JPH08150262A - Multi-play game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To plan the uniformity of working rate at each machine of a multi- play game. CONSTITUTION: A multi-play game machine 10 comprises a plurality of play rooms 10a to 10c enabling a plurality of players to play independently at the same time. The plurality of play rooms 10a to 10c are capable to be mounted with a desired playfield from among plural kinds of compatible playfields, and a main body controller of the multi-play game machine 10 is capable of coupling electrically with each electric constituting element disposed on the plural kinds of playfields.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multiplayer game machine having a plurality of play rooms.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a multi-play game machine having a plurality of play rooms in which a plurality of players can independently play at the same time. This multiplayer game machine has an advantage that a game area can be efficiently secured in a game center or the like. As for the multi-play game machine, in addition to a plurality of play rooms having exactly the same game content arranged in parallel, a game content different for each play room (having a plurality of types of play rooms) is known.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional multi-play game machine, one of a plurality of types of games may be less popular but the other games may not be popular. Often In such a case, even if the popularity of some games has not fallen, the operating rate of the multiplayer game machine as a whole decreases. At this time, it is conceivable to replace the multiplayer game machine with a new one, but since the multiplayer game machine is larger than a general game machine and its cost is high, it is difficult to judge the replacement time. It was

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to make the operating rates of each game in a multi-play game machine uniform.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 1 provides a plurality of play rooms (10a-10c) in which a plurality of players can independently play at the same time.
In a multi-play game machine (10) having a plurality of play rooms (11 to 13) provided in common with a plurality of compatible play fields, a play field attachment part capable of attaching a desired play field (18b), and a main body control section (30) capable of being electrically coupled to each electric component provided in each of the plurality of types of play fields.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the multi-play game machine according to the first aspect, each of the play rooms is driven by an operation by a player, and a launching unit (a launching section for launching a ball toward the play field side). 80) and an information display section (21) for displaying predetermined game information during the game.
a, 21b) and a ball return board section (22) for returning the ball fired from the firing section to the firing position. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the multi-play game machine according to the second aspect, each of the play fields includes a prize detecting section for detecting a prize of the ball shot by the launching section. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the multiplayer game machine according to the second or third aspect, at least one of the play fields interferes with a winning of a ball fired by the firing unit (11b or the like). ) Is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the multi-player game machine according to the first to fourth aspects, a plurality of prizes to be paid out to a player when the player achieves a certain result in the game are placed, and The present invention is characterized by comprising an endless carrier (23) for sequentially carrying each prize in each play room so that the player can observe the prize. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the multiplayer game machine according to the fifth aspect,
A prize payout operation section (15b) provided corresponding to each of the play rooms and operated when the player receives a payout of a desired prize, and provided in the vicinity of the endless carrier in each play room. A driven body (41) that is driven based on an operation of the premium payout operation unit to move the premium on the endless transport body to the outside of the endless transport body;
A prize outlet (16) is provided corresponding to each of the play rooms, and guides the prize moved to the outside of the endless carrier by the driven body.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the multi-play game machine according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the presence or absence of a prize at a planned prize placement position on the endless carrier is detected, and the endless game is detected based on the detection result. The present invention is characterized in that a prize supply section (60) for supplying a prize is provided at a position on the carrier where no prize is placed. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the multi-play game machine according to the fifth to seventh aspects, the prize placed on the endless carrier is a transparent or translucent container having a certain shape. It is provided between the game areas of the players corresponding to the play rooms,
It is characterized by comprising a collecting part (17) for collecting the container.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, each play room is provided with a play field attachment portion, and the desired play field of a plurality of types is attached to this play field attachment portion. Also, the electrical components of each playfield are electrically coupled to the body controller. Therefore, for a game that has become less popular in the play room, a new game can be provided to the player by exchanging the play field (and also the storage unit if necessary).

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the ball is launched from the launch portion toward the play field side by the operation of the player. The score and remaining time during the game are displayed on the information display unit. Also, the fired ball is
It is returned to the firing position by the ball return board section. Therefore, the parts other than the play field are made common,
A game using balls can be provided to each playroom. In the invention of claim 3, the winning of the ball is detected by the winning detection unit. Therefore, various controls can be performed during the game based on the detection result. In the invention of claim 4, the winning portion of the ball is obstructed by the obstruction portion. Therefore, it is possible to diversify the game contents and provide a more advanced game.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the player achieves a certain score in the game, the prize desired by the player is paid out to the player. These freebies are
The game machine is placed on an endless carrier provided in one of the game machines, and is carried in each play room so that the player can observe it. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number and types of prizes that can be acquired by the player and to efficiently display the prizes. In addition, since many kinds of prizes can be displayed, it is possible to motivate the player to play the game. In the invention of claim 6, when the prize payout operation section is actuated, the driven body is driven and the prize is guided to the prize takeout section on the player side. Therefore, the prize desired by the player can be surely paid out to the player with a simple structure.

