WO2020075314A1

WO2020075314A1 - Game device

Info

Publication number: WO2020075314A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/002925
Authority: WO
Inventors: 悦史高橋; 健二現王園
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミアミューズメント
Priority date: 2018-10-12
Filing date: 2019-01-29
Publication date: 2020-04-16
Also published as: TWI700115B; JP2020058711A; JP6643548B1; TW202014229A

Abstract

This game device is provided with: a table having an upper surface to which a game body capable of rolling regardless of the orientation thereof is supplied; a pusher part that moves in a reciprocating manner on the surface of the table; and a guide part provided to the upper surface of the table and configured to include a wall surface that is made to pass over the game body together with reciprocating movement of the pusher part, in which said wall surface extends in an inclined manner with respect to the direction of reciprocating movement so as to guide the game body toward a peripheral edge other than a front edge on the upper surface of the table.

Description

Game device

The present invention relates to a game device.

A pusher game in which a pusher table is repeatedly reciprocated on the surface of a flat table has been conventionally proposed. A large number of disc-shaped game objects (token coins) placed on the surface of the table are gradually moved by being pressed by the pusher table and fall from the front end of the table.

JP, 2010-110525, A

It is expected that token coins (medals) used in conventional pusher games will be changed to game objects such as spheres. However, a game object such as a sphere is generally hard to roll due to its surface being abraded over time due to use, and thus difficult to move in a direction other than the pushing direction of the pusher table. Therefore, there is a problem in that the function of dropping the game body not only from the front end of the table but also from the other end thereof is deteriorated even if the game object such as a sphere is simply used. In consideration of the above circumstances, a preferred aspect of the present invention aims to suppress the deterioration of the function even in a configuration using a game object that can roll in any direction.

In order to solve the above problems, a game device according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is a table having an upper surface to which a game object that can roll regardless of a posture is supplied, and a pusher that reciprocates on the surface of the table. Part and one or more wall surfaces provided on the upper surface of the table and capable of overcoming the game body as the pusher part reciprocates, and the one or more wall surfaces form the game object on the upper surface of the table. And a guide portion extending obliquely with respect to the reciprocating direction so as to be guided toward a peripheral edge other than the front edge.

It is a perspective view of the game device concerning the suitable form of the present invention. It is the top view which looked at the game device of an embodiment from the upper part. FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. It is a perspective view of a game device in a state where a game object is arranged in a game field. It is a top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the convex part which a guide part has. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5. It is the figure which looked at an example of the adjustment mechanism which can adjust the opening area of an opening from the front. FIG. 8 is a side view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 7. It is a block diagram showing a control system of a game device of an embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a notification process of the game device of the embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structure of the guide part in a modification. It is a top view which shows the structure of the guide part in a modification. It is a top view which shows the structure of the guide part in a modification. It is a top view which shows the structure of the guide part in a modification. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the guide part in a modification. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the guide part in a modification. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the guide part in a modification.

A preferred mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing referred to in the following description, the dimensions and scale of each element may be different from the actual product for convenience. Further, the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

<Game device>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a game device 1 according to a preferred aspect of the present invention. The game device 1 is a device for a player to play a game, and is installed in an entertainment facility such as a game center and a casino, or a commercial facility such as a shopping center. The game device 1 may be called a gaming machine when used in a casino. Further, the game device 1 does not have to be a device for business use installed in a store, but can be realized as a device for home or personal use, for example.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game device 1 of this embodiment includes an operation panel 10 and a game field F. The operation panel 10 is an input device that accepts operations by a player. The game field F is a space in which a mechanism for providing a pusher game to a player is installed.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the operation panel 10 of the present embodiment includes an operation unit 11L, an operation unit 11R, a reading unit 13, and a payout unit 14. Each of the operation unit 11L and the operation unit 11R is configured to include an operator 112, an operator 113, and an input port 114. The

operators

112 and 113 are operation buttons that the player presses. The insertion slot 114 is an opening through which a player can insert token coins (medals). Here, the token coin may be a game medium lent to the player by the store, a coin, or the like.

The reading unit 13 reads and writes various kinds of information in a contactless manner with respect to the card in which the credit information held by the player is stored. Credits are virtual game values that can be used for games. The credit may be, for example, a value that is limited to use in a game, or a value that can be exchanged for an actual game value (for example, money). Specifically, when the game device 1 is used as a gaming machine of a casino, the actual game value (for example, money such as bills or coins) and credit are exchanged with each other. In some cases, the number of token coins or tickets that can be converted to the number of credits can be converted. The credit information does not have to be stored in the card itself. For example, the credit information may be stored in a server device that can communicate with the game device 1 via a communication network. Specifically, credit information is stored in association with identification information (for example, card ID) given to the player or the card. The game device 1 acquires the credit information corresponding to the identification information acquired by the reading unit 13 from the card, from the server device.

The payout unit 14 is an operator for instructing the player to pay out token coins. When the player operates the payout unit 14, a predetermined number of token coins are discharged to a payout opening (not shown). Note that, when the payout unit 14 is operated, the number of credits stored in the card may be added according to the number of token coins. In addition, the number of credits stored in the server device with which the game device 1 can communicate via the communication network may be added.

