JP7396145B2 - Goods acquisition game device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an item acquisition game in which items such as prizes are moved and acquired.

Many game centers are equipped with crane game devices (item acquisition game devices). A stage (game field) is provided inside the casing of the crane game device, and prizes (articles) such as stuffed animals and sweets are placed thereon. The player operates the crane by making full use of the operating stick or various buttons. If the player can grab the prize with a crane and move the prize to the dropout, the player can win the prize (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-226707

Generally, when a crane grabs a prize and carries it close to the dropout, in other words, when it approaches the moment when it will be decided whether or not to acquire the prize, the player's sense of anticipation is most likely to increase.

The present invention was completed after reconsidering the unique interest of crane games, and its main purpose is to further increase the interest when the crane approaches the drop opening (the destination of the prize) in the crane game device. Our goal is to provide the technology to deepen our understanding.

An article acquisition game device of the present invention includes a game field that is provided in a play space and has a first area where an article to be acquired is placed and a second area where the article is moved, and a crane that grips the article. and an operation section that receives an operation from the player, a crane control section that drives the crane in accordance with the operation, and a boundary detection section that detects the boundary position of the second area.
The crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane depending on the boundary position of the second area.

An article acquisition game device of the present invention includes a game field that is provided in a play space and has a first area where an article to be acquired is placed and a second area where the article is moved, and a crane that grips the article. , an operation section that receives operations from the player, and a crane control section that drives the crane in accordance with the operations.
The second region is configured to be able to change its shape. The crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane depending on the shape of the second region.

According to the present invention, it becomes easier to increase the interest in the article acquisition game device.

It is a perspective view of a crane game device. It is a functional block diagram of a crane game device. FIG. 3 is a top view of the prize mounting table. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a position detection sensor. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the amount of movement m=0. FIG. 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the amount of movement m=X1. FIG. 5(c) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the amount of movement m=X2, 7 is a flowchart showing a process of adjusting the gripping force of the arm. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which prizes are placed in a placing area. It is a perspective view of a base. It is a perspective view of a price sensor. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of detecting prizes and colored balls. FIG. 2 is a first exploded perspective view of the crane game device showing how the display bar is installed. FIG. 7 is a second exploded perspective view of the crane game device showing how the display bar is installed. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the fitting portion of the display bar and the first support. FIG. 14(a) is a top view of the crane at the time of initial setting. FIG. 14(b) is a front view of the crane at the time of initial setting. FIG. 15(a) is a top view of the crane when rotated by 30 degrees. FIG. 15(b) is a front view of the crane when rotated by 30 degrees. FIG. 16(a) is a top view of the crane when the design cover is adjusted. FIG. 16(b) is a front view of the crane when the design cover is adjusted. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the area around the design cover of the crane. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the area around the design cover of the crane. It is a side sectional view of a storage box.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the crane game device 100.
The crane game device 100 is generally installed in an amusement facility such as an amusement park or a game center. As shown in FIG. 1, description will be made assuming that the left and right direction of the crane game device 100 when viewed from the player is the X direction, the front and back direction is the Y direction, and the up and down direction is the Z direction.

The crane game device 100 includes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped base 102 and a box-shaped prize storage section 104 provided on the base 102. A play space S is formed inside the prize storage section 104, and a prize mounting table 106 (game field) is provided. On the prize table 106, in addition to prizes such as stuffed animals and miscellaneous goods, colored balls for decorating the prize table 106 are arranged (described later). A crane 108 is provided above the prize mounting table 106. The crane 108 can move forward, backward, left, right, and up and down in the play space S, and grasps/releases prizes.

The front and left and right sides of the prize storage section 104 are made of transparent glass. This takes into consideration the visibility of the prize from the outside. A camera may be installed on the ceiling surface of the prize storage section 104 to take an image of the prize mounting table 106 from above. A glass door 110 is provided at the front of the prize storage section 104, and an operator (clerk) can open the door 110 and place the prize inside the prize storage section 104.

The prize placement table 106 is divided into a placement area 112 (first area) and a drop opening 114 (second area). A prize is placed on the placing area 112, and if the player can carry the prize from the placing area 112 to the dropout port 114, the player can obtain the prize. A shielding plate 128 is installed between the mounting area 112 and the drop port 114. The shielding plate 128 prevents the prizes or colored balls in the placement area 112 from rolling down into the drop opening 114.

A prize outlet 116 is formed on the front surface of the base 102 to take out the prize that has fallen from the drop opening 114.

An operation section 118 and a setting display section 120 are provided on the front side of the base 102. At the start of the game, the player inserts a coin into the coin slot or touches an IC card loaded with electronic money on an IC card reader. Hereinafter, in the crane game device 100, the surface on which the operation unit 118 and the like are installed, in other words, the surface on the side where the player is located will be referred to as the "front", and the surface on the back side (positive side of the Y-axis) when viewed from the player. The face is called the "back".

The operation unit 118 includes an operation stick 122 that allows the player to move the crane 108 back and forth and left and right to determine its descent point, and a grip button 124 that allows the player to lower the crane 108 and grip the prize.

A touch panel is installed in the setting display section 120. The settings display section 120 functions as a "settings input section" through which an operator (clerk) inputs game setting information, and also serves as an "information display section" that displays information regarding the game, such as how to operate the operation section 118 and game results. It also functions as The crane game device 100 also includes a speaker (not shown), an external connection terminal, and the like.

Crane 108 has three arms 126 that can grasp and release prizes. Crane 108 includes a motor that drives arm 126 to open and close. Crane 108 grasps and releases prizes by opening and closing arms 126.

