JP2013165767A - Crane game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow prizes to be placed in desired positions more freely.SOLUTION: A crane game apparatus 10 controls a crane arm as a player operates the crane arm, and controls the crane arm to hold a prize stored in a case 12 and carry it to a chute. In the case 12, prize table units 17L1, 17L2, and 17L3 are provided, which have multi-joint manipulators to support plate members where prizes can be placed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a crane game apparatus in which articles such as prizes are accommodated in a housing.

  In a game apparatus such as a crane game apparatus, a plurality of prizes are placed on the field. The player controls the movement of the crane arm by operating buttons, etc., moves it to the position where the prize is placed, and then grabs, defeats, drags the prize to the prize dropout By guiding, a prize can be obtained.

  Conventionally, in order to prevent the user from getting bored by changing the game content, a configuration that can change the form of the game field including a prize placement area for placing a prize and an opening area for dropping the prize has been considered. . For example, in the prize acquisition game device described in Patent Document 1, the layout of the opening area is formed to be changeable on the prize guidance space for guiding the prize to the prize outlet.

JP 2005-205169 A

  However, in the prior art described in Patent Document 1, since the support member for arranging the premium placement member constituting the premium placement area is fixed, it is provided at a position along the support member. Otherwise, the prize placing member could not be arranged. That is, since the arrangement of the prize placement area is limited by the support member, the position where the prize can be placed is limited.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a crane game apparatus capable of placing a prize at a more free position.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention controls a crane arm according to a player's operation, and causes the crane arm to hold a prize stored in a housing and transport it to a prize drop opening. The game device is characterized in that a prize stand unit for supporting a plate member on which a prize can be placed by an articulated manipulator is provided in the casing.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to place a prize at a more free position.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the game device in this embodiment. The front view of the game device in this embodiment. The figure which removes the upper housing | casing 12 in order to show the detailed structure inside the housing | casing of the crane game apparatus 10. FIG. The figure which shows the motion of each joint unit of the articulated manipulator which comprises a prize stand unit. The figure which shows the motion of the joint unit which supports the prize stand of a prize stand unit. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the attachment hole provided in the prize fields 16L and 16R for attaching a prize stand unit. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the prize stand by the some prize stand unit provided in the prize fields 16L and 16R. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the prize stand by the some prize stand unit provided in the prize fields 16L and 16R. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the prize stand by the some prize stand unit provided in the prize fields 16L and 16R. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the prize stand by the some prize stand unit provided in the prize fields 16L and 16R. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the prize stand by the some prize stand unit provided in the prize fields 16L and 16R. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the prize stand by the some prize stand unit provided in the prize fields 16L and 16R. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the prize stand by the some prize stand unit provided in the prize fields 16L and 16R. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the prize stand by the some prize stand unit provided in the prize fields 16L and 16R. The figure which shows the example of placement of the prize by two prize stand units. The figure which shows the example of placement of the prize by two prize stand units. The figure which shows the example of placement of the prize by two prize stand units. The figure which shows the example of placement of the prize by two prize stand units. The side view seen from the right unit 10R side of the crane game apparatus 10 in this embodiment. The front view of the crane game apparatus 10 in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the crane game apparatus 10 in this embodiment. The flowchart which shows a crane arm path | route setting process. The flowchart which shows the crane arm control process which controls the movement of the crane arms 18L and 18R according to a player's operation.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a game device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the game device according to the present embodiment. As a game apparatus of the present embodiment, a crane game apparatus that operates to control a crane arm (premium gripping unit) in accordance with a player's operation and to pay out a premium that has been dropped to a prize drop by gripping by the crane arm or the like. 10 is shown as an example.

  A crane game apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is composed of an upper housing 12 and a lower housing 13. The upper casing 12 is partially covered with a transparent plate 15 (opening / closing member) such as an acrylic plate on the front and side surfaces, and the prize fields 16L and 16R inside the casing can be visually recognized through the transparent plate 15. Yes. The transparent plate 15 is configured to be openable and closable on the front side, for example. The transparent plate 15 is opened when the premium fields 16L and 16R are exchanged or supplemented, or when the height or position of the premium unit (details will be described later) is adjusted. can do.

