JP7409549B1 - Prize acquisition game device and arm adjustment method of prize acquisition game device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To make it easier to adjust the degree of opening of an arm. A prize acquisition game device according to the present invention is a prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which a prize is acquired by opening and closing operations of a plurality of arms in a storage space for storing prizes, the device comprising: In a situation where the player is not playing a prize acquisition game, if the operator matches the size between the arms to the size of the prize, the corresponding The device includes a determining unit that determines the degree of opening of the arm in the state, and an arm control unit that controls the opening operation of the arm based on the determined degree of opening of the arm. [Selection diagram] Figure 10

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act (1) In-house independent exhibition (private show) Exhibition date: September 21, 2020 - September 22, 2020 Exhibition location: Sammy Corporation Kyushu Office ( (5-7-5 Hakata Ekiminami, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture) (2) Company-only exhibition (private show) Exhibition date: September 26, 2020 - September 28, 2020 Exhibition location: Stocks Company SEGA Head Office (Sumitomo Fudosan Osaki Garden Tower, 1-1-1 Nishi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) (3) Independent exhibition (private show) Exhibition date: September 29, 2020 - September 2020 30th Exhibition location: My Dome Osaka 2F Hall B (2-5 Honmachibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka) (4) Japan Amusement Expo 2023 Exhibition date: February 10, 2020 - February 11, 2020 Exhibition location: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Center (2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture) (5) Location test Implementation date: May 16, 2020 - June 27, 2020 Implementation location: Silk Hat Kawasaki Dice Store (Dice Building B2F, 8 Ekimae Honmachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture) (6) Location test Implementation date: May 16, 2020 - June 27, 2020 Implementation location: Top Hat Kawasaki Mores Store (1st and 2nd floor of Okadaya Mores, 7 Ekimae Honmachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture) (7) Location test Implementation date: May 16, 2020 - June 27, 2020 Implementation location: GIGO Tachikawa store (1st and 2nd floor, Southern Building, 3-2-1 Shibasaki-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo) (8) Shipping date: July 12, 2020, and many others (see list of shipping destinations) Shipping destination: Useland Koshigaya Store (4-2-2 Lake Town, Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture), and many others (shipping list is attached)

The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device and an arm adjustment method for the prize acquisition game device.

2. Description of the Related Art A prize acquisition game device is known that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which prizes are acquired by opening and closing operations of a plurality of arms in a storage space that accommodates prizes (for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 7243886

If the opening size of the arm is smaller than the size of the prize housed in the prize acquisition game device, the arm will not be able to pinch and grasp the prize, and the difficulty of the prize acquisition game will increase. Furthermore, if the opening size of the arm is too large than the size of the prize, the arm can easily pinch the prize, which lowers the difficulty of the prize acquisition game.

Therefore, in the prize acquisition game device of Patent Document 1, an operator (for example, a staff member at an amusement facility) opens the arm in order to adjust the size of the prize in a situation where the player is not playing the prize acquisition game. The intensity can be adjusted.

However, the operator had to look at the prize, estimate the degree to which the arms should open, and determine the degree to which the arms should open while estimating the appropriate size that would suit the prize. As a result, misregistration often occurs, and it is necessary to repeat the operation of adjusting the degree of opening of the arm many times, which is a time-consuming task for the operator.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to facilitate the adjustment of the degree of arm opening.

The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problems is as follows:
A prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which a prize is acquired by opening and closing operations of a plurality of arms in a storage space for storing prizes, the device comprising:
In a situation where the player is not playing a prize acquisition game, if the operator matches the size of the prize to the size between the arms, the corresponding a determining unit that determines the degree of opening of the arm in the state;
an arm control unit that controls an opening operation of the arm based on the determined degree of opening of the arm;
This is a prize acquisition game device characterized by comprising:
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing the configuration of a prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram showing the composition of moving part 50 concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view of a prize acquisition unit 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between an arm section 25 and a drive section 35 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the arm 29 in a closed state. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the arm 29 in a fully open state. It is a flowchart for explaining the adjustment method of the opening degree of an arm concerning this embodiment. It is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 in an initial state in this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a first explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize. FIG. 7 is a second explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize. FIG. 7 is a third explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize. FIG. 7 is a fourth explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize. FIG. 5 is a fifth explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize. It is an image diagram showing a notification screen 600 in this embodiment. FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 after determining the degree of arm opening in this embodiment. FIG. 5 is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 after re-determining the degree of arm opening in this embodiment.

From the description of this specification and the attached drawings, at least the following matters will become clear.
That is, it is a prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which a prize is acquired by opening and closing operations of a plurality of arms in a storage space that stores prizes,
In a situation where the player is not playing a prize acquisition game, if the operator matches the size of the prize to the size between the arms, the corresponding a determining unit that determines the degree of opening of the arm in the state;
an arm control unit that controls an opening operation of the arm based on the determined degree of opening of the arm;
This is a prize acquisition game device characterized by comprising:
According to such a prize acquisition game device, for example, when storing a prize in the storage space, the operator adjusts the size between the arms to match the size of the prize, and in this state, the operator adjusts the size between the arms. By using the detection result of the opening sensor, the degree of opening of the arm corresponding to the prize can be easily determined, making it easier for the operator to adjust the degree of opening of the arm.