The crane 108 is movable along an unillustrated guide rail installed above the prize storage section 104, and is driven by a crane drive section 130 (described later). Crane drive unit 130 includes a moving mechanism that drives crane 108 in the horizontal direction (X direction) and vertical direction (Y direction), and a lifting mechanism that drives crane 108 in the vertical direction (Z direction). The movement mechanism includes an X-direction motor and a Y-direction motor. The lifting mechanism includes a Z direction motor. The crane drive unit 130 allows the crane 108 to be moved to any position in the play space S.

The crane 108 in this embodiment is a so-called "triple catcher type" having three arms 126. The player can freely move the crane 108 forward, backward, left, and right using the operation stick 122 within the time limit. After moving the crane 108 above the prize, the player presses the grip button 124. When grip button 124 is pressed, crane 108 is lowered. When the crane 108 descends a predetermined distance, it automatically moves the arm 126 in the closing direction (hereinafter referred to as "grasping" or "grasping operation"). At this time, the crane 108 can use the arm 126 to grab a relatively large prize at the descent point. Note that if the grip button 124 is pressed again while the crane 108 is descending, the arm 126 can be caused to perform the gripping operation at the time of pressing.

While maintaining the gripping motion, the crane 108 rises and then automatically moves toward the drop port 114. The crane 108 moves the arm 126 in the release direction above the drop port 114 (hereinafter referred to as "release" or "release operation"). If the prize is firmly grasped, the prize is carried by the crane 108 to the drop opening 114 and dropped from above the drop opening 114 (successful crane game). On the other hand, if the arm 126 is not able to firmly grasp the prize, the prize will fall from the crane 108 before the crane 108 reaches directly above the drop opening 114 (failure of the crane game).

Note that the operator can also horizontally rotate the crane 108 (rotate around the Z axis). As shown in FIG. 1, the home position is when one of the three arms 126 is toward the player, but the operator can adjust the horizontal rotation angle of the crane 108 in consideration of the arrangement of prizes. A design cover 132 is installed on the front of the crane 108. A logo (advertisement information) indicating a product name is written on the design cover 132 in this embodiment. The direction of the design cover 132 can also be adjusted in response to the horizontal rotation of the crane 108, but details will be described later with reference to FIG. 14 and the like.

A plurality of optical sensors are installed inside the drop port 114. This optical sensor detects the drop of the prize into the drop opening 114 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "prize acquisition"). Further, these optical sensors are configured to be able to distinguish which of the colored balls and the prizes has fallen, and the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 8 and the like.

One or more display bars 134 are installed on the back side of the prize storage section 104. The display bar 134 is a metal bar extending in the X direction, and can hold prizes for display. The operator opens door 110, enters drop port 114, and installs display bar 134 on the back. The number and height of display bars 134 are arbitrary. A method for installing the display bar 134 will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 and subsequent figures.

A storage box for storing equipment such as color balls is provided at the back of the drop opening 114. This storage box will be described in detail later in connection with FIG. 19.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the crane game device 100.
Each component of the crane game device 100 includes hardware including arithmetic units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various coprocessors, storage devices such as memory and storage, and wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, and a storage device. It is realized by software that is stored in the computer and supplies processing instructions to the arithmetic unit. A computer program may be composed of a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located in an upper layer thereof, and a library that provides common functions to these programs. Each block described below indicates a functional unit block rather than a hardware unit configuration.

The crane game device 100 includes a user interface processing section 140, a mechanism section 142, a data processing section 144, and a data storage section 146.
The user interface processing unit 140 accepts operations from the player via various input devices, and is also responsible for processing related to the user interface, such as image display and audio output. The mechanism section 142 drives various mechanisms such as the crane 108. The data storage unit 146 stores various data. The data processing unit 144 executes various processes based on input from the user interface processing unit 140 and data stored in the data storage unit 146. The data processing section 144 also functions as an interface for the mechanism section 142, the user interface processing section 140, and the data storage section 146.

The user interface processing section 140 includes an input section 148 and an output section 150 that outputs various information such as images and audio.

The input unit 148 receives setting input from the operator via the setting display unit 120. The input unit 148 also receives operation input from the player via the operation unit 118. The crane game device 100 has a setting mode and a play mode. In the setting mode, the operator performs various settings described below. Carrying in prizes or attaching display bar 134 is also performed during the setting mode. In the play mode, the player operates the operation unit 118 to play the crane game.

Mechanism section 142 includes crane drive section 130 and sensor group 152. As described above, the crane drive unit 130 moves the crane 108 and grips and releases the arm 126. The sensor group 152 corresponds to an optical sensor (described later) at the drop port 114, an optical sensor that detects the position of a plate (described later) in the placement area 112, and the like.

The data processing section 144 includes a crane control section 154, a movement determination section 156, and a boundary detection section 158.
The crane control unit 154 instructs the crane 108 to move, grasp, and release in accordance with operation instructions from the operating unit 118. The movement determining unit 156 determines whether the prize has fallen into the drop opening 114, or in other words, whether the crane game is successful or not. The boundary detection unit 158 detects the boundary position between the drop port 114 and the placement area 112. Details of the boundary position detection method will be described later.

The data storage unit 146 stores information such as a crane game game program, crane game settings, and game play results (payout rate).
Below, a plurality of features of the crane game device 100 in this embodiment will be explained in order.

[Gripping force control of arm 126]
FIG. 3 is a top view of the prize mounting table 106.
The prize mounting table 106 includes the mounting area 112 and the drop opening 114, as described above. The placement area 112 further includes a first placement area 112a located on the Y-axis positive direction side (back side) of the drop opening 114, a second placement area 112b located on the X-axis positive direction side (right side), and a drop It is constituted by a third mounting area 112c located diagonally at the back of the mouth 114.

