JP7495673B2 - Prize acquisition game device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device in which prizes are acquired based on player operations.

A prize acquisition game device in which a player operates a prize acquisition unit to acquire a prize housed in a housing is used in an amusement facility, etc. As such a prize acquisition game device, one that executes an effect of emitting light or the like when a player acquires a prize is known.
This effect can enhance the player's sense of accomplishment and stimulate the desire to play among potential players (i.e., people who could become players of the prize acquisition game device) who are in the vicinity of the prize acquisition game device.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication-enabled prize acquisition game device. The prize acquisition game device transmits and receives prize acquisition information indicating that a prize has been acquired to and from other prize acquisition game devices installed in the same amusement facility, and executes a performance based on the received prize acquisition information. By executing a performance using multiple prize acquisition game devices, it is possible to make the performance more diverse and to increase its effectiveness.

JP 2015-226627 A

The number, positions, orientations, etc. of prize acquisition game devices installed vary depending on the installation environment of an amusement facility, etc. Even in one installation environment, the number, etc. of prize acquisition game devices may change due to layout reasons including other types of game devices.

However, with conventional prize acquisition game devices, it has not been easy to execute appropriate effects in response to such various installation modes. In other words, managers of amusement facilities and the like have been forced to go through a great deal of trouble in setting the timing at which each prize acquisition game device starts executing an effect.

The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and its object is to provide a prize acquisition game device that can easily execute effects at appropriate timing in response to various installation conditions.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a prize acquisition game device for acquiring prizes based on a player's operation, the prize acquisition device comprising: a housing having a storage space for storing prizes; a prize acquisition section for performing an operation of acquiring prizes in the storage space; a light-emitting section for emitting light to the outside of the housing; a communication device for transmitting and receiving signals between other prize acquisition game devices; an ID setting section for receiving device ID settings; and a control device for controlling the emission of light from the light-emitting section. The control device comprises an acquisition signal transmitting section for transmitting an acquisition signal to the other prize acquisition game devices via the communication device when a prize is acquired in the prize acquisition game device including the control device, and a performance executing section for executing a performance in which the light-emitting section emits light in a predetermined pattern, and executes a performance based on the communication device receiving the acquisition signal from the other prize acquisition game device. The control device determines a performance start timing, which is the timing for starting the execution of a performance, based on the device ID set in the prize acquisition game device including the control device.

According to the above configuration, the prize acquisition game device determines the performance start timing based on the device ID set for the prize acquisition game device. Therefore, the manager of the amusement facility or the like can set the performance start timing of each prize acquisition game device by the simple task of appropriately selecting the device ID to be set for each prize acquisition game device. As a result, it becomes possible to easily execute the performance at an appropriate timing in response to various installation modes of the prize acquisition game devices in the amusement facility or the like.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a prize acquisition game device that can easily execute effects at appropriate timing in response to various installation modes.

1 is a perspective view showing an installation state of a prize acquisition game device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a prize acquisition game device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control device. 1 is a floor plan of an amusement facility in which a prize acquisition game device is installed. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a setting panel. 1 is a floor plan of an amusement facility in which a prize acquisition game device is installed. 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control device. 11 is a time chart illustrating the performance. 1 is a floor plan of an amusement facility in which a prize acquisition game device is installed. 1 is a floor plan of an amusement facility in which a prize acquisition game device is installed. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a setting panel in another embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components in each drawing as much as possible.
Duplicate explanations will be omitted.

First, a configuration of a prize acquisition game device 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "game device 1") according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG.

1 shows a state in which the game devices 1 are installed two by two in the width and depth directions. The game devices 1 are placed on the floor of an amusement facility A. The game devices 1 are fixed to the floor during operation, but are configured so that they can be moved as needed by an administrator when, for example, changing the layout of the amusement facility A.

An operation reception unit 21 is provided on one side of the housing 10 of the game device 1. When playing a prize acquisition game on the game device 1, a player performs an input operation on the operation reception unit 21.

In the present application, the housing 10 is viewed from the front with respect to the side portion on which the operation receiving unit 21 is provided.
The front side is referred to as the front side, and the back side is referred to as the rear side. The direction from the front side to the rear side is referred to as the depth direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the depth direction is referred to as the width direction.