Further, such a prize acquisition game device,
The determining unit is configured to determine whether or not the operator manually inserts the prize between the arms or brings the prize closer to the arms without sandwiching the prize when the player is not playing the prize acquisition game. In a case where the size between the arms is set to match the size of the prize, the degree of opening of the arms in this state may be determined based on the detection result by the arm opening degree sensor.
According to such a prize acquisition game device, the operator manually inserts the prize between the arms or brings the prize closer to the arms without sandwiching the prize, thereby adjusting the size of the prize between the arms. By keeping them in the same state and using the detection results of the arm opening sensor in that state, the degree of arm opening corresponding to the prize can be easily determined. It becomes easier to perform adjustment work.

Further, such a prize acquisition game device,
The determination unit determines a reference degree of opening of the arm in the state from the detected value of the arm opening degree sensor, and then determines a corrected degree of opening that is larger than the reference degree of opening;
The arm control unit may control the opening operation of the arm based on the determined corrected opening degree of the arm.
According to such a prize acquisition game device, the operator sets the size between the arms to match the size of the prize, and uses the detected value of the arm opening sensor in that state. It can be determined based on the degree of arm opening (reference degree of opening) when the size of the prize matches the size between the arms. Then, by correcting the size to be larger than the standard, it is possible to determine the degree of arm opening (corrected degree of opening) when the size between the arms becomes larger than the size of the prize. This makes it possible to easily adjust the degree of opening of the arms to easily hold the prize.

Further, such a prize acquisition game device,
The determining unit may determine a reference degree of opening of the arm in the state from the detection value of the arm opening degree sensor, and then automatically determine a corrected degree of opening that is larger than the reference degree of opening.
According to such a prize acquisition game device, since the degree of opening of the arms that makes it easy to pinch the prize is automatically determined, it is possible to save the operator's effort in setting operations.

Further, such a prize acquisition game device,
The determination unit may determine a reference opening degree of the arm in the state from the detected value of the arm opening sensor, and then determine a corrected opening degree that is larger than the reference opening degree in accordance with a setting operation by an operator. good.
According to such a prize acquisition game device, the operator can adjust and determine the degree of opening of the arm that makes it easier to pinch the prize by performing a setting operation.

Further, such a prize acquisition game device,
The determining unit determines the standard opening degree of each arm from the detection value of the arm opening sensor for each arm, and then determines the opening degree of the arm by averaging the standard opening degrees of each arm,
The arm control section may control the opening operation of the arm based on the averaged degree of opening of the arm.
According to such a prize acquisition game device, by averaging the reference degree of opening of each arm, the degree of opening of the arms can be adjusted according to the prize even if the prize is not inserted in the correct center position between the arms. It will be an easy decision.

Further, such a prize acquisition game device,
In a situation where the player is not playing a prize acquisition game, if the arm becomes closed due to the operator manually removing the prize from between the arms, based on the detection result by the arm opening sensor. , it is also possible to include a display control unit that displays the determined degree of opening of the arm on the screen.
According to such a prize acquisition game device, when the operator manually removes the prize from between the arms and the arms are brought into a closed state, the determined degree of opening of the arms can be confirmed on the screen. It becomes like this.

Also, a method for adjusting an arm of a prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which a prize is acquired by opening and closing operations of a plurality of arms in a storage space for storing prizes, the method comprising:
In a situation where the player is not playing a prize acquisition game, the operator adjusts the size between the arms to the size of the prize;
Determining the degree of opening of the arm in the state based on the detection result by the arm opening degree sensor;
controlling the opening operation of the arm based on the determined degree of opening of the arm;
1 is a method of adjusting an arm of a prize acquisition game device having the following.
According to the arm adjustment method of such a prize acquisition game device, the operator sets the size between the arms to match the size of the prize, and uses the detection result of the arm opening sensor in this state. As a result, the degree of opening of the arm corresponding to the prize can be easily determined, making it easier for the operator to adjust the degree of opening of the arm.

===Embodiment===
<<About the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1>>
A configuration example of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is an external view showing the configuration of a prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the moving section 50 according to this embodiment.

In the following description, each direction is defined as shown in each figure. That is, the vertical direction is defined as the "up-down direction", and "up" and "down" are defined according to gravity. Further, the "back and forth direction" is defined as the front side as the "front" and the back side as the "rear" when viewed from the player who plays the game while facing the prize acquisition game device 1. Further, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-back direction is defined as the "left-right direction", and the "right" and "left" are defined based on the perspective of the player.

The prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment is used when a player who has entered an amusement facility plays a prize acquisition game, or when the facility staff (operator) performs setting work for the prize acquisition game, etc. It is equipped with a storage section 10 for storing one or more prizes, and a base section 80 provided below the storage section 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the storage section 10 has a front surface and left and right side surfaces made of a transparent member (for example, transparent resin, glass, etc.) so that the player can visually recognize the prizes stored in the storage space. There is. An opening/closing door 11 is provided at the front of the storage section 10, allowing facility staff to display and replenish prizes. A pillar portion 12 is provided in a square of the housing portion 10.

The storage space surrounded by the storage section 10 is used as a play field for players to play the prize acquisition game. When the pillar portions 12 on both sides of the opening/closing door 11 are made of a mirror-like member or a transparent member, they are not visually noticeable and the play field can be made to look wider.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage unit 10 in this embodiment includes a prize acquisition unit 20 that performs a prize acquisition operation in the storage space, a moving unit 50 that moves the prize acquisition unit 20 in the storage space, and a storage unit 50 that moves the prize acquisition unit 20 in the storage space. It has an exhibition section 60 for displaying prizes in the space.

In this embodiment, a first play area where a player plays a prize acquisition game is formed on the left side of the accommodation space, and a second play area is formed on the right side of the accommodation space. A prize acquisition section 20 and a display section 60 are arranged corresponding to the first play area on the left side and the second play area on the right side, respectively. Therefore, within each play area, each prize acquisition unit 20 is configured to move and acquire the prize displayed in each display unit 60.