  The crane game apparatus 10 in this embodiment is equipped with two game units (a left unit 10L and a right unit 10R) so that two players can play a game at the same time. The left unit 10L and the right unit 10R are basically configured to be bilaterally symmetrical at the central boundary line. The prize fields 16L and 16R of the two game units are divided by a partition plate (not shown). A prize can be loaded on each of the two prize fields 16L and 16R divided by the partition plate.

  In the crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, a prize stand unit capable of individually changing the height can be arbitrarily attached to and detached from each of the prize fields 16L and 16R. In FIG. 1, the right unit 10R is not attached with the premium unit, and the left unit 10L shows a state in which three premium units 17L1, 17L2, and 17L3 are attached.

  Further, FIG. 1 shows mounting holes 19R2 and 19R3 that allow the prize stand unit to be attached to and detached from the prize field 16R. One prize stand unit can be attached to each of the attachment holes 19R2 and 19R3.

  In FIG. 2, the right unit 10R is attached with two premium stand units 17R1, 17R2, and the left unit 10L shows a state where three premium stand units 17L1, 17L2, 17L3 are attached. As shown in FIG. 2, the prize stand units 17R1, 17R2, 17L1, 17L2, and 17L3 each have a prize stand (for example, a plate member) on which a prize can be placed as an articulated manipulator (see FIGS. 4 and 5). It is the structure supported by. In the multi-joint manipulator, a plurality of joint units can be moved in a predetermined direction, so that the prize stand can be set at an arbitrary height and orientation by a combination of movements of the joint units.

  In FIG. 2, the prize stand units 17R1 and 17R2 are set so that the respective prize stands are substantially the same height and are horizontal. The prize stand units 17L1, 17L2, and 17L3 are set such that the prize stands are adjusted to different heights, the prize stands of the prize stand units 17L1 and 17L2 are horizontal, and the prize stand unit 17L3 is inclined. . Since the prize stand units 17R1, 17R2, 17L1, 17L2, and 17L3 can individually set the positions of the prize stands, the positions where the prizes can be placed in the housing can be variously changed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the prize fields 16L and 16R can be attached to and detached from, for example, a panel on which a prize drop opening is formed, and the size of the prize drop opening can be obtained by replacing with a different type of panel. The shape and the like can be changed. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, a panel can be mounted at each of the left half of the prize field 16L and the right half of the prize field 16R. For example, one or a plurality of prize drop openings are formed in the panel. Depending on the type of panel, the shape of the prize drop opening formed on each panel is different. The part other than the prize drop opening is a flat part on which a prize can be placed. It is assumed that the planar member is fixed to the right half of the prize field 16L and the left half of the prize field 16R. In the example shown in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which a prize field 16L is provided with a panel in which a prize drop opening is formed on the left front side. In addition, the prize field 16R shows an example in which a panel having a prize drop opening is formed on the right front side.

  In the lower part of the left half (panel mounting range) of the prize field 16L and the lower part of the right half (panel mounting range) of the prize field 16R, the prizes dropped from the prize fields 16L and 16R are respectively stored in the lower housing 13. A prize guiding space is provided for guiding to the prize outlets 21L and 21R provided on the front side. In addition, the prize guiding space is provided with an inclined surface with the back side being high and the front side being low. By providing the inclined surface, the prize that has fallen from the prize drop opening collides with the inclined face and easily falls to the front side of the lower housing 13 provided with the prize outlets 21L and 21R. Thereby, it becomes easy to take a prize from the prize take-out ports 21L and 21R. The inclined surfaces can be provided at a high position and a low position in the prize guiding space.