The housing 10 of the game device 1 includes a functional section 2 and a storage section 3.
0 and houses various electronic devices that operate game device 1.

The storage section 3 is made of a transparent acrylic resin and defines a storage space 30 for storing the prize G. The storage space 30 is a space having a substantially rectangular shape.
A hole 31 is formed in the bottom surface of the functional portion 2.
It is connected to 2.

In this application, the meaning of "transparent" is not limited to the property of a medium that transmits incident light without loss. In other words, the meaning of "transparent" in this application also includes so-called "semi-transparent (milky white)," which is the property of a medium that absorbs a portion of the incident light.

A crane 4 is disposed in the storage space 30. The crane 4 has an actuator (not shown) and can move in the depth direction, width direction and vertical direction in the storage space 30. The crane 4 is composed of a main body 41 that is suspended, and arms 42 and 4 that extend from the main body 41.
The main body 41 can grip and release the prize G by moving the arms 42, 42 toward and away from each other.

The prize acquisition game provided to the player by such a game device 1 involves moving the crane 4 based on the player's input operation (hereinafter also referred to as "player operation") to the operation reception unit 21, and acquiring the prize G accommodated in the accommodation space 30. The sequence of this prize acquisition game will be briefly described below.

The game device 1 starts waiting for a player's operation when a predetermined number of coins are inserted into a coin insertion slot (not shown) as a trigger. As will be described later, the operation acceptance unit 21 is provided with a first button 211 and a second button 212 (see FIG. 2). When a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot, the game device 1 first waits for the first button 211 to be pressed.

When a player presses the first button 211 with his/her finger, the crane 4 moves in the width direction from its initial position within the accommodation space 30. The crane 4 moves while the first button 211 is pressed, and stops when the player releases his/her finger from the first button 211. When the crane 4 stops, the game device 1 waits for the second button 212 to be pressed next.

When the player presses the second button 212 with his/her finger, the crane 4 moves in the depth direction within the storage space 30. The crane 4 moves while the second button 212 is pressed, and stops when the player releases his/her finger from the second button 212.

Next, the crane 4 descends with the arms 42, 42 spaced apart from each other.
When the crane 4 stops near the prize G, the arms 42, 42 approach each other. If the arms 42, 42 abut against appropriate portions of the prize G, the crane 4 can grasp the prize G.

Next, the crane 4 rises and returns to the initial position described above. When the crane 4 moves the arms 42, 42 away from each other at the initial position, the prize G that it had been holding is released and falls into the hole 31. The player can receive the prize through the outlet 22 opened in the function unit 2.

The configuration of the game device 1 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the game device 1.

The housing 10 of the game device 1 is configured to be substantially symmetrical in the width direction with respect to its center. Therefore, the housing 10 of the game device 1 can be used by up to two players at the same time. Among the multiple components constituting the game device 1, those having the same function are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate.

The operation reception unit 21 has a first button 211 , a second button 212 , and a setting panel 213 .

The first button 211 and the second button 212 are known input devices that transmit operation signals when pressed. By pressing the first button 211, the player can move the crane 4 in the width direction. Also, by pressing the second button 212, the player can move the crane 4 in the depth direction.

The setting panel 213 is a device that displays various information and accepts input operations from the manager and users of the amusement facility A. For example, the setting panel 213 may be a capacitive touch panel.

The functional unit 2 includes a control device 23, a communication device 24, a prize acquisition sensor 25 (see FIG. 3),
Also, an error detection sensor 26 (see FIG. 3) is provided.

The control device 23 is a so-called ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and is equipped with a plurality of electronic elements (not shown). The control device 23 transmits control signals to the actuators of the crane 4 and the like based on the operation signal received from the operation reception unit 21, and controls their operation. As will be described later, the control device 23 also transmits control signals to the illumination unit 8 and the light-emitting unit 9, and controls their operation.

The communication device 24 is a device for transmitting and receiving signals. The communication device 24 communicates with the communication devices 24 of other game devices 1 installed in the same amusement facility A according to a predetermined protocol.
The transmission and reception of signals is not limited to wireless communication, and may be performed by wired communication using a CAN bus or the like.

