WO2015033994A1

WO2015033994A1 - Game machine, game control method, and computer program

Info

Publication number: WO2015033994A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/073309
Authority: WO
Inventors: 博文磨樒; 和登小松; 忍堀本; 潤川合
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント
Priority date: 2013-09-06
Filing date: 2014-09-04
Publication date: 2015-03-12
Also published as: JP2015051147A; JP6206657B2; CN105517640A

Abstract

A game machine (1) provided with a game field (GF) in which a ball (B), the movement direction of which is determined by a player, can move, and in which a starting pad (12) through which the ball (B) must pass, a goal (14) where the ball (B) must arrive, and at least one intermediate pad (13) through which the ball can pass between the starting pad (12) and the goal (14) are provided on the game field (GF). The game machine is equipped with a ball detection sensor (22) for detecting whether or not the ball (B) has passed through various pads (12, 13) and a ball detection sensor (32) for detecting whether or not the ball (B) has arrived at the goal (14). When passage through the starting pad (12) is detected by the ball detection sensor (22) and arrival at the goal (14) is detected by the ball detection sensor (32), the manner in which the ball (B) passed through intermediate pads (13) is determined.

Description

Game machine, game control method, and computer program

The present invention relates to a game machine or the like that provides a game for the purpose of moving a game medium to a predetermined area.

A game in which a game medium is moved to a predetermined position to compete for a score is well known. For example, a game machine with a theme of sports such as basketball or American football is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a game machine, an object is to put a ball, which is an example of a game medium, into a goal.

JP-A-7-222863

In the game machine described above, a score is awarded when the game medium is moved to a predetermined area, and the player competes for the score. However, in such a game machine, only the movement of the game medium to a predetermined area is evaluated, and the game may become monotonous.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine or the like that can evaluate a route until a game medium is moved to a predetermined area.

The game machine of the present invention is provided with a game field in which a game medium whose movement direction is determined by a player can be moved, and on the game field, a first intermediate point through which the game medium should pass, and the game medium Is a game machine provided with an attainment point to be reached and one or more second intermediate points that can be passed between the first intermediate point and the attainment point. An intermediate point detecting means for detecting presence / absence of a route at the intermediate point and the second intermediate point, an arrival point detecting means for detecting presence / absence of arrival of the game medium at the arrival point, and the intermediate point detecting means A determination means for determining a route status of the second intermediate point on condition that the waypoint is detected and that the arrival point is detected by the arrival point detection means; It is.

In the game control method of the present invention, a game field in which a game medium whose movement direction is determined by a player is movable is provided, and on the game field, a first intermediate point through which the game medium should pass, and the game A reaching point that the medium should reach and one or more second intermediate points that can be passed between the first intermediate point and the reaching point are provided, and the first intermediate point and the first intermediate point of the game medium 2. A game control method for a game machine comprising: intermediate point detection means for detecting presence / absence of passage at an intermediate point; and arrival point detection means for detecting presence / absence of arrival of the game medium at the arrival point; On the condition that the intermediate point detection means detects that the first intermediate point has been routed and the arrival point detection means detects that the arrival point has been reached. It is intended to execute a determining procedure via status between points.

The computer program of the present invention is provided with a game field in which a game medium whose movement direction is determined by a player can be moved, and on the game field, a first intermediate point through which the game medium should pass, and the game medium And an at least one second intermediate point that can be passed between the first intermediate point and the arrival point, and the first intermediate point and the second intermediate point of the game medium. A game machine computer comprising intermediate point detection means for detecting presence / absence of a route at an intermediate point and arrival point detection means for detecting presence / absence of arrival of the game medium at the arrival point is obtained by the intermediate point detection means. Judgment for determining the route status of the second intermediate point on condition that the passage of one intermediate point has been detected and that the arrival point has been detected by the arrival point detecting means Those that are configured to function as a step.

The perspective view of the game machine concerning one form of the present invention. The perspective view which looked at the game machine from the front side. The figure explaining the pitching game played with a game machine. The figure explaining the pitching game played with a game machine. The figure explaining the pitching game played with a game machine. The functional block diagram explaining the structure of the principal part of the control system of a game machine. The flowchart which shows the condition determination processing routine which the condition determination part of a game machine performs. The flowchart which shows the video generation process routine which the video generation part of a game machine performs. The figure which shows the modification of a game field.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The game machine 1 is configured as a commercial (business) game machine that allows a user to play a game within a range corresponding to the play fee in exchange for payment of a predetermined play fee. This type of game machine 1 may be called an arcade game machine. The game machine 1 is installed in a predetermined facility such as a store mainly for the purpose of making a large number of users play a game repeatedly to increase profits. The game machine 1 is a pitching game in which a ball B as a game medium thrown by a player is inserted into the goal unit 14 via a plurality of

pads

12 and 13 and a score given according to the intermediate pad 13 is competed. is there.