The prize acquisition section 20 is a prize acquisition unit that acquires the prize stored in the storage section 10 (the prize displayed in the display section 60) by opening and closing the arm. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the prize acquiring unit 20 in this embodiment is configured to be able to grasp a prize with a plurality of arms 29, and is connected to the lower end of the elevating member 52a.

The moving unit 50 moves the prize acquiring unit 20 within the play field formed by the storage unit 10. The moving section 50 in this embodiment includes a horizontal moving section 51 and a vertical moving section 52, as shown in FIG.

The horizontal movement section 51 moves the prize acquisition section 20 in the horizontal direction (that is, the front-back direction and the left-right direction) on the play field. The horizontal moving section 51 in this embodiment includes a left-right moving section 53 and a back-and-forth moving section 54, as shown in FIG.

The left-right moving section 53 moves the prize acquisition section 20 in the left-right direction on the play field.

As shown in FIG. 3, the left-right moving unit 53 in this embodiment includes a pair of fixed rails 53a extending in the left-right direction, a left-right moving motor 53b, an encoder (not shown), and a limit sensor (not shown). have.

The pair of fixed rails 53a are fixed to the upper part of the housing part 10 so as to be parallel to each other along the left-right direction. A back-and-forth moving section 54 is attached to the pair of fixed rails 53a so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. By driving the left-right movement motor 53b, the back-and-forth moving section 54 can be moved in the left-right direction along the fixed rail 53a.

The encoder detects the rotation speed of the left-right movement motor 53b. Based on the output of this encoder, it is possible to detect the position of the forward/backward moving unit 54 in the left-right direction (that is, the position of the prize acquisition unit 20 in the left-right direction).

The limit sensor is for detecting that the back and forth moving unit 54 has reached the limit position in the left and right direction (that is, that the prize acquisition unit 20 has reached the limit position in the left and right direction).

The back-and-forth moving unit 54 moves the prize acquisition unit 20 in the front-back direction on the play field.

As shown in FIG. 3, the back-and-forth moving unit 54 in this embodiment includes a movable rail 54a extending in the front-back direction, a back-and-forth moving motor 54b, an encoder (not shown), and a limit sensor (not shown). are doing.

A vertical moving section 52 is attached to the movable rail 54a so as to be slidable along the front-rear direction. By driving the longitudinal movement motor 54b, the vertical moving section 52 can be moved in the longitudinal direction along the movable rail 54a.

The encoder detects the rotation speed of the motor 54b for forward and backward movement. Based on the output of this encoder, the position of the vertical moving unit 52 in the front-back direction (that is, the position of the prize acquisition unit 20 in the front-back direction) can be detected.

The limit sensor is for detecting that the vertical moving section 52 has reached the limit position in the front-back direction (that is, that the prize acquisition section 20 has reached the limit position in the front-back direction).

The vertical movement section 52 moves the prize acquisition section 20 in the vertical direction (that is, the vertical direction) on the play field.

As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical movement section 52 in this embodiment includes an elevating member 52a configured to be extendable and retractable along the vertical direction, a wire winding section (not shown), and a vertical movement motor (not shown). , has an upper limit sensor (not shown) and a lower limit sensor (not shown).

The elevating member 52a is configured by slidably fitting a plurality of pipes whose diameters become smaller in order in a telescopic manner. A prize acquisition section 20 is attached to the lower end of the elevating member 52a in a state connected to a wire passing inside the pipe.

The wire winding unit is driven by a vertical movement motor to wind up the wire so as to sequentially store the lower pipes in the upper pipes and raise the prize acquisition unit 20, or to raise the prize acquisition unit 20 by winding the wire back to store the lower pipes in the upper pipes. The prize acquiring section 20 is lowered while sequentially sending out the lower pipes from the top.

The upper limit sensor detects whether or not the prize acquisition section 20 has stopped rising due to winding of the wire connected to the prize acquisition section 20.

The lower limit sensor detects whether or not the prize acquisition section 20 has stopped descending, based on changes in the tension of the wire connected to the prize acquisition section 20.

The display section 60 is for displaying prizes in the storage section 10, and forms the bottom surface of the play field as shown in FIG. The exhibition section 60 in this embodiment has a frame 61 and a plurality of panels 62, as shown in FIG.

The frame 61 is supported inside the base section 80 and is configured to be able to support a plurality of panels 62.

The panel 62 is configured to be able to display prizes on its upper surface, and is supported in a detachable manner with respect to the frame 61.

The arrangement area where the panel 62 is arranged becomes an exhibition area where prizes can be displayed, while the arrangement area where the panel 62 is not arranged becomes an open area through which the prize can pass.

When the prize acquired by the prize acquisition section 20 and dropped passes (falls) through the opening area of the display section 60, it has moved from the play field to the base section 80.

The prize that has fallen from the opening area of the exhibition section 60 is detected by the optical sensor and then guided to the prize outlet 96 by the guide path.

The optical sensor detects the presence or absence of a prize using a light emitting part and a light receiving part installed on the guide route.

The base section 80 is a base portion of the housing provided below the storage section 10, and holds the storage section 10 at a high position so that the player can play the game while standing up and facing forward. It is something.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base section 80 in this embodiment includes an operation section 90, a play fee detection section 93, a prize outlet 96, a setting section 100, a control section 110, and a storage section. It has 120.

The operation unit 90 is used by the player to perform game operations. The operation unit 90 in this embodiment has at least a first button 91 and a second button 92, as shown in FIG. Note that the facility staff can operate the operating section 90 when setting the arm 29, etc.