  Above the left and right prize fields 16L and 16R, crane arms (catchers) 18L and 18R whose operations are controlled according to player operations are mounted (see FIG. 2. In FIG. 1, the prize fields 16L and 16R are mounted. The illustration is omitted for easy viewing). Above the prize fields 16L and 16R in the upper housing 12, crane mechanisms (for example, crane mechanisms for moving the crane arms 18L and 18R in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction (vertical direction), respectively) (Not shown) is provided. For example, the crane mechanism is controlled in accordance with player operations on a plurality of buttons 24L and 24R (for example, a horizontal movement button, a vertical movement button, a lowering button, and a height adjustment button) provided on the panel sections 23L and 23R. The Note that the control panel units 23L and 23R may be configured to include not only buttons but also input devices such as a joystick that can indicate the up / down / left / right directions by the player.

  Two arms 18La and 18Ra (gripping claws) for gripping prizes are provided at the distal ends of the crane arms 18L and 18R (three or four arms may be provided). The operations of the arms 18La and 18Ra are controlled so as to be closed (gripping an object) at a position where the crane arm 18 is lowered to reach the prize.

  Further, a hook for hooking a prize display net or a prize can be attached to the inner surface of the upper casing 12. For example, the net and the hook are attached to a rail disposed in the horizontal direction in the upper part of the back surface so that the net and the hook can move in the left-right direction along the rail. By using the net or hook to display the prize, it is possible to appeal the use of the crane game apparatus 10 to the user.

Provided on the front side of the lower housing 13 are prize outlets 21L and 21R, a front maintenance door 22, and panel (control panel) parts 23L and 23R operated by a player.
The prize outlets 21L and 21R are for taking out prizes from the inside of the casing (prize field), and communicate with a prize guidance space provided in the lower part of the prize fields 16L and 16R. By operating the crane arms 18L and 18R and dropping the prize to the prize drop opening, the prize can be taken out from the prize take-out ports 21L and 21R.

  The front maintenance door 22 can be opened by an administrator when working on a control unit (control PCB (Print Circuit Board)) housed in the lower housing 13 and other mechanism units. Yes (with key) In addition, a storage space is provided inside the front maintenance door 22 so that supplementary prizes can be stored.

  In addition to a plurality of buttons 24L and 24R operated by the player to operate the crane arms 18L and 18R, the coin insertion slots 26L and 26R into which coins are inserted, play fees and the like are inserted into the control panel portions 23L and 23R. Display devices 27 </ b> L and 27 </ b> R (for example, a 7-segment display) for displaying the number of remaining plays corresponding to coins are provided. In addition, a speaker 28 is provided for outputting sound effects, music, message sounds, and the like during game execution.

  Further, the crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with a setting device (setting device 29 shown in FIG. 21) for the administrator to make various settings for the crane game apparatus 10. The setting device is configured to be removable from the main body housing of the crane game apparatus 10. When performing various settings, the setting device can be taken out of the storage unit and handled in a state of being held in the hand in the vicinity of the crane game apparatus 10. The setting device is connected to the control unit housed in the casing of the crane game apparatus 10 by, for example, a cable or wireless communication (wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the like). It is assumed that the setting device can individually make various settings for each of the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the crane game apparatus 10 with the upper housing 12 removed in order to show a detailed configuration inside the housing.
FIG. 3 shows a state in which the premium unit is not attached to either the left unit 10L or the right unit 10R. As shown in FIG. 3, the left unit 10L is provided with a prize guiding space 36L, and a prize dropped from a prize drop formed in the prize field 16L can pass to the prize outlet 21L. Yes. In the prize guiding space 36L, an inclined surface 37L that is inclined toward the front side of the crane game apparatus 10 is formed so that a prize dropped from the prize field 16L collides. The inclined surface 37L can be exchanged when, for example, a transparent acrylic plate is detachable and is damaged by a fall of a prize or the like.

  Similarly to the left unit 10L, the right unit 10R is provided with an inclined surface 37R in the prize guiding space 36R.

  In the prize field 16L of the left unit 10L, an example is shown in which a plurality of mounting holes 19L1, 19L2, and 19L3 for mounting the prize stand unit are provided on the upper surface portion. In the example shown in FIG. 3, mounting holes 19L1, 19L2, and 19L3 are provided near the right back corner, the left back corner, and the right front corner of the prize field 16L.