The upper part of the first mounting area 112a is covered with a Y plate 160 (first plate). The upper part of the second mounting area 112b is covered with an X plate 162 (second plate). The upper surface of the Y plate 160 in the first mounting region 112a, the upper surface of the X plate 162 in the second mounting region 112b, and the upper surface of the third mounting region 112c are formed to be flush with each other. In other words, the Y plate 160 (which covers the first placement area 112a), the X plate 162 (which covers the second placement area 112b), and the third placement area 112c (which is exposed) have a step on their respective upper surfaces. It is configured so that it does not.

The X plate 162 is horizontally movable in the negative direction of the X axis. By horizontally moving the X plate 162, the operator can reduce the size (width) of the drop port 114. A shielding plate 128 is fixed to the end of the X plate 162. As the X plate 162 moves, the shielding plate 128 also moves in the direction of narrowing the drop opening 114. A position detection sensor 164 (optical sensor) for detecting the amount of movement of the X plate 162, in other words, the position of the X plate 162, is provided in the second mounting area 112b. Details of the detection method will be described later in connection with FIG. 4 and subsequent figures.

Similarly, the Y plate 160 is horizontally movable in the negative direction of the Y axis. By horizontally moving the Y plate 160, the operator can reduce the size (vertical width) of the drop port 114. Since the shielding plate 128 is also fixed to the end of the Y plate 160, as the Y plate 160 moves, the shielding plate 128 also moves in a direction to narrow the drop opening 114. Although not shown, the amount of movement of the Y plate 160 can also be detected using the same method as that for the X plate 162.

In this embodiment, Y plate 160 and X plate 162 cannot be moved at the same time. When moving the Y plate 160 in the Y-axis negative direction to narrow the drop opening 114 in the Y direction, the X plate 162 cannot be moved. Further, when moving the X plate 162 in the negative direction of the X axis to narrow the drop opening 114 in the X direction, the Y plate 160 cannot be moved. This is because the upper surfaces of the Y plate 160 and the X plate 162 are at the same height, instead of intersecting the Y plate 160 and the X plate 162 with a step. If there is a difference in level between the Y plate 160, the X plate 162, and the third placement area 112c, there is a possibility that the prize or the arm 126 may get caught on the difference in level, thereby hindering play. In this embodiment, in order to prevent such a problem, the Y plate 160, the X plate 162, and the third mounting area 112c are formed flush with each other.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of the position detection sensor 164.
A detection plate 170 that protrudes in the negative direction of the Z-axis is fixed to the lower surface of the X-plate 162. Position detection sensor 164 includes a transmitting plate 164a and a receiving plate 164b. The transmitting plate 164a and the receiving plate 164b protrude in the positive direction of the Z-axis on the upper surface of the second mounting area 112b. The detection plate 170 moves between the transmitting plate 164a and the receiving plate 164b as the X plate 162 moves in the X direction.

Position detection sensor 164 includes a first optical sensor 166 and a second optical sensor 168. The first optical sensor 166 includes a first transmitter 166a that transmits an optical signal such as infrared rays or laser light on a transmitting plate 164a, and a first receiver 166b that receives the optical signal from the first transmitter 166a on a receiving plate 164b. including. Similarly, the second optical sensor 168 includes a second oscillator 168a that emits an optical signal at a transmitting plate 164a, and a second receiver 168b that receives the optical signal from the second oscillator 168a at a receiving plate 164b.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the amount of movement m=0.
In this embodiment, the amount m of movement of the X plate 162 in the negative direction of the X axis is set in three stages. In the data storage unit 146, the drop opening 114 is stored in advance for each of the movement amounts m=0 (first stage), m=X1 (second stage), and m=X2 (X2>X1) (third stage). and the X coordinate of the boundary position of the tip of the X plate 162 (hereinafter referred to as "X boundary coordinate") are registered. In other words, the boundary detection unit 158 detects the X boundary coordinate by measuring the movement amount m using the position detection sensor 164.

When the amount of movement m=0 (first stage), both the first optical sensor 166 and the second optical sensor 168 are shielded by the detection plate 170, so both the first receiver 166b and the second receiver 168b are No optical signal detected. When the boundary detection unit 158 does not receive a photodetection signal from both the first receiver 166b and the second receiver 168b, it determines that the amount of movement m of the X plate 162 is zero.

FIG. 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the amount of movement m=X1.
When the amount of movement m=X1 (second stage), only the first optical sensor 166 is shielded by the detection plate 170, so the first receiver 166b does not detect the optical signal, and the second receiver 168b does not detect the optical signal. Detect. When the boundary detection unit 158 receives the photodetection signal only from the second receiver 168b, it determines that the amount of movement m of the X plate 162 is the intermediate value X1.

FIG. 5(c) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the amount of movement m=X2.
When the amount of movement m = Detect the signal. When the boundary detection unit 158 receives the photodetection signals from both the first receiver 166b and the second receiver 168b, it determines that the amount of movement m of the X plate 162 is the maximum value X2.

The amount of movement n of the Y plate 160 in the negative direction of the Y axis can also be detected in the same manner. In the data storage unit 146, the drop opening 114 is stored in advance for each of the movement amounts n=0 (first stage), n=Y1 (second stage), and n=Y2 (Y2>Y1) (third stage). and the Y coordinate of the boundary position of the tip of the Y plate 160 (hereinafter referred to as "Y boundary coordinate") are registered. By providing the position detection sensor 164 in the first mounting area 112a, the movement amount n is measured, and the boundary detection unit 158 detects the Y boundary coordinate.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of adjusting the gripping force of the arm 126.
In this embodiment, the crane control unit 154 increases the gripping force of the arm 126 when the crane 108 approaches the drop port 114. When the crane 108 grabs a prize, the player expects that the prize will be carried to the drop port 114 without falling on the way. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the distance dx between the X coordinate of the crane 108 (hereinafter referred to as "X crane coordinate") and the X boundary coordinate becomes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold Tx (Y in S10), the crane control unit 154 increases the gripping force of the arm 126 (S12). When the distance dx is greater than the threshold Tx (N in S10), the gripping force is not changed.