The game machine 1 includes a game field GF for a player to play a game, a control panel 2 for operating game settings and the like, a coin slot 3 for receiving a play fee, and a coin return slot for returning inserted coins. 4 is provided. Inside the game machine 1, a collecting mechanism (not shown) for collecting coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 3 is provided. Further, when the player requests to return the inserted coin, the coin is returned to the player via the coin return port 4. You may comprise the coin insertion slot 3 and the coin return slot 4 using a well-known technique.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the game machine 1 as seen from the front side. The game field GF includes a start pad 12 as a first intermediate point and a plurality of intermediate pads 13 as a second intermediate point, a goal part 14 as a destination and recovery means, An outlet 15, a monitor 16, a speaker unit 17, and a camera 18 as an imaging means are provided. The player stands in front of the game machine 1 and throws the ball B toward the start pad 12. As an example of the ball B, a table tennis ball formed of resin is used. Each

pad

12, 13 has a contact plate 21 as a rebound member that contacts the ball B, and a ball detection sensor that is attached to the contact plate 21 and serves as an intermediate point detection means for detecting that the ball B has contacted. 22 are provided. The ball detection sensor 22 is not shown in FIG. The contact plate 21 is a flat plate-like member formed of a resin such as plastic, and is configured such that the ball B hitting the contact plate 21 rebounds in combination with the material of the ball B. A light emitting member 23 such as an LED is disposed on the contact plate 21 and produces an effect when the ball B comes into contact with the light by emitting light. As the ball detection sensor 22, for example, a contact sensor such as a piezoelectric sensor or a switch that detects an impact of the ball B rebounding on the contact plate 21, or a photoelectric sensor such as an infrared sensor that detects entry into a predetermined area of the contact plate 21. A sensor is used.

The start pad 12 is a pad to which the player should first contact the ball B, and has a different shape from the other intermediate pads 13. As an example, the start pad 12 is formed in a semicircular shape so that the contact area with the ball B is larger than that of the intermediate pad 13. The intermediate pad 13 is formed in a circular shape as an example, and a plurality of intermediate pads 13 are arranged around the goal portion 14. At this time, it is preferable that the intermediate pad 13 is arranged so that the ball B bounced off at the start pad 12 can come into contact. Note that the position and number of the intermediate pads 13 to be arranged, the height from the floor surface in the game field GF, and the direction of the surface to be brought into contact with the ball B may be changeable. The shapes of the start pad 12 and the intermediate pad 13 may be configured as appropriate.

The goal part 14 is provided with a cup 31 into which the ball B enters, a ball detection sensor 32 as a reaching point detection sensor for detecting the ball B that has entered the cup 31, and an effect member 33 positioned below the cup 31. It has been. The ball detection sensor 32 is not shown in FIG. The cup 31 has a funnel shape, and the ball B falls into the central opening 31a. The opening 31a is provided with a ball guide 34 for connecting to a ball collection mechanism (not shown) provided in the game machine 1. The ball guide 34 is provided with a ball detection sensor 32 that detects the guided ball B. As an example of the ball detection sensor 32, a photoelectric sensor such as an infrared sensor and various sensors such as a contact sensor are used. The effect member 33 is provided around the ball guide 34 protruding from the floor surface in the game field GF. The effect member 33 is provided with a light emitting member 33a such as an LED, and provides an effect of notifying that the ball B has entered the cup 31. In addition, the area | region where the

light emission members

23 and 33a are provided in each

pad

12, 13 and the goal part 14 is shaded in FIG. The

light emitting members

23 and 33 a may be provided at appropriate positions of the

pads

12 and 13 and the goal part 14.

The ball discharge port 15 discharges the ball B stored in the ball collection mechanism and supplies it to the player. The ball discharge port 15 is provided below the start pad 12. During the play, the ball B guided by the ball guide 34 may be returned to the game field GF without being collected by the ball collection mechanism. In this case, the path of the ball guide 34 may be branched and the path may be switched. The monitor 16, the speaker unit 17, and the camera 18 are installed on the back side of the game field GF. The monitor 16 displays information related to the game progress, effects when various events occur, and the like. For example, a known technique such as a liquid crystal display device may be used as the monitor 16. Alternatively, various images may be displayed on the rear screen by the projector device. In this case, the projector device is installed at an arbitrary position where the image can be projected on the rear screen. The speaker unit 17 outputs sound effects and sounds for effects during game play. The camera 18 is installed toward the front side of the game machine 1 and images the game field GF and the player who plays the game. The captured image is displayed on the monitor 16. A side cover 19 is provided on the side of the game field GF to prevent the ball B from jumping out during play. In addition to the side cover 19, a top cover may be provided (not shown).