The prize acquisition sensor 25 is a device that detects that the prize G has been discharged from the storage space 30 to the outlet 22. That is, the prize acquisition sensor 25 detects that the prize G has been acquired through the prize acquisition game described above. The prize acquisition sensor 25 transmits a detection signal based on the fact that the prize G has been acquired.

The error detection sensor 26 is a device used to detect an abnormality that occurs in the game device 1 .
Abnormalities that the error detection sensor 26 can detect include the prize G being exhausted in the storage space 30, the prize G being clogged in the hole 31, the coins being clogged in the coin slot, etc. In other words, the error detection sensor 26 detects that it has become impossible to obtain a prize G in the game device 1. The error detection sensor 26 transmits a detection signal based on the fact that it has become impossible to obtain a prize G.

An illumination unit 8 is disposed above the housing 3. The illumination unit 8 is a light-emitting unit that emits light to the outside of the housing 10. The illumination unit 8 has a plurality of light-emitting diodes (not shown) arranged in a straight line in the width direction. The light-emitting diodes are so-called full-color LEDs whose emitted light color changes to at least red/green/blue according to the received signal. The light emitted by the light-emitting diodes is reflected inside a light-guiding member disposed on the front side of the light-emitting diodes and guided to the front side, and is emitted from the end of the light-guiding member. The light source is not limited to a light-emitting diode, and other types of light sources such as a cold cathode fluorescent lamp can also be used.

The storage section 3 has a front panel 5 and a side panel 6.

The front plate 5 is a member that defines the end of the storage space 30 on the front side.
The front panel 50 includes a first front panel 51 and a second front panel 52. The first front panel 51 and the second front panel 52 are both formed from a transparent acrylic resin.

The first front panel 51 and the second front panel 52 are both arranged so as to be slidable in the width direction. The first front panel 51 is arranged on the rear side of the second front panel 52. In other words, the front panel 5 is a sliding door that opens and closes in the width direction. The manager of the amusement facility A can open the storage space 30 by opening the front panel 5, and can replenish the prizes G or perform maintenance on the crane 4.

The side panel 6 is a member that defines the end of the storage space 30 in the width direction.
The side panel 6 is made of a transparent acrylic resin. The front end of the side panel 6 is bent to have a generally L-shape in plan view. That is, the side panel 6 has a side portion 61, a front portion 63, and a bent portion 62 that is bent to connect the side portion 61 and the front portion 63.

A light-emitting unit 9 (see FIG. 3 ) is disposed at the rear end of the side panel 6. The light-emitting unit 9 has a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The plurality of light-emitting diodes face the rear end of the side portion 61, and are disposed so that the light they emit enters the inside of the side portion 61. The light that enters the inside of the side portion 61 is reflected and guided to the front side, and is emitted from the bent portion 62 and the front portion 63. In other words, the bent portion 62 and the front portion 63 are light-emitting portions that emit light to the outside of the housing 10.

The control device 23 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 23. The control device 23 is configured as a part or whole of an analog circuit or as a digital processor. In either case, functional control blocks are configured in the control device 23 to perform the function of transmitting a control signal based on a received signal.

FIG. 3 shows the control device 23 as a functional control block diagram.
The analog circuits constituting the control device 23 or the software modules incorporated in the digital processor do not necessarily need to be divided into control blocks as shown in Fig. 3. In other words, the actual analog circuits and modules may be configured to function as the multiple control blocks shown in Fig. 3, or may be further subdivided. The actual configuration of the control device 23 can be modified as appropriate by those skilled in the art as long as it is configured to execute the processes described below.

The control device 23 is connected to the first button 211, the second button 212, the setting panel 213, the prize acquisition sensor 25, and the error detection sensor 26, and is configured to be able to receive operation signals and detection signals from them. The control device 23 is also connected to the crane 4, the illumination unit 8, and the light-emitting unit 9, and is configured to be able to transmit control signals to each of them. The control device 23 is also connected to the communication device 24, and is configured to be able to transmit and receive signals to each other.

The control device 23 includes a crane control unit 231, a performance execution unit 232, and an error notification execution unit 233.
33 and a memory unit 234.