2 is a plan view of the game field F seen from above, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG. It should be noted that the illustration of the operation panel 10 is omitted for convenience sake in each of the drawings starting from FIG. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the following description, the left-right direction of the game field F is described as the X direction, and the front-back direction is described as the Y direction. The positive side in the X direction is the right side when viewed from the player, and the negative side in the X direction is the left side when viewed from the player. The positive side in the Y direction is the front side (front side as viewed from the player), and the negative side in the Y direction is rear side (back side as viewed from the player). The XY plane corresponds to the horizontal plane.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the game field F, a frame unit 20, a table 30, a pusher unit 40, a charging unit 50L, and a charging unit 50R are installed. The frame portion 20 is a structure that supports each element of the game apparatus 1, and is configured to include a side wall portion 21L, a side wall portion 21R, a front wall portion 23, and a rear wall portion 24. The side wall portion 21L and the side wall portion 21R are installed on the left and right of the game field F so as to face each other. The table 30 and the pusher portion 40 are installed between the side wall portion 21L and the side wall portion 21R. The front wall portion 23 is a member that extends in the X direction at a position separated from the front edge E2 that is the positive side edge of the table 30 in the Y direction. That is, between the front edge E2 of the table 30 and the front wall portion 23, a long opening (hereinafter referred to as "falling port") Q in the X direction is formed. The rear wall portion 24 is a member elongated in the X direction facing the upper surface (hereinafter referred to as “first surface”) S1 of the pusher portion 40.

The table 30 is a flat plate-shaped member installed substantially horizontally. The table 30 is formed of a light-transmitting resin material such as acrylic resin. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper surface of the table 30 is divided into a reciprocating surface S0 and a second surface S2. The reciprocating surface S0 is a plane substantially parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). The second surface S2 is an area located on the positive side in the Y direction when viewed from the reciprocating surface S0.

The pusher unit 40 is a three-dimensional structure (pusher table) that reciprocates on the surface of the table 30. The pusher unit 40 is also referred to as a moving table or a reciprocating unit. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the pusher section 40 reciprocates reciprocally along the Y direction on the reciprocating surface S0. The direction in which the pusher section 40 reciprocates may be defined as the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Y direction in the horizontal plane may be defined as the X direction.

The charging unit 50L and the charging unit 50R are mechanisms capable of charging the game machine B toward the first surface S1 of the pusher unit 40. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the loading unit 50L loads the game object B onto the first surface S1 from the left side of the center of the pusher unit 40 toward the positive side in the X direction. The charging unit 50R charges the game object B onto the first surface S1 from the right side of the center of the pusher unit 40 toward the negative side in the X direction. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game object B of the present embodiment is a sphere (ball). Therefore, for example, the game object B can roll on the surface of the first surface S1 of the pusher portion 40 or the surface of the second surface S2 of the table 30. The game body B is formed of a light transmissive material such as acrylic resin or glass.

The direction and time when each of the throwing unit 50L and the throwing unit 50R throws the game machine B is variable. The player can change the direction in which the game object B is loaded by the loading unit 50L by operating the operator 112 of the operation unit 11L on the operation panel 10 of FIG. Specifically, the throwing direction of the throwing unit 50L repeatedly changes within a predetermined range when the operating element 112 is pressed, and is determined to be the direction at the time when the pressing of the operating element 112 is released. The same applies to the throw-in section 50R, and the player can change the throw-in direction by the throw-in section 50R by operating the operator 112 of the operation section 11R in the operation panel 10. Further, when the operation member 113 of the operation unit 11L of the operation panel 10 is operated, the game object B is inserted from the insertion unit 50L, and when the operation member 113 of the operation unit 11R is operated, the game object B is inserted from the insertion unit 50R. To be done. Note that only one of the charging unit 50L and the charging unit 50R may be installed.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state where the game object B is arranged in the game field F of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in an actual game scene, a large number of game objects B are spread over the first surface S1 and the second surface S2. The plurality of game objects B thrown into the first surface S1 from the throw-in section 50L and the throw-in section 50R are pressed by the rear wall section 24 when the pusher section 40 is moving backward (negative side in the Y direction). . The plurality of game objects B are sequentially moved by being pressed by the rear wall portion 24, and the surplus game objects B located near the front edge E1 which is the positive side peripheral edge in the Y direction of the pusher portion 40 are It falls from the first surface S1 to the second surface S2 of the table 30. The plurality of game objects B on the second surface S2 are sequentially moved by being pressed by the pusher portion 40 that moves forward, and the surplus game objects B located near the front edge E2 of the table 30 are the second ones. It falls from the surface S2 to the drop port Q.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a detector 60 that detects the game B is installed in the drop port Q. A reward is given to the player according to the number of game objects B detected by the detector 60. For example, a numerical value corresponding to the number of game objects B is added as a reward to the player's credit amount. It should be noted that the token coins in the number corresponding to the number of the game objects B dropped in the drop slot Q may be discharged from the payout opening (not shown) as a reward.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a light emitting unit 61 is installed below the table 30. The light emitting unit 61 is a light source that illuminates the table 30, and includes a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). As described above, since the game object B and the table 30 are light-transmissive, the light emitted from the light emitting section 61 passes through the table 30 and is appropriately scattered while passing through the game object B and is visually recognized by the player. . A light emitting unit 62 is installed above the pusher unit 40. The light emitting section 62 is a light source that illuminates the first surface S1 of the pusher section 40, and includes a light emitting element such as an LED. The light emitted from the light emitting portion 62 is appropriately scattered while passing through the game object B and is visually recognized by the player. As can be understood from the above description, a design effect using a plurality of game objects B on the first surface S1 and the second surface S2 for illumination is realized. If the light emitting unit 62 is installed inside the pusher unit 40, the light emitting unit 62 moves together with the pusher unit 40. Therefore, even if the pusher unit 40 is located at any point within the reciprocating range, the light emitting unit 62 receives power. It is necessary to have a mechanism for supplying On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the light emitting unit 62 is fixed to the outside of the pusher unit 40, it is possible to constantly supply power to the light emitting unit 62 with a simple configuration regardless of the position of the pusher unit 40. There is.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide portion 33 is installed on the second surface S2 of the table 30. The guide part 33 has a function of increasing the tendency of the game body B toward the peripheral edge of the second surface S2 other than the front edge E2 as compared with the case where the guide part 33 is not provided, while allowing the game body B to move forward. Have. The guide portion 33 has two