The control panel 2 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons 41, a numeric keypad 42, and a card reader 43. The operation buttons 41 and the numeric keypad 42 are used for operation when setting a game mode, a game environment, and the like. The card reader 43 is a device for reading a unique card ID for each card recorded on the card 5 possessed by the player as a kind of identification information to be used for user authentication.

A throwing game played on the game machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C. 3A to 3C are diagrams for explaining an example of the movement of the ball B in the game field GF. When the player inserts a play fee into the coin insertion slot 3 and operates the control panel 2 to set a game mode or the like, the ball B is discharged from the ball discharge opening 15 and the game is started. The movement direction of the ball B is determined by the player throwing, and moves on the game field GF. The game mode can be set as appropriate. For example, a level-up game that is placed in the cup 31 while being applied to the designated intermediate pad 13, a count-up game that competes for the score of the game, A time attack game or the like for competing for whether or not the ball B can be inserted is prepared. The game mode can be set appropriately.

As an example, a level up game will be described. In this game, the player makes a task to enter the goal part 14 via the designated intermediate pad 13, and when the task is achieved, the next task is instructed. The assignment is instructed by causing the light emitting member 23 and the effect member 33 to emit light or notifying the monitor 16 or the speaker unit 17. In a throwing game, in principle, the greater the number of intermediate pads 13 to be routed, the higher the difficulty level. The simplest problem is to place the ball on the start pad 12 and then place it in the goal part 14 as shown in FIG. 3A. Here, the broken line shown in FIG. 3A shows an example of a locus drawn by the ball B. The same applies to FIGS. 3B and 3C.

Players are given 3 balls per turn and can complete new tasks by completing the tasks while throwing 3 balls. You can play 5 turns in one play. If the task is not achieved while throwing three balls, proceed to the next turn and challenge the same task. A ball B for practicing before the game is started may be supplied, and a practice turn not related to task achievement may be provided. Such rules may be changed as appropriate. It is detected by the ball detection sensor 22 provided on each

pad

12, 13 that the ball B has hit the

pad

12, 13, and the ball B enters the cup 31 by the ball detection sensor 32 provided on the goal part 14. Is detected.

達成 Once the first task is achieved, the next task is directed. For example, an intermediate pad 13a located between the start pad 12 and the goal portion 14 (reference numeral 13a is attached to distinguish it from other intermediate pads 13) is designated as the next task (FIG. 3B). The player throws the ball B so that the ball B hitting the start pad 12 rebounds at the intermediate pad 13a, that is, enters the goal part 14 via the intermediate pad 13a. When this task is achieved, the next task is indicated.

As the level-up game progresses, the difficulty of the instructed task will increase. A plurality of

intermediate pads

13b and 13c as shown in FIG. 3C (

reference numerals

13b and 13c are attached to distinguish them from other intermediate pads 13) may be used. In this case, the player may be instructed in the order of the

intermediate pads

13b and 13c to be routed, or the order may be arbitrary as long as the

intermediate pads

13b and 13c are instructed. Alternatively, the number passing through the intermediate pad 13 may be indicated. Appropriate settings are possible. Since the difficulty level can be adjusted by specifying the intermediate pad 13, a game that can be enjoyed by beginners to advanced players is provided.

While the player is playing, the game field GF and the player are imaged by the camera 18, and the recording information is temporarily stored in the storage unit 52. When the task is achieved, that is, when the ball B enters the goal part 14 via the start pad 12, the recording of a predetermined time range is performed based on the timing at which the ball detection sensor 32 of the goal part 14 detects the ball B. Information is extracted and recorded as video data 54 in the storage unit 52. The video data 54 is reproduced on the monitor 16 or the like during or after play. Thereby, it is possible to make the player confirm the action being played. Further, the video data 54 may be shared with other players via a network. Note that when reproducing the video data 54, it is possible to synthesize and reproduce a sound such as a specific cheer. This sound is output from the speaker unit 17.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the main part of the control system of the game machine 1. The game machine 1 is provided with a game control unit 51 and a storage unit 52. The game control unit 51 is a logical device realized by a combination of computer hardware (including a CPU and a memory as an internal storage device necessary for its operation) and software of the game machine 1. The game control unit 51 executes various arithmetic controls necessary for the progress of the game. The storage unit 52 is an external storage device realized by a storage unit such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage device. Various types of data are recorded in the storage unit 52, and player play data 53, video data 54, and a game program 55 are shown. In the play data 53, data relating to game contents such as game results and environment settings played by the player are recorded. Recording information captured by the camera 18 is recorded in the video data 54.