  In the prize field 16R of the right unit 10R, as in the prize field 16L, an example is shown in which a plurality of mounting holes 19R1, 19R2, and 19R3 for mounting the prize stand unit are provided on the upper surface portion. In the example shown in FIG. 3, mounting holes 19R1, 19R2, and 19R3 are provided near the left back corner, the right back corner, and the left front corner of the prize field 16L.

  Each of the mounting holes 19L1, 19L2, 19L3, 19R1, 19R2, and 19R3 can be inserted with a column (see FIG. 4) of the gift stand unit, and is configured to hold the inserted column.

4 and 5 are diagrams showing a detailed configuration of the gift stand unit. FIG. 4 shows the movement of each joint unit of the multi-joint manipulator constituting the prize stand unit, and FIG. 5 shows the movement of the joint unit supporting the prize stand of the prize stand unit.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the prize stand unit includes the support column 30, the first joint unit 31, the first arm member 32, the second joint unit 33, the second arm member 34, the third joint unit 35, and the third joint unit. The arm member 36, the fourth joint unit 37, the fourth arm member 38, the fifth joint unit 39, and the prize stand 40 are configured.

  The support column 30 has a shape that can be inserted into a mounting hole provided on the upper surface of the prize fields 16L and 16R, and has a length that can stabilize the prize stand unit by being inserted into the mounting hole. A first joint unit 31 is provided on the top of the support column 30. The first joint unit 31 connects the upper end of the support column 30 and one end of the first arm member 32. The first joint unit 31 is, for example, a direction in which the first arm member 32 is rotated about the axis of the support column 30 (horizontal direction) and a direction in which the other end of the first arm member 32 is moved in the vertical direction (vertical direction). Make it movable.

  The second joint unit 33 connects the other end of the first arm member 32 and one end of the second arm member 34. The second joint unit 33 is movable in a direction (vertical direction) in which the axial angle between the first arm member 32 and the second arm member 34 is changed. The third joint unit 35 connects the other end of the second arm member 34 and one end of the third arm member 36. The third joint unit 35 is movable in a direction (vertical direction) in which the axial angle between the second arm member 34 and the third arm member 36 is changed.

  The fourth joint unit 37 connects the other end of the third arm member 36 and one end of the fourth arm member 38. The fourth joint unit 37 is movable in a direction (vertical direction) in which the axial angle between the third arm member 36 and the fourth arm member 38 is changed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the gift stand 40 is provided with a fifth joint unit 39 at the bottom center. The fifth joint unit 39 is movable in the direction in which the angle between the axis of the fourth arm member 38 and the surface of the prize stand 40 is changed (vertical direction) and in the direction in which the prize stand 40 is rotated (horizontal direction).

  Further, the fifth joint unit 39 is configured to be able to detach the premium table 40. As a result, the prize stand 40 used for the prize stand unit can be replaced in accordance with the shape of the prize 45, the arrangement of other prize stand units, and the like. By preparing a plurality of different types of prizes 40 of different sizes and shapes (which may be other than rectangles) in advance, it is possible to display a prize 45 with a change using a prize stand unit.

  Note that the position at which the prize stand 40 is supported by the articulated manipulator is not limited to the center of the bottom, and may be the peripheral portion or the upper face portion of the prize stand 40 (plate member). The prize stand 40 may not be a plate-like member as shown in FIG. That is, the shape may be any shape as long as the prize can be placed. For example, the placement surface may be other than a plane (uneven shape, U-shape, etc.), and the structure that sandwiches, hooks, or attaches the prize is provided. It may be a shape that it has. The articulated manipulator is configured to be supported at an appropriate position according to the member shape of the prize stand 40.