The first button 91 is an operation button used by the player to move the prize acquisition unit 20 in the left-right direction. The second button 92 is an operation button used by the player to move the prize acquisition section 20 in the front and rear directions.

When the player operates the first button 91 and the second button 92, the prize acquiring section 20 moves in the horizontal direction, and then the stopping position of the prize acquiring section 20 is determined above the targeted prize. When the player releases the second button 92, the prize acquisition section 20 begins to descend at the determined stop position.

The play fee detection unit 93 is for detecting the payment of a play fee by a player. The play fee detection unit 93 in this embodiment includes a coin insertion slot 94, a coin detection sensor (not shown), a coin passage path (not shown), and a coin box (not shown).

In this embodiment, the prize acquisition game is started when the player inserts a predetermined number of coins into the coin slot 94. A coin inserted through the coin slot 94 is detected by a coin detection sensor.

The coin detection sensor is, for example, an optical sensor, and detects the presence or absence of a coin inserted from the coin slot 94 using a light emitting part and a light receiving part installed on the coin currency path. The coins that have passed through the coin currency path in this way are stored in the coin box.

The prize takeout port 96 is provided on the front surface of the base section 80, and is for taking out the fallen prize when the prize acquired by the prize acquiring section 20 falls from the opening area in the display section 60. be.

The setting section 100 is used when a player performs a game operation, or when a facility staff performs a setting operation. The setting section 100 in this embodiment includes a setting operation section 101 and a display section 102, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The setting operation unit 101 is for receiving operation input. The setting operation unit 101 in this embodiment is configured by a touch panel, and receives an input instruction from an operator from a pressed position.

The touch panel is stacked on the display unit 102, and when a touch operation is performed on the screen, the pressed position (contact position) is detected based on the change in capacitance between the fingertip and the conductive film. I can do it.

The display unit 102 displays various screens such as a game screen and a setting screen. The display unit 102 in this embodiment is configured by a liquid crystal display.

The control section 110 is provided inside the base section 80 and is a control unit for controlling the prize acquisition game device 1 as a whole. The control unit 110 in this embodiment is realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a predetermined memory.

The CPU is an arithmetic processing unit that controls the entire game device. The memory is for securing an area for storing programs of the CPU, a work area, etc., and has a storage element such as a RAM.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 110 in this embodiment includes a determination unit 110a, a storage unit 110b, a game control unit 110c, and a display control unit 110d.

The determining unit 110a performs various controls related to determining the setting contents of the prize acquisition game. The determining unit 110a in this embodiment determines the degree of arm opening as an example of determining the setting contents.

The storage unit 110b performs various controls related to saving the settings of the prize acquisition game. The storage unit 110b in this embodiment stores the degree of arm opening determined by the determination unit 110a in the storage unit 120 as an example of storage of setting contents.

The game control unit 110c performs various controls regarding the prize acquisition game. The game control unit 110c in this embodiment also functions as an arm control unit, and controls the opening operation of the arm according to the degree of arm opening stored by the storage unit 110b.

The display control unit 110d controls the screen display of the display unit 102. The display control unit 110d in this embodiment causes the display unit 102 to display a notification screen for informing the facility staff of the degree of arm opening determined by the determination unit 110a.

The storage unit 120 is a storage unit that stores programs and data for the control unit 110 to control the entire prize acquisition game device 1 . This embodiment includes a storage element such as a ROM, which is a read-only storage area.

The storage unit 120 in this embodiment stores, in addition to the game program and setting program, setting information for the prize acquisition game and the like.

The setting information for the prize acquisition game is information indicating the settings regarding the prize acquisition game for each of the first play area and the second play area. The settings include, for example, the gripping force and moving speed of the prize acquisition unit 20, the degree of opening of the arm 29, the current fee for one play, and the like.

<<About the configuration of the arm section 25>>
A configuration example of the arm portion 25 according to the present embodiment will be described using FIGS. 4 to 7. FIG. 4 is an external view of the prize acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the arm section 25 and the drive section 35 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arm 29 in a closed state. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the arm 29 in a fully open state.

As shown in FIG. 4, the prize acquisition unit 20 according to the present embodiment includes a main body 21 connected to the lower end of the elevating member 52a, and an arm 29 configured to be rotatable relative to the main body 21. An arm portion 25 is provided. In addition, since the configurations of the two left and right arm sections 25 are all the same, the configuration will be specifically explained using only the right arm section 25 below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the right arm part 25 includes an arm 29 bent in an L-shape, an arm connecting part 28 that removably connects the arm 29 to the main body 21, and an arm 29 that is removably attached to the tip of the arm 29. It has a claw 30 attached to the arm 29 and an arm opening sensor (not shown) that detects the opening of the arm 29. The arm connecting portion 28 becomes the base end of the arm portion 25, and the claw 30 becomes the tip end of the arm portion 25.

As shown in FIG. 5, the arm connecting portion 28 includes a protrusion 28a, an arm shaft 28b that serves as a central axis when the arm 29 rotates, and a transmission gear 28c that rotates integrally with the arm shaft 28b. It has a torsion spring 28d as an example of an elastic body and a fastening part 28e.

As shown in FIG. 5, the protruding portion 28a is a portion provided in a protruding state at one end of the arm connecting portion 28. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 28a can bring the arm 29 into the closed state by coming into contact with a stopper 46 attached to the main body 21 of the prize acquisition section 20.