When the game control unit 51 reads and executes the game program 55 stored in the storage unit 52, a situation determination unit 56 and a video generation unit 57 as logical devices are provided inside the game control unit 51. The situation determination unit 56 determines the achievement status of the predetermined task based on the detection results of the

ball detection sensors

22 and 32. The video generation unit 57 generates video data 54.

The game control unit 51 is connected to the

ball detection sensors

22 and 32, the

light emitting members

23 and 33a, the control panel 2, the monitor 16, the speaker unit 17, and the camera 18, and transmits or receives signals and data necessary for the progress of the game. The card reader 43 of the control panel 2 reads the card 5 possessed by the player. The game control unit 51 acquires play data 53 associated with the read card ID, and provides a game to the player based on the play data 53. The play data 53 may be stored in a center server (not shown). In this case, the game machine 1 and the center server are connected so as to be communicable with each other via a network, and the game machine 1 may transmit the card ID to the center server and acquire the corresponding play data 53.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a situation determination processing routine executed by the situation determination unit 56 of the game machine 1. The situation determination process determines the achievement status of a predetermined task in the game to be played. As predetermined tasks, a task in a level-up game, acquisition of a score in a count-up game, insertion of a ball B into the goal part 14 in a time attack game, and the like are set. Such an issue is presented to the player as a goal in the game. The task may be changed as appropriate according to the game settings. When the game is started, the situation determination unit 56 determines whether or not the ball B is detected by the start pad 12 (step S1). The ball detection sensor 22 detects the contact of the ball B. When the ball B is detected by the start pad 12, the situation determination unit 56 temporarily records the timing detected by the ball detection sensor 22 in the recording unit 52 as a reference time (step S2).

Subsequently, the situation determination unit 56 determines whether or not the ball B is detected by any of the intermediate pads 13 (step S3). When the ball B is detected by the intermediate pad 13, the situation determination unit 56 updates the reference time to the time detected by the ball detection sensor 32 (step S4), and the intermediate pad 13 from which the ball B is detected is updated. Specify (step S5). On the other hand, when the ball B is not detected by the intermediate pad 13, the situation determination unit 56 compares the reference time with the current time, and determines whether or not a timeout has occurred (step S6). A predetermined time from the reference time is set as the play duration, and when the play duration has passed, it is determined as a timeout. If time-out has occurred, the situation determination unit 56 ends the current process. This is to prevent the achievement of a problem due to an illegal act such as hitting the

pads

12 and 13 with something other than the ball B. Further, it is possible to process the ball B that has deviated from the path to the goal unit 14 as a problem that has not been achieved. The play duration time may be set in consideration of the distance between the

pads

12 and 13 and the movement time due to the rebound of the ball B.

If the time-out has not occurred in step S6 or after the process in step S5, the situation determination unit 56 determines whether or not the ball B is detected in the goal unit 14 (step S7). When the ball B enters the cup 31, the ball B is detected by the ball detection sensor 32. When there is no detection of the ball B at the goal unit 14, the situation determination unit 56 compares the reference time with the current time, and determines whether or not a timeout has occurred (step S8). What is necessary is just to perform the process similar to step S6. If the time-out has occurred in step S8, the status control unit 56 ends the current process. On the other hand, if the timeout has not occurred, the process returns to step S3 to continue the processing. When the player passes through a plurality of intermediate pads 13, the ball B is detected on the intermediate pads 13.

When the ball B is detected by the goal unit 14, the situation determination unit 56 determines the passing situation of the intermediate pad 13 (step S9). As the determination of the route status, the intermediate pad 13 in which the ball B is detected is specified, and the path is further specified based on the detection timing of the intermediate pad 13. And the situation determination part 56 determines whether the subject was achieved (step S10). The situation determination unit 56 determines whether or not the player's play result has achieved the task with respect to the task set in the current game. For example, in the case of a level-up game, the ball B enters the goal part 14 via the start pad 12 and the intermediate pad 13 set in the task based on the detection results of the

ball detection sensors

22 and 32. It is determined whether or not. In the level-up game, even if there is a detection at the start pad 12 and the goal part 14, the task is not considered to be achieved if it passes through different intermediate pads 13. Further, in the case of a count-up game, if at least the start pad 12 and the goal part 14 are detected, it is considered that the task has been achieved, and a score set according to the intermediate pad 13 with which the ball B has contacted is given to the player. In the case of a time attack game, if at least the start pad 12 and the goal part 14 are detected, it is considered that the task has been achieved, and the balls B that have achieved the task are counted. You may determine the achievement status of a subject according to the order and number of the intermediate pads 13 which passed.