  In addition, each joint unit 31, 33, 35, 37, 39 provided in the prize stand unit is loaded by the operation for placing the prize 45 on the prize stand 40 and holding the prize 45 by the crane arms 18L, 18R. Even if it is added, it is configured so that the installation state of the articulated manipulator can be maintained. For example, each joint unit 31, 33, 35, 37, 39 is provided with a lock mechanism, and when the prize stand unit is moved to set the prize stand 40 to a desired position, the lock is released and the prize stand 40 is desired. Enable to lock after setting to the position. Further, if each joint unit 31, 33, 35, 37, 39 is configured not to move unless there is a predetermined overload (due to friction between parts constituting the joint unit), there is no lock mechanism. Also good. For example, although the administrator of the crane game apparatus 10 can manually move each joint unit 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, it is configured so as not to move due to excessive load by the prize 45 or the crane arms 18L, 18R when using the game. It only has to be done.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the prize stand unit according to the present embodiment supports the prize stand 40 by an articulated manipulator having a plurality of movable joint units 31, 33, 35, 37, 39 as described above. Therefore, the position of the gift stand 40 can be set by three-dimensional positioning, that is, by moving not only in the vertical direction but also in the front and rear and right and left directions. Further, the gift stand 40 can be not only leveled but also arbitrarily tilted. The articulated manipulator can be manually adjusted by the administrator of the crane game apparatus 10 (the state of the joint unit). Therefore, the prize stand unit can be set by a simple operation and the prize can be displayed at an arbitrary position in the upper housing 12.

FIG. 6 shows an arrangement example of mounting holes provided in the prize fields 16L and 16R for mounting the prize stand unit.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the prize field 16L is provided with three mounting holes 19L1, 19L2, and 19L3, and the prize field 16R is provided with three mounting holes 19R1, 19R2, and 19R3. It is also possible to provide mounting holes at other positions as shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the prize field 16L is further provided with mounting holes 19L4, 19L5, 19L6 and 19L7, and the prize field 16R is further provided with mounting holes 19R4, 19R5, 19R6 and 19R7. . In the present embodiment, any number of mounting holes can be arranged at any position in the prize fields 16L and 16R.

  The administrator of the crane game apparatus 10 can arbitrarily select a mounting hole for mounting the prize stand unit among the plurality of mounting holes. The manager can arbitrarily select the number of premium stand units used for the display of the premium.

  7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are diagrams illustrating examples of arrangement of the prize stands by a plurality of prize stand units provided in the prize fields 16 </ b> L and 16 </ b> R. is there. In FIGS. 7 to 14, an example in which three premium table units 17L1, 17L2, and 17L3 are installed in the premium field 16L, and three premium table units 17R1, 17R2, and 17R3 are installed in the premium field 16R. Show. 7 to 14 show only the prize stand 40 of each prize stand unit.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the standard arrangement, and shows a state in which all the prize stands 40 of the prize stand units 17L1, 17L2, and 17L3 and the prize stand units 17R1, 17R2, and 17R3 are set at the lowermost part. As a result, it is possible to form a table on which a wide flat prize can be placed.

  FIG. 8 shows an example A of rear step arrangement, in which the back side premium unit 17L1, 17L2, 17R1, 17R2 of the crane game apparatus 10 is set at a position higher than the front side premium unit 17L1, 17R1. Indicates the state. Further, FIG. 9 shows an example B of the rear step arrangement, in which the premium stage units 17L1, 17R1 are set at a higher position among the premium stage units 17L1, 17L2, 17R1, 17R2 on the rear side shown in FIG. Is shown. Thereby, since the prize can be placed in a staircase shape, it is possible to make it easy to see the prize arranged on the back side.