According to the invention of claim 7, the prize detecting section detects the presence or absence of a prize on the endless carrier, and the prize supplying section places the prize on a position where there is no prize. Therefore, the prize can be automatically replenished on the endless carrier. In the invention of claim 8, since the external shape of the prize has a constant shape,
The prize can be easily placed on the endless carrier, and the prize can be prevented from being damaged. Further, the recovery unit can be provided at a position where it does not interfere with the player, and the container can be recycled.

[0013]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of one embodiment of a multi-play game machine (hereinafter, simply referred to as “game machine”) according to the present invention. This game machine 1
0 is three independent play rooms 10a to 10 so that three people can play different games at the same time.
have c. A cover formed of a transparent acrylic plate or the like is provided on the front surface of each play room 10a to 10c. On the outside, each play room 10a
-10c common operation part 14 and coin insertion slot 15a
It also has an operation button 15b and a prize outlet 16.

The operating section 14 is operated by a player when the ball is hit at a target. The coin insertion slot 15a is a portion for inserting a fee required for the game, and the operation button 15b is a button operated by the player when obtaining a prize. The prize outlet 16 is
This is the part where the player receives the prize. Also, the return port 17
Are provided in two places in total between the game areas of the player. Here, the prize is a stuffed animal or the like stored in a transparent or translucent capsule having a fixed shape.
The return port 17 is for collecting this capsule. The returned capsules will be recycled.

The prizes are placed on one belt conveyor (endless carrier) which rotates endlessly on the player side and below the play rooms 10a to 10c. Therefore,
Each prize that rotates and moves is installed so that the player can observe it. The prize take-out unit 40 is driven by the player's operation when the player obtains a prize, and is for guiding a desired prize on the belt conveyor to the prize take-out port 16. The prize automatic supply unit 60 is for replenishing a new prize at a position on the belt conveyor where the prize has been acquired by the player and no prize is present. They are provided one at a time and are programmed to work alternately.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the operation unit 14 of FIG. The operation unit 14 includes a pad unit 14a and
A handle portion 14b is provided. Pad portion 14a
Is formed of a flexible cushion, and is hit by the player in the direction A (downward) of the drawing,
It is for sinking down with a stroke of a few cm and for launching the ball toward the target with that force. Pad portion 14a
Will return to their original position when released. Handle part 14b
Is provided so as to be rotatable by a predetermined amount in the B and C directions in the figure. The player can delicately control the ball launching direction by moving the handle portion 14b to a desired position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a ball striking portion 80 provided in connection with the operating portion 14. The base portion 81 serves as a base of the ball hitting portion 80. The base portion 81 is rotatably attached to the support shaft 83. Therefore, the operation unit 14 of FIG.
When is rotated, the base portion 81 is rotated around the support shaft 83 as a fulcrum. The base 81 has support shafts 84 and 85.
And are fixed. The support shafts 84 and 85 are rotatably supported by the arm portions 8 respectively.
6 and 87 are attached. Also, the arm portion 86
In the figure, the above-mentioned pad portion 14a is connected to the left end portion. Further, a push rod 88 extending upward is attached to the right end of the arm portion 86 in the figure. The push rod 88 is in contact with the arm portion 87. The pad portion 14a is hit and the arm portion 86
When is rotated counterclockwise in the figure with the support shaft 84 as a fulcrum, the push rod 88 pushes up the arm portion 87, and the arm portion 87 is rotated clockwise in the figure with the support shaft 85 as a fulcrum. The hammer 89 comes into contact with the ball by the rotation of the arm portion 87, and the ball is struck toward the target.

Gifts are placed on the belt conveyor 23 at predetermined intervals, and the belt conveyor 23 conveys these gifts. As described above, the prizes are arranged so that the player can observe them from the outside of the game machine 10. The prize and the belt conveyor 23 are installed so as to pass through the space above the arm portion 86 without interfering with the components of the ball striking portion 80.

