WO2020085209A1

WO2020085209A1 - Gaming device

Info

Publication number: WO2020085209A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/040954
Authority: WO
Inventors: 由矢新畑; 悦史高橋; 仁士有澤; 世大草野
Original assignee: 株式会社コナミアミューズメント
Priority date: 2018-10-22
Filing date: 2019-10-17
Publication date: 2020-04-30
Also published as: JP6592682B1; JP2020065602A

Abstract

This gaming device comprises a table on which a first game body and a second game body are placed and from the peripheral edge of which the first game body and the second game body fall, a cushioning part installed on the surface of the table, and an ejection mechanism that ejects the second game body toward the cushioning part.

Description

Game device

The present invention relates to a game device.

Various games using multiple types of game objects with different shapes have been proposed in the past. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medal game device in which a disc-shaped medal and a spherical rolling element are dropped from a table.

JP, 2009-45289, A

However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the rolling element may move to an unexpected position by colliding with the medal when it is thrown into the table. As a result, the rolling elements may fall off the table immediately after being inserted. In consideration of the above circumstances, a preferred aspect of the present invention aims to reduce the possibility that the game body will fall from the peripheral edge of the table immediately after being ejected from the ejection mechanism.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a game device according to a preferred aspect of the present invention has a first game body and a second game body placed thereon, and the first game body and the second game body have a peripheral edge. It is provided with a table that drops from a table, a buffer section installed on the surface of the table, and an injection mechanism that ejects the second game body toward the buffer section.

It is a perspective view which illustrates the external appearance of the game device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the path | route of a game body. It is a top view of a buffer part and an ejection path. It is a side view of an injection mechanism and a buffer. It is a block diagram which illustrates the functional composition of a game device. It is a block diagram which illustrates the functional composition of a control device. It is an example of a display of the image regarding exchange processing. It is an example of a display of the image regarding exchange processing. It is a side view of an injection mechanism and a buffer part concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a side view of an injection mechanism and a buffer part concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a side view of the buffer part which concerns on a modification. It is a side view of the buffer part which concerns on a modification. It is a side view of the buffer part which concerns on a modification.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings differ from the dimensions and scale of the actual configuration as appropriate. The embodiments described below include various technically suitable limitations. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified below.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating a game device 100 according to the first embodiment. The game device 100 is installed in, for example, an entertainment facility (for example, a game center or a casino) or a commercial facility (for example, a shopping center). When used in a casino, the game device 100 may be referred to as a gaming machine.

The player can play the game by the game device 100 by consuming the game value. The game value is a tangible medium such as a medal (token coin), a coin (coin) or a ticket, or an intangible value such as credit or points. The quantity of intangible game value is stored as data in a recording medium such as an IC card. The player may select and consume any of the plurality of types of game values. The consumption of game value is also referred to as the input of game value.

Players get rewards (privileges) according to the game results. In other words, earning a reward is one of the purposes of the game. The reward given to the player is, for example, a ticket (that is, a prize). A ticket is, for example, a medium that can be exchanged for various items. It does not matter whether or not the ticket has a game value (that is, a value for playing the game). A tangible or intangible game value may be given to the player as a reward. Granting a reward is also referred to as paying a reward. The game value consumed by the player for playing the game and the reward according to the result of the game may be the same or different. For example, a predetermined number of tickets may be given to the player as a reward according to the result of the player playing the game by consuming the intangible game value credit, or a predetermined number of credits (that is, the same kind of ticket). The game value) may be given to the player as a reward.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game device 100 according to the first embodiment includes an operation panel 10, a display device 15, and a game mechanism 20. In the following description, the axis along the left-right direction of the game device 100 will be referred to as the X-axis, and the axis along the front-rear direction will be referred to as the Y-axis. The positive direction of the X axis is the right side when viewed from the player, and the negative direction of the X axis is the left side when viewed from the player. Further, the positive direction of the Y-axis is the front side (the front side as seen from the player), and the negative direction of the Y-axis is the rear side (the rear side as seen from the player). The XY plane corresponds to the horizontal plane.

The operation panel 10 includes an operation unit 11L, an operation unit 11R, a reception unit 12, and a payout unit 13. Each of the operation unit 11L and the operation unit 11R is an operation button that can be operated by the player. The reception unit 12 receives the input of the game value. For example, a slot for accepting the insertion of a tangible game value such as a ticket or a token coin, or a reading circuit for acquiring an intangible game value such as a credit from a recording medium such as an IC card is used as the reception unit 12. It The payout unit 13 gives the player a reward according to the result of the game. For example, a payout port that releases a ticket as a reward, or a writing circuit that writes an intangible game value such as a credit on a recording medium is used as the payout unit 13. The display device 15 is configured to include a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel, and displays various images such as images representing lottery processing.

The game mechanism 20 is a mechanism that provides a game to a player. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game mechanism 20 includes a table 21, a pusher portion 22, a support structure 23, a charging mechanism 24L, a charging mechanism 24R, and an ejection mechanism 25. The table 21 is a flat plate-shaped member installed substantially horizontally. The pusher portion 22 is a three-dimensional structure (pusher table) that reciprocates on the surface of the table 21. Specifically, the pusher unit 22 repeatedly reciprocates along the Y axis on the surface of the table 21, as represented by the arrow α in FIG. 1. The axis along the direction in which the pusher portion 22 reciprocates may be defined as the Y axis, and the axis orthogonal to the Y axis in the horizontal plane may be defined as the X axis.

