is not limited to that of the present embodiment, and may be appropriately set according to the game rules. For example, the operation joystick 16 may be replaced with a Y-axis direction movement button and an X-axis direction movement button, or the operation start button 17 may be omitted and the crane mechanism 10 is automatically operated when the operation of the operation joystick 16 is completed. May be good. Further, a lever, a dial, a touch panel, or the like may be used.

Further, the game machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a motion sensor 32 for detecting the presence of a player in front of the game machine 1. As an example, the motion sensor 32 radiates infrared rays in front of the game machine 1 and detects whether or not a player is present by detecting the reflected infrared rays.

Returning to FIG. 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 20 and various IC memories such as a RAM 21 and a ROM 22 are mounted on a control board (not shown) of the main body 2. The CPU 20 controls the operation of the main body 2 of the game machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The RAM 21 is used as a work memory when the main body 2 is controlled by the CPU 20, and various data and the like are temporarily stored. A program such as firmware used for controlling the operation of the main body 2 is stored in the ROM 22, and when the power of the game machine 1 is turned on and the operation of the CPU 20 starts, this program is read out and executed by the CPU 20. The operation of the main body 2 is controlled. In the present embodiment, the control unit is composed of the CPU 20, the RAM 21, the ROM 22, and the like.

These CPUs 20 and the like are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit 23, and are connected so as to be able to read / write data and send / receive signals. Further, the bus circuit 23 has a coin detection device 30, a crane position sensor 31, a motion sensor 32, a Y-axis direction movement switch 33a and an X-axis direction movement switch 33b, and an operation start switch via an I / O interface circuit 24. The 33c, the XY stage driver 34, the crane driver 35, and the point display panel driver 36 are connected.

The "driver" referred to here is an electronic element and a circuit capable of generating and outputting a control signal for driving and controlling a target display element, a driving element such as a motor, etc., according to a control signal of the CPU 20. ..

The I / O interface circuit 24 is a circuit that relays signals with various input / output units. For example, it may include a plurality of types of I / O interface ICs that generate signals according to the specifications of the connected input / output unit.

The coin detection device 30 is a device that accepts payment for game play. In the example of FIG. 1, a coin calculator corresponds to this, but if a prepaid card, a credit card, or electronic money is accepted as a means of payment for consideration, it may be a reader / writer device for a card as a recording medium thereof.

As described above, the crane position sensor 31 detects the current coordinates of the X-axis slider and the Y-axis slider with respect to the reference position of the XY stage 12. As described above, the motion sensor 32 detects the presence of the player in front of the game machine 1. The Y-axis direction movement switch 33a and the X-axis direction movement switch 33b detect the inclination of the operation joystick 16 in the depth direction and the left-right direction. Then, the operation start switch 33c detects the pressing of the operation start button 17, as described above.

The XY stage driver 34 generates drive signals for the X-axis direction drive motor 12x and the Y-axis direction drive motor 12y mounted on the X-axis slider and the Y-axis slider, respectively.

Further, the crane driver 35 generates a drive signal for the elevating motor 10e of the crane head 10b of the crane mechanism 10 and the opening / closing motor 10f of the prize gripping arm 10c. The point display panel driver 36 causes the point display panel 15 to display the balance of play points.

Further, a communication unit 37 that communicates with the elevating unit 3 is connected to the bus circuit 23. The CPU 20 sends a signal instructing the vertical movement of the field 40 by the elevating unit 3 to the elevating unit 3 via the communication unit 37, and receives a signal from the elevating unit 3 that detects the vertical position of the field 40. ..

The arithmetic element mounted on the control board is not limited to the CPU 20, and may be configured to include various microprocessors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) as appropriate. Further, the configuration may include an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The IC memory of the RAM 21 and the ROM 22 may also include a RAM for a specific purpose such as a VRAM, a flash memory, and the like as appropriate.

Next, the elevating device of the game machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 2 and FIGS. 5 and 6. The elevating device according to the present embodiment includes a field 40 and an elevating unit 3 that moves the field 40 in the vertical direction and adjusts the vertical position thereof.

As shown in FIG. 5, the field 40 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and a rectangular notch 40b is formed at a position facing the prize drop opening 7. The prize P is mounted on the prize mounting surface 40a, which is the upper surface of the field 40.

The elevating portion 3 is attached to a substantially rectangular base plate 41 and the lower surface of the field 40 in the drawing, and the support portion of the drawing that supports the field 40 from below and the support portion up and down with respect to the base plate 41. It has a link mechanism 42 that movably supports the link mechanism 42, and a drive unit 43 that operates the link mechanism 42.