FIG. 4 shows each of the play rooms 10a to 1 shown in FIG.
Play fields 11 to 1 respectively provided in 0c
It is a figure which shows one Example of 3 grade | etc.,. Each play room 10a
The games provided in 10c are a ball throwing game, a targeting game, and a ring game, respectively. In each of the play rooms 10a to 10c, different play fields 11 to 13 and in each of the play rooms 10a to 10c.
The display unit 21 and the return board 22 that are common to the two are connected and provided. The display unit 21 is for displaying game information during play. The display unit 21 is provided above each of the play fields 11 to 13, and has a score display 21a for displaying the score in the game and a timer display 21b for displaying the remaining time of the game. The return board 22 is for returning the hit ball to a predetermined position, and is arranged to be inclined forward (on the player side) in the drawing.

In the play field 11 shown in FIG.
The winning opening 11a, a defense section 11b that reciprocates in front of the winning opening 11a, and a ball return opening 11c are provided. The player hits the ball and passes it through the winning opening 11a. The ball that has not passed through the winning opening 11a falls on the return board 22 and is returned to the predetermined ball launch position (opening 22a) again. In addition, the ball that has passed through the winning opening 11a is returned from the return opening 11c to the return board 2
Returned to 2. The passage of the ball through the winning opening 11a is detected by a sensor (not shown). The defense section 11b moves to the left and right to prevent the ball from easily entering the winning opening 11a. The player competes how many times the winning opening 11a can be passed within the time limit.

In the play field 12 shown in FIG.
Nine targets 12a are provided, each of which is arranged vertically and horizontally. Each target 12a has a different score when it is hit. The target 12a is formed so as to fall backward when hit by the ball. The tilt of the target 12a is detected by a sensor (not shown). Further, when all the targets 12a are tilted, all the targets 12a are set up again by a drive motor (not shown) provided on the back side of the play field 12.

In the play field 13 shown in FIG.
A wheel 13a that randomly moves back and forth is provided. The player hits the ball so that the ball passes through the wheel 13a. Whether or not the ball has passed through the wheel 13a is detected by a sensor (not shown) provided on the wheel 13a. The player competes how many times the ball can be passed through the wheel 13a within the time limit. The higher the score, the faster the movement of the wheel 13a,
Difficult to score.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state where the play fields 11 to 13 are removed from the play rooms 10a to 10c. Between the play rooms 10a and 10b and between the play rooms 10b and 10c, there is provided a transparent (or opaque) separate panel 18a for partitioning the play rooms 10a to 10c. There is. Further, brackets 18b having screw holes are provided at the four corners of the positions where the play fields 11 to 13 are attached. On the other hand, the outer frame of each play field 11-13 is formed in the same shape, and holes 11d-13d are formed at the same pitch at the four corners of each play field 11-13. Therefore, the play fields 11 to 13 are compatible with each other, and any of the play rooms 10a can be connected by the screw 18c.
It can also be attached to 10c.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a moving mechanism provided on the back side of the play fields 11 and 13, respectively. This moving mechanism also plays fields 11 and 13.
It is common to and. Play field 11,
Fixed members 11e and 13e are attached to the pulley 13, and the pulley 11 is attached to the fixed members 11e and 13e.
f and 13f are rotatably supported. In addition, in the play fields 11 and 13, the pulleys 11g and 1 are attached to the rotary shafts.
Drive motors 11h and 13h to which 3g is attached are provided. The timing belts 11i and 13g are respectively provided between the pulleys 11f and 11g, 13f and 13g.
i is stretched. This timing belt 11i, 1
A defense section 11b and a wheel 13a are attached to 3i, respectively. By the rotation of the drive motors 11h and 13h,
The defense unit 11b and the wheel 13a are moved in the left-right direction in the figure. In addition, each pulley 11f and 11g, 13f and 13
Limit switches 11j and 1 are provided near g, respectively.
1k, 13j, and 13k are provided, and the rotation directions of the drive motors 11h and 13h are controlled by these.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the play field, which is a play field used as a mole hitting game. Nine mole patterns 19a are displayed in the play field 19 and are turned on and off under the control of an illumination unit (not shown) provided on the back side.
In FIG. 7, the mole pattern 19a-1 is turned on,
An example in which the other mole pattern 19a is turned off is shown. If the ball hits while the mole pattern is lit, it will score. Similarly to the above, this play field can be attached to any play room 10a to 10c by the hole 19d. Game console 1
Like the play field 19, the play field attached to 0 uses an illuminating section, and there is also a play field in which the drive motors 11h and 13h as shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the electrical configuration of the game machine 10. The game machine 10 includes a control unit 30 that controls the entire operation of the game, a power supply unit 31 and a storage unit 32 that are electrically connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 operates by the supply of power from the power supply unit 31, and advances the game in accordance with the game content stored in the storage unit 32. The coin signal from the coin slot 15a, the button signal from the operation button 15b, and the signals from various sensors (for example, a ball detection sensor) are transmitted to the control unit 30, and the control unit 30 performs predetermined processing based on the signals. To execute. For example, a predetermined score is displayed on the score indicator 21a. Further, the control unit 30 has a timer function, and displays the remaining time of the game on the timer display 21b. Further, according to the progress of the game, various lamps, LEDs, etc. provided on the game machine 10 are controlled,
Output a predetermined sound from the speaker.