More specifically, the boundary detection unit 158 uses the position detection sensor 164 to specify the amount of movement m of the X plate 162 in advance. The boundary detection unit 158 specifies the X boundary coordinate depending on which of the three movement amounts m. The crane control unit 154 calculates the distance dx based on the X boundary coordinate and the X crane coordinate.

The movement determination unit 156 may detect the X crane coordinate using a rotary encoder (not shown) mounted on the crane 108. However, the movement determination unit 156 may calculate the X crane coordinates using known techniques such as laser measurement or image recognition using a camera.

The Y coordinate may also be determined in the same manner. The crane control unit 154 increases the gripping force of the arm 126 even when the distance dy between the Y boundary coordinate and the Y coordinate of the crane 108 (hereinafter referred to as "Y crane coordinate") is less than a predetermined threshold Ty. Good too.

[Prize detection method]
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the prize 172 is placed in the placement area 112.
A plurality of colored balls 174 are laid out in the placement area 112. Various prizes 172 such as stuffed animals are placed on a layer of colored balls 174. Here, it is assumed that the length, width, and depth of the prize 172 are all larger than those of the colored ball 174. The color ball 174 is an elastic vinyl ball. One of the purposes of spreading the colored balls 174 is to enhance the decorativeness of the play space S. Furthermore, if the arm 126 directly touches the mounting area 112, there is a possibility that the arm 126 or the mounting area 112 will be damaged. prevent contact with

Further, since the layer of colored balls 174 creates a gap under the prize 172, it becomes easier to insert the arm 126 under the prize 172. Therefore, by creating a layer of colored balls 174, the arm 126 can easily grip the prize 172 firmly.

It is the prize 172 that is to be acquired by the player, and the color ball 174 is not originally to be acquired. However, on rare occasions, the colored ball 174 may be picked up by the arm 126 and fall into the drop opening 114. For business reasons, the operator needs to be aware of the payout rate of the crane game device 100, that is, the difficulty level of acquiring prizes. For these reasons, the crane game device 100 is required to have a function of detecting the fall of the prize 172. When the colored ball 174 falls into the drop slot 114, there is a possibility that this may be mistakenly recognized as the acquisition of the prize 172. In the following, a configuration for easily determining whether the colored ball 174 or the prize 172 falls into the drop opening 114 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base 102. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the price sensor 176.
A price sensor 176 is arranged on the inner wall surface of the drop port 114. The price sensor 176 includes a first detection plate 176a and a second detection plate 176b facing each other. A total of 30 optical sensors 178, 15 each on the first detection plate 176a and the second detection plate 176b, are arranged.

Eight optical sensors 178 are arranged on the upper stage of the first detection plate 176a, and seven optical sensors 178 are arranged on the lower stage, and the same is true for the second detection plate 176b. Fifteen optical sensors 178 are arranged on each of the first detection plate 176a and the second detection plate 176b, and are arranged to face each other, forming a total of 15 pairs. Similar to position detection sensor 164, one optical sensor 178 functions as a light transmitter, and the other optical sensor 178 opposite thereto functions as a light receiver. An optical signal is constantly transmitted from one of the two paired optical sensors 178 to the other. Movement determination section 156 receives a light detection signal from each pair of light sensors 178.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of detecting the prize 172 and the color ball 174.
In the second detection plate 176b, eight optical sensors 178 from optical sensor 178-1 to optical sensor 178-8 are arranged in the upper stage, and seven optical sensors 178 from optical sensor 178-9 to optical sensor 178-15 are arranged in the upper stage. is placed at the bottom. The Y coordinates of the installation positions of the upper and lower optical sensors 178 are shifted.

It is assumed that the distance in the Y direction between the upper optical sensor 178 (for example, optical sensor 178-3) and the adjacent lower optical sensor 178 (for example, optical sensor 178-11) is 100 mm. Further, it is assumed that the distance in the Y direction between the lower-stage optical sensor 178 (for example, optical sensor 178-10) and the lower-stage optical sensor 178 (for example, optical sensor 178-11) adjacent thereto is 200 mm. It is assumed that the diameter of the color ball 174 in this embodiment is 120 mm. Further, it is assumed that the width of the prize 172 is at least 400 mm or more.

In FIG. 10, when the colored ball 174 falls into the drop port 114, the optical signal from the lower optical sensor 178-11 is temporarily interrupted (hereinafter referred to as "passage reaction"). When the movement determination unit 156 detects the passing reaction of the optical sensor 178-11, it recognizes that the prize 172 or the colored ball 174 has passed in front of the optical sensor 178-11.