The arm shaft 28b is inserted into an insertion hole (not shown) of the arm connecting portion 28 and then attached to the main body 21 of the prize acquisition portion 20. The transmission gear 28c is fitted integrally with the arm shaft 28b, and transmits power to the arm 29 by driving the drive section 35.

The torsion spring 28d applies a gripping force to the arm 29, and, as shown in FIG. 5, is attached to the arm shaft 28b by screwing the fastening portion 28e to the arm shaft 28b so as not to fall off. The arm connecting portion 28 is connected to the arm 29 via this torsion spring 28d.

The arm opening sensor (not shown) is a sensor for measuring the opening size of the arm. In this embodiment, the opening degree of the arm 29 from the closed state shown in FIG. 6 to the fully open state shown in FIG. can be detected.

As shown in FIG. 5, the drive unit 35 is fitted with an arm opening/closing motor 35a, a gearbox 35b connected to the arm opening/closing motor 35a, an output shaft 35c of the gearbox 35b, and an output shaft 35c. It has a transmission gear 35d.

The gearbox 35b slows down and outputs the rotational force of the arm opening/closing motor 35a. Note that the transmission gear 35d may be directly fitted to the output shaft (not shown) of the arm opening/closing motor 35a without using the gear box 35b.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the arm opening/closing motor 35a rotates the output shaft in a predetermined direction when the arm 29 is in the closed state, the transmission gear 35d rotates via the gear box 35b. Power is transmitted to the transmission gear 28c that meshes with the transmission gear 28c. When the transmission gear 28c rotates according to the power, the arm 29 connected to the arm connecting portion 28 via the torsion spring 28d rotates in the arm opening direction about the arm shaft 28b to which the transmission gear 28c is fitted. move. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when the arm opening sensor detects that the arm 29 is fully open, the arm opening/closing motor 35a stops.

<<How to adjust the degree of arm opening>>
A method for adjusting the degree of opening of the arm according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 17. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a method for adjusting the degree of arm opening according to this embodiment. FIG. 9 is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 in an initial state in this embodiment. FIG. 10 is a first explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize. FIG. 11 is a second explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize. FIG. 12 is a third explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize. FIG. 13 is a fourth explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize. FIG. 14 is a fifth explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize. FIG. 15 is an image diagram showing the notification screen 600 in this embodiment. FIG. 16 is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 after determining the degree of arm opening in this embodiment. FIG. 17 is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 after re-determining the degree of arm opening in this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the display control unit 110d of the prize acquisition game device 1 allows facility staff to perform a predetermined touch operation using the setting operation unit 101 in a situation where the player is not playing the prize acquisition game. Then, the initial state setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the display unit 102 (step S101).

As shown in FIG. 9, the setting screen 500 in the initial state includes a setting start button 501, a confirmation button 502, a decision button 503, an increase/decrease operation button 504, and an opening degree display area 505.

Next, when the facility staff selects the setting start button 501 by touch operation on the setting screen 500 in the initial state (step S102: YES), the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 controls the respective arms of the two left and right arm units 25. Based on the detection result by the opening sensor, it is determined whether each arm 29 is in a closed state (step S103).

If each arm 29 is not in the closed state (step S103: NO), the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 causes each arm 29 to be moved in the closing direction by the respective drive unit 35 until each arm 29 is in the closed state. (Step S104).

When each arm 29 is in the closed state (step S103: YES), the facility staff adjusts the size between the arms to the size of the prize (for example, a new prize to be stored in the storage section 10). (step S105).

Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the facility staff manually opens the closed arms 29 and then manually inserts the prize P between the two arms 29 to increase the size of the prize. Adjust the size between the arms.

Further, for example, as a result of the facility staff operating the operation unit 90 after placing the prize P on the display section 60 as shown in FIG. 11, the prize acquisition section 20 may sandwich the prize P between the two arms 29. The size between the arms is made to match the size of the prize.

In this way, the fact that the prize acquisition section 20 sandwiches the prize P between the two arms 29 as a result of the facility staff operating the operation section 90 is within the definition of the facility staff manually sandwiching the prize between the arms. included.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the facility staff may manually approach the prize P between the two arms 29 while manually opening the closed arm 29 without sandwiching the prize between the two arms 29. The size between the arms is made to match the size of the prize.

For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the facility staff operates the operating section 90 after placing the prize P on the display section 60, and as a result, the prize acquisition section 20 does not pinch the prize between the two arms 29. Then, by bringing the prize P closer between the two arms 29, the size between the arms is made to match the size of the prize.

As described above, as a result of the facility staff operating the operation unit 90, the prize acquisition unit 20 can bring the prize P closer between the two arms 29 without sandwiching the prize between the two arms 29. Included in the definition of manually moving the prize close to the arms.

Note that it is also possible to match the size between the arms to the size of the prize using a method other than the above. For example, even when the facility staff operates the operation unit 90, the prize P is not placed on the display section 60 as shown in FIG. 11, but after the facility staff holds the prize in their left hand as shown in FIG. As a result of the facility staff operating the operation unit 90 with their right hand, the prize acquisition unit 20 sandwiches the prize P between the two arms 29, so that the size between the arms matches the size of the prize. It is also possible to do so.

Next, when the facility staff selects the determination button 503 on the initial state setting screen 500 by touch operation with the size of the prize matching the size between the arms, the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 selects ( Step S106: YES) Based on the detection result by the arm opening sensor, the degree of opening of the arm 29 in this state is determined (Step S107).

In this embodiment, the degree of opening of the arm 29 is divided into 25 levels from the closed state to the fully open state of the arm 29, with level "0" when the arm 29 is in the closed state, and level "0" when the arm 29 is in the fully open state. The level is set to "25". Thereby, the degree of opening of the arm 29 can be arbitrarily adjusted and determined from among 25 levels from level "1" to "25" according to the size of the prize.