The drive unit 43 is installed on the base plate 41, and the lower end of the link mechanism 42 is slid along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 41 to operate the link mechanism 42, whereby the field 40 is moved up and down to its vertical position. To adjust.

The specific configuration of the drive unit 43 is arbitrary, but as an example, in this embodiment, the stepping motor 43a, which is an elevating motor, and the stepping motor 43a projecting forward to the left in the figure and being rotationally driven by the stepping motor 43a. A linear actuator having a ball screw 43b whose protruding position can be adjusted is used. The drive unit 43 is attached to the base plate 41 so that the longitudinal direction of the ball screw 43b extends along the longitudinal direction of the base plate 41.

Further, the elevating unit 3 has a height sensor 55 (detection unit: not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) including an optical sensor or the like that detects the vertical position of the field 40 by detecting the lower end position of the link mechanism 42.

Returning to FIG. 2, on the control board (not shown) of the elevating unit 3, the CPU 50 and various IC memories such as the RAM 51 and the ROM 52 are mounted on the control board of the elevating unit 3 as in the main body unit 2. The CPU 50 controls the operation of the elevating unit 3 of the game machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The RAM 51 is used as a work memory when the CPU 50 controls the elevating unit 3, and various data and the like are temporarily stored. A program such as firmware used for controlling the operation of the elevating unit 3 is stored in the ROM 52, and when the power of the game machine 1 is turned on and the operation of the CPU 50 starts, this program is read out and executed by the CPU 50. The operation of the elevating unit 3 is controlled.

These CPUs 50 and the like are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit 53, and are connected so as to be able to read / write data and send / receive signals. Further, the height sensor 55 and the elevating motor 43a are connected to the bus circuit 53 via the I / O interface circuit 54. Further, a communication unit 56 that communicates with the main body unit 2 is connected to the bus circuit 53.

Next, the operation of the game machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4.

By turning on the power switch (not shown) and supplying power to the control boards of the main body 2 and the elevating unit 3, the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 starts. First, in step S1, the initialization operation of the main body portion 2 and the elevating portion 3 is performed. The initialization operation referred to here is that the firmware and the like stored in the ROMs 22 and 52 are read out and the operation control by the CPUs 20 and 50 is started, and further, the bus circuits 23 and 53 and the I / O interface circuits 24 and 54 are started. Initialization of the above, initialization of various circuits connected to the bus circuits 23, 53, I / O interface circuits 24, 54, operation confirmation, and the like are included.

Next, in step S2, it is determined whether or not the game is being played by the game machine 1, and if it is determined that the game is being played (YES in step S2). , The program proceeds to step S3, and if it is determined that the game has not been performed (NO in step S2), the program proceeds to step S5.

Here, "the game is being played by the game machine 1" in step S2 means that the player has inserted coins into the coin slot 14 at the time when step S2 is executed. The detection device 30 has detected, and further, there is still a balance of predetermined values of "play points" required for game play.

In step S3, the CPU 20 sets itself so that the CPU 20 does not accept the detection output from the motion sensor 32 (disable state), and then in step S4, the CPU 20 moves the elevating unit 3 via the communication units 37 and 56. A drive command is sent, and the elevating unit 3 causes the field 40 to perform a game mode operation.

Here, the game mode operation is a mode operation in which the field 40 is continuously moved up and down by the elevating unit 3 as in the attract mode operation described later, but it is more than the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the attract mode operation. This mode is set to narrow the vertical movement range. More specifically, the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation is set lower than the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the attract mode operation.

During the game mode operation in step S4, as described above, the player operates the operation joystick 16 by appropriately tilting it in the width direction and the depth direction of the housing 4, and further presses the operation start button 17 appropriately to operate the crane mechanism 10. And the XY stage 12 is operated, and the prize acquisition operation on the field 40 is performed. Therefore, since it is expected that the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the game mode operation affects the difficulty level of the player's prize acquisition, the vertical movement range is set narrow. Of course, the difficulty level can be adjusted by the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the game mode operation, so that the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the game mode operation must be narrower than the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the attract mode operation. do not have.

During the game mode operation in step S4, the CPU 20 issues a drive command for the elevating unit 3 via the communication units 37 and 56 so that the speed at which the field 40 is lowered is faster than the speed at which the field 40 is raised. The reason for making the vertical movement speed of the field 40 different in this way is as follows.

When the field 40 is descended, the prize gripping arm 10c moves in a direction away from the prize P, so that the player is likely to determine that the prize P is difficult to obtain. Therefore, it is considered unlikely that the player operates the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 to perform the prize P acquisition operation when the field 40 is descending.