The diameter of the color ball 174 is 120 mm, and the distance from the optical sensor 178-11 to the adjacent optical sensor 178-12 is 200 mm. Therefore, when the colored ball 174 falls, no passing reaction is detected from the optical sensors other than the optical sensor 178-11 in the lower stage. The same applies to the upper row. Therefore, when a passing reaction is detected in any of the optical sensors 178 and the number of passing reactions in the upper stage is 1 or less and the number of passing reactions in the lower stage is 1 or less, the movement determining unit 156 determines that the colored ball 174 has fallen. It is determined that

Even when the prize 172 falls, a passage reaction is detected by one or more optical sensors 178. In FIG. 10, the passage reaction is detected by the upper optical sensor 178-6 and the lower optical sensors 178-13 and 178-14. Since the prize 172 is larger than the colored ball 174, the passage reaction is detected by two or more adjacent optical sensors 178 on the same stage. Therefore, the movement determination unit 156 determines that the prize 172 has fallen when a passing reaction occurs by the optical sensors 178 in the upper and lower tiers, and the number of passing reactions in either the upper tier or the lower tier is 2 or more.

According to such a control method, it is possible to recognize "which one of the prize 172 and the colored ball 174 has fallen" based on the position and number of passage reactions for the plurality of optical sensors 178 with a simple configuration.

[How to install display bar 134]
FIG. 11 is a first exploded perspective view of the crane game device 100 showing how the display bar 134 is installed.
In FIG. 11, some members such as the door 110 are omitted for convenience of explanation. The display bar 134 is a metal bar-shaped member with one end bent at a right angle. When installing the display bar 134, the operator needs to open the door 110 and the prize outlet 116 and enter the drop opening 114.

The operator first installs the display bar 134 on the first support 180 located at the back of the crane game device 100 (on the X-axis positive direction side). A plurality of lateral grooves 182 are formed in the first support column 180 . The operator inserts the insertion portion 184 at the tip of the display bar 134 into the horizontal groove 182 of the first support column 180 from the horizontal direction. Details of the fitting structure between the insertion portion 184 and the lateral groove 182 will be described later with reference to FIG. 13.

FIG. 12 is a second exploded perspective view of the crane game device 100 showing how the display bar 134 is installed.
Also in FIG. 12, some members such as the door 110 are removed. A plurality of insertion holes 188 are formed in advance in the second support 186 on the front side of the rear surface (X-axis negative direction side) of the crane game device 100. The position of the insertion hole 188 is at the same height as the position of the lateral groove 182 of the first support column 180.

The operator inserts the support rod 190 into any insertion hole 188. The operator inserts one end (back side) of the display bar 134 into the horizontal groove 182 of the first support column 180, and then hooks the hook 192 at the other end (front side) of the display bar 134 onto the support rod 190 to lock it. In this way, the operator inserts one end of the display bar 134 into the first support column 180 and then hooks the other end of the display bar 134 onto the support rod 190 to attach the display bar 134 to the second support column 186 and the first support column 180. Fix it.

Conventionally, installing the display bar 134 on the first support column 180, which is far from the operator, has been a burdensome task. The operator opens the door in front of the prize takeout port 116 and the glass door 110 of the prize storage section 104 to enter the prize drop space (the space in which the drop port 114 is formed). Even when an operator enters the prize falling space to perform installation work, the prize falling space is located on the left side (X-axis negative direction) facing the case, so Many operators cannot reach the first column 180 located in the Y-axis positive direction). In this embodiment, since one end (insertion part 184) of the display bar 134 is inserted into the horizontal groove 182 from the side, even an operator who cannot reach the first support column 180 can perform the installation work. After the display bar 134 is inserted into the first support column 180, the hook 192 is hooked onto the support rod 190 on the front side and locked, so the display bar 134 can be easily installed.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the fitting portion of the display bar 134 and the first support 180.
As described above, a plurality of lateral grooves 182 are formed in the first column 180. The operator inserts a relatively small-diameter insertion portion 184 at the tip of the display bar 134 into the horizontal groove 182 from the horizontal direction. Inside the lateral groove 182, a plate-shaped first support member 208 is formed on the front side (Y-axis negative direction side), and a plate-shaped second support member 210 is also formed on the back side (Y-axis positive direction side). be done. On the lower side of the lateral groove 182, the first support member 208 is formed to be higher (relatively protrude) than the second support member 210 in the Z-axis direction. Moreover, above the lateral groove 182, the second support member 210 is formed to be lower (relatively protrude) than the first support member 208 in the Z-axis direction.

As shown in cross-sectional view A1, since the heights of the first support member 208 and the second support member 210 are different, the operator can insert the display bar 134 into the horizontal groove 182 while tilting it slightly upward. I can do it. After insertion, as shown in cross-sectional view A2, the back side of the insertion portion 184 is regulated by the relatively protruding second support member 210, and the front side is regulated by the relatively protruding first support member 208. be done. Even after the display bar 134 is inserted into the horizontal groove 182, although it can tilt upward, it cannot tilt downward, so play between the first support member 208 and the second support member 210 was taken into consideration. However, the display bar 134 is kept more horizontal and is less likely to slip off the horizontal groove 182.

Furthermore, since a relatively large-diameter regulating member 212 is provided on the back side of the insertion portion 184, even if the display bar 134 is pulled in the front direction (Y-axis negative direction), the regulating member 212 is prevented by the second support member 210. 212 is regulated. Such a structure makes it even more difficult for the display bar 134 to fall off.

[Adjustment of design cover 132]
FIG. 14(a) is a top view of the crane 108 at the time of initial setting. FIG. 14(b) is a front view of the crane 108 at the time of initial setting.
As described above, the crane 108 has three arms 126 (first arm 126a, second arm 126b, and third arm 126c). The first arm 126a, the second arm 126b, and the third arm 126c are each shifted by 120 degrees. Of these, the first arm 126a is usually provided at a position directly facing the player (see also FIG. 1).

A design cover 132 is installed on the first arm 126a. A logo plate 194 is fixed to the design cover 132. The logo plate 194 functions as an advertisement or decoration to attract players to the crane game device 100. For example, the product name and character image of the crane game device 100 are written on the logo plate 194.