  FIG. 10 shows an example C of the rear step arrangement, and shows a state in which the prize stand unit 17R1 is set at a position higher than the prize stand unit 17L1 from the state shown in FIG. As a result, the heights of the back side gift stand units 17L1, 17L2, 17R1, and 17R2 are different between the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R, so that it is possible to display a variety of prizes and make the prize more appealing to the player. Can do.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the front surface step arrangement. The back side gift stand units 17L1, 17L3 and 17R3 are set higher than the back side show stand units 17L1, 17L2, 17R1, 17R2. , 17L2, 17R1, and 17R2 are set at different positions. This makes it possible to display prizes with changes, and makes it difficult to see the prizes from the front side, making it difficult to operate the crane arms 18L and 18R and increasing the game difficulty level.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the entire surface step arrangement, and shows a state in which the heights of all the gift stand units 17L1, 17L2, 17L3, 17R1, 17R2, and 17R3 are set at different positions. Thereby, it is possible to display prizes with different changes between the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the entire step / tilt angle changing arrangement. All the prize stand units 17L1, 17L2, 17L3, 17R1, 17R2, and 17R3 are set to different heights, and the respective prize stands are inclined. Shows the set state. In the example shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 12, the prize stands of the respective prize stand units 17L1, 17L2, 17L3, 17R1, 17R2, and 17R3 are set to be horizontal, but in FIG. It is inclined to. It should be noted that the prize stand may be tilted in the same direction, and of course, a prize stand that is leveled may be included. In this way, the prize stand can be set in a tilted position at the target position. For example, the prize placed on the prize stand can be easily tilted in the direction of the prize dropout. It is also possible to give the player an impression so that the player can easily fall into the prize dropout and encourage the use of the game.

  FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the inside of the upper housing 12 and shows a modification of the entire surface step arrangement. 7 to 13 show examples in which the prize stand is moved only in the vertical direction, but in FIG. 14, the prize stand heights of the prize stand units 17L1, 17L2, 17L3, 17R1, 17R2, and 17R3 are different. An example is shown in which the prize stands of a plurality of prize stand units are arranged so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction.

  The prize stand units 17L1, 17L2, 17L3, 17R1, 17R2, and 17R3 can change the position of the prize stand not only in the vertical direction but also in the front and rear directions, and can further rotate the prize stage in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of prize stands can be arranged so as to overlap each other. It is also possible to incline in a state where the prize stands overlap. Thereby, the arrangement of the prizes can be changed in various ways by setting a plurality of prize stands in any combination.

15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 18 are diagrams showing examples of placing prizes by two prize stand units. 15 to 18 show arrangement examples in which the prize stands 39a and 39b respectively provided in the two prize stand units 17R1 and 17R2 are combined.
FIG. 15 shows an example in which two prize stands 39a and 39b are placed close to each other in a horizontal state and the height 45 is changed so that the prize 45 can be placed in a staircase shape.

  FIG. 16 shows an example in which two prize stands 39a and 39b are brought close to each other and inclined at the same angle so that one plane is formed by the prize stands 39a and 39b. A wide inclined surface is formed by the plurality of prize stands 39a and 39b.

  FIG. 17 shows an example in which two prize stands 39a and 39b are brought close to each other, a prize 45 is placed on one prize stand 39b, and the prize 45 is supported from the side by the other prize stand 39a. By restricting the drop direction of the prize 45 by the prize stand 39a, it is possible to change the ease of obtaining the prize 45.

  FIG. 18 shows an example in which a prize 45 is displayed by sandwiching a prize 45 between two prize stands 39a and 39b. By displaying the prize 45 between the prize stands 39a and 39b, it is possible not only to give the player an impression that the prize 45 can be easily acquired, but to encourage the use of the game, and not only to grab the prize 45 by the crane arms 18L and 18R. It is possible to diversify the operation methods that can be selected by the player, such as pushing down and dropping from the side.

  In this way, in the crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the prize stands 39a and 39b can be set at arbitrary positions and orientations, so that the prize 45 can be formed in various forms. Can be exhibited.

  FIGS. 15 to 17 show examples of posting using two prize stands 39a and 39b, and it is of course possible to combine three or more prize stands. Moreover, it is also possible to replace and combine the prize stands having shapes and sizes different from the prize stands 39a and 39b shown in FIG.

  In the above description, an example in which a prize stand is set to place the prize 45 is described. However, a game content (difficulty, etc.) may be changed by a prize stand unit on which no prize is placed. it can. For example, by giving a prize stand arranged around the prize dropout side to the prize dropout side, the crane arms 18L and 18R can be transported to the vicinity of the prize dropout point so that a prize can be obtained. Can be easily acquired.