The support structure 23 is a structure that supports each element of the game mechanism 20, and includes a side wall portion 231L, a side wall portion 231R, a front wall portion 232, and a rear wall portion 234. The side wall portion 231L and the side wall portion 231R are installed on the left and right of the game mechanism 20 so as to face each other. The front wall portion 232 is a member that extends along the X axis at a position separated from a peripheral edge (hereinafter referred to as “front edge”) E of the table 21 in the positive direction of the Y axis. The axis along the front edge E of the table 21 may be defined as the X axis. A long opening (hereinafter referred to as “falling port”) Q is formed along the X axis between the front wall portion 232 and the front edge E of the table 21. The rear wall portion 234 is a member that is long along the X axis that faces the upper surface of the pusher portion 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the charging mechanism 24L and the charging mechanism 24R are mechanisms for charging the game machine B toward the upper surface of the pusher portion 22. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the loading mechanism 24L loads the game object B from the left side of the pusher portion 22 in the positive direction of the X axis. The loading mechanism 24R loads the game object B from the right side of the pusher portion 22 in the negative direction of the X axis. The game object B of the first embodiment (exemplification of the first game object) is a sphere. 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 mechanism 24L and the throwing mechanism 24R throws the game machine B is variable. The player can change the throwing direction of the game body B by the throwing mechanism 24L according to the operation on the operation unit 11L, and change the throwing direction of the game body B by the throwing mechanism 24R according to the operation on the operating unit 11R. It is possible. Note that only one of the charging mechanism 24L and the charging mechanism 24R may be installed.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a large number of game objects B are densely placed on the upper surfaces of the table 21 and the pusher portion 22. There is a case where a plurality of game bodies B are placed on the upper surfaces of the table 21 and the pusher portion 22 so as to overlap each other. The game object B placed on the upper surface of the pusher portion 22 is pressed by the rear wall portion 234 when the pusher portion 22 moves rearward (negative direction of the Y axis). A plurality of game objects B are sequentially moved forward by being pressed by the rear wall part 234, and the excess game objects B located near the front edge of the pusher part 22 are pushed from the upper surface of the pusher part 22 to the table 21. Drop on top. The plurality of game objects B on the upper surface of the table 21 are sequentially moved forward by being pressed by the pusher portion 22 moving forward (the positive direction of the Y axis), and are located in the vicinity of the front edge E of the table 21. The surplus game body B drops from the front edge E to the drop port Q. The player is provided with a reward (ticket) according to the number of game objects B that have fallen into the drop opening Q.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the installation body 27 is installed between the side wall portion 231L and the side wall portion 231R. The erection body 27 is installed at a height separated from the upper surface of the table 21 by an interval exceeding the diameter of the game body B. A plurality of lottery holes H are formed in the installation body 27. Each lottery hole H is a substantially circular through hole having an inner diameter larger than the diameter of the game machine B. On the other hand, on the front surface (the wall surface in the positive direction of the Y axis) of the pusher portion 22, a plurality of guide paths 28 corresponding to different lottery holes H are installed. Each guide path 28 is a structure that receives the game object B dropped from the upper surface of the pusher portion 22 and guides it to the lottery hole H. The game object B dropped from the guide path 28 when the pusher portion 22 is sufficiently close to the erected body 27, passes through the lottery hole H, and then falls onto the surface of the table 21. On the other hand, the game machine B dropped from the guide path 28 when the pusher section 22 separates from the erection body 27, and falls on the surface of the table 21 without passing through the lottery hole H. A detector (not shown) for detecting passage of the game object B is installed on the inner peripheral surface of each lottery hole H. A predetermined lottery process is executed triggered by the detection of the game object B by the detector, and various rewards according to the result of the lottery process are given to the player.

The lottery process of the first embodiment is an electronic lottery in which any one of a plurality of elements (hereinafter referred to as “lottery element”) is randomly selected by a calculation process. Specifically, in the lottery process, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a circular lottery body G (that is, a roulette wheel) in which a plurality of lottery elements are arranged in the circumferential direction is displayed on the display device 15. The lottery body G rotates when the gaming body B passes through the lottery hole H, and when the lottery body G stops due to the lapse of a predetermined time, the lottery element at the specific position is selected as the lottery result. As the lottery elements selected by the lottery process,
Lottery element 1: Insertion of a predetermined number of game objects B Lottery element 2: Granting a predetermined amount of game value Lottery element 3: Implementation of special lottery Lottery element 4: Input of game object C is exemplified. When the lottery element 1 is selected, a predetermined number of game objects B are loaded on the pusher portion 22 or the upper surface of the table 21. When the lottery element 2 is selected, a predetermined amount of game value is given to the player. When the lottery element 3 is selected, a special lottery using a physical lottery mechanism (not shown) is executed. The physical lottery mechanism is, for example, a dish-shaped lottery mechanism in which a plurality of lottery holes H are formed. In the special lottery, winning / non-winning is selected according to the lottery hole H into which the game machine B has entered among the plurality of lottery holes H of the physical lottery mechanism. When the special lottery is won, a large number of game objects B are thrown on the surface of the table 21 or the pusher (so-called jackpot).

The game object C (illustration of the second game object) in the lottery element 3 is a game object of a different type from the game object B. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the game object B is a rollable sphere, whereas the game object C is a flat card formed into a substantially rectangular planar shape. That is, the shape of the game body B and the shape of the game body C are different. The length of the long side and the short side of the game body C exceeds the diameter of the game body B. On the game object C, various patterns such as characters are drawn. The game object C of the first embodiment is equipped with a storage circuit (for example, an IC tag) in which identification information indicating the pattern of the game object C is stored. A bar code or a QR code (registered trademark) representing the identification information may be printed on the surface of the game machine C. The identification information may be magnetically stored in the game body C.

The ejection mechanism 25 of FIG. 1 ejects the game object C toward the table 21. Specifically, the ejection mechanism 25 ejects one game object C onto the surface of the table 21 every time the lottery element 3 is selected in the above-described lottery process. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game object C is thrown into the space on the front side (the positive direction of the Y axis) when viewed from the erection body 27. In the first embodiment, the game machine C is loaded onto the surface of the table 21 from the injection mechanism 25 (that is, the positive direction of the X axis) installed above the side wall portion 231R. That is, the game object C is loaded from the right side of the table 21 toward the negative direction of the X axis. The injection mechanism 25 may be installed on the side wall portion 231L side, or may be installed on both the side wall portion 231R and the side wall portion 231L.