The crane control unit 231 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the crane 4. Specifically, the crane control unit 231 performs a predetermined calculation based on the operation signals received from the first button 211 and the second button 212, and generates a control signal. The crane control unit 231 transmits this control signal to an actuator of the crane 4, and controls the crane 4 by causing the actuator to perform a predetermined operation.

The performance execution unit 232 is a functional unit that transmits control signals to the illumination unit 8 and the light-emitting unit 9 to cause them to emit light. When the performance execution unit 232 receives a detection signal from the prize capture sensor 25, the performance execution unit 232 generates a capture signal and transmits the capture signal to the other game device 1 via the communication device 24.

When the performance execution unit 232 receives a detection signal from the prize acquisition sensor 25, it transmits control signals to the illumination unit 8 and the light-emitting unit 9, and executes a performance in which they emit light in a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, when the communication device 24 receives an acquisition signal from another game device 1, the performance execution unit 232 also transmits control signals to the illumination unit 8 and the light-emitting unit 9, and executes a performance in which they emit light in a predetermined pattern.

The error notification execution unit 233 is a functional unit that transmits a control signal to the illumination unit 8 and causes the illumination unit 8 to emit light. When the error notification execution unit 233 receives a detection signal from the error detection sensor 26, the error notification execution unit 233 generates an error signal and transmits the error signal to the other game device 1 via the communication device 24.

When the error notification execution unit 233 receives an error signal from another game device 1, it transmits a control signal to the illumination unit 8 and the light-emitting unit 9, and executes an error notification by causing them to emit light in a predetermined pattern.

The storage unit 234 is a section for storing various information, and is configured, for example, by a non-volatile memory. Information such as maps is stored in advance in the storage unit 234. The information is read out by the crane control unit 231 and used for predetermined calculations. The storage unit 234 also stores:
It is possible to store the group number set by the setting panel 213. The group number will be described later.

The game device 1 configured as described above executes a presentation when a prize G is acquired in the game device itself or in another game device 1 installed in the same amusement facility A. The presentation is performed for the purpose of increasing the sense of accomplishment of the player who has acquired the prize G and stimulating the desire to play of potential players around the prize-acquiring game device.

In addition, the control device 23 determines the timing to start the execution of the effect (hereinafter, this timing is also referred to as "effect start timing") based on the group number set in the game device 1 including the control device 23. The group number is the "device ID" in the present invention.
and can be set arbitrarily by the administrator of the game device 1. The same group number can be set for multiple game devices 1, or it can be set for only one game device.

Setting of group numbers will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a layout of an amusement facility A in which game devices 1 are installed. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a setting panel 213 for setting a group number for game devices 1. Figure 6 is a layout of an amusement facility A in which game devices 1 with group numbers set are installed.

As shown in Fig. 4, amusement facility A is equipped with 28 game devices 1, in addition to a counter where the manager waits. In Fig. 4, the game devices 1, which are set up in a given arrangement, are indicated by reference characters 1A to 1D. Specifically, six game devices 1 are arranged in a row at the innermost position of amusement facility A as seen from the counter, and are indicated by reference character 1D. Two game devices 1 arranged in two rows and two columns are indicated by reference character 1C.
The game devices 1 are numbered 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, 1K ...
In addition, two game devices 1 arranged back to back and installed near the counter are indicated by reference symbol 1E.

4 shows a state in which no group number has been set for each game device 1. The manager of amusement facility A sets a group number for each game device 1 when causing each game device 1 to execute a performance.

In order to start setting the group number, the manager performs a switching operation on one of the game devices 1A, that is, game device 1A0, to switch the mode to be executed by all game devices 1 installed in the amusement facility A. Specifically, the manager performs a predetermined input operation on the setting panel 213 of game device 1A0 to set "
This group number setting mode corresponds to the "ID setting mode" of the present invention.

The control device 23 of the game device 1A0 that has received the input operation by the administrator
The mode switching signal is transmitted to the other game device 1 by the game device 1A0.
, and the mode executed by the control device 23 of the other game device 1 that has received the mode switching signal is switched from the other mode to the group number setting mode.