When the task has been achieved, the situation determination unit 56 updates the play data 53 according to the task that has been achieved (step S11), executes an effect process according to the task (step S12), and this process Exit. The achievement of the problem is produced by sound, light, video, etc. of the

light emitting members

23, 33a of the

pads

12, 13 and the goal part 14, the monitor 16, the speaker unit 17, and the like. The contents of the production may be set as appropriate.

According to the above process, when the game is started, the ball B is detected by the start pad 12, each intermediate pad 13 and the goal part 14 (steps S1, S3, S7), and the intermediate pad 13 is detected based on the detection result. The via status is determined (step S9), and the achievement status of the task is determined (step S10). If the task is achieved, the play data 53 of the player is updated (step S11), and an effect corresponding to the achieved task is performed (step S12). Also, a reference time is set according to the detection of the ball B on each of the pads 12 and 13 (steps S2 and S4), and a time-out occurs when the time elapsed from the reference time exceeds the play duration (steps S6 and S8). The play with the ball B becomes invalid. The path of the ball B can be evaluated based on the detection results from the plurality of intermediate pads 13. Therefore, the difficulty level can be easily adjusted according to the path of the ball B by selecting the intermediate pad 13 to be routed from the plurality of intermediate pads 13 and setting various tasks. Further, since the player can participate in the game with a simple operation of throwing the ball B, the game can be appealed to a wide range of customers. Therefore, a novel play feeling can be given to the player, and the operating rate of the game machine 1 can be improved. Note that the processing of steps S1 to S10 executed by the situation determination unit 56 functions as determination means, and in particular, the processing of step S10 functions as achievement status determination means.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a video generation processing routine executed by the video generation unit 57 of the game machine 1. In the video generation processing, the game field GF and the player are imaged by the camera 18, and video data 54 obtained by cutting out a predetermined section is generated. First, the video generation unit 57 determines whether or not a game is started on the game machine 1 (step S21). When the player pays a play fee, the game is started after a predetermined setting such as selecting a game mode is made. When the game is started, the video generation unit 57 causes the camera 18 to start imaging (step S22). If the game is not started, the current process is not executed.

The video generation unit 57 determines whether or not the ball B is detected by the goal unit 14 (step S23). The determination is made based on the detection result of the ball detection sensor 32 of the goal unit 14. When the ball B is detected by the goal unit 14, the video generation unit 57 determines whether or not the path of the ball B has achieved the task (step S24). The task at the time when the ball B is thrown is specified, and it is determined whether or not the task has been achieved based on the detection results of the

pads

12 and 13. When the task is achieved, the recording information from the predetermined time before the timing when the ball B is detected by the start pad 12 to the predetermined time after the timing when the ball B is detected by the goal unit 14 is extracted and recorded. (Step S25). Recording information in a predetermined time range is extracted with reference to the timing at which the ball detection sensor 32 of the goal unit 14 detects the ball B, and recorded as video data 54 in the storage unit 52. As an example, recording information from 0.5 seconds before the timing detected by the ball detection sensor 22 to 2 seconds after the timing detected by the ball detection sensor 32 based on the detection results of the

ball detection sensors

22 and 32 is recorded. cut. Then, the video generation unit 57 determines whether or not the currently played game has ended (step S26). Also, in the case of a negative determination in steps S23 and S24, the video generation unit 57 proceeds to step S26. If the game has not ended, the video generation unit 57 returns to step S23 and repeats the process. In this way, while the game continues, the player's play is imaged and recorded each time the task is achieved.

When the game being played ends, the video generation unit 57 ends the imaging with the camera 18 (step S27). And the video production | generation part 57 produces | generates the video data 54 based on the video recording information extracted by step S25 (step S28). The video data 54 may be an image as it is captured, or a special effect on the video, such as a frame, character, sound effect, or the path of the ball B (for example, a path display or a display that makes the intermediate pad 13 via the display stand out) ) Etc. may be added. Such effects may be editable by the player, or may be automatically added. Alternatively, the video may be edited and cut to a predetermined length. When adding automatically, what is necessary is just to add based on the detection result of the ball |

bowl detection sensors

22 and 32. FIG. Further, the position of the ball B in the image may be detected by image processing and added based on the detection result. For the video data 54, all of the recording information extracted in step S25 may be the video data 54, or a thumbnail of the recording information may be displayed on the monitor 16 to allow the player to select information to be the video data 54. Or you may link the achievement status of a subject, and a video. Specifically, a video when the most advanced task among the achieved tasks is achieved may be automatically determined and displayed as video data. The video generation unit 57 displays the generated video data 54 on the monitor 16 (step S29), and ends the current process.