The ejection mechanism 25 of the first embodiment includes a container 251 for accommodating a plurality of game objects C, and an ejection path 252 for sequentially ejecting the game objects C accommodated in the container 251. The ejection path 252 includes an inclined surface S on which the game body C slides down. Any of the plurality of game objects C having different patterns is thrown in by the ejection mechanism 25. The game body C thrown in by the injection mechanism 25 is placed on the plurality of game bodies B on the surface of the table 21. Therefore, the gaming body C sequentially moves forward on the surface of the table 21 together with the plurality of gaming bodies B, and finally falls from the front edge E to the drop port Q.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the paths of the game objects B and C. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the game body B and the game body C that have fallen from the front edge E of the table 21 to the common drop opening Q are respectively sorted and supplied to separate paths. Specifically, the game object B is supplied to the path Pb, and the game object C is supplied to the path Pc. The gaming body C is discharged from the discharge port 14 of FIG. 1 via the path Pc. The player obtains the game object C discharged from the discharge port 14 as a prize.

The gaming machine B is supplied to the carrier device 33 after being counted by a counter 32 (counter hopper) installed on the path Pb. The player is provided with a reward in a quantity corresponding to the number counted by the counter 32. The transport device 33 is a mechanism that transports the game body B upward in the vertical direction. The game object B transported by the transport device 33 is supplied to the loading mechanism 24L or the loading mechanism 24R. That is, the game machine B is a loading mechanism 24L or a loading mechanism 24R → an upper surface of the pusher portion 22 → an upper surface of the table 21 → a drop port Q → a path Pb (counter 32) → a transport device 33 → a loading mechanism 24L or a loading mechanism 24R, It circulates by the route. On the other hand, the game machine C is discharged through a route of the injection mechanism 25-> the upper surface of the table 21-> falling port Q-> path Pc-> discharge port 14.

Hereinafter, a configuration for mounting the gaming body C ejected from the ejection mechanism 25 on the table 21 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the game mechanism 20 includes a buffer section 26 installed on the surface of the table 21. The ejection mechanism 25 ejects the game object C toward the buffer section 26. The game object C ejected from the ejection mechanism 25 collides with the buffer portion 26, and then is placed on the plurality of game objects B on the surface of the table 21. The buffer unit 26 is installed at a position where the game object C ejected from the ejection mechanism 25 can collide. Therefore, the injection mechanism 25 is installed on the surface of the table 21 in the positive direction of the X axis with respect to the center line extending along the Y axis.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the buffer section 26 is a long member extending along the Y-axis direction (that is, the direction in which the pusher section 22 reciprocates). In the first embodiment, the buffer section 26 is connected to the erection body 27. One end of the cushioning portion 26 is fixed to the side surface of the installation body 27 opposite to the pusher portion 22. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the buffer portion 26 as viewed from above in the vertical direction. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cushioning portion 26 is installed so as to extend in parallel to the front side peripheral edge (that is, the peripheral edge in the negative direction of the X axis) of the game body C sliding down the ejection path 252 in the traveling direction. . In other words, the buffer unit 26 is installed so as to extend parallel to the peripheral edge (the peripheral edge in the negative direction of the X-axis) of the ejection path 252 of the ejection mechanism 25. The overall length of the buffer portion 26 is set to a dimension, for example, that exceeds the width WV of the ejection passage 252 (the length of the peripheral edge V on the tip side of the ejection passage 252). That is, the total length of the buffer portion 26 is set to a dimension that exceeds the peripheral edge of the game body C on the front side in the traveling direction.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the injection mechanism 25 and the buffer unit 26 as seen from the positive direction of the Y axis. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cushioning portion 26 of the first embodiment is installed so as to face the surface of the table 21 with a space D that exceeds the outer diameter of the game body B. For example, the distance from the surface of the table 21 to the lower surface of the buffer portion 26 (that is, the distance D) is at least twice the outer diameter of the game machine B. Therefore, the movement of the game body B on the table 21 is not hindered by the buffer unit 26. For example, the buffer portion 26 is formed of a transparent member. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the game object B on the table 21 without being blocked by the buffer portion 26.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the injection mechanism 25 is installed at a position higher than the buffer unit 26 when viewed from the table 21. That is, the game object C is ejected from above the buffer unit 26 to the buffer unit 26. Specifically, the ejection mechanism 25 ejects the game object C along a direction inclined with respect to the surface of the table 21. Therefore, the game object C ejected toward the buffer portion 26 collides with the upper surface F of the buffer portion 26. The upper surface F of the buffer portion 26 is a surface opposite to the surface (that is, the lower surface) facing the surface of the table 21. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper surface F is also referred to as a surface that can be seen when the buffer portion 26 is viewed from the upper side in the vertical direction.