The control device 23 of each game device 1 in the group number setting mode operates the setting panel 21.
5, group numbers I to VIII in the form of icons are displayed on the setting panel 213 together with a message urging the manager to set a group number.
While moving the cursor over the icon, the administrator performs an input operation on the setting panel 213 of each game device 1 to set a group number to be set for that game device 1. In detail, the administrator selects a group number to be set for that game device 1 by pressing an icon corresponding to the group number to be set for that game device 1 with his/her finger. The selected group number is stored in the memory unit 23 of each game device 1.
4.

The following description will be given taking as an example a case where group numbers are set as shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows the group numbers set for each game device 1 superimposed on each game device 1. That is, group numbers I to IV are set in order for game devices 1A to 1D. Also, group number IV is set for game device 1E, just like game device 1D.

The effects executed by each game device 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10. Figs. 7 and 8 are flow charts showing the processing executed by the control device 23. Fig. 9 is a time chart explaining the effects. Fig. 10 is a floor plan of an amusement facility A in which the game device 1 executing the effects is installed. For simplicity, the processing executed in each functional unit, such as the effect execution unit 232 of the control device 23, will be described as being executed collectively by the control device 23.

7 during operation of the game device 1. First, in step S11, the control device 23 controls the game device 1 including the control device 23 to receive the prize G.
Specifically, the control device 23 determines whether or not a detection signal has been received from the prize acquisition sensor 25. When it is determined that the prize G has been acquired in the game device 1 (S11: YES), the control device 23 proceeds to the process of step S12.

Next, in step S12, the control device 23 generates and transmits an acquisition signal. This acquisition signal includes data corresponding to the group number set in the game device 1 including the control device 23. The control device 23 transmits the acquisition signal to the other game devices 1 via the communication device 24.

Next, in step S13, the control device 23 starts executing the performance. Specifically, the control device 23 starts transmitting control signals to the illumination unit 8 and the light-emitting unit 9, causing them to emit light in a predetermined pattern. The light-emitting pattern may be a blinking pattern at a predetermined cycle, a change in the color of the light, or the like.
Various configurations can be adopted. As a result, the illumination portion 8, the bent portion 62 and the front portion 63
emits light to the outside of the housing 10.

Next, in step S14, the control device 23 determines whether or not a time Tt has elapsed since the start of the performance. The time Tt is a predetermined value. If the control device 23 determines that the time Tt has elapsed since the start of the performance, the control device 23 proceeds to processing in step S15.

Next, in step S15, the control device 23 stops the execution of the performance. Specifically, the control device 23 stops the transmission of control signals to the illumination unit 8 and the light-emitting unit 9, causing both to stop emitting light.

In this way, the control device 23 controls the prize G
When the prize G is acquired in another game device 1, the process from step S12 onward in Fig. 7 is executed. On the other hand, the process executed by the control device 23 when the prize G is acquired in another game device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8.

First, in step S21, the control device 23 determines whether or not the communication device 24 has received an acquisition signal from another game device 1. When the control device 23 determines that the communication device 24 has received an acquisition signal from another game device 1 (S21: YES), the control device 23 proceeds to processing in step S22.

Next, in step S22, the control device 23 determines the timing for starting a performance by the game device 1 including the control device 23. Here, the performance execution unit 232 reads out the group number stored in the memory unit 234 and performs a predetermined calculation based on the group number to determine the timing for starting a performance.
It corresponds to the group number.

Next, in step S23, the control device 23 judges whether or not the performance start timing has arrived. The control device 23 waits until the performance start timing arrives without starting the performance execution (S21: NO). Then, when the control device 23 judges that the performance start timing has arrived (S21: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S24.

Next, in step S24, the control device 23 starts executing the performance. Specifically, the control device 23 starts sending control signals to the illumination unit 8 and the light-emitting unit 9, causing them to emit light in a predetermined pattern. The light-emitting pattern may be the same as or different from the light-emitting pattern in step S13 described above. As a result, the illumination unit 8, the bent portion 62, and the front portion 63 emit light to the outside of the housing 10.

Next, in step S25, the control device 23 determines whether or not the time Tp has elapsed since the start of the performance. The time Tp is a predetermined value. If the control device 23 determines that the time Tp has elapsed since the start of the performance (S25: YES), the control device 23 proceeds to the process of step S26.