On the other hand, when the field 40 is ascended, the prize gripping arm 10c moves in a direction close to the prize P, so that the player is likely to determine that the prize P is easy to obtain. Therefore, it is highly probable that the player operates the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 to perform the prize P acquisition operation when the field 40 is ascending.

Therefore, by making the ascending speed of the field 40 slower than the descending speed and further increasing the expectation of the prize P acquisition that the player feels, it is possible to realize an interesting game by the game machine 1. On the other hand, regarding the descent operation of the field 40 in which the player is unlikely to perform the prize P acquisition operation, the time required for the descent operation is shortened as much as possible, in other words, the descent speed is increased so that the field during one game play is performed. It is possible to take a long time for the ascending motion of 40 to be performed, and from this point as well, it is possible to realize an interesting game by the game machine 1.

When the game mode operation in step S4 elapses for a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds to 60 seconds, it is assumed that one game play is completed, and the program returns to step S2.

Next, in step S5, it is determined whether or not the game play has just ended. In other words, it is determined whether or not the game mode operation shown in step S4 is performed for a predetermined time, the game play is completed, and the balance of play points is almost exhausted. If it is determined that the gameplay has just ended (YES in step S5), the program shifts to step S6, not immediately after the gameplay has ended, in other words, the gameplay has ended and is equivalent. If it is determined that the time has elapsed (NO in step S5), the program proceeds to step S10.

In step S6, as in the game mode operation in step S4, to be exact, since it is immediately after the end of the game play, the CPU 20 is driven to continuously move the field 40 up and down by the elevating unit 3 continuously from the game mode operation. Send a command. As a result, the field 40 is continuously and continuously moved up and down.

When the vertical movement of the field 40 by the elevating unit 3 is reciprocated once, the program shifts to step S7. In step S7, it is determined whether or not the vertical movement of the field 40 by the elevating unit 3 is reciprocated three times after the end of the game mode operation, and if it is determined that the field 40 reciprocates three times (YES in step S7), the program is determined. If it is determined in step S8 that the field 40 has not yet made three round trips (less than three round trips) (NO in step S7), the program proceeds to step S9.

The number of reciprocating movements of the field 40 by the elevating unit 3 may be performed by a counter built in the CPU 20 or the CPU 50.

In step S8, the number of reciprocating movements of the field 40 by the elevating unit 3 is cleared. After that, the program returns to step S2. On the other hand, in step S9, the number of reciprocating movements of the field 40 by the elevating unit 3 is added by one. After that, the program returns to step S6.

Next, in step S10, the CPU 20 sets itself so that the CPU 20 can accept (enable state) the detection output from the motion sensor 32.

In step S11, the motion sensor 32 determines whether or not a player is present in front of the game machine 1, and if it is determined that the player is present (YES in step S11), the CPU 20 is the communication unit 37 in step S12. , 56 sends a drive command for the elevating unit 3, and the elevating unit 3 causes the field 40 to perform an attract mode operation. Here, the attract mode operation is an opportunity to continuously move the field 40 up and down by the elevating unit 3 to draw the attention of the player who seems to be in front of the game machine 1 and to make the player play the game machine 1. It is a mode operation that creates.

At this time, the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the attract mode operation is set wider than the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the game mode operation as described above, and it is considered that the field 40 is in front of the game machine 1. It attracts the player's attention more, and the field 40 moves up and down greatly, which further raises the expectation of the player to win the prize, and as a result, it is possible to further create an opportunity for the player to play the game machine 1. .. More specifically, the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the attract mode operation is set higher than the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation.

In parallel with the attraction mode operation of the field 40 being performed by the elevating unit 3, it is determined in step S13 whether or not the game is being played by the game machine 1, and the game is played. If it is determined that the game is in progress (YES in step S13), the program proceeds to step S14, and if it is determined that the game is not being played (NO in step S13), the program proceeds to step S18. Transition.

Here, "the game being played by the game machine 1" in step S13 means that the player has inserted coins into the coin slot 14 at the time when step S13 is executed. The detection device 30 is detecting. That is, since it is impossible that the balance of the predetermined value of "play points" required for game play is still present at the time when step S13 is executed, only the presence or absence of coin insertion is a determination condition.

In step S14, the CPU 20 is instructed by the height sensor 55 to detect the current height of the field 40 of the elevating unit 3 via the communication units 37 and 56 while continuing the vertical movement of the field in the attract mode operation. I do. Then, the CPU 50 of the elevating unit 3 transmits the current height of the field 40 detected by the height sensor 55 to the main body unit 2, and the CPU 20 acquires the height of the field 40 transmitted from the elevating unit 3. ..