convex portions

33L and 33R protruding upward from the second surface S2. The

convex portions

33L and 33R are made of a light transmissive resin material such as acrylic resin. Therefore, the emitted light from the light emitting unit 61 passes through the guide unit 33, so that the design effect described above is maintained. In addition, the constituent material of the

convex portions

33L and 33R is not limited to the light-transmitting resin material, and may not have light-transmitting property, for example, a metal material or the like, depending on the design aspect. May be. Further, the

convex portions

33L and 33R may be integrated with the table 30 or may be separate bodies. When it is a separate body, the

convex portions

33L and 33R are fixed to the table 30 with an adhesive, an adhesive, a screw, or the like.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the

convex portions

33L and 33R of the guide portion 33. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the convex portion 33L is provided in a region on the negative side in the X direction with the center of the second surface S2 as a reference. On the other hand, the convex portion 33R is provided in the area on the positive side in the X direction with respect to the center of the second surface S2. In the example of FIG. 5, the

convex portions

33L and 33R are arranged symmetrically in the X direction. Each of the

convex portions

33L and 33R is a long member that extends linearly in a direction inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to the Y direction. Here, the

convex portions

33L and 33R are arranged such that the distance between them becomes wider from the negative side to the positive side in the Y direction. Therefore, the game object B from the rear side can be guided along the rear side wall surface 331 of the convex portion 33L toward the side edge EL which is the negative edge in the X direction of the second surface S2. Similarly, the game object B from the rear side can be guided along the rear side wall surface 331 of the convex portion 33R toward the side edge ER which is the positive side peripheral edge in the X direction of the second surface S2. Further, the

convex portions

33L and 33R are respectively configured such that the game object B can get over the forward movement of the pusher portion 40. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4 described above, it is possible to maintain a state in which a large number of game objects B are spread over the second surface S2. The

convex portions

33L and 33R may have an asymmetric shape in the X direction.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. In FIG. 6, the convex portion 33R is shown as a representative. The convex portion 33L is the same as the convex portion 33R except that the convex portion 33L has a left-right reversed configuration. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the guide portion 33 has a rectangular cross section when cut along a plane along both the vertical direction and the Y direction. Therefore, the wall surface 331 is orthogonal to the second surface S2. That is, the angle θ2 formed by the wall surface 331 and the second surface S2 is 90 °. Further, the height h1 of the wall surface 331 is set to such an extent that the game object B can get over the forward movement of the pusher portion 40. Here, the second surface S2 is inclined at an angle θ0 with respect to the horizontal plane H so that the front side (the positive side in the Y direction) becomes lower. Therefore, the plurality of game objects B on the second surface S2 try to move toward the front edge E2 on the second surface S2 due to gravity. Therefore, the game body B located on the rear side of the guide portion 33 comes into contact with the wall surface 331 as the game progresses. The game object B contacting the wall surface 331 moves along the wall surface 331 when the forward pressing force transmitted from the pusher portion 40 via the other game object B is less than a predetermined value. On the other hand, when the pressing force is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the game object B that has contacted the wall surface 331 moves over the wall surface 331 and moves to the front side.

The height h1 depends on the size of the angles θ0, θ1 and θ2, etc., but is within the range of 1/50 times or more and 1/5 times or less the height of the game object B, that is, the diameter D, for example. It is preferably 1/30 times or more and 1/10 times or less, more preferably 1/20 times or more and 1/10 times or less. By setting the height h1 within this range, there is an advantage that it is easy to optimize the balance between the ease of getting over the game object B on the wall surface 331 and the amount of movement of the game object B along the wall surface 331. The height h1 may be constant or may change over the entire area of the wall surface 331 in the extending direction. By making the height h1 different at different positions in the extending direction of the wall surface 331, the above-mentioned balance can be made different in the Y direction of the second surface S2.

The angle θ0 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, larger than 0 ° and within a range of 10 ° or less. The angle θ1 may be greater than 0 ° and within a range of 90 ° or less, but is preferably within a range of 20 ° or more and 80 ° or less, for example, within a range of 45 ° or more and 70 ° or less. More preferably. By setting the angle θ1 within this range, even in the case where the guide portion 33 is composed of the two

convex portions

33L and 33R as in the present embodiment, the second surface S2 in the X direction and the Y direction can be formed. The guide portion 33 can be arranged over a wide range in each direction. Further, there is an advantage that it is easy to optimize the balance between the ease with which the game object B can get over the wall surface 331 and the amount of movement of the game object B along the wall surface 331. On the other hand, if the angle θ1 is too small, it becomes difficult for the game machine B to get over the wall surface 331. On the other hand, if the angle θ1 is too large, it becomes difficult to increase the movement amount of the game object B along the wall surface 331.