According to the above-described processing, when the game is started (step S21), the game field GF and the player are imaged by the camera 18 (step S22). When the ball B enters the goal part 14 (step S23) and the task is achieved (step S24), the recording information in a predetermined time range is cut out based on the detection result of the ball B (step S25). The processing from step S23 to step S25 is repeated until the game ends (step S26), and when the game ends, the imaging of the camera 18 is ended (step S27). Video data 54 is generated based on the obtained recording information (step S28), and the video is reproduced (step S29). According to this, when a player plays a game, a play animation of the player is automatically generated, and the player can check an operation during play. Further, by distributing the video data 54 via the network and sharing the video data 54 with other players, it is possible to obtain game information of the game machine 1 or promote communication between the players. Further, by distributing the video data 54 via the network, the game machine 1 is made known by making a play video public to an unspecified number of users, and the operating rate of the game machine 1 can be improved.

The present invention can be implemented in various forms without being limited to the above-described forms. For example, in the present embodiment, the game machine 1 has been described. However, a game system that can communicate with each other via a center server (not shown) and a network may be used. Play data 53 and video data 54 are stored in the center server, and the play data 53 of all players can be managed by the center server, or the video data 54 can be uploaded to the center server and connected to a network such as a personal computer or a mobile terminal device. It may be possible to browse from a simple terminal device. A known technique may be used for the configuration of such a system. The reproduction of the video data 54 is not limited to the timing after play. For example, the video data 54 may be generated during play based on the extracted recording information, and the player's play video may be played back in real time. In this case, the processes of steps S28 and S29 in FIG. 6 are executed between steps S25 and S26. Alternatively, the video data 54 may be reproduced as a demo video during standby.

The configuration of the game field GF described in the above-described form is an example, and appropriate changes can be made. For example, although the embodiment has been described in which one cup 31 into which the ball B enters in the goal part 14 is provided, the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more cups that can enter the goal part 14 may be provided. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a modification of the game field GF. As shown in FIG. 7, the goal cup 14 may be provided with a sub cup 14a. In this case, when entering the sub-cup 14a, the obtained score may be set low. Alternatively, a plurality of goal parts 14 may be installed. This diversifies game characteristics. Moreover, although the description has been given in the form in which a plurality of intermediate pads 13 are provided on the game field GF, one intermediate pad 13 may be provided. The number of intermediate pads 13 and the positions where they are installed can be changed as appropriate.

In the above-described embodiment, the table tennis ball B is described as a game medium, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a ball for various sports such as a tennis ball or a golf ball, or may be a rubber ball of various sizes. In the case of a rubber ball, the ball may be formed so that the coefficient of restitution differs depending on the area occupied by the ball surface. The rebound of the ball B cannot be predicted and the game characteristics are diversified. Of course, not only rubber balls but also leather balls may be used. Furthermore, the ball B used as the game medium is not limited to a spherical one, and may be a non-spherical ball such as a rugby ball. In the case of using a non-spherical ball, it is difficult to predict the rebound, and the difficulty of putting the ball into the goal part 14 is increased, and the game characteristics are diversified.

The ball B may be thrown directly by the player to the game field GF, or the ball B may be thrown indirectly using a throwing device. The throwing device may be capable of adjusting the direction in which the player throws the ball B and the initial speed, or may automatically fire the ball B thus adjusted. The throwing device only needs to have a mechanism for sequentially throwing the balls stored in accordance with the operation of the player into the game field GF, and is configured using a known technique. Alternatively, the ball B thrown by the player may be accelerated. Further, instead of the

light emitting members

23 and 33a of the

pads

12 and 13 and the goal part 14, a liquid crystal display device or a projector may be used. Various productions are possible.

In the above-described embodiment, the ball B is detected using the

ball detection sensors

22 and 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the position of the ball B may be specified by analyzing an image of the game field GF captured by the camera 18 provided in the game machine 1. Thereby, the presence or absence of entry to the intermediate pad 13 or the goal part 14 through which the ball B has passed is determined.

In the above-described embodiment, the game machine 1 has been described as an apparatus for causing a player to play a game, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a game may be played, and a prize may be awarded to a player when a predetermined task is achieved, and the prize may be given. A prize may automatically come out from the game machine 1 when the task is achieved. In this case, a prize granting mechanism for holding prizes in the game machine 1 and granting prizes to the player according to the achievement status of the task may be provided. Such a configuration may use a known technique. Further, it is not necessary to provide such a prize granting mechanism, and an employee such as a store where the game machine 1 is installed may judge the achievement status of the task and grant a prize to the player. Ranks may be provided for prizes to be awarded according to the achievement status of the task.