19 and 20 are diagrams showing another example of mounting the gift stand unit. FIG. 19 is a side view of the crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the right unit 10R side, and FIG. 20 is a front view.
In the above-described example, the premium table unit is mounted by inserting the column 30 of the premium table unit into the mounting holes provided on the upper surfaces of the premium fields 16L and 16R. In the example shown in FIGS. A unit support member 50 is provided between both side surfaces in the vicinity of the back surface in the upper housing 12, and the prize stand unit is supported by the unit support member 50. The unit support member 50 is configured in, for example, a cylindrical bar shape.

  As shown in FIG. 19, a ring-shaped member 62 </ b> R <b> 2 that attaches closely to the outer periphery of the unit support member 50 and is slidable along the unit support member 50 is attached to the lower end portion of the gift stand unit 60 </ b> R <b> 2. It is done. The ring-shaped member 62R2 is provided with a lock mechanism capable of fixing the position after being positioned with respect to the unit support member 50.

  In the example shown in FIG. 20, one prize stand unit 60L1 is attached to the unit support member 50 via a ring-shaped member 62L1 in the left unit 10L, and two prize stand units 60R1 and 60R2 are respectively attached to the right unit 10R. An example is shown in which the unit support member 50 is mounted via the shaped members 62R1 and 62R2.

  For example, the ring-shaped members 62L1, 62R1, and 62R2 can be detached from the unit support member 50 by cutting off a part of the ring and opening the inner peripheral side. Thereby, the number of prize stand units to be mounted on the unit support member 50 can be arbitrarily determined.

  In addition, by making the unit support member 50 movable in the vertical direction, the set position of the prize can be changed by adjusting the height of the unit support member 50. 19 and 20, one unit support member 50 is provided so as to penetrate the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R. However, unit support members are separately provided for the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R. In this case, the height may be adjusted.

  In this manner, in the crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, a prize stand unit configured to support a prize stand by an articulated manipulator can be provided, and the number and installation positions of the prize stand units can be set. Since it can be easily changed, prizes can be displayed in various forms and appealed to players. In addition to simply placing a prize on the prize stand, combining a plurality of prize stand units makes it possible to realize an unprecedented display form, particularly as shown in FIGS. Accordingly, when operating the crane arms 18L and 18R to acquire a prize, not only a method of gripping the prize by the crane arms 18L and 18R but also, for example, slipping off a prize placed on an inclined prize stand Or a method of pushing and dropping a prize sandwiched between prize stands, and the way of enjoying the game can be diversified.

  In addition, since the prize stand unit in the present embodiment can be easily set manually in an arbitrary form by the administrator of the crane game apparatus 10, a control mechanism for controlling the prize stand unit is unnecessary, and the crane game apparatus Ten configurations can be simplified.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the crane game apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 21, a control PCB (Print Circuit Board) 68 on which various units are mounted is provided inside the casing of the crane game apparatus 10. The units mounted on the control PCB 68 include a CPU 70, a RAM 71, a storage device 72, an input / output processing unit 73, an X-axis motor drive unit 74, a Y-axis motor drive unit 75, a Z-axis motor drive unit 76, and an arm drive unit 77. including.

  The CPU 70 controls the crane game apparatus 10 as a whole by executing a control program and a game program stored in the RAM 71 or the storage device 72. The CPU 70 records credit data indicating the number of playable times in the RAM 71 in response to a coin insertion detection signal input via the input / output processing unit 73. In addition, the CPU 70 responds to an instruction to move the crane arms 18L and 18R instructed by a user operation input via the input / output processing unit 73, in accordance with the X-axis motor driving unit 74, the Y-axis motor driving unit 75, and the Z-axis motor driving unit 75. The shaft motor drive unit 76 and the arm drive unit 77 are controlled to operate each unit of the mechanism unit 69 as appropriate. Further, the CPU 70 controls the sound output from the speaker 28 and the display on the display devices 27L and 27R via the input / output processing unit 73.

  The RAM 71 temporarily stores various data for controlling a game associated with processing executed by the CPU 70 in addition to various programs such as a control program and a game program. The data recorded in the RAM 71 includes, for example, credit data indicating the number of playable times, position data indicating the positions (X position, Y position) of the crane arms 18L and 18R, and the like.