FIG. 15(a) is a top view of the crane 108 when rotated by 30 degrees. FIG. 15(b) is a front view of the crane 108 when rotated by 30 degrees.
When a plurality of players sequentially play the crane game, the layout of the plurality of prizes 172 also changes. For example, if one prize 172 is near the dropout port 114, the player may operate the crane 108 with this prize 172 as a target (obtainable object).

Since the drop port 114 is surrounded by a shielding plate 128 (see FIG. 1), the arm 126 may hit the shield plate 128 near the boundary of the drop port 114, making it difficult to grab the prize 172. Therefore, the operator usually adjusts the horizontal rotation angle of the crane 108 while checking the arrangement of the prizes 172 so that the arm 126 does not hit the shielding plate 128. Furthermore, depending on the orientation of the prize 172, changing the position of the arm 126 may make it easier to obtain the prize 172. In order to stimulate the customer's desire to play, the operator may rotate the crane 108 horizontally to make it easier to obtain the prize 172.

In FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the crane 108 is rotated 30 degrees to the right when viewed from above. Along with this, the design cover 132 and the logo plate 194 also face to the left when viewed from the player. When a plurality of crane game devices 100 are installed in an amusement facility, the horizontal rotation angles of each crane 108 often do not match. As a result, a large number of logo plates 194 may face in different directions, detracting from the aesthetic appearance of the amusement facility. Further, some players may feel uncomfortable if the logo plate 194, which should originally function as an advertisement, does not face forward (towards the player) when starting a crane game.

FIG. 16(a) is a top view of the crane 108 when the design cover 132 is adjusted. FIG. 16(b) is a front view of the crane 108 when the design cover 132 is adjusted.
In this embodiment, the design cover 132 is configured to be horizontally rotatable independently of the crane 108 due to the structure described later. The operator can adjust the logo plate 194 to face the front (towards the player) by rotating the main body of the crane 108 clockwise and then rotating only the design cover 132 counterclockwise.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the area around the design cover 132 of the crane 108. FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of the area around the design cover 132 in the crane 108.
A guide groove 204 is formed in the cover member 200, which is the outer wall of the crane 108, and the design cover holder 196 is sandwiched between the guide groove 204 and the lock plate 198. Lock plate 198 is fixed to cover member 200 by screws. The design cover holder 196 is horizontally rotatable along the guide groove 204 while being guided by the lock plate 198 in the horizontal plane (XY plane). The design cover 132 (logo plate 194) is fixed to this rotatable design cover holder 196 with screws.

The operator holds the crane 108 with one hand and grips and rotates the design cover 132 with the other hand to open the design cover 132 as shown in FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b). The orientation can be adjusted manually.

[Storage box 206]
FIG. 19 is a side sectional view of the storage box 206.
FIG. 19 shows a cross section of the crane game device 100 taken along the line AA in FIG. 1, with the viewing direction set in the positive direction of the X-axis. In the crane game device 100 of this embodiment, a storage box 206 is formed below the first placement area 112a. The storage box 206 forms a space for storing accessories such as the support rod 190 (see FIG. 12), the color ball 174, and various screws and tools. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the storage box 206 is inclined. The angle of inclination is 10 to 30 degrees, more preferably 12 to 20 degrees.

The operator opens the door 110 of the prize storage section 104 and the front door of the prize takeout port 116, enters the drop port 114 (prize drop space), and uses the storage box 206. Since the lower surface of the storage box 206 is sloped, the operator can easily see into the storage box 206 without having to crouch down excessively. In other words, by tilting the lower surface of the storage box 206 so that it approaches the line of sight (direction of looking down) of the operator during work, the operator can relatively easily check the depths of the storage box 206. Further, by providing an inclination angle, the storage size of the storage box 206 can be increased.

The crane game device 100 has been described above based on the embodiment.
According to this embodiment, when the crane 108 approaches the drop port 114, the gripping force of the arm 126 is strengthened. Therefore, when the crane 108 approaches the drop port 114, the possibility that the crane 108 drops the prize 172 is reduced. When the crane 108 carries the prize 172 close to the dropping port 114, the gripping force of the arm 126 becomes stronger, so that the player can further increase his or her expectations for acquiring the prize. Particularly, when the prize 172 is brought closer to the dropout port 114 through multiple plays, the possibility of acquiring the prize increases, making it easier to increase the player's desire to continue playing the game.

The operator can freely change the shape of the drop port 114 by horizontally moving the Y plate 160 or the X plate 162. The "shape" here may be any one or more of the opening size (area) of the drop port 114, the X boundary coordinate, and the Y boundary coordinate. By changing the shape of the drop opening 114, the difficulty level of the crane game can be adjusted.

The X boundary coordinate and Y boundary coordinate when the X plate 162 and the like are horizontally moved are automatically detected by the position detection sensor 164 and the boundary detection section 158. The crane control unit 154 can appropriately change the timing of strengthening the gripping force of the arm 126 based on the detection result. In this way, the operator can automatically and appropriately adjust the gripping force of the arm 126 simply by moving the X plate 162 and the like without making any other settings.

In this embodiment, the placing area 112 is filled with colorful balls 174, and the prize 172 is placed on the layer of the colored balls 174. Therefore, it is possible that the colored ball 174 instead of the prize 172 falls into the drop opening 114. A price sensor 176 formed on the inner wall of the drop port 114 includes a plurality of optical sensors 178. Depending on the number of passing reactions of the optical sensor 178, the movement determining section 156 can determine which of the prizes 172 and the colored balls 174 has fallen with a simple configuration.