In step S15, it is determined whether or not the height of the field 40 acquired in step S14 is above the upper limit of the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the game mode operation, and the height of the field 40 is the vertical movement in the game mode operation. If it is determined that the height is above the upper limit of the moving range (YES in step S15), the program proceeds to step S16, and the height of the field 40 is equal to or less than the upper limit of the vertical moving range in the game mode operation (NO in step S15). ), The program proceeds to step S17.

The reason for determining the relationship between the height of the field 40 and the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation in step S15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

In the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the field 40 is moved up and down by the elevating unit 3. Therefore, depending on the vertical position of the field 40, there is a possibility that the prize gripping arm 10c and the prize P of the crane mechanism 10 and the prize gripping arm 10c and the field 40 may interfere with each other. In particular, as described above, the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the attract mode operation is set wider than the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the game mode operation, so that the prize gripping arm 10c and the prize P or the field 40 can be used. More likely to interfere.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the lower end position of the prize gripping arm 10c (indicated by the dotted line A in the figure) is lower than the upper end position of the prize P (indicated by the dotted line B in the figure), the game mode operation is performed in this state. When the prize acquisition operation by the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 starts, the prize gripping arm 10c may come into contact with the prize P and affect the smooth movement of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12. ..

Therefore, by setting the vertical position of the field 40 to at least the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper end position of the prize P (indicated by the dotted line B in the figure) or the upper end of the field 40. The position can be set lower than the lower end position of the prize gripping arm 10c (indicated by the dotted line A in the figure), whereby the smooth movement of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 can be ensured.

In order to ensure the above operation, the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation is set in consideration of the length of the prize gripping arm 10c, the size of the prize P, the ease of obtaining the prize, and the like. Set by the operator.

Returning to step S16, the CPU 20 issues a command to lower the position of the field 40 to the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation via the communication units 37 and 56.

Here, since the field 40 continues to move up and down in step S16, if the field 40 is descending at the time of step S16, the vertical position of the field 40 is the vertical movement range in the game mode operation. The CPU 20 stops the operation of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 until the upper limit is reached.

More specifically, even if the operation joystick 16 is tilted by the player to turn on the Y-axis direction movement switch 33a and the X-axis direction movement switch 33b, the operation start button 17 is pressed to turn on the operation start switch 33c. However, the CPU 20 performs a process of not accepting such an on signal. From the player's point of view, it can be determined that such processing is simply the start processing of the prize acquisition operation by the game machine 1 (start waiting operation).

On the other hand, if the field 40 is raised at the time of step S16, the CPU 20 immediately instructs the elevating unit 3 to lower the field 40, and the vertical position of the field 40 becomes the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation. Until then, the operation of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 may be stopped, or the field 40 may be raised to the upper limit of the vertical movement range of the field 40 in the attract mode operation, and then the vertical position of the field 40 is the game mode operation. The operation of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 may be stopped while instructing the field 40 to be lowered to the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the above.

Even in this case, from the viewpoint of the player, it can be determined that such processing is simply the start processing of the prize acquisition operation by the game machine 1 (start waiting operation).

In step S17, the CPU 20 issues a command to set the upper limit of the vertical movement range of the field 40 to the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation via the communication units 37 and 56.

Then, when the processing of any one of steps S16 and S17 is completed, the program returns to step S3.

In step S18, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a predetermined time, for example, 5 minutes has elapsed since the attract mode operation in step S12 was started, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S18), the program. Returns to step S3, and if it is determined that the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (NO in step S18), the program returns to step S13.

As described above, in the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, when shifting from the attract mode operation to the game mode operation, the height sensor 55 detects the height of the field 40, and the height of the field 40 is the height of the game. When it is above the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the mode operation, the operation of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 is stopped until the height of the field 40 becomes equal to or less than the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation.

That is, the operation of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 is stopped until a sufficient vertical distance between the prize P or the field 40 and the prize gripping arm 10c can be secured at the start of the game mode operation. It is possible to prevent the prize P or the field 40 from interfering with the prize gripping arm 10c at the start of the operation.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments and examples, and the design changes to the extent that the gist of the present invention is not deviated. Is included in the present invention.

As an example, in the prize acquisition game machine according to the above-described embodiment, the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 are stopped until the height of the field 40 reaches the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation. However, the prize gripping arm 10c, which is an example of the gripping portion, may be raised, that is, moved in a direction away from the field 40.