The upper surface F of the buffer portion 26 of the first embodiment includes a first surface F1 (an example of the first inclined surface) and a second surface F2. The first surface F1 and the second surface F2 are formed in the direction in which the buffer portion 26 extends. The first surface F1 is located on the ejection mechanism 25 side of the upper surface F. The first surface F1 is located between the second surface F2 and the ejection mechanism 25 in a plan view from the vertical direction. That is, the first surface F1 is closer to the ejection mechanism 25 than the second surface F2.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first surface F1 is an inclined surface that inclines so as to become lower at a position closer to the injection mechanism 25 (the positive direction of the X axis). Specifically, the first surface F1 includes a first end K1 and a second end K2 lower than the first end K1. The second end K2 is closer to the ejection mechanism 25 than the first end K1. In other words, the surface inclined so that the normal line faces the ejection mechanism 25 is the first surface F1. On the other hand, the second surface F2 is a surface parallel to the horizontal plane. The game object C ejected from the ejection mechanism 25 collides with either the first surface F1 or the second surface F2 due to various factors such as the surface condition of the ejection path 252 and the air resistance to the game object C. In other words, the direction in which the ejection mechanism 25 ejects the game object C is adjusted so that the game object C collides with either the first surface F1 or the second surface F2. The game object C that has collided with the buffer portion 26 falls near the buffer portion 26. Specifically, the game object C falls in the positive direction of the X axis or the negative direction of the X axis as viewed from the buffer section 26. For example, when the game object C ejected from the ejection mechanism 25 collides with the first surface F1, it is highly possible that the game object C after the collision falls to a position close to the ejection mechanism 25 as viewed from the buffer section 26. On the other hand, when the game object C ejected from the injection mechanism 25 collides with the second surface F2, there is a high possibility that the game object C after the collision will drop to a position opposite to the ejection mechanism 25 as viewed from the buffer section 26. . As can be understood from the above description, since the upper surface F of the buffer portion 26 includes the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 having different angles, the collision occurs depending on the position where the game object C collides in the buffer portion 26. The position where the later game body C falls changes. That is, it is possible to arrange the game objects C over a wide range of the table 21 without changing the emitting direction of the game objects C by the injection mechanism 25.

Here, in a configuration in which the game object C ejected from the injection mechanism 25 directly collides with the game object B on the table 21 (hereinafter referred to as “comparative ratio”), the game object C bounces when it collides with the game object B. The higher the speed at which the game body C collides with the game body B (for example, the higher the position at which the game body C is ejected), the more the game body C bounces to a point away from the point where the game body B collides. Therefore, in contrast, the game object C may bounce up to the peripheral edge (front edge E) of the table 21 to reach the front edge E of the table 21 due to a collision with the game object B, and may drop from the drop opening Q. That is, the game object C may fall into the drop opening Q immediately after the ejection by the ejection mechanism 25. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the game body C ejected from the ejection mechanism 25 hits the game body B on the table 21 after colliding with the buffer portion 26. That is, the game body C ejected from the ejection mechanism 25 does not directly collide with the game body B. The speed of the game object C emitted from the injection mechanism 25 is reduced by colliding with the buffer portion 26, and then the speed is moved to above the game object B on the table 21. That is, the distance that the game body C bounces off the game body B is shorter than the proportional distance. Therefore, as compared with the case of the proportionality, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the game body C falls from the front edge E of the table 21 immediately after the ejection by the ejection mechanism 25. As understood from the above description, the buffer unit 26 buffers the collision of the game object C.

In particular, in a configuration in which the game body B is a sphere in a proportional manner, the surface of the game body C in contact with the game body B at the time of collision is small (that is, in contact with dots), so the angle of the game object C after the collision The direction of bounce changes in various ways. Further, in the configuration in which the game body C is flat in comparison, the front edge of the game body C after ejection (the peripheral edge of the game body C on the front side in the traveling direction) easily comes into contact with the game body B in a dot shape. From, it bounces in the direction according to the position of the collision point. As described above, since the angle at which the game body C rebounds after the collision with the game body B is not determined, the possibility that the game body C will fall from the drop opening Q also increases. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the game object C collides with the buffer section 26. That is, the front edge of the game object C ejected from the ejection mechanism 25 collides with the buffer portion 26 whose angle is fixed at a substantially constant angle. Therefore, the range in which the game object C after the collision bounces is reduced. As can be understood from the above description, the configuration of the first embodiment in which the cushioning portion 26 is provided is particularly effective when the game body B is a rollable sphere and the game body C has a flat plate shape. .

In addition, in the first embodiment, the game object C is ejected along the direction inclined with respect to the surface of the table 21, and the first surface F1 that inclines so as to become lower at a position closer to the ejection mechanism 25 is provided in the buffer portion 26. Since the upper surface F is included, there is an advantage that the game object C after the collision with the first surface F1 can be positioned on the ejection mechanism 25 side.

Since the cushioning portion 26 extends along the direction in which the pusher portion 22 reciprocates, the game body C after the collision extends on both sides (when viewed from the cushioning portion 26, the front edge E of the table 21 extends across the cushioning portion 26. On one side or the other side in the direction). Therefore, the effect that the possibility that the gaming body C after the collision will fall from the front edge E of the table 21 can be reduced is remarkable. Further, since the buffer portion 26 faces the surface of the table 21 with a space larger than the outer diameter of the game body B, there is an advantage that the movement of the game body B on the table 21 is not hindered by the buffer portion 26.

<Functional configuration>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the game device 100 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the game device 100 includes a control device 81, a storage device 82, a display device 15, an operation panel 10, and an exchange device 83. The configurations and functions of the display device 15 and the operation panel 10 are as described above.

The control device 81 is configured by a processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each element of the game device 100 in a centralized manner. The storage device 82 stores a program executed by the control device 81 and various data used by the control device 81. For example, a known recording medium such as a semiconductor recording medium and a magnetic recording medium, or a combination of a plurality of types of recording media is arbitrarily adopted as the storage device 82.

As described above, the player can acquire the game object C by playing the game with the game device 100 according to the first embodiment. The player can use the exchange device 83 mounted on the game device 100 to exchange the game object C acquired by himself / herself for a ticket (that is, a reward). The exchange device 83 includes an insertion port 831, a reading mechanism 832, a discharge port 833, and a discharge mechanism 834. The insertion port 831 and the ejection port 833 are installed on the front surface of the game device 100, as illustrated in FIG. The exchange device 83 may be installed as a device separate from the game device 100. Further, the exchange device 83 may exchange the game object C for a tangible or intangible game value.

A player who desires to obtain a ticket inserts one or more game objects C acquired by himself / herself into the insertion slot 831. The reading mechanism 832 acquires the identification information indicating the pattern of the game object C from the game object C inserted into the insertion opening 831. For example, a reading circuit that acquires identification information from a storage circuit mounted on the game machine C is suitable as the reading mechanism 832. The ejection mechanism 834 ejects from the ejection port 833 the number of tickets corresponding to the one or more game objects C inserted in the insertion port 831. The ticket after the exchange by the exchange device 83 may be discharged from the payout unit 13. The number of tickets according to the result of counting by the counter 32 may be discharged from the discharging mechanism 834. As described above, the exchange device 83 executes the process of ejecting the ticket corresponding to the gaming body C inserted by the player (hereinafter referred to as “exchange process”).