The distance dx1 which is the shortest distance in the X direction between the wall surfaces 331 of the

convex portions

33L and 33R is, for example, 0 times or more and 1/2 times or less of the maximum width W0 of the second surface S2 in the X direction. Is preferably in the range of 0 times or more and 1/3 times or less, and more preferably in the range of 0 times or more and 1/4 times or less. By setting the distance dx1 within this range, it is possible to reduce the number of game objects B that move in the Y direction without being affected by the wall surface 331 on the second surface S2. Although the wall surfaces 331 of the

convex portions

33L and 33R are separated from each other in the example shown in FIG. 5, they may be in contact with each other without being separated from each other.

The distance dX3 between the wall surface 331 of the convex portion 33L and the side edge EL or between the wall surface 331 of the convex portion 33R and the side edge ER is, for example, with respect to the maximum width W0 in the X direction of the second surface S2. , 0 times or more and 1/3 times or less is preferable, and 0 times or more and 1/4 times or less is more preferable. By setting the distance dx3 within this range, it is possible to reduce the number of game objects B that move in the Y direction without being affected by the wall surface 331 on the second surface S2.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the table 30 is provided with a first regulation unit 31. The first restricting portion 31 is a member protruding from the second surface S2 along the front edge E2 of the table 30. Specifically, the first restricting portion 31 extends linearly along the X direction (that is, the direction intersecting the Y direction in which the pusher portion 40 reciprocates) over the entire front edge E2. Here, the 1st control part 31 inclines with respect to the horizontal surface H so that the positive side of a Y direction may become high. Therefore, the first restricting portion 31 suppresses a large number of game objects B from freely dropping from the front edge E2 on the second surface S2 to the drop opening Q. Therefore, it is possible to gradually move the game object B and drop it from the table 30 regardless of the configuration using the rollable spherical game object B.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the side wall 21L has a long opening 26L formed along the side edge EL which is the negative edge of the table 30 in the X direction. Similarly, in the side wall portion 21R, a long opening 26R is formed along the side edge ER which is the positive side edge of the table 30 in the X direction. When the plurality of game objects B on the second surface S2 are pressed by the pusher portion 40, the excess game objects B located in the vicinity of the side edge EL move to the negative side in the X direction to open the opening 26L. It passes and falls from the table 30 (so-called parent drop (out zone)). Similarly, the surplus game body B located near the side edge ER passes through the opening 26R and drops from the table 30 by moving to the positive side in the X direction. The game object B that has passed through the opening 26L or the opening 26R and dropped from the table 30 is stored inside the game apparatus 1. That is, when the game object B falls into the drop opening Q, the player is rewarded, whereas the player is rewarded even if the game object B falls through the opening 26L or the opening 26R. Not granted. Note that, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the vicinity of the opening 26L and the opening 26R is actually covered with the shielding plate 27 and is not visible to the player. In addition, you may make the game body B fall (parent drop) from the notch formed in the table 30 along side edge EL and side edge ER. The notch is an opening having a width that exceeds the diameter of the game body B. In the configuration in which the cutout is formed, the opening 26L and the opening 26R may be omitted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sidewall 21L is provided with an adjusting mechanism 28L capable of adjusting the opening area of the opening 26L. Similarly, the side wall 21R is provided with an adjusting mechanism 28R capable of adjusting the opening area of the opening 26R.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an example of the adjustment mechanism 28L capable of adjusting the opening area of the opening 26L as seen from the front. FIG. 8 is a side view of the mechanism shown in FIG. 7 and 8, the adjusting mechanism 28L is illustrated as a representative. The adjusting mechanism 28R is the same as the adjusting mechanism 28L, except that the adjusting mechanism 28L has a configuration that is laterally reversed from the adjusting mechanism 28L. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the adjustment mechanism 28L includes a rail 281, a slider 282, and an adjustment member 283. The rail 281 is attached to the side wall portion 21L. The rail 281 has an elongated shape and is arranged in the Y direction or along the side edge EL. The slider 282 is provided so as to be movable along the rail 281. The position of the slider 282 on the rail 281 is fixed by a screw or the like (not shown). The adjusting member 283 is fixed to the slider 282 by screwing or the like. Here, the adjusting member 283 is a plate-shaped member arranged so as to be orthogonal to the second surface S2, and closes all or part of the opening 26L according to the position of the slider 282 on the rail 281. The adjusting member 283 is movable along with the slider 282 in the Y direction or along the side edge EL. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the adjustment member 283 adjusts the opening area of the opening 26L by this movement. Here, as the position of the adjusting member 283 moves rearward, the opening area of the opening 26L increases. When the opening area of the opening 26L is increased, the possibility that the game machine B will pass through the opening 26L and fall. The configuration of the adjusting mechanism 28L is not limited to the configuration shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 as long as the opening area of the opening 26L can be adjusted. For example, the opening area may be adjusted by replacing the adjusting member 283 with a member having a different size. The

openings

26L and 26R may include an opening provided on the upper surface of the table 30, and in this case, the area of the opening may be adjusted.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second restricting portion 32L protruding from the second surface S2 along the side edge EL is installed on the table 30. The second restricting portion 32L is a long member that extends over the entire length of the opening 26L. The second restricting portion 32L is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane H such that the second restricting portion 32L becomes higher on the negative side in the X direction. For this reason, the second restricting portion 32L suppresses a large number of game objects B from passing through the opening 26L and falling (parent drop) from the side edge EL of the second surface S2.