Although a case where the arms 29 are divided into 25 stages is illustrated here, the degree of opening of the arm 29 may be set to 26 stages or more, so that fine adjustment can be made according to the size of the prize, thereby increasing the adjustment precision. Conversely, the degree of opening of the arm 29 may be set to 24 steps or less to lower the adjustment accuracy so that rough adjustment can be made. It is also possible to linearly adjust the degree of opening of the arm 29.

Specifically, for example, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 selects one of the two left and right arm parts 25 in a state where the size between the arms matches the size of the prize shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. When a detected value of one of the arm opening sensors is obtained, a level corresponding to the detected value is identified. If the specified level is one from "1" to "25", the specified level is the degree of opening of the arm 29 in the relevant state, that is, the size of the prize and the size between the arms match. This is determined as the degree of opening of the arm 29 (reference degree of opening) when the arm 29 is opened. Once the degree of opening of the arm 29 is determined in this manner, the storage unit 110b of the prize acquisition game device 1 stores the level in the storage unit 120. On the other hand, if the specified level is "0", it can be determined that the arm 29 is in the closed state, so the process is performed as an error without determining the degree of opening of the arm 29. That is, an error display is notified on the initial setting screen 500, and the process waits until the enter button 503 is pressed again.

Further, for example, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 controls the arm opening degree sensor of each of the two left and right arm sections 25 in a state where the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. Once the detected values are obtained, the level corresponding to each detected value is identified. When each specified level is one from "1" to "25", the larger of the respective specified levels is calculated as the degree of opening of the arm 29 in the relevant state, that is, the size of the prize. This is determined as the degree of opening of the arms 29 (reference degree of opening) when the sizes of the arms are the same. Once the degree of opening of the arm 29 is determined in this manner, the storage unit 110b of the prize acquisition game device 1 stores the level in the storage unit 120. On the other hand, if each specified level is "0", it can be determined that the arm 29 is in the closed state, and therefore, the process is performed as an error without determining the degree of opening of the arm 29. That is, an error display is notified on the initial setting screen 500, and the process waits until the enter button 503 is pressed again.

Further, for example, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 controls the arm opening degree sensor of each of the two left and right arm sections 25 in a state where the size between the arms is matched to the size of the prize shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. Once the detected values are obtained, the level corresponding to each detected value is identified. If each specified level is one from "1" to "25", each specified level is calculated as the degree of opening of each arm 29 when the size of the prize and the size between the arms match (standard (opening degree). Thereafter, the level obtained by averaging the respective specified levels is determined as the degree of arm opening obtained by averaging the reference degree of opening of each arm 29. When the degree of opening of the arm 29 is determined in this way, the storage unit 110b of the prize acquisition game device 1 stores the average level in the storage unit 120. On the other hand, if each specified level is "0", it can be determined that the arm 29 is in the closed state, and therefore, the process is performed as an error without determining the degree of opening of the arm 29. That is, an error display is notified on the initial setting screen 500, and the process waits until the enter button 503 is pressed again.

By using the average value as shown in this example, even if the prize P is sandwiched in a biased state as shown in FIG. 14, the degree of opening of the arm 29 can be determined according to the size of the prize. That is, as a result of the facility staff manually inserting the prize P between the two arms 29 and adjusting the size between the arms to match the size of the prize, the prize P is placed between the arms 29 as shown in FIG. It may also occur that the image is shifted from the center position in the left-right direction. Even in such a case, the detection values of the arm opening sensors of the two left and right arm sections 25 are acquired, the levels corresponding to each detection value are identified, and the level obtained by averaging these levels is calculated for each. The reference degree of opening of the arm 29 is determined as the average degree of opening of the arm. This eliminates the need to insert the prize P in the correct center position between the arms, thereby reducing the workload on the facility staff.

For example, from the detection value of the arm opening sensor of the left arm section 25, it is determined that the level corresponding to the detection value is "12", and from the detection value of the arm opening sensor of the right arm section 25, it is determined that the level corresponding to the detection value is "12". , if it is determined that the level corresponding to the detected value is "7", their average level will be "9.5", but the average level after the decimal point is not "9", which is rounded down to the decimal point. The average level "10" obtained by rounding up is determined as the arm opening degree obtained by averaging the reference opening degrees of each arm 29. By adopting a level that is rounded up to the nearest whole number, the opening size of the arm 29 becomes smaller than the size of the prize P, even though the adjustment is automatic, and the arm 29 does not hold the prize P. It is possible to avoid an unexpected situation where it becomes impossible to grasp the object by pinching it.

Next, when the determination unit 110a determines the degree of opening of the arm 29, the display control unit 110d of the prize acquisition game device 1 issues a notification that the degree of opening of the arm 29 has been determined, as shown in FIG. The screen 600 is displayed on the display unit 102 (step S108). By looking at this notification screen 600, the facility staff can grasp the timing to remove the prize P.

Next, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines whether each arm 29 is in a closed state based on the detection results by the arm opening degree sensors of the two left and right arm units 25 (step S109). ).

Specifically, for example, when the prize P is sandwiched between the arms as shown in FIG. 10, when the facility staff removes the prize P, each arm 29 closes due to the biasing force of the torsion spring 28d. state. When the arm opening sensor detects that the arms 29 are in the closed state, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines that each arm 29 is in the closed state.