Further, the electric components of the play fields 11 to 13 (including the play field 19; the same applies hereinafter), such as the drive motors 11h and 13h described above, and the limit switches 11j and 11k, 13j and 13k, etc. , And the control unit 30 are electrically connected. The same harness and connector are used for each play field 11-13.
Also in No. 3, the control unit 30 can be electrically connected.
Further, a part (ROM) of the storage unit 32 is replaced with the replacement of the play fields 11 to 13 and the software is changed.
It is also possible to make 13 compatible.

Therefore, a new game can be set only by exchanging the play fields 11 to 13 and exchanging a part of the storage section 32. As a result, of the plurality of games, only the games that have become less popular can be exchanged, and the other games can continue to be used without being wasted. Furthermore, it is possible to give the player an impression of a new game by exchanging only the play fields 11 to 13 with the storage unit 32 being unchanged. Furthermore, it is possible to easily carry out the replacement work at a setting place such as a game center without returning a large-sized device such as the game machine 10 to the factory.

If the player scores more than a predetermined score in this game, he has the right to get the prize. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the prize payout unit 40 that is driven when the player acquires a prize. The prize pusher 41 is provided above the belt conveyor 23 and is rotatably supported by a support shaft 42. When the prize pusher 41 is not rotated, the belt pusher 23
It is arranged so as not to come into contact with the prize placed on it. A drive motor 43 for rotating the support shaft 42 as a fulcrum is engaged with the prize pusher 41. In addition, behind the prize pusher 41, a trap 44 (shaded area in the figure) for the prize is formed. The prize drop hole 44 communicates with the prize outlet 16 of FIG.

When the player presses the operation button 15b (FIG. 1) when the desired prize is located near the pit 44, the drive motor 43 is rotated. As a result, the prize pusher 41 is rotated in the direction of the trap hole 44, comes into contact with the prize, and the prize falls into the trap hole 44. The prize dropped in the trap hole 44 is guided to the prize outlet 16.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of the automatic prize giving section 60 provided in the game machine 10. The free gift automatic supply unit 60 has substantially circular disks 61a to 61c stacked in three stages. Each disk 61a-61
An opening (not shown) through which the prize can be dropped is formed at each predetermined position of c. Each disc 61
On a to 61c, separators 62a to 62c are provided which are partitioned at regular intervals in the radial direction. A prize is placed between the partitions of each of the separators 62a to 62c. The drive motor 63 is connected to each of the separators 62a to 62c.

When the separators 62a to 62c are rotated by the drive motor 63, the disks 61a to 6c are rotated.
The prizes above 1c are sequentially dropped downward from the opening.
Therefore, the prize on the lowermost disc 61c falls on the belt conveyor 23 by dropping from the opening. Further, the prize drops from the disc 61b at the position where the prize is gone on the disc 61c, and the prize drops from the disc 61a at the position where the prize is gone on the disc 61b. The belt conveyor 23
The presence or absence of the above prize is determined by a sensor (not shown). If the prizes are stored with the above configuration, a large amount of prizes can be stored in a small space.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment,
The following various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. (1) Although the play fields 11 to 13 are attached to the play rooms 10a to 10c, respectively, one or two play fields 11 to 13 may be attached to the play rooms 10a to 10c. (2) In the embodiment, three play rooms 10a to 10c are provided, but two or four or more play rooms may be provided. (3) In the embodiment, the example of the game using the ball is shown, but the game is not limited to the game using the ball.
However, in the case of a game using a ball as in the embodiment, it is preferable to provide a detection unit for detecting the winning of the ball in all the play fields 11 to 13. (4) The method of connecting the electrical components of the playfields 11 to 13 and the main body of the game machine 10 is not particularly limited. The connector insertion position is changed for each play field 11-13. In addition, a DIP switch may be provided on the main body side to change the setting.