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the control device 81. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the control device 81 realizes a plurality of functions (lottery processing unit 811, reward management unit 812, and display control unit 813) by executing a program stored in the storage device 82. Note that a part of the functions of the control device 81 may be realized by a dedicated electronic circuit. Further, the function of the control device 81 may be installed in a plurality of devices. In addition to the functions illustrated in FIG. 6, the control device 81 provides various functions for controlling each part of the game device 100 (for example, the loading mechanism 24L, the loading mechanism 24R, the ejection mechanism 25, or the transport device 33). Will be realized. The lottery processing unit 811 executes the above-described lottery processing for randomly selecting any of the plurality of lottery elements.

The reward management unit 812 determines the number of tickets to be discharged from the discharge port 833 (hereinafter, referred to as the “discharge number”) according to the combination (so-called combination) of the patterns of the one or more game objects C inserted in the insertion port 831. To set. The design of each game object C is specified by the identification information acquired by the reading mechanism 832 of the exchange device 83. The storage device 82 of the first embodiment stores in advance the discharge number for each combination of the patterns of the game object C. The reward management unit 812 refers to the storage content of the storage device 82 to set the number of discharges according to the combination of the patterns of the one or more game objects C inserted into the insertion port 831. The number of discharges differs not only for each pattern of the game C, but also for each combination of the patterns of the game C. For example, when a combination of specific patterns is established, the number of discharges that exceeds the total value of the number of discharges when one game object C of each pattern forming the combination is replaced is set.

The display control unit 813 causes the display device 15 to display an image. The display control unit 813 of the first embodiment causes the display device 15 to display an image regarding the lottery process and an image regarding the exchange process. The image related to the lottery process is, for example, the image of the lottery body G in which a plurality of lottery elements are arranged, as described above with reference to FIG. 1. On the other hand, the image relating to the exchange process is an image showing a combination established for the game object C inserted by the player into the insertion port 831 and the number of discharges corresponding to the combination, as illustrated in FIG. 7, for example. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the display control unit 813 displays an image showing the pattern of the game body C that is insufficient for establishing a specific combination and the establishment of the combination by inserting the game body C, It is displayed on the display device 15. As can be understood from the above description, the display device 15 of the first embodiment is used both for displaying an image related to the lottery process and for displaying an image related to the exchange process.

In a configuration in which the display device 15 that displays an image related to the lottery process and the display device 15 that displays an image related to the exchange process are separately installed, a problem such as a complicated configuration or an increase in size of the game device 100 occurs. In the first embodiment, as described above, the display device 15 is used both for displaying the image related to the lottery process and the image related to the exchange process. Therefore, the display device 15 for displaying the image for the lottery process and the image for the exchange process are displayed. It is possible to realize simplification and miniaturization of the configuration of the game device 100, as compared with a configuration in which the display device 15 for displaying is installed separately.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that, in each of the following examples, elements having the same functions as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

In the first embodiment, the position (first surface F1 or second surface F2) at which the game object C collides with the buffer portion 26 is set due to various factors such as the surface condition of the ejection path 252 and the air resistance to the game object C. Although changed, in the second embodiment, the position at which the game object C collides with the buffer section 26 is changed by intentionally changing the ejection angle of the game object C by control.

FIG. 9 is a side view (a side view corresponding to FIG. 4) of the injection mechanism 25 and the buffer section 26 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the injection mechanism 25 according to the second embodiment includes an angle control unit 253 in addition to the container 251 and the injection path 252 similar to those in the first embodiment. The angle controller 253 controls the angle θ of the ejection path 252 with respect to the horizontal plane A. The angle θ is an angle at which the game body C ejects with respect to the buffer unit 26. The angle θ is larger as the inclined surface S of the injection path 252 is closer to the state perpendicular to the horizontal plane A, and the angle θ is smaller as the inclined surface S is closer to the state parallel to the horizontal plane A. For example, a motor such as a motor is used as the angle control unit 253. The angle control unit 253 of the first embodiment adjusts the angle θ by rotating the ejection path 252 with the connecting portion M with the housing 251 as a fulcrum, for example. For example, the angle θ changes dynamically during the execution of the game by the game mechanism 20. For example, the angle θ increases and decreases periodically within a predetermined range.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the position at which the game body C ejected from the ejection mechanism 25 collides with the buffer portion 26 changes according to the angle θ. Specifically, the larger the angle θ, the more collision with the buffer section 26 at a position closer to the ejection mechanism 25 (that is, the first surface F1). On the other hand, the smaller the angle θ, the more collision with the buffer portion 26 at a position distant from the ejection mechanism 25 (that is, the second surface F2). As understood from the above description, the ejection mechanism 25 of the second embodiment can adjust the angle θ at which the game body C ejects with respect to the buffer portion 26. As described above, in the second embodiment, the position of the game object C after the collision changes due to the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 of the buffer portion 26, so that the upper surface F of the buffer portion 26 has a single surface. The range in which the direction of the injection by the injection mechanism 25 is changed can be reduced as compared with the configuration of the surface.

In the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be realized. In the second embodiment, since the angle θ at which the game object C is ejected with respect to the buffer part 26 can be adjusted, the position where the game object C collides with the buffer part 26 (and thus the position of the game object C after the collision) is set. It is possible to adjust according to the angle θ.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a side view (a side view corresponding to FIG. 4) of the injection mechanism 25 and the buffer section 26 according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the game device 100 according to the third embodiment includes a plurality of buffers 26. FIG. 10 exemplifies a configuration in which the two buffer portions 26 are installed on the surface of the table 21. The number of buffers 26 is arbitrary. The plurality of buffer portions 26 have a common shape. However, the shapes of the plurality of buffer portions 26 may be different. The plurality of cushioning portions 26 are arranged in parallel on the surface of the table 21 at intervals in the X-axis direction. The distance between the two buffer portions 26 adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction is set to a dimension longer than the long side of the game object C.