Next, when the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines that each arm 29 is in the closed state (step S109: YES), the game control unit 110c adjusts the degree of opening of the arm 29 determined by the determination unit 110a in the process of step S107. Based on this, the opening operation of the arm 29 is controlled for confirmation (step S110).

Specifically, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 controls each arm 29 in the closed state by detecting the degree of opening (level) of the arm 29 determined by the determining unit 110a using the arm opening sensor. The drive units 35 rotate the arm 29 in the opening direction until it is detected (that is, until the degree of opening (level) of the arm 29 determined by the determining unit 110a is detected as a fully open state). Thereby, the facility staff can visually confirm the fully open state of the arm 29, which is automatically adjusted according to the size of the prize.

Next, the display control unit 110d of the prize acquisition game device 1 displays the opening degree (level) of the arm 29 determined by the determining unit 110a in the process of step S107 in the opening degree display area 505 of the setting screen 500 shown in FIG. It is displayed (step S111).

In this embodiment, the opening degree display area 505 of the setting screen 500 shown in FIG. The degree of opening of the arm 29 when they match (reference degree of opening) is displayed as level "10".

Here, if the facility staff wants to lower the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game, they can change it to a higher level than level "10" by operating the increase/decrease operation button 504. In other words, by changing the level to a higher level, it is possible to correct the degree of opening of the arms 29 when the size between the arms becomes larger than the size of the prize, making it easier for the arms 29 to sandwich and grasp the prize, and to hold the prize. The difficulty level of the acquisition game can be lowered.

Conversely, if the facility staff wants to increase the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game, they can change the level to a level lower than level "10" by operating the increase/decrease operation button 504. In other words, by changing to a lower level, it is possible to correct the degree of opening of the arm 29 when the size between the arms is smaller than the size of the prize, so the arm 29 can no longer pinch the prize, and the prize acquisition game is improved. You can increase the difficulty level.

Next, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines whether the increase/decrease operation button 504 has been selected by the facility staff on the setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 16 (step S112).

Then, if the increase/decrease operation button 504 is not selected by the facility staff (step S112: NO), the process of this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if the increase/decrease operation button 504 is selected by the facility staff (step S112: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S113.

Next, when the increase/decrease operation button 504 is selected by the facility staff member, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 selects the arm 29 determined by the determining unit 110a in the process of step S107 in accordance with the setting operation by the facility staff member. The opening degree of the arm 29 is corrected, and the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 (corrected opening degree) is determined (step S113).

Specifically, for example, a facility staff member who wishes to lower the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game can lower the level higher than level "10" by operating the increase/decrease operation button 504 on the setting screen 500 shown in FIG. When the setting is changed to “12”, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 sets the level “12” which is higher than the level “10” to the standard opening degree of the arm 29 according to the setting operation by the facility staff. This is determined as a large degree of opening of the arm 29 after correction (corrected degree of opening). When the degree of opening of the arm 29 after correction is determined in this manner, the storage unit 110b of the prize acquisition game device 1 stores the level “12” in the storage unit 120. In addition, the display control unit 110d of the prize acquisition game device 1 changes the setting screen 500 shown in FIG. The opening degree display area 505 displays that the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 (corrected opening degree) has reached level "12".

Next, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines whether the confirmation button 502 has been selected by the facility staff on the setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 17 (step S114).

If the confirmation button 502 is not selected by the facility staff (step S114: NO), the process of this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if the facility staff selects the confirmation button 502 (step S114: YES), the process advances to the next step S115.

Next, when the confirmation button 502 is selected by the facility staff, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 performs confirmation based on the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 determined by the determination unit 110a in the process of step S113. Therefore, the opening operation of the arm 29 is controlled (step S115).

Specifically, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 operates until the arm opening sensor detects that the arm 29 has reached the corrected opening degree (level) determined by the determining unit 110a (that is, the determined The arm 29 is rotationally driven in the opening direction by each driving section 35 until the opening degree (level) of the arm 29 determined by the section 110a is detected as a fully open state. This allows the facility staff to visually confirm the corrected fully open state of the arm 29.

===Other embodiments===
The above-described embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to be interpreted as limiting the present invention. The present invention may be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. In particular, even the embodiments described below are included in the present invention. That is, the present invention can be configured by appropriately combining the above embodiments and the embodiments described below.

Further, it is also possible to configure various inventions by appropriately combining the plurality of invention specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, an invention may be constituted by deleting some invention specifying matters from all the invention specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments, or the following for all invention specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments: The invention may be configured by appropriately combining the invention specifying matters disclosed in the embodiments described in .

<Determining the degree of arm opening>
In the above embodiment, the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines the degree of opening of the arm 29 at the timing when the determination button 503 is selected by the facility staff in the process of step S107. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

For example, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 may determine the degree of opening of the arm 29 at a timing when a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed after the facility staff selects the determination button 503. . As a result, the facility staff only has to manually insert the prize P between the arms, as shown in FIG. 10, before a predetermined period of time has elapsed. There is no need to select the OK button 503.

For example, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 may determine the degree to which the arms 29 are opened at a timing when the facility staff has stabilized the state in which the prize P is sandwiched between the arms, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. . Whether this state has stabilized is determined by whether the level corresponding to the detected value of the arm opening sensor remains at a constant level for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds). As a result, the facility staff only has to manually insert the prize P between the arms, as shown in FIG. 10, before a predetermined period of time has elapsed. There is no need to select the OK button 503.