The crane game device 100 in this embodiment has a structure that allows the display bar 134 to be easily fitted into the first column 180 on the back side, which is particularly difficult to attach. The operator can stabilize the display bar 134 on the first post 180 by inserting the display bar 134 from the side into the lateral groove 182 formed on the first post 180. After inserting the display bar 134 into the first column 180, the operator can easily fix the display bar 134 by hooking the hook 192 of the display bar 134 onto the support rod 190. Therefore, even when the first support column 180 is out of reach, the display bar 134 can be easily installed.

The crane 108 in this embodiment can rotate horizontally depending on the situation of the crane game. Since the design cover 132 can be horizontally rotated relative to the crane 108, the design cover 132 (logo plate 194) can be adjusted to face the player regardless of the orientation of the crane 108. In particular, when a plurality of crane game devices 100 are arranged side by side, if the logo plates 194 of all the crane game devices 100 are oriented in the same direction, the visibility of the logo plates 194 will not only be improved, but also a sense of unity within the amusement facility will be created. It is also effective in manufacturing.

In this embodiment, a storage box 206 is further formed in a part of the base 102. By tilting the lower surface of the storage box 206 with respect to the horizontal plane, the operator's work efficiency can be improved. Furthermore, this allows the storage space of the storage box 206 to be effectively expanded.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modified examples, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments and modified examples. Furthermore, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiments and modified examples.

[Modified example]
In the present embodiment, the distance dx is calculated based on the X boundary coordinate and the X crane coordinate, and when the distance dx becomes equal to or less than the threshold value Tx, the crane control unit 154 strengthens the gripping force of the arm 126. As a modification, the crane controller 154 may increase the gripping force of the arm 126 depending on the opening size of the drop port 114. For example, when the opening size of the drop port 114 is "maximum" (for example, the amount of movement m = 0), the crane control unit 154 sets the gripping force of the arm 126 to "weak" (for example, the normal 70%)". When the opening size of the drop port 114 is "medium" (eg, movement amount m=X1), the crane control unit 154 may set the gripping force of the arm 126 to "normal" regardless of the X crane coordinate. When the opening size of the drop port 114 is the minimum (for example, the amount of movement m = May be set. When the opening size of the droplet 114 is large, the gripping force is weak, and when the opening size of the droplet 114 is small, the gripping force is set to be large, so even when the opening size of the droplet 114 is changed, the difficulty level of the crane game can be reduced. It can be stabilized. The same applies when adjusting the opening size of the drop port 114 using the Y plate 160.

Alternatively, the difficulty level may be changed significantly in conjunction with the opening size by weakening the gripping force when the opening size of the droplet 114 is small, and increasing the gripping force when the opening size of the droplet 114 is large. In this way, the gripping force may be adjusted not only according to the distance between the drop port 114 and the crane 108 but also according to the opening size of the drop port 114.

In this embodiment, the X boundary coordinate and the Y boundary coordinate have been described as being detected by the boundary detection unit 158 based on the amount of movement of the X plate 162 and the Y plate 160. As a modification, the operator may horizontally move the X plate 162 and the like, and then input the X boundary coordinates and the like as setting information via the setting display section 120. The boundary detection unit 158 may specify the X boundary coordinates of the drop opening 114 based on this setting information.

In the present embodiment, when the crane 108 approaches the X boundary coordinate, the grasping force is strengthened to increase the player's expectation of acquiring the prize. Alternatively, the gripping force may be reduced when the crane 108 approaches the X boundary coordinate. For example, the gripping force of the arm 126 is set to "strong" in the initial stage, and when the distance dx between the X boundary coordinate and the It may be set to "medium" or "weak". According to such a control method, since the arm 126 has a strong initial gripping force, it is less likely to fail in lifting the prize 172. Further, by weakening the gripping force of the arm 126 when the crane 108 approaches the drop port 114, the difficulty level of the crane game may be excessively reduced, and the expectation level of obtaining prizes may be excessively increased. can be prevented. By realizing such a game that is "easy to grab and easy to drop", it becomes difficult to feel disappointed when the arm 126 is unable to grab the prize 172, and it also reduces the tension when the crane 108 carries the prize 172. This makes it easier for more players to experience the feeling. The same applies to the distance dy between the Y boundary coordinate and the Y crane coordinate.

In the present embodiment, the crane control unit 154 weakens the gripping force of the arm 126 when the distance dx becomes equal to or less than the predetermined threshold Tx. Alternatively, the crane controller 154 may gradually (continuously) weaken the gripping force of the arm 126 as the distance dx decreases. Conversely, the gripping force of the arm 126 may be gradually strengthened as the distance dx becomes smaller. The same applies to the distance dy.

As a modification, the gripping force of the arm 126 may be changed discontinuously depending on the distance dx. For example, when the distance dx is greater than the threshold T1 (long distance), the gripping force of the arm 126 is set to "normal", and when the distance dx is less than the threshold T1 and greater than the threshold T2 (<T1) (middle distance) , the gripping force of the arm 126 may be set to "weak", and when the distance dx is less than or equal to the threshold value T2 (short distance), the gripping force of the arm 126 may be set to "strong". According to such a control method, while the crane 108 is carrying the prize 172, the gripping force of the arm 126 is temporarily weakened, creating a "dangerous distance where the prize 172 may be dropped". The same applies to the distance dy.

The crane control unit 154 may control the gripping force of the arm 126 according to the shape of the drop port 114, the distance dx, and the distance dy, as well as the operation time of the crane 108. For example, a timer may be started at the beginning of a crane game, and as time elapses, the crane control unit 154 may weaken or strengthen the gripping force of the arm 126.