The ejection mechanism 25 of the third embodiment ejects the game object C to any one of the plurality of buffer portions 26. Specifically, by adjusting the angle θ of the ejection path 252, the game object C is caused to collide with any of the plurality of buffer portions 26. The angle θ is adjusted by the angle control unit 253 as in the second embodiment. The larger the angle θ, the more the game object C collides with the buffer portion 26 located closer to the ejection mechanism 25, and the smaller the angle θ the collision with the buffer portion 26 located farther from the ejection mechanism 25.

As described above, the game object C that has collided with the buffer section 26 falls near the buffer section 26 (typically, on both sides of the buffer section 26 in between). In the third embodiment, with respect to each of the plurality of buffer portions 26, the game object C falls near the buffer portion 26. That is, as compared with the configuration in which one buffer unit 26 is installed, the game object C can be arranged over a wide area on the table 21.

Further, since the game object C is ejected from the ejection mechanism 25 to any of the plurality of buffer portions 26, for example, as compared with a configuration in which the ejection mechanism 25 is installed for each of the plurality of buffer portions 26, the game device. 100 downsizing is possible.

[Modification]
The specific modes of modification added to the above-described modes will be illustrated below. Two or more aspects arbitrarily selected from the following exemplifications may be appropriately merged within a range not inconsistent with each other.

(1) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the game body B and the game body C have different shapes, but the game body B and the game body C may have a common shape.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the game object B is a sphere, but the shape of the game object B may not be a sphere as long as it can be rolled regardless of the posture or the direction. That is, the shape of the game object B may be a substantially spherical shape in addition to a perfect spherical shape (that is, a spherical shape). As can be understood from the above description, a typical example of the game object B is a sphere, but a game object B having an arbitrary shape such as an ellipsoid or a polyhedron that can be rolled is adopted. However, the shape of the game object B is not limited to the spherical shape. For example, a disc-shaped game object B (for example, a medal or a coin) or a polyhedron game object B may be adopted.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the plate-shaped game body C is exemplified, but the shape of the game body C is not limited to the above examples. For example, a spherical or disc-shaped game object C or a polyhedron game object C may be adopted.

(4) In each of the above-described embodiments, the buffer portion 26 is installed on the surface of the table 21 by connecting the buffer portion 26 to the erection body 27, but the buffer portion 26 is directly connected to the surface of the table 21. You may. As long as the buffer section 26 is installed so that the table 21 and the buffer section 26 overlap each other when viewed from above the table 21, the method of installing the buffer section 26 is arbitrary. As will be understood from the above description, the buffer section 26 may be directly connected to the table 21 or may be connected to a member (for example, the erection body 27) different from the table 21. That is, it is not essential in the present invention to install the buffer portion 26 so as to face the surface of the table 21 with a space D that exceeds the outer diameter of the game body B.

(5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the first surface F1 is the inclined surface that inclines so that the lower the position is closer to the injection mechanism 25, and the second surface F2 is the horizontal surface, the first surface F1 and the second surface F2. The shape of is not limited to the above examples. 11 and 12 are side views of the injection mechanism 25 and the buffer section 26 according to the modification. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a horizontal surface may be the first surface F1 and an inclined surface (an example of the second inclined surface) that is inclined so that it becomes lower at a position farther from the ejection mechanism 25 may be the second surface F2. Specifically, the second surface F2 includes a third end K3 and a fourth end K4 lower than the third end K3. The fourth end K4 is farther from the ejection mechanism 25 than the third end K3.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the inclined surface inclined so as to become lower at a position closer to the injection mechanism 25 is a first surface F1, and the inclined surface inclined so as to become lower at a position farther from the injection mechanism 25 is a second surface F2. May be In the configuration in which the upper surface F includes the second surface F2 that is inclined so as to become lower at a position farther from the injection mechanism 25 as illustrated in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, the game object C after the collision with the second surface F2 is buffered. It can be located on the opposite side of the injection mechanism 25 with the part 26 interposed therebetween. Note that the upper surface F includes one of the first surface F1 and the second surface F2, or is different from the first surface F1 and the second surface F2 in addition to the first surface F1 and the second surface F2. A configuration in which the upper surface F includes the surface can also be adopted. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the upper surface F of the buffer portion 26 may be a curved surface (for example, an arc surface). As understood from the above description, the shape of the upper surface F of the buffer portion 26 is arbitrary.

(6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the elongated buffer portion 26 extending along the direction in which the pusher portion 22 reciprocates has been exemplified, but the game object C ejected from the ejection passage 252 is formed so as to be able to collide. If so, the shape or direction of the buffer portion 26 is arbitrary.

(7) In each of the above-described embodiments, the game apparatus 100 includes one ejection mechanism 25, but the game apparatus 100 may include a plurality of ejection mechanisms 25. Further, the buffer section 26 may be installed at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of injection mechanisms 25. For example, the game machine C is thrown in by selectively operating any of the plurality of ejection mechanisms 25.

(8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the game body C is loaded from the side wall portion 231 side, but the position at which the game body C is loaded is not limited to the above example. For example, the gaming body C may be loaded from the pusher portion 22 side, or the gaming body C may be loaded from the upper surface of the table 21. The position where the buffer unit 26 is installed is appropriately changed according to the position where the game machine C is loaded.

(9) In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the angle θ is adjusted by rotating the ejection path 252 with the connecting portion M with the housing 251 as a fulcrum, but the method of adjusting the angle θ is the above example. Not limited to. For example, the angle θ may be adjusted by inclining the injection mechanism 25 as a whole.