Next, in step S26, the control device 23 stops the execution of the performance. Specifically, the control device 23 stops the transmission of control signals to the illumination unit 8 and the light-emitting unit 9, causing both to stop emitting light.

FIG. 9 is a time chart showing the execution state of effects in the game devices 1 to which group numbers I to IV are assigned. Here, the game device 1 to which group number III is assigned
4 shows a case where prize G is obtained at any one of the locations C.

At time t11, when a prize G is acquired in any of the game devices 1C to which group number III is set, the control device 23 of that game device 1C transmits an acquisition signal to the other game devices 1 (hereinafter, the game device 1C from which the prize G has been acquired is referred to as "game device 1Cg," and the other game devices 1C are referred to as "game devices 1Cn.") The control device 23 of game device 1Cg starts executing a presentation at this time t11.

On the other hand, the control device 23 of the game device 1Cn determines the effect start timing based on the acquisition signal received from the game device 1Cg. Here, the control device 23 sets the effect start timing to time t11 because the prize G has been acquired by the game device 1Cg with the same group number III. That is, the game devices 1C with group number III start executing the effect at the same timing.

The control device 23 of the game device 1A to which group number I is set determines the effect start timing to be time t11 based on the acquired signal received from the game device 1Cg at time t11. That is, the game device 1A to which group number I is set starts executing the effect at the same timing as the game device 1C to which group number III is set.

The control device 23 of the game device 1B to which group number II is set determines the effect start timing to be time t12, which is a time Ti after time t11, based on the acquired signal received from the game device 1Cg at time t11. The time Ti is a predetermined value. As a result, the game device 1B to which group number II is set starts execution of the effect at a timing delayed by the time Ti from the game devices 1A and 1C to which group numbers I and III are set.

When the prize G is acquired in the game device 1A to which group number I is set, the control device 23 of the game device 1C to which group number III is set determines the effect start timing to be time t13. Time t13 is the time after the time Ti has elapsed since time t12. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the game device 1C to which group number III is set continues to execute the effect even at time t13.

The control device 23 of the game devices 1D and 1E to which the group number IV is set determines the effect start timing to be time t14, which is a time Ti after time t13, based on the acquired signal received from the game device 1Cg at time t11. As a result, the game devices 1D and 1E to which the group number IV is set determine the effect start timing to be time t14, which is a time Ti after time t13.
The performance starts at a delayed timing.

The control devices 23 of the game devices 1A, 1B, 1D, and 1E, which are assigned group numbers I, II, and IV, all stop the execution of the effect based on the fact that the time Tp has elapsed since the start of the execution of the effect. In contrast, the control device 23 of the game device 1C, which is assigned group number III,
3 stops the execution of the performance based on the fact that a time Tt has elapsed since the start of the execution of the performance.
The time Tt is a value greater than the time Tp.

In addition, when the prize G is acquired in the game device 1Cg, only the game device 1Cg,
The timing of the start of the effect may be different from that of the other game devices 1C to which group number III is set. That is, only the game device 1Cg in which the prize G has been acquired sets the start timing of the effect to time t11, and stops the execution of the effect based on the fact that time Tt has elapsed since the start of the execution of the effect. Meanwhile, the control device 23 of the other game device 1C to which group number III is set determines the start timing of the effect to be time t13, which is time Ti after time t11, based on the acquisition signal received from the game device 1Cg at time t11. As a result, the execution of the effect is started in the other game devices 1C to which group number III is set at a timing delayed by time Ti from the game device 1B to which group number II is set.

The time t16 at which the control device 23 of the game device 1C stops the execution of the effect is the time t16 at which the control device 23 of the game device 1A
, 1B, 1D, and 1E stop executing the performance.
That is, in the game device 1C to which the group number III is set, the effects are executed for a longer period of time than in the game devices 1A, 1B, 1D, and 1E to which the other group numbers are set.

By determining the effect start timing in this manner, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 10, during the execution of an effect on game device 1C set to group number III, the execution of prize winning effects is started in sequence from game device 1A installed at the back of amusement facility A to game devices 1D and 1E installed on the counter side. This makes it possible to execute an effect in amusement facility A in which light appears to be moving. In other words, it is possible to execute an effect that is rich in unity and regularity by using multiple game devices 1 installed in amusement facility A.