Similarly, the second restricting portion 32R protruding from the second surface S2 along the side edge ER is installed on the table 30. The second restricting portion 32R is a long member that extends over the entire length of the opening 26R. The second restricting portion 32R is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane H such that the second restricting portion 32R becomes higher on the positive side in the X direction. For this reason, the second restricting portion 32R prevents a large number of game objects B from passing through the opening 26R and dropping from the side edge ER of the second surface S2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the pusher unit 40 in the present embodiment is provided with a third restriction unit 41. The third restricting portion 41 is a member that projects from the first surface S1 along the front edge E1 of the pusher portion 40. Specifically, the third restricting portion 41 extends along the X direction (that is, the direction intersecting the Y direction in which the pusher portion 40 reciprocates) over the entire front edge E1. The 3rd control part 41 inclines with respect to the horizontal surface H so that the positive side of a Y direction may become high. Therefore, the third restricting portion 41 suppresses a large number of game objects B from freely dropping from the front edge E1 of the first surface S1.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of groove portions 42 are formed on the first surface S1 of the pusher portion 40 along the Y direction (that is, the reciprocating direction of the pusher portion 40). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game object B inserted in the X direction from the insertion portion 50L or the insertion portion 50R from freely reaching the end portion on the opposite side of the pusher portion 40. The plurality of groove portions 42 are arranged in the X direction at substantially equal intervals. The distance between the two groove portions 42 adjacent to each other in the X direction is smaller than the diameter of the game body B, and the depth of each groove portion 42 is smaller than the diameter of the game body B. The shape of the groove portion 42 is changed appropriately. For example, the groove portion 42 having a curved surface shape (wave shape in cross section) or a shape combining a plurality of flat surfaces (for example, a bellows shape) may be formed on the first surface S1. Further, the interval between the groove portions 42 may be different depending on the position in the X direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the pusher section 40 is configured to include the inclined surface Sa and the pressing surface Sb in addition to the first surface S1 described above. The pressing surface Sb is a wall surface that stands substantially perpendicular to the reciprocating surface S0 of the table 30. The game object B on the second surface S2 is pressed in the Y direction by the pressing surface Sb as the pusher portion 40 reciprocates. The pressing surface Sb may be inclined with respect to the reciprocating surface S0.

The inclined surface Sa is an exterior surface inclined forward with respect to the first surface S1 of the pusher portion 40. Specifically, the inclined surface Sa is inclined with respect to the first surface S1 so as to be lower on the positive side in the Y direction. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inclined surface Sa of the pusher portion 40 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 43 protruding from the inclined surface Sa. Each protrusion 43 is, for example, a column body such as a column or a prism, or a cone (or a truncated cone) such as a cone or a pyramid. The plurality of protrusions 43 are arranged dispersively on the inclined surface Sa with an interval therebetween. The two protrusions 43 adjacent to each other exceed the diameter of the game machine B. Therefore, the game object B that has passed over the third restricting portion 41 from the first surface S1 and dropped onto the inclined surface Sa moves irregularly between the protruding portions 43 while colliding with the protruding portions 43, and the inclined surface Sa From the lowermost end (that is, the boundary between the inclined surface Sa and the pressing surface Sb) to the second surface S2 of the table 30. That is, the plurality of protrusions 43 suppress the linear movement of the game object B on the inclined surface Sa.

A plurality of retention members 44 are installed on the pressing surface Sb (that is, the front surface) of the pusher section 40. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each retention member 44 is a structure having a recess 441 and a guide path 442 formed on the upper surface. The recessed portion 441 is a curved surface-shaped (for example, spherical or cylindrical) recess that allows the game object B to move smoothly. The guide path 442 is a recess (specifically, a groove-shaped path along the Y direction) formed on the front side of the recess 441 and communicating with the recess 441.

The game object B dropped from a position other than directly above each stay member 44 on the inclined surface Sa directly drops onto the second surface S2 of the table 30 without contacting the stay member 44. On the other hand, the game object B that has fallen from directly above each staying member 44 on the inclined surface Sa is received by the recess 441 of the staying member 44 before directly falling onto the second surface S2. The game object B that has fallen into the recess 441 of the retaining member 44 gradually swings to the left and right along the curved surface of the recess 441 as shown by the broken line in FIG. 2, and gradually moves to the front side (the guide path 442 side). To pass through the guide path 442 from the end of the recess 441 and fall from the staying member 44. As can be understood from the above description, the retention member 44 retains the game object B dropped from the first surface S1 and the inclined surface Sa of the pusher portion 40.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a erection body 70 is installed between the side wall portion 21L and the side wall portion 21R. The erection body 70 is a long plate-shaped member that extends linearly in the X direction from the side wall portion 21L to the side wall portion 21R. The erection body 70 is installed at a height separated from the second surface S2 of the table 30 by an interval exceeding the diameter of the game body B. Specifically, the installation body 70 overlaps the pressing surface Sb of the pusher portion 40 when viewed from the Y direction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a plurality of (three) passage holes 71 corresponding to different retention members 44 are formed in the installation body 70. Each passage hole 71 is a substantially circular through hole formed with an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the game body B. Therefore, the game machine B can pass through the passage hole 71. The passage hole 71 corresponding to any one retaining member 44 is installed at a position in the X direction corresponding to the retaining member 44. Specifically, the position in the X direction of the guide path 442 in the stay member 44 and the position in the X direction at the center of the passage hole 71 corresponding to the stay member 44 substantially match.