As described above, the game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention has a game field (for example, the game field GF of the game machine 1) to which the game medium (for example, the ball B) whose movement direction is determined by the player can move. A first intermediate point (for example, the start pad 12) through which the game medium should pass, a destination point (for example, the goal unit 14) that the game medium should reach, and the first game field; A game machine (for example, game machine 1) provided with one or more second intermediate points (for example, intermediate pad 13) that can be routed between one intermediate point and the reaching point, wherein the game medium Intermediate point detecting means (for example, a ball detection sensor 22) for detecting whether or not the first intermediate point and the second intermediate point are routed, and detecting whether or not the game medium has reached the arrival point. The passing point detection means (for example, the ball detection sensor 32) and the intermediate point detection means detect the passage of the first intermediate point, and the arrival point detection means detects the arrival of the arrival point. As a condition, it can be grasped as having a determination means for determining the route status of the second intermediate point (for example, the status determination unit 56).

A game control method according to an aspect of the present invention is provided with a game field in which a game medium whose movement direction is determined by a player is movable, and a first intermediate point through which the game medium passes through the game field. A reaching point to be reached by the game medium, and one or more second intermediate points that can be passed between the first intermediate point and the reach point, and the first intermediate point of the game medium is provided. And a game control method for a game machine, comprising: intermediate point detection means for detecting presence / absence of passage at the second intermediate point; and arrival point detection means for detecting presence / absence of arrival at the arrival point of the game medium, The computer of the game machine (for example, the game control unit 51) detects that the intermediate point detection unit detects that the first intermediate point has been routed and that the arrival point detection unit has reached the arrival point. On condition that the issued, the second intermediate point via situation a determination procedure (e.g., steps S1 ~ S10 described in FIG. 5) can be grasped as to execute.

A computer program according to an aspect of the present invention is provided with a game field in which a game medium whose movement direction is determined by a player is movable, and a first intermediate point through which the game medium passes, on the game field, A reaching point to be reached by the game medium, and one or more second intermediate points that can be routed between the first intermediate point and the arrival point, the first intermediate point of the game medium, and A game machine computer comprising: intermediate point detecting means for detecting presence / absence of a route at the second intermediate point; and arrival point detecting means for detecting presence / absence of arrival of the game medium at the arrival point; Determines whether or not the second intermediate point is routed on the condition that the passage of the first intermediate point is detected and the arrival point detecting means detects the arrival of the second intermediate point. It can be grasped as being configured so as to function as that judging means.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to evaluate the route of the game medium to the reaching point. The path along which the game medium moves is determined by the player's action, for example, by throwing the game medium or by determining the moving direction using the input device, so that the game can be played with simple actions, Can appeal the game to customers. Therefore, a novel play feeling can be given to the player and the operating rate of the game machine can be improved.

Note that the computer program according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided in a state stored in a storage medium. By using this storage medium, for example, by installing and executing the computer program according to the present invention in a computer, the game system of the present invention can be realized using the computer. The storage medium storing the computer program may be a non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM.

In one form of the game machine of the present invention, the determination means may be provided with achievement status determination means for determining an achievement status of a predetermined task according to a second intermediate point through which the game medium passes. According to this, since the achievement status of the predetermined task is determined according to the second intermediate point through which the game medium passes, the path of the game medium to the reaching point can be evaluated.

In one form of the game machine of the present invention, a plurality of second intermediate points are included on the game field, and the achievement status determining means determines the predetermined intermediate point according to the order of the second intermediate points through which the game medium passes. You may determine the achievement status of a subject. According to this, the difficulty can be easily adjusted according to the route of the game medium by selecting the second intermediate point to be routed from the plurality of second intermediate points to the game medium and setting various tasks. Further, in one aspect of the game machine of the present invention, the game field includes a plurality of second intermediate points, and the achievement status determination means determines the achievement state according to the number of second intermediate points through which the game medium passes. You may determine the achievement status of a predetermined subject.

In one form of the game machine of the present invention, the achievement status determination means records the detected timing based on the detection result of the intermediate point detection means, and the intermediate inspection within a predetermined time with the timing as a reference If there is no detection by the exit means or the arrival point detection means, it may be determined that the predetermined task has not been achieved. If the moving time between the intermediate points of the game media moving in the game field is too long, there is a possibility of game fraud. By determining the achievement status of the task based on whether or not the game medium is detected within a predetermined time with reference to the detection timing, it is possible to prevent an illegal act of the game. In addition, it is possible to process a game medium that has deviated from the route to the reaching point as a problem that has not been achieved.