The timing when the control device 23 starts the execution of the effect is not limited to the time when the prize G is acquired. For example, the timing when the prize acquisition game starts (i.e., when a predetermined fee is paid to the game device 1)
The execution of the presentation may be started at various times, such as when a button operation from the player is received, when a prize G has not been acquired even after a preset number of plays, or when a predetermined time condition including a set time is met. In this case, the control device 23 of each game device 1 determines when the prize acquisition game starts, when a button operation is received, etc. In addition, when the predetermined time condition is met, the control device 23 of any one of the game devices 1 determines when the predetermined time condition is met.
The control device 23 of the game device 1 determines when that timing has come and transmits a signal to the other game devices 1 .

In addition, each game device 1 has an indicator function for notifying an administrator of an abnormality when an abnormality occurs in any of the game devices 1 installed in the amusement facility A.
Examples of such a situation include when an abnormality occurs in a mechanism such as the crane 4, making it impossible to play the prize acquisition game, or when there are no more prizes G in the storage space 30 and therefore the prize acquisition game cannot be provided.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a case will be described in which it becomes impossible to acquire a prize G in one of the game devices 1A.
Only in this case, the indicator function has been enabled in advance by the administrator.

In this case, when it becomes impossible to acquire the prize G in one of the game devices 1A, the control device 23 of the game device 1A executes an error notification by the illumination unit 8 of the game device 1A and transmits an error signal to the game device 1E0.
executes an error notification based on the error signal received from the game device 1A.

When error notification is executed in all game devices 1 installed in amusement facility A,
In this regard, in the present embodiment, the administrator executes the error notification only on the game devices 1E0 for which the indicator function has been enabled in advance, thereby making it possible to protect the aesthetic quality of the presentation.

The control device 23 of the game device 1E0 causes the illumination unit 8 to emit light in a pattern different from that during the execution of the effect as an error notification. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the control device 23 causes only some of the light-emitting diodes arranged at both ends in the width direction of the multiple light-emitting diodes arranged in the illumination unit 8 to emit light. The color of the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes is also different from that during the execution of the effect.

Furthermore, the control device 23 of the game device 1E0 controls the setting panel 213 of the game device 1E0.
When the administrator notices the abnormality,
When maintenance or the like is performed on the game device 1A where the abnormality has occurred, the control device 23 of the game device 1A transmits a maintenance completion signal to the game device 1E0. The control device 23 of the game device 1E0 stops the execution of the error notification based on the maintenance completion signal received from the game device 1E0. Note that the notification of information identifying the game device 1A where the abnormality has occurred is
Notification is not limited to being made by the setting panel 213, but may also be made by the light emitting patterns and light colors of a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in the illumination unit 8.

Furthermore, the control device 23 of the game device 1A in which an abnormality has occurred prioritizes the execution of a presentation over an error notification. And the control device 23 of the game device 1E0 prioritizes the execution of an error notification over a presentation. Specifically, when the control device 23 of the game device 1E0 receives an error signal from the game device 1A while executing a presentation, it interrupts the presentation and starts the execution of an error notification. By the above process, an error notification is made on the game device 1E0, so that even if an abnormality occurs on the game device 1A that is far from the counter, the manager stationed at the counter can easily notice the abnormality, and opportunity loss due to inoperation can be reduced.

Next, we will explain the effects that the game device 1 of this embodiment provides.

Each game device 1 determines the timing to start the performance based on the group number (corresponding to the device ID) set for itself. Therefore, the manager of amusement facility A can set the performance start timing for each game device 1 by the simple task of appropriately selecting the group number to be set for each game device 1. As a result, it becomes possible to easily execute the performance at an appropriate timing in response to various installation modes of game devices 1 in amusement facility A.

Furthermore, the control device 23 varies the timing of starting the effect for each group number. With this configuration, it is possible to execute an effect in the amusement facility A such that light appears to move, thereby enhancing the effect.

Moreover, the control device 23 executes a presentation based on the fact that a prize G has been acquired in the game device 1 including the control device 23. When a prize G has been acquired in the game device 1, the control device 23 advances the timing of starting the presentation compared to when an acquisition signal has been received from another game device 1. This configuration makes it possible to rapidly and effectively amplify the sense of accomplishment of a player who has acquired a prize G.