(10) In each of the above-described embodiments, the position at which the ejection mechanism 25 ejects the game object C with respect to the buffer portion 26 may be adjusted in the horizontal direction. For example, when the ejection mechanism 25 moves in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the ejection position of the game object C in the horizontal direction changes. Further, the height at which the ejection mechanism 25 ejects the game object C may be adjusted. For example, by moving the ejection mechanism 25 toward or away from the surface of the table 21, the height at which the game object C is ejected changes. The position at which the game object C collides with the buffer section 26 may be changed by adjusting the injection speed of the game object C by a motor or the like.

[Appendix]
From the above description, the preferred aspects of the present invention are understood as follows, for example. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of each aspect, the reference numerals of the drawings are described in parentheses for convenience below, but it is not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated aspects.

A game device (100) according to a preferred aspect (Supplementary Note 1) of the present invention has a first game body (B) and a second game body (C) placed thereon, and the first game body (B) and A table (21) where the second game body (C) falls from the peripheral edge (E), a buffer section (26) installed on the surface of the table (21), and the second game body (C). An injection mechanism (25) for injecting toward the buffer section (26).

In the configuration in which the second game body (C) ejected from the ejection mechanism (25) directly collides with the first game body (B) on the table (21) (hereinafter referred to as “comparative ratio”), the first game body ( The second game body (C) bounces by colliding with B). The higher the speed at which the second game body (C) collides with the first game body (B), the more the second game body (C) bounces to a point distant from the point of collision. Therefore, in contrast, the second game body (C) may drop from the rebound table (21) to the peripheral edge (E) of the table (21) due to a collision with the second game body (C). That is, the second game body (C) may fall immediately after the ejection by the ejection mechanism (25). On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the second game body (C) ejected from the ejection mechanism (25) collides with the buffer section (26) and then the first game body (B) on the table (21). Placed. That is, the second game body (C) ejected from the ejection mechanism (25) does not directly collide with the first game body (B). On the first game body (B) on the table (21), after the speed of the second game body (C) injected from the injection mechanism (25) is reduced by colliding with the buffer section (26). Move to. That is, the distance that the second game body (C) bounces off the first game body (B) is short. Therefore, as compared with the case of the proportionality, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the second game body (C) will fall from the peripheral edge (E) of the table (21) immediately after the ejection by the ejection mechanism (25).

"The first game body (B)" and the "second game body (C)" are three-dimensional objects of any shape. The first game body (B) and the second game body (C) may have a common shape or different shapes. "Installed on the surface of the table (21)" means that the buffer section (26) is installed on the surface of the table (21). The table (21) may be installed such that there is a gap between the surface of the table (21) and the buffer portion (26), or the surface of the table (21) and the buffer portion (26) may be in contact with each other. Good. Further, the buffer portion (26) may be installed on the surface of the table (21) by being directly connected to the table (21), or the buffer portion (26) may be provided on a member different from the table (21). ) May be connected and installed on the surface of the table (21).

In the preferred example (Appendix 2) of Appendix 1, the first game body (B) and the second game body (C) have different shapes.

In a preferred example of Supplementary Note 2 (Supplementary Note 3), the first gaming body (B) is spherical, and the second gaming body (C) is flat. In contrast, in the configuration in which the first game body (B) is spherical, the surface contacting the second game body (C) at the time of collision with the first game body (B) becomes small (that is, dot-like contact). Therefore, the angle of the second game body (C) after the collision is not fixed, and the bounce direction is variously changed. Furthermore, in the configuration in which the second game body (C) is flat in comparison, the front edge of the second game body (C) after injection (the peripheral edge of the second game body (C) on the front side in the traveling direction) is Since it is easy to make point contact with the first game body (B), it bounces in a direction corresponding to the position of the collision point. As described above, since the angle at which the play second game body (C) rebounds after the collision with the first game body (B) is not determined, there is a high possibility that the second game body (C) will drop from the table (21). Become. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the second game body (C) collides with the buffer section (26), the range in which the second game body (C) bounces after the collision is reduced. That is, the configuration of the present invention in which the buffer portion (26) is provided is particularly effective when the first game body (B) is spherical and the second game body (C) is flat.

The shape of the "first game body (B)" includes not only a perfect spherical shape but also a substantially spherical shape. The substantially spherical shape includes any shape capable of rolling regardless of the posture or the direction. Therefore, a typical example of the first game object (B) is a sphere, but any rollable solid such as an ellipsoid or a polyhedron is included in the concept of the “first game object (B)”. The "second game body (C)" is a flat article. For example, a card or ticket presented as a prize (prize) to a player is a good example of the second game body (C). A card or ticket that can be exchanged for various prizes may be used as the second gaming body (C).

In the preferable example (Appendix 4) of Appendix 1, the first game body (B) is spherical. In contrast, in the configuration in which the first game body (B) is spherical, the surface contacting the second game body (C) at the time of collision with the first game body (B) becomes small (that is, dot-like contact). Therefore, the angle of the second game body (C) after the collision is not fixed, and the bounce direction is variously changed. That is, the possibility that the second game body (C) bounces off the peripheral edge (E) of the table (21) and the second game body (C) falls from the table (21) also increases. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the second game body (C) collides with the buffer section (26), the range in which the second game body (C) bounces after the collision is reduced. That is, the configuration of the present invention in which the buffer portion (26) is provided is particularly effective when the first game body (B) is spherical.