<Correction of standard arm opening degree>
In the above embodiment, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines that, in the processing of steps S112 and S113, the increase/decrease button 504 is operated by, for example, a facility staff member who desires to lower the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game. Therefore, if the level is changed to "12" which is higher than the level "10", the level "12" after the change is set to the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 (corrected opening degree) which is larger than the standard opening degree of the arm 29. ), but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in the process of step S107, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines the reference degree of opening of the arm in the state (level "10") from the detected value of the arm opening degree sensor, and then A corrected opening degree (level “12”) that is larger than the reference opening degree may be automatically determined without selecting the increase/decrease button 504.

Further, in the above embodiment, the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines, in the process of step S113, after the standard opening degree of the arm 29 is determined in the process of step S107, It is also possible to determine the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 based on the play result.

For example, if it is determined that the payout rate is high from the play results of the actual prize acquisition game, it can be inferred that the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game is low, so the determining unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 In order to increase the difficulty level of the acquisition game, the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 (for example, level "8") that is slightly corrected from the standard arm opening degree (for example, level "10") determined in the process of step S107 is automatically set. decided on. Conversely, if it is determined that the payout rate is low based on the play results of the actual prize acquisition game, it can be assumed that the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game is high. is a corrected degree of opening of the arm 29 (for example, level "12") that is greatly corrected from the standard degree of opening of the arm (for example, level "10") determined in the process of step S107, in order to lower the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game. automatically determined.

<Error handling>
In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which when the identified level is "0", the opening degree of the arm 29 is not determined and the process is handled as an error. It is also possible to treat it as an error if it is below a predetermined level or smaller than a predetermined level. As a result, it is possible to suppress erroneous operations such as leaving the prize unpinned between the arms.

<Arm>
In the above embodiment, the prize acquisition section 20 having two arm sections 25 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a prize acquisition section 20 having three or more arm sections 25.

<Prize>
In the above embodiment, the prizes stored in the storage unit 10 are not limited to items that the player can directly acquire (for example, stuffed animals, etc.), but also items stored as objects to be acquired in the game. This includes items that can be exchanged for other prizes after being acquired, and items that are not provided but are used to compete for points and rankings.

1 Prize acquisition game device 10 Storage section 11 Door 12 Pillar section 20 Prize acquisition section 21 Main body 25 Arm section 28 Arm connection section 28a Projection section 28b Arm shaft 28c Transmission gear 28d Torsion spring 28e Fastening section 29 Arm 30 Claw 35 Drive section 35a Arm opening/closing motor 35b Gear box 35c Output shaft 35d Transmission gear 46 Stopper part 50 Moving part 51 Horizontal moving part 52 Vertical moving part 52a Elevating member 53 Left-right moving part 53a Fixed rail 53b Left-right moving motor 54 Back-and-forth moving part 54a Movable rail 54b Back and forth movement motor 60 Exhibition section 61 Frame 62 Panel 80 Base section 90 Operation section 91 First button 92 Second button 93 Play fee detection section 94 Coin slot 96 Prize withdrawal slot 100 Setting section 101 Setting operation section 102 Display section 110 Control unit 110a Determining unit 110b Storage unit 110c Game control unit 110d Display control unit 120 Storage unit 500 Setting screen 501 Setting start button 502 Confirm button 503 Confirm button 504 Increase/decrease operation button 505 Opening degree display area 600 Notification screen P Prize

Claims (8)

A prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which a prize is acquired by opening and closing operations of a plurality of arms in a storage space for storing prizes, the device comprising:
In a situation where the player is not playing a prize acquisition game, if the operator matches the size of the prize to the size between the arms, the corresponding a determining unit that determines the degree of opening of the arm in the state;
an arm control unit that controls an opening operation of the arm based on the determined degree of opening of the arm;
A prize acquisition game device comprising: The determining unit is configured to determine whether or not the operator manually inserts the prize between the arms or brings the prize closer to the arms without sandwiching the prize when the player is not playing the prize acquisition game. When the size between the arms is set to match the size of the prize, the degree of opening of the arms in that state is determined based on the detection result by the arm opening degree sensor.
The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1. The determination unit determines a reference degree of opening of the arm in the state from the detected value of the arm opening degree sensor, and then determines a corrected degree of opening that is larger than the reference degree of opening;
The arm control unit controls an opening operation of the arm based on the determined corrected opening degree of the arm.
The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The determination unit determines a reference degree of opening of the arm in the state from the detected value of the arm opening degree sensor, and then automatically determines a corrected degree of opening that is larger than the reference degree of opening.
The prize acquisition game device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The determination unit determines a reference degree of opening of the arm in the state from the detected value of the arm opening degree sensor, and then determines a corrected degree of opening that is larger than the reference degree of opening in accordance with a setting operation by an operator.
The prize acquisition game device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The determining unit determines the standard opening degree of each arm from the detection value of the arm opening sensor for each arm, and then determines the opening degree of the arm by averaging the standard opening degrees of each arm,
The arm control unit controls the opening operation of the arm based on the averaged degree of opening of the arm.
The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: In a situation where the player is not playing a prize acquisition game, if the arm becomes closed due to the operator manually removing the prize from between the arms, based on the detection result by the arm opening sensor. , a display control unit that displays the determined degree of opening of the arm on a screen;
The prize acquisition game device according to claim 2, further comprising: A method for adjusting an arm of a prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which a prize is acquired by opening and closing operations of a plurality of arms in a storage space for storing prizes, the method comprising:
In a situation where the player is not playing a prize acquisition game, the operator adjusts the size between the arms to match the size of the prize;
Determining the degree of opening of the arm in the state based on the detection result by the arm opening degree sensor;
controlling the opening operation of the arm based on the determined degree of opening of the arm;
A method for adjusting an arm of a prize acquisition game device having:

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