Furthermore, the control device 23 has an error notification execution unit 233 (corresponding to an error signal transmission unit) that transmits an error signal to the other game devices 1 via the communication device 24 when it becomes impossible to acquire the prize G in the game device 1 equipped with the control device 23. When the communication device 24 receives an error signal from the other game devices 1, the control device 23 executes an error notification by causing the illumination unit 8, the bent portion 62, and the front portion 63 (corresponding to a light-emitting unit) to emit light in a pattern different from that when the performance is being executed. According to this configuration, when it becomes impossible to acquire the prize G, it is possible to reliably make the manager of the amusement facility A aware of the need for inspection, repair, etc. by causing the illumination unit 8, the bent portion 62, and the front portion 63 to emit light in a pattern different from that when the performance is being executed.

Furthermore, the control device 23 prioritizes error notification over presentation when the communication device 24 receives an error signal from another game device 1. This configuration makes it possible to promptly prompt the manager of the amusement facility A to carry out inspection, repairs, etc.

The control device 23 also operates in a group number setting mode ("
The control device 23 executes a group setting mode (corresponding to an "ID setting mode") and another mode. When the control device 23 receives a mode switching signal from another game device 1, the control device 23 switches from the other mode to the group setting mode. According to this configuration, when starting to set group numbers for all game devices 1 installed in the amusement facility A, it is possible to switch all game devices 1 to the group number setting mode by having one game device 1 transmit a mode switching signal to the other game devices 1.

The above describes the embodiments of the present invention with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those that are modified by those skilled in the art as appropriate to these specific examples are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. The elements and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc. of the above-mentioned specific examples are not limited to those exemplified, and can be modified as appropriate.

5, the game device 1 according to the above embodiment is configured so that the administrator sets the group numbers by touching with his/her finger the icon-shaped group numbers I to VIII displayed on the setting panel 213. However, the present invention is not limited to this form.

For example, in the group number setting mode, an icon shown in FIG. 12 may be displayed on the setting panel 213 of each game device 1. This display prompts the administrator to set group numbers for each game device 1 while adding group numbers. Specifically,
The administrator presses the "same group number as previous" icon on the game devices 1 to which he wishes to set the same group number. For example, if the administrator wishes to set group number I to six game devices 1A, he moves around and presses the "same group number as previous" icon on game device 1A. Next, if the administrator wishes to set group number II to eight game devices 1B,
First, the administrator presses "new group number" on one game device 1B. Next, the administrator moves around and presses "same group number as previous" on the remaining seven game devices 1B.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E: Prize acquisition game device 4: Crane (prize acquisition section)
8: Illumination section (light-emitting section)
23: Control device 24: Communication device 30: Storage space 62: Bending portion (light emitting portion)
63: Front part (light emitting part)
213: Setting panel (ID setting section)
232: performance execution unit 233: error notification execution unit (error signal transmission unit)

Claims (1)

A prize acquisition game device for acquiring a prize based on a player's operation, comprising:
A housing having a storage space for storing prizes;
A prize acquisition unit that performs an operation of acquiring a prize in the storage space;
a light emitting unit that emits light to the outside of the housing;
a communication device for transmitting and receiving signals between the game devices;
A control device that controls the light emission of the light emitting unit,
The control device includes:
a signal transmission unit that, when a predetermined time condition including the arrival of a set time is satisfied in a prize acquisition game device equipped with the control device, transmits a signal indicating that the predetermined time condition has been satisfied to other prize acquisition game devices via the communication device;
A performance execution unit that executes a performance in which the light-emitting unit emits light in a predetermined pattern,
The effect is executed based on the communication device receiving the signal from another prize acquisition game device,
The control device further comprises:
Execute an ID setting mode for accepting the setting of a device ID and other modes;
when the communication device receives a mode switching signal from another prize acquisition game device, switching from the other mode to the ID setting mode;
Determining a performance start timing, which is a timing to start execution of the performance, based on the device ID set in the prize acquisition game device including the control device; and
A prize acquisition game device characterized in that, when the specified time condition is met in the prize acquisition game device, the timing of starting the performance is brought forward compared to when the communication device receives the signal from another prize acquisition game device.