Game components other than the gripping force of the arm 126 may be controlled based on the shape of the drop port 114, the distance between the drop port 114 and the crane 108, and the like. For example, when the distance dx becomes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the output unit 150 may change the BGM (background music) or may change the volume of the BGM. Further, when a monitor is installed in the crane game device 100, the output unit 150 may change the image displayed on the monitor according to the distance dx.

The crane control unit 154 may change the moving speed of the crane 108 when the distance dx becomes less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. For example, before the crane 108 grabs the prize 172, the crane control unit 154 reduces the moving speed of the crane 108 to make it easier to grab the prize 172, and after the crane 108 grabs the prize 172, increases the moving speed of the crane 108. The tension of the game may be increased by making it easier for the prizes 172 to fall. The design cover 132 may include a monitor instead of the logo plate 194. The output unit 150 may change the image displayed on the monitor of the design cover 132 according to the distance dx.

In the present embodiment, the prize 172 and the colored ball 174 have been described as being discriminated by the price sensor 176. As a modification, multiple types of prizes 172 of different sizes may be placed in the placing area 112. Depending on the number of passing reactions of the optical sensor 178 in the price sensor 176, the movement determining unit 156 may determine which prize 172 among the plurality of types of prizes 172 has fallen into the drop opening 114.

Although the price sensor 176 has been described as having a plurality of optical sensors 178 arranged in two rows, an upper row and a lower row, the plurality of optical sensors 178 may be arranged in one row, or three or more rows. . The interval between the optical sensors 178 may be adjusted so that the number of reactions of the optical sensor 178 passing through the object varies depending on the size of the falling object.

The crane game device 100 can also be applied to a so-called net catcher. Net Catcher is a crane game in which a player operates a crane 108 of a crane game device 100 located at a remote location by transmitting operation information while checking in real time how the player is acquiring a prize using a camera image on a PC. The prizes acquired by the players are mailed to the players. In the case of a net catcher, the prize placing table 106 is provided with a first area for placing the prize 172 and a second area for moving the prize 172. The second area may be formed as a drop opening 114 or may be a simple panel.

Reference Signs List 100 crane game device, 102 base, 104 prize storage section, 106 prize mounting stand, 108 crane, 110 door, 112 mounting area, 112a first mounting area, 112b second mounting area, 112c third mounting area , 114 drop opening, 116 prize outlet, 118 operation unit, 120 setting display unit, 122 operation stick, 124 grip button, 126 arm, 126a first arm, 126b second arm, 126c third arm, 128 shielding plate, 130 Crane drive section, 132 Design cover, 134 Display bar, 140 User interface processing section, 142 Mechanism section, 144 Data processing section, 146 Data storage section, 148 Input section, 150 Output section, 152 Sensor group, 154 Crane control section, 156 Movement determination unit, 158 Boundary detection unit, 160 Y plate, 162 2 optical sensor, 168a 2nd oscillator, 168b 2nd receiver, 170 detection plate, 172 prize, 174 color ball, 176 price sensor, 176a 1st detection plate, 176b 2nd detection plate, 178 optical sensor, 180 1st pillar , 182 horizontal groove, 184 insertion part, 186 second support, 188 insertion hole, 190 support rod, 192 hook, 194 logo plate, 196 design cover holder, 198 lock plate, 200 cover member, 204 guide groove, 206 storage box, 208 First support member, 210 Second support member, 212 Regulation member

Claims (5)

a game field that is provided in a play space and has a first area where an item to be acquired is placed and a second area where the item is moved;
a crane that grasps the article;
an operation section that accepts operations from the player;
a crane control unit that drives the crane according to the operation;
a boundary detection unit that detects a boundary position of the second area;
a plate that shields all or part of the second region,
The boundary detection unit detects the boundary position by detecting the position of the plate,
The article acquisition game device is characterized in that the crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane depending on a boundary position of the second area. a game field that is provided in a play space and has a first area where an item to be acquired is placed and a second area where the item is moved;
a crane that grasps the article;
an operation section that accepts operations from the player;
a crane control unit that drives the crane according to the operation;
a boundary detection unit that detects a boundary position of the second area;
a first plate that shields the second region from the first direction;
a second plate that shields the second region from a second direction different from the first direction,
The boundary detection unit detects a plurality of boundary positions of the second region by detecting the positions of each of the first plate and the second plate,
The article acquisition game device is characterized in that the crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane depending on a plurality of boundary positions of the second area. a game field that is provided in a play space and has a first area where an item to be acquired is placed and a second area where the item is moved;
a crane that grasps the article;
an operation section that accepts operations from the player;
a crane control unit that drives the crane according to the operation;
a boundary detection unit that detects a boundary position of the second area;
a plate that shields all or part of the second region,
The second region is configured such that a boundary position of the second region can be changed by movement of the plate ,
The boundary detection unit detects the shape of the second region by detecting the position of the plate,
The article acquisition game device is characterized in that the crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane depending on the shape of the second area. a game field that is provided in a play space and has a first area where an item to be acquired is placed and a second area where the item is moved;
a crane that grasps the article;
an operation section that accepts operations from the player;
a crane control unit that drives the crane according to the operation;
a boundary detection unit that detects a boundary position of the second area;
a first plate that shields the second region from the first direction;
a second plate that shields the second region from a second direction different from the first direction,
The second region is configured such that a boundary position of the second region can be changed by movement of the first plate and the second plate ,
The boundary detection unit detects the shape of the second region by detecting the positions of the first plate and the second plate,
The article acquisition game device is characterized in that the crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane depending on the shape of the second area. 5. The article acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein the crane control unit changes the gripping force of the crane depending on the distance between the crane and the second area.

Images