The plurality of retention members 44 reciprocate in the Y direction integrally with the pusher section 40, while the position of the installation body 70 in the Y direction is fixed. That is, each retention member 44 repeatedly approaches and separates from the erected body 70. In the state where the pusher portion 40 moves to the most front side within the reciprocating range (that is, the state where the staying member 44 is closest to the installation body 70), as illustrated in FIG. 3, the guide path 442 of each staying member 44 is used. The passage hole 71 is located immediately below. Therefore, when the game machine B falls from the guide path 442 of the staying member 44 at the time when the pusher section 40 is sufficiently close to the erection body 70 (that is, when it is located near the front end of the reciprocating range), the game machine B passes through the passage hole 71 and then falls on the second surface S2 of the table 30. On the other hand, the game object B dropped from the guide path 442 of the staying member 44 when the pusher section 40 separates from the erection body 70, and falls on the second surface S2 of the table 30 without passing through the passage hole 71. That is, whether or not the game object B passes through the passage hole 71 changes depending on the position of the pusher portion 40 in the Y direction when the game object B is dropped from the staying member 44.

A detector (not shown) for detecting the passage of the game B is installed on the inner peripheral surface of each passage hole 71. When the detector (checker) detects the passage of the game object B, a lottery process such as a slot game is executed, and a reward is given to the player on condition that the lottery process is won. Depending on the result of the lottery process, a predetermined number of game objects B may be loaded on the first surface S1 or the second surface S2. Further, a game object (larger ball) having a diameter larger than that of the normal game object B may be thrown into the first surface S1 or the second surface S2 on condition that the player wins in the lottery process. As can be understood from the above description, the player adjusts the time when the game machine B is dropped (operation of the operator) with the goal that the game machine B dropped from the first surface S1 passes through the passage hole 71. Amusement is realized.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system of the game device 1 of the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the game device 1 includes a processor 81, a storage device 82, a detection device 83, a display device 84, a management device 85, and a drive device 86. The storage device 82 is configured to include, for example, a hard disk drive that records various information and programs PG, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The processor 81 is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each unit of the game device 1. The processor 81 realizes various functions including the counting unit 811 and the calculating unit 812 by executing the program PG stored in the storage device 82. The detection device 83 is configured to include a plurality of detectors that detect passage of the game object B in each part of the game device 1. Here, the detection device 83 includes the detector 60 described above. Although not shown, the display device 84 is configured to include a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panel installed in the game field F described above. The management device 85 is a device that executes the above-described processing related to credit management. The drive device 86 is configured to include an actuator that drives each part of the game apparatus 1.

In the game device 1 having the above control system, the counting unit 811 counts the number of game objects B falling from the front edge E2 of the second surface S2 based on the detection result of the detector 60. The calculation unit 812 calculates the ratio of the number of counts of the counting unit 811 to the number of insertions of the game object B from the

insertion units

50L and 50R (hereinafter, also referred to as “payout rate”). The payout rate increases with time due to wear of the game machine B, for example. Therefore, when the payout rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, it is necessary to notify the administrator that the payout rate needs to be adjusted. Therefore, when the payout rate calculated by the calculation unit 812 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the processor 81 causes the display device 84 to notify that effect. Here, when the payout rate calculated by the calculation unit 812 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the display device 84 functions as a notification unit 841 that notifies that fact. The display form of this notification is not particularly limited and is arbitrary. Further, this notification is not limited to the display by the display device 84, and may be, for example, a voice or the like. Further, the actuators that drive the adjusting

mechanisms

28L and 28R may be controlled by the processor 81. In this case, when the payout rate calculated by the calculation unit 812 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the processor 81 adjusts the payout rate using the adjusting

mechanisms

28L and 28R in addition to or instead of this notification. You may.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the notification process of the game device 1 of the embodiment. When the game apparatus 1 is activated or a reset operation of this process is accepted, the processor 81 first starts counting by the counting unit 811 (S101). At this time, counting of the number of inserted game objects B from the

insertion units

50L and 50R is also started. Next, the processor 81 determines whether or not the above-mentioned payout rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (S102). The determination is repeated until it is determined that the payout rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (S102: NO). When it is determined that the payout rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined value (S102: YES), the processor 81 causes the display device 84 to notify that effect (S103). By this notification, the manager of the game device 1 can know that the payout rate needs to be adjusted. Then, the administrator adjusts the payout rate using, for example, the

adjustment mechanisms

28L and 28R described above. Specifically, by increasing the opening areas of the

openings

26L and 26R, the possibility that the game machine B will pass through the openings 26L and fall will be increased, and the payout rate will be reduced. After this adjustment, the administrator performs a reset operation of this process.

<Modification>
The form illustrated above is variously modified. A specific mode of modification that can be applied to the above-described mode is illustrated below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following exemplifications may be appropriately merged as long as they do not conflict with each other.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, the guide portion 33 including the wall surface 331 linearly extending along the upper surface of the table 30 is illustrated, but the specific form of the guide portion 33 is not limited to the above example. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a guide portion 33A including a wall surface 332 that is bent so that the rear side is convex may be provided on the upper surface of the table 30. According to the guide portion 33A, it is possible to make the balance between the ease of the game body B over the wall surface 331 and the amount of movement of the game body B along the wall surface 332 different depending on the position of the guide portion 33A in the longitudinal direction. Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a guide portion 33B including a wall surface 333 that is bent so that the rear side is concave may be provided on the upper surface of the table 30. According to the guide portion 33B, the above-described balance can be made different from the form shown in FIG. 11 depending on the position of the guide portion 33B in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the wall surfaces 332 and 333 are not limited to the curved shape, and may have a curved shape.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the number of the wall surfaces 331 included in the guide portion 33 is two is illustrated, but the number is not limited to this and may be three or more. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a guide portion 33C including two wall surfaces 334 may be provided on the upper surface of the table 30 in each of the negative side area and the positive side area in the X direction with respect to the center of the second surface S2. Good. The two wall surfaces 334 are arranged so as to be spaced from each other without overlapping the ranges in the X direction. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 14, a guide portion 33D including two wall surfaces 335 may be provided on the upper surface of the table 30 in each of the negative side and positive side regions in the X direction with respect to the center of the second surface S2. Good. The two wall surfaces 335 have overlapping ranges in the X direction and are spaced from each other. The inclination angles of the plurality of wall surfaces 334 or the plurality of wall surfaces 335 with respect to the Y direction may be different from each other. In addition, in the example of FIG. 13 or FIG. 14, in the state where the two wall surfaces 334 or the assembly of the two wall surfaces 335 extends in an inclined manner with respect to the Y direction, the two wall surfaces 334 or the two wall surfaces 335 are not formed. One or both may extend in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the cross-sectional shape of the