[0034]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a new game is replaced by exchanging the play field (and, if necessary, the storage unit) for a game that has become less popular in the play room. Can be provided to the player. Further, this exchange can be performed at the place of installation without returning the game machine to the factory.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a game using the ball in each play room while making the launching part of the ball common. According to the invention of claim 3, various controls can be performed during the game by detecting the winning of the ball. According to the invention of claim 4, it is possible to diversify the content of the game and provide a more advanced game.

According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to increase the number and kinds of prizes that can be acquired by the player and to efficiently display the prizes. In addition, since many kinds of prizes can be displayed, it is possible to motivate the player to play the game. According to the invention of claim 6, the prize desired by the player can be surely paid out to the player with a simple structure.

According to the invention of claim 7, it is possible to automatically supply a prize to the game machine. According to the invention of claim 8, it is possible to easily place a prize and prevent scratches and the like. Moreover, the storage unit can be recycled by the recovery unit.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a multiplayer game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an operation unit 14 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a ball hitting portion 80 provided in connection with an operating portion 14.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of play fields 11 to 13 and the like provided in the play rooms 10a to 10c of FIG. 1, respectively.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state where the play fields 11 to 13 are removed from the play rooms 10a to 10c.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a moving mechanism provided on the back surface side of play fields 11 and 13;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the play field.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the game machine 10.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment of a prize payout unit 40 driven when a player acquires a prize.

FIG. 10 is a prize automatic supply section 6 provided in the game machine 10.
It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of No. 0.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 game machines 10a to 10c play room 11 to 13 play field 14 operation unit 15a coin insertion slot 15b operation button 16 prize outlet 17 return opening 40 prize outlet 60 automatic prize feeder

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Abe 2-3-5 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Taito Corporation (72) Inventor Junichi Saito 2-3-5 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo In stock company Taito

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A multi-play game machine having a plurality of play rooms in which a plurality of players can independently play at the same time, and a plurality of compatible play fields provided in common to the plurality of play rooms are provided. Of these, a multi-play is characterized by comprising a play field attachment part to which a desired play field can be attached, and a main body control part capable of being electrically coupled to each electric component provided in each of the plurality of types of play fields. game machine. 2. The multi-play game machine according to claim 1, wherein each of the play rooms is driven by an operation by a player, and a launching unit that launches a ball toward the play field side, and a predetermined game time. 2. A multi-play game machine comprising: an information display unit for displaying the game information of 1. and a ball return board unit for returning the ball fired from the firing unit to the firing position. 3. The multi-play game machine according to claim 2, wherein each of the play fields includes a prize detection section for detecting a prize of a ball shot by the launch section. 4. The multiplayer game machine according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one of the play fields includes an obstruction unit that obstructs winning of a ball fired by the firing unit. And a multiplayer game console. 5. The multi-player game machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of prizes to be paid out to the player when the player achieves a certain score in the game are placed, and the plurality of placed prizes are placed. A multi-play game machine comprising: an endless carrier that sequentially carries a prize in each play room so that the player can observe the prize. 6. The multi-play game machine according to claim 5, wherein a prize payout operation section is provided corresponding to each of the play rooms, and is operated when the player receives a payout of a prize desired by a player. A driven body which is provided in the vicinity of the endless carrier in the play room, is driven based on an operation of the prize payout operation unit, and moves a prize on the endless carrier to outside the endless carrier; A multi-play game machine, which is provided corresponding to the play room, and which is provided with a prize outlet for guiding a prize moved to the outside of the endless carrier by the driven body. 7. The multi-play game machine according to claim 5, wherein presence or absence of a prize at a planned prize placement position on the endless carrier is detected, and a prize on the endless carrier is detected based on the detection result. A multiplayer game machine characterized by comprising a prize supply section for supplying a prize at a position where is not placed. 8. The multiplayer game machine according to claim 5, wherein the prize placed on the endless carrier is one in which an article is stored in a transparent or translucent storage body having a fixed shape. A multi-play game machine provided with a collecting unit provided between game areas of a player corresponding to each of the play rooms, for collecting the storage body.