In the preferable example (Appendix 5) of Appendices 1 to 4, the injection mechanism (25) moves the second game body (C) along a direction inclined with respect to the surface of the table (21). The upper surface (F) of the buffer part (26) is ejected and includes a first end (K1) and a second end (K2) closer to the injection mechanism (25) than the first end (K1). The second end (K2) is lower than the first end (K1) including the first inclined surface (F1). According to the above aspect, the second game body (C) is ejected along the direction inclined with respect to the surface of the table (21), and the first game device is inclined so that the position closer to the ejection mechanism (25) becomes lower. Since the upper surface (F) of the buffer portion (26) includes the inclined surface (F1), the second game body (C) after the collision with the first inclined surface (F1) should be positioned on the ejection mechanism (25) side. You can

In any one of the preferable examples (Appendix 6) of Appendices 1 to 5, the upper surface (F) of the buffer portion (26) has a third end (K3) and a third end (K3) rather than the injection mechanism ( 25) and a second inclined surface (F2) including a fourth end (K4) farther from the fourth end (K4), the fourth end (K4) being lower than the third end (K3). According to the above aspect, since the upper surface (F) of the buffer section (26) includes the second inclined surface (F2) that inclines so as to become lower at a position farther from the injection mechanism (25), the second inclined surface (F2) The second game body (C) after the collision with F2) can be located on the opposite side of the injection mechanism (25) with the buffer section (26) interposed therebetween.

In a preferred example (Appendix 7) of Appendices 1 to 6, a pusher portion (22) that reciprocates on the surface of the table (21) is provided. According to the above aspect, since the pusher portion (22) reciprocates on the surface of the table (21), the first game body (B) and the second game body (C) are the peripheral edge (E) of the table (21). Gradually falls from.

In the preferred example of Supplementary Note 7 (Supplementary Note 8), the buffer section (26) extends along the direction in which the pusher section (22) reciprocates. According to the above aspect, since the cushioning portion (26) extends along the direction in which the pusher portion (22) reciprocates, the second game body (C) after the collision has both sides sandwiching the cushioning portion (26). It is located on one side or the other side in the direction in which the peripheral edge (E) of the table (21) extends, as viewed from the buffer section (26). Therefore, the effect of being able to reduce the possibility that the second game body (C) after the collision will fall from the peripheral edge (E) of the table (21) is remarkable.

In any one of the preferable examples (Appendix 9) of Appendices 1 to 8, the buffer section (26) is provided on the surface of the table (21) with an interval larger than the outer diameter of the first game body (B). opposite. According to the above aspect, since the buffer portion (26) faces the surface of the table (21) at an interval larger than the outer diameter of the first game body (B), the first game body on the table (21). The movement of (B) is not hindered by the buffer section (26).

In any one of the preferred examples (Appendix 10) of Appendices 1 to 9, the injection mechanism (25) sets an angle (θ) at which the second game body (C) ejects with respect to the buffer section (26). It is adjustable. According to the above aspect, since the angle (θ) at which the second game body (C) is ejected with respect to the buffer section (26) can be adjusted, the second game body (C) serves as the buffer section (26). It is possible to adjust the collision position (and thus the position of the second game body (C) after the collision) according to the angle (θ).

In a preferred example (Appendix 11) of Appendices 1 to 10, a plurality of buffer sections (26) including the buffer section (26) are provided. In the above aspect, the second game body (C) falls near each of the plurality of buffer portions (26). That is, the second game body (C) can be arranged over a wide area on the table (21) as compared with the configuration in which one buffer section (26) is installed.

In a preferred example of Supplementary Note 11 (Supplementary Note 12), the ejection mechanism (25) ejects the second game body (C) to any one of the plurality of buffer portions (26). Since the second game body (C) is ejected from the ejection mechanism (25) to any of the plurality of buffer portions (26), for example, the ejection mechanism (25) is provided for each of the plurality of buffer portions (26). The size of the game device (100) can be reduced as compared with the configuration in which it is installed.

100 ... Game device, 10 ... Operation panel, 11L ... Operation part, 11R ... Operation part, 12 ... Reception part, 13 ... Dispensing part, 14 ... Discharge port, 15 ... Display device, 20 ... Game mechanism, 21 ... Table, 22 ... pusher part, 23 ... support structure, 231 ... side wall part, 231L ... side wall part, 231R ... side wall part, 232 ... front wall part, 234 ... rear wall part, 24L ... throwing mechanism, 24R ... throwing mechanism, 25 ... injection Mechanism, 251 ... Container, 252 ... Ejection path, 26 ... Buffer section, 27 ... Installation body, 28 ... Taxiway, 32 ... Counter, 33 ... Conveying device, 81 ... Control device, 811 ... Lottery processing section, 812 ... Compensation management unit, 813 ... Display control unit, 82 ... Storage device, 83 ... Exchange device, 831 ... Inserting port, 832 ... Reading mechanism, 833 ... Discharging port, 834 ... Discharging mechanism, E ... Table leading edge, G ... Lottery Body, H ... Lottery hole, Q ... Drop port, B Game body (first game element), C ... game body (second game element).

Claims

A table on which the first game body and the second game body are placed, and the first game body and the second game body fall from the peripheral edge,
A buffer unit installed on the surface of the table,
An ejecting mechanism for ejecting the second game body toward the buffer section.
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the first game body and the second game body have different shapes.
The first game body is spherical,
The game device according to claim 2, wherein the second game body has a flat plate shape.
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the first game body has a spherical shape.
The injection mechanism ejects the second game body along a direction inclined with respect to the surface of the table,
An upper surface of the buffer portion includes a first inclined surface including a first end and a second end closer to the ejection mechanism than the first end,
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the second end is lower than the first end.
An upper surface of the buffer portion includes a second inclined surface including a third end and a fourth end farther from the ejection mechanism than the third end;
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the fourth end is lower than the third end.
The game device according to claim 1, further comprising a pusher portion that reciprocates on a surface of the table.
The game device according to claim 7, wherein the buffer portion extends along a direction in which the pusher portion reciprocates.
The game device according to claim 1, wherein the buffer section faces the surface of the table with an interval larger than an outer diameter of the first game body.
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the ejection mechanism is capable of adjusting an angle at which the second game body ejects with respect to the buffer section.
The game device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of buffers including the buffer.
The game device according to claim 11, wherein the ejection mechanism ejects the second game body to any one of the plurality of buffer units.