convex portions

33L and 33R of the guide portion 33 is rectangular is illustrated, but the cross-sectional shape is not limited to rectangular. Therefore, the angle θ2 formed by the wall surface 331 and the second surface S2 is not limited to 90 °. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, a guide portion 33E including a wall surface 337 having an angle θ2 larger than 90 ° may be provided on the upper surface of the table 30. Here, the angle θ2 is, for example, larger than 90 ° and not larger than 135 °. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 16, a guide portion 33F in which the front side of the wall surface 337 is a flat surface may be provided on the upper surface of the table 30. Here, the guide portion 33F is integral with the table 30. Further, the wall surfaces 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337 or 338 described above are not limited to flat surfaces, and may be, for example, concave or convex curved surfaces.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the guide portion 33 has the wall surface 331 on the rear side of the

convex portions

33L and 33R is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the guide portion 33G including the wall surface 338 on the front side of the recess may be provided on the table 30.

(5) In each of the above-described embodiments, a sphere is illustrated as the game object B, but the form of the game object B is not limited to the above example. For example, a polyhedron (typically a regular polyhedron or a semi-regular polyhedron) -shaped game object B, or a three-dimensional game object B with rounded corners of the polyhedron may be used. As can be understood from the above description, the game object B is a solid that can roll regardless of the posture (direction). Discs such as token coins (for example, medals or coins) roll when the arc-shaped peripheral surface is in contact with the ground, but do not roll when the planar front or back surface is in contact with the ground. It does not correspond to the “rollable solid”. A typical example of "a solid that can roll regardless of posture" is a solid whose entire circumference is a curved surface (typically a sphere), but a solid that is partially flat also "rolls regardless of the posture. It can be a "possible solid".

(6) The first restricting portion 31, the second restricting portion 32 (32L, 32R), the third restricting portion 41, the groove portion 42, the protruding portion 43, and the staying member 44, which are exemplified in the above-described embodiment, are the movement amounts of the game object B. (Or a momentum) is comprehensively expressed as an element (suppression part) for suppressing. Any one or more of the plurality of elements exemplified above as the suppressing unit may be omitted. Further, the specific mode of the suppressing unit is not limited to the above-described examples. For example, the concavo-convex portion installed on the surface (second surface S2) of the table 30 may be used as the suppressing portion. The uneven portion includes at least one of a convex portion protruding from the second surface S2 of the table 30 and a concave portion recessed with respect to the second surface S2. The range in which the movement amount of the game object B is suppressed may be limited by limiting the uneven portion to a predetermined range on the surface (second surface S2) of the table 30. For example, the uneven portion may be installed within a predetermined range from the front edge E2 of the table 30.

[Appendix]
From the above-exemplified embodiments, the following configurations are understood, for example. In order to facilitate understanding of each mode, reference numerals in the drawings are added in parentheses for convenience below, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated modes.

[Appendix 1]
A game device (1) according to a preferred aspect of the present invention comprises a table (30) having an upper surface to which a game object (B) rollable regardless of a posture is supplied, and a table (30) on the surface. It includes a reciprocating pusher portion (40) and one or more wall surfaces (331) provided on the upper surface of the table (40) and capable of getting over the game object (B) as the pusher portion (40) reciprocates. The one or more wall surfaces (331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338) are configured to move the game object (B) to a peripheral edge (EL, ER) other than the front edge on the upper surface of the table (30). ) And a guide portion (33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E, 33F, 33G) that extends obliquely with respect to the reciprocating direction. According to the above configuration, even if the game body (B) becomes difficult to roll due to deterioration over time, the game body (B) falls from the peripheral edges (EL, ER) other than the front of the table (30). It is possible to reduce the difficulty. Moreover, the game body (B) is accompanied by the reciprocation of the pusher part (40), and one or more wall surfaces (331, 332, 333, 334) of the guide parts (33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E, 33F, 33G). , 335, 336, 337, 338), a large number of game objects (B) can be arranged on the upper surface of the table (30). As described above, the interest of the pusher game can be maintained even with the configuration using the game body (B) that can roll in any direction.

"To guide the game body (B) toward the peripheral edge (EL, ER) other than the front of the table (30)" means that the game body is moved from the peripheral edge other than the front of the table as compared with the case where there is no guide portion. It means that it easily falls. Further, “extending at an angle with respect to the reciprocating direction” means one or a plurality of wall surfaces (331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336) extending at an angle with respect to the reciprocating direction. , 337, 338), and also includes a case in which an aggregate of a plurality of wall surfaces extending in a direction perpendicular to the reciprocating direction extends obliquely with respect to the reciprocating direction. The "wall surface (331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338)" is a surface facing the pusher portion (40) side.