In one form of the game machine of the present invention, a rebound member (for example, a contact plate 21) for rebounding the game medium is provided at the first intermediate point and the second intermediate point, and the intermediate point detecting means However, the contact sensor which detects that the said game medium contacted the said rebound member may be sufficient. In one form of the game machine of the present invention, the reaching point is provided with a collecting means (for example, the goal unit 14) for collecting the gaming medium, and the reaching point detecting means includes a gaming medium to be collected. The photoelectric sensor to detect may be sufficient.

In one embodiment of the game machine of the present invention, an imaging means (for example, camera 18) for imaging the game field may be provided. According to this, the state of the game developed on the game field can be imaged by the imaging means. The captured image can be used for various services provided to the player, for example, reproduction after game play or distribution to a video site. In this embodiment, the imaging means may be installed so that a player who plays a game is imaged in addition to the game field.

In the above description, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, an example of each configuration is added in parentheses. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated form.

1 game machine 12 start pad (first intermediate point)
13 Intermediate pad (2nd intermediate point)
14 Goal part (reaching point)
22 Ball detection sensor (intermediate point detection means)
32 ball detection sensor (reaching point detection means)
56 Situation determination unit (determination means, achievement state determination means)
B ball (game media)
GF Game Field

Claims

A game field is provided in which a game medium whose movement direction is determined by a player is movable, and a first intermediate point through which the game medium should pass and an arrival point to which the game medium should reach are provided on the game field. A game machine provided with one or more second intermediate points that can be routed between the first intermediate point and the reaching point,
Intermediate point detecting means for detecting whether or not the first intermediate point and the second intermediate point of the game medium are routed;
Arrival point detection means for detecting whether or not the game medium reaches the arrival point;
Determining the route status of the second intermediate point on the condition that the intermediate point detecting means detects that the first intermediate point has been detected and that the arrival point detecting means has detected that the intermediate point has been reached. Determination means to perform,
A game machine equipped with.
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the determination means is provided with achievement status determination means for determining an achievement status of a predetermined task according to a second intermediate point through which the game medium passes.
A plurality of second intermediate points are included on the game field;
The game machine according to claim 2, wherein the achievement status determination means determines the achievement status of the predetermined task according to the order of the second intermediate points through which the game medium passes.
A plurality of second intermediate points are included on the game field;
The game machine according to claim 2, wherein the achievement status determination means determines the achievement status of the predetermined task according to the number of second intermediate points through which the game medium passes.
The achievement status determination means records the detected timing based on the detection result of the intermediate point detection means, and detects by the intermediate point detection means or the arrival point detection means within a predetermined time with reference to the timing. The game machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein if there is no, it is determined that the predetermined task has not been achieved.
The first intermediate point and the second intermediate point are provided with a rebound member that rebounds the game medium,
The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the intermediate point detection means is a contact sensor that detects that the game medium has come into contact with the rebound member.
The reaching point is provided with a collecting means for collecting the game medium,
The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the arrival point detection means is a photoelectric sensor that detects a game medium to be collected.
The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an imaging means for imaging the game field.
The game machine according to claim 8, wherein the imaging means is installed so that a player who plays a game is imaged in addition to the game field.
A game field is provided in which a game medium whose movement direction is determined by a player is movable, and a first intermediate point through which the game medium should pass and an arrival point to which the game medium should reach are provided on the game field. One or more second intermediate points that can be routed between the first intermediate point and the reaching point, and whether or not the game medium passes through the first intermediate point and the second intermediate point. A game control method for a game machine comprising intermediate point detection means for detecting, and arrival point detection means for detecting presence or absence of arrival at the arrival point of the game medium,
In the game machine computer,
Determining the route status of the second intermediate point on the condition that the intermediate point detecting means detects that the first intermediate point has been detected and that the arrival point detecting means has detected that the intermediate point has been reached. A game control method for executing a determination procedure.
A game field is provided in which a game medium whose movement direction is determined by a player is movable, and a first intermediate point through which the game medium should pass and an arrival point to which the game medium should reach are provided on the game field. One or more second intermediate points that can be routed between the first intermediate point and the reaching point, and whether or not the game medium passes through the first intermediate point and the second intermediate point. A game machine computer comprising: intermediate point detection means for detecting; and arrival point detection means for detecting whether or not the game medium has reached the arrival point;
Determining the route status of the second intermediate point on the condition that the intermediate point detecting means detects that the first intermediate point has been detected and that the arrival point detecting means has detected that the intermediate point has been reached. A computer program configured to function as a determination unit.