Further, in the prize acquisition game machine according to the above-described embodiment, the operation of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 is performed until the height of the field 40 detected by the height sensor 55 reaches the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation. However, a predetermined time may be timed by a timer unit (timekeeping unit) provided in the CPU 20, and the operations of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 may be stopped until the timekeeping is completed. This predetermined time may be set based on the vertical movement cycle of the field 40, and is preferably set to a predetermined time in which the vertical position of the field 40 is surely equal to or less than the upper limit of the vertical movement range in the game mode operation.

Further, in the prize acquisition game machine according to the above-described embodiment, a notification means may be provided to notify the player that the operation of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 is stopped. As an example of such a notification means, while the operation of the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 is stopped, the lamp attached to the operation start button 17 is turned off to indicate that the game mode operation is not performed. A panel with the words "Wait a minute" is provided on the operation table 13, and the panel is illuminated from behind with a lamp while the crane mechanism 10 and the XY stage 12 are stopped.

The prize acquisition game machine according to the above-described embodiment is provided with various mechanisms (operation joystick 16, operation start button 17) in which the player instructs the prize acquisition operation. Instead of these various mechanisms, the player It is equipped with an input unit that can communicate (whether wired or wireless) with an information processing terminal that has a communication function such as a smartphone or PC owned by the company, and the input unit inputs the operation input of the prize acquisition operation from this information processing terminal through the network. You may accept and perform a prize acquisition operation by the prize acquisition unit based on this operation input.

As described above, the prize acquisition game machine of the present invention can perform the prize acquisition operation not only based on the operation input from various mechanisms included in the game machine but also based on the operation input input from outside the game machine. As a result, it is possible to realize a prize acquisition game in a wide variety of modes.

P prize 1 prize acquisition game machine (game machine)
2 Main body 3 Elevating part 4 Housing 7 Free gift drop port 10 Crane mechanism 10c Free gift gripping arm 12 XY stage 16 Operation joystick 17 Operation start button 20, 50 CPU
21, 51 RAM
22, 52 ROM
32 Motion sensor 33a Y-axis direction movement switch 33b X-axis direction movement switch 33c Operation start switch 37 Communication unit 40 Field 40a Prize mounting surface 43 Drive unit 43a Stepping motor (elevating motor)
55 height sensor

Claims (8)

A field with a prize placement surface on which the prize is placed,
An elevating part that moves the field up and down,
A prize acquisition unit having a grip portion for gripping the prize on the field and moving the grip portion based on an operation input of a player to perform an operation for acquiring the prize.
In a prize acquisition game machine having a control unit that controls the operation of the elevating unit and the prize acquisition unit.
The first vertical movement range of the field by the elevating part during the prize acquisition operation by the prize acquisition unit, and the second of the field by the elevating part other than the time when the prize acquisition unit does not acquire the prize. The vertical movement range is set in advance, and the control unit moves the field up and down by the elevating unit within the first and second vertical movement ranges.
A prize-winning game machine featuring that. Regardless of the operation input of the player, the control unit restricts the movement of the grip portion by the prize acquisition unit until a predetermined start condition is satisfied, or the prize acquisition unit separates the grip portion from the field. Move in the direction to make
The prize acquisition game machine according to claim 1. It has a detection unit that detects the vertical position of the prize mounting surface.
The prize acquisition game machine according to claim 2 , wherein the start condition is that the detection unit detects that the vertical position of the prize mounting surface is below a predetermined position. Has a timekeeping part,
The control unit controls to move the field up and down periodically.
The prize acquisition game machine according to claim 2 , wherein the start condition is a time lapse of a predetermined time by the timekeeping unit, which causes the control unit to move the field up and down. It is characterized by having a notification means for notifying the player that the operation of the prize acquisition unit is restricted when the detection unit detects that the vertical position of the prize mounting surface is equal to or higher than the predetermined position. The prize acquisition game machine according to claim 3 . The prize acquisition game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper limit of the second vertical movement range is set higher than the upper limit of the first vertical movement range. It has an input unit that accepts the operation input output from the information processing terminal.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the prize acquisition unit moves the grip portion based on the operation input received by the input unit to perform an operation for acquiring the prize. Prize acquisition game machine. A field with a prize placement surface on which the prize is placed,
An elevating part that moves the field up and down,
A prize acquisition game machine having a grip portion for gripping the prize on the field, and having a prize acquisition unit that moves the grip portion based on an operation input of a player to perform an operation for acquiring the prize. It is a control method of
The first vertical movement range of the field by the elevating part during the prize acquisition operation by the prize acquisition unit, and the second of the field by the elevating part other than the time when the prize acquisition unit does not acquire the prize. The vertical movement range is set in advance, and the field is controlled to move up and down by the elevating unit within the first and second vertical movement ranges.
A method of controlling a prize-winning game machine , which is characterized by this.

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