[Appendix 2]
In the preferred example of appendix 1, the guide portion (33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E) has one or more convex portions having the one or more wall surfaces (331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336). (33L, 33R) is included. According to the above configuration, when the convex portions (33L, 33R) are separate members from the table (30), the guide portions (33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E) can be easily added to the existing game device. Can be installed in

[Appendix 3]
In the preferred example of appendix 2, the one or more wall surfaces (336) are inclined with respect to the upper surface of the table (30) so that the pusher portion (40) side becomes lower. According to the above configuration, when the pusher portion (40) moves forward, the game body (B) easily gets over the guide portion (33E). On the other hand, when the pusher part (40) moves backward, the game object (B) is made to face the wall surface (336) of the guide part (33E) by an indirect force such as a reaction force generated between the game objects (B). Can be moved along.

[Appendix 4]
In the preferable example of Supplementary Note 2 or Supplementary Note 3, the one or more convex portions (33L, 33R) include a pair of convex portions that are arranged such that the distance between them widens toward the front of the table (30). Composed. According to the above configuration, the guide portions (33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E) can be arranged symmetrically in the left-right direction (X direction) of the table (3). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the plurality of game bodies (B) arranged on the upper surface of the table (30) from becoming non-uniform.

[Appendix 5]
The preferable example of any one of supplementary notes 1 to 4, further comprising a light source (61) installed below the table (30), the table (30) and the guide portions (33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E, 33F, 33G) each have a light transmissive property. According to the above configuration, the light from the light source (61) is visually recognized through the table (30) and the guide portions (33, 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E, 33F, 33G), so that the game device ( The designability of 1) is enhanced.

[Appendix 6]
In a preferred example of any one of supplementary notes 1 to 5, the game machine (B) is provided with a throw-in portion (50L, 50R) capable of being thrown onto the upper surface of the pusher portion (30). According to the above configuration, the game body (B) is supplied to the upper surface of the table (30) via the upper surface of the pusher portion (40). Therefore, not only the upper surface of the table (30) but also the upper surface of the pusher portion (40) can be used to enhance the game.

[Appendix 7]
In a preferred example of Supplementary Note 6, a counting unit (811) that counts the number of the game objects (B) falling from the front on the upper surface of the table (30), and the game objects from the insertion units (50L, 50R). (B) A calculation unit (812) that calculates the ratio of the count number of the count unit (811) to the input number, and if the ratio calculated by the calculation unit (812) is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, that effect is indicated. And a notification unit (841) for notification. According to the above configuration, the notification can prompt the administrator to adjust the ratio of the number of counts of the counting unit (811) to the number of insertions of the game object (B) from the insertion unit (50L, 50R). .

[Appendix 8]
In any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, there is provided an opening (26L, 26R) which is provided along the peripheral edge (EL, ER) of the upper surface of the table (30) other than the front, and whose opening area is adjustable. To have. According to the above configuration, it is possible to adjust the ratio of the number of counts of the counting unit (811) to the number of game objects (B) input from the input units (50L, 50R).

[Appendix 9]
In any one of the supplementary examples 1 to 8, there is provided a restricting portion (32L, 32R) projecting vertically upward from a peripheral edge (EL, ER) of the upper surface of the table (30) other than the front side. . According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the game body (B) from excessively dropping to the peripheral edge (EL, ER). Therefore, the interest of the pusher game can be maintained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game device, 11L ... Operation part, 11R ... Operation part, 26L ... Opening part, 26R ... Opening part, 30 ... Table, 32L ... 2nd restricting part, 32R ... 2nd restricting part, 33 ... Guide part, 33A ... Guide part, 33B ... Guide part, 33C ... Guide part, 33D ... Guide part, 33E ... Guide part, 33F ... Guide part, 33G ... Guide part, 33L ... Convex part, 33R ... Convex part, 40 ... Pusher part, 50L ... Input unit, 50R ... Input unit, 61 ... Light emitting unit, 811 ... Count unit, 812 ... Calculation unit, 841 ... Notification unit, B ... Game object, E1 ... Leading edge, E2 ... Leading edge, EL ... Side edge, ER ... Side edge, G ... Game object.

Claims

A table having an upper surface to which a game object that can roll regardless of the posture is supplied,
A pusher portion that reciprocates on the surface of the table,
It is provided on the upper surface of the table, and is configured to include one or more wall surfaces that can ride over the game body as the pusher section reciprocates, and the one or more wall surfaces except the front edge of the game body on the upper surface of the table. A guide portion that extends so as to be inclined toward the reciprocating direction so as to be guided toward the peripheral edge of the game device.
The game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion includes one or more convex portions having the one or more wall surfaces.
The game device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more wall surfaces are inclined with respect to the upper surface of the table so that the pusher portion side is lower.
The game device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the one or more convex portions includes a pair of convex portions that are arranged such that the distance between them increases as they move toward the front of the table.
A light source installed below the table,
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the table and the guide portion each have a light-transmitting property.
The game machine is provided with a throw-in section capable of being thrown onto the upper surface of the pusher section.
The game device according to claim 1.
A counting unit that counts the number of game objects falling from the front on the upper surface of the table,
A calculating unit that calculates a ratio of the count number of the counting unit to the number of the game objects inserted from the input unit,
The game device according to claim 6, further comprising: an informing unit that informs that the ratio calculated by the calculating unit is equal to or more than a predetermined value.
The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an opening provided along a peripheral edge of the upper surface of the table other than the front, the opening area being adjustable.
The game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a restricting portion that protrudes vertically upward from a peripheral edge of the upper surface of the table other than the front side.