The storage device 72 stores programs and data in a nonvolatile storage medium such as a ROM or a hard disk.
The input / output processing unit 73 is an interface with various input / output devices provided outside the control PCB 68.
The X-axis motor drive unit 74 controls driving of the X-axis motor 80 provided in the mechanism unit 69.
The Y-axis motor driving unit 75 controls driving of the Y-axis motor 81 provided in the mechanism unit 69.
The Z-axis motor drive unit 76 controls driving of a Z-axis motor 82 provided in the mechanism unit 69.
The arm driving unit 77 controls driving of an arm motor 83 for opening and closing the arms 18La and 18Ra provided on the crane arms 18L and 18R.

The mechanism unit 69 is provided in each of the left unit 10L and the right unit 10R, for example. As shown in FIG. 21, the mechanism unit 69 includes an X-axis motor 80, a Y-axis motor 81, a Z-axis motor 82, an arm motor 83, and a prize detection sensor 84.
The X-axis motor 80 is driven by the X-axis motor drive unit 74, and moves the crane arms 18L and 18R in the X-axis direction (lateral direction).
The Y-axis motor 81 is driven by the Y-axis motor drive unit 75, and moves the crane arms 18L and 18R in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction).
The Z-axis motor 82 is driven by the Z-axis motor drive unit 76, and moves the crane arms 18L and 18R in the Z-axis direction (vertical direction).
The arm motor 83 is driven by the arm driving unit 77 and opens and closes the arms 18La and 18Ra of the crane arms 18L and 18R.

  The prize detection sensor 84 detects that a prize has been paid out to the player by operating the crane arms 18L and 18R.

As shown in FIG. 21, the control panel section 23L includes a coin insertion slot 26L, a coin insertion sensor 86, a horizontal movement button 24La, a vertical movement button 24Lb, a lowering button 24Lc, and a display device 27L. The panel unit 23R is configured in the same manner as the panel unit 23L, and the description thereof is omitted.
The coin insertion sensor 86 detects a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 26L, and outputs a detection signal indicating the coin insertion to the input / output processing unit 73. The CPU 70 records credit data indicating the number of playable times according to the detection signal input to the input / output processing unit 73.

  The lateral movement button 24La is for inputting an instruction for moving the crane arm 18L in the lateral direction (X-axis direction) by the player. When the horizontal movement button 24La is pressed by the player, the horizontal movement button 24La outputs a signal indicating that it is in the pressed state to the input / output processing unit 73. When the CPU 70 detects that the lateral movement button 24La is pressed through the input / output processing unit 73, the CPU 70 drives the X-axis motor 80 via the X-axis motor drive unit 74 to move the crane arm 18L in the lateral direction (X-axis direction). ). The CPU 70 stops driving the X-axis motor 80 when the lateral movement button 24La is not pressed.

  The vertical movement button 24Lb is used for inputting an instruction to move the crane arm 18L in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) by the player. The vertical movement button 24 </ b> Lb outputs a signal indicating that it is in the pressed state to the input / output processing unit 73 when pressed by the player. When the CPU 70 detects that the vertical movement button 24Lb is pressed through the input / output processing unit 73, the CPU 70 drives the Y-axis motor 81 via the Y-axis motor drive unit 75 to move the crane arm 18L in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). ). The CPU 70 stops the driving of the Y-axis motor 81 when the vertical movement button 24Lb is not pressed.

  The descent button 24Lc is for inputting an instruction to start a prize acquisition sequence to the crane arm 18L by the player. When the down button 24Lc is pressed by the player, it outputs a signal indicating that the button has been pressed to the input / output processing unit 73. When the CPU 70 detects that the lowering button 24Lc has been pressed through the input / output processing unit 73, the CPU 70 lowers the crane arm 18L to a position where it reaches the prize via the Z-axis motor drive section 76 as a prize acquisition sequence. The crane arm 18L is lifted after the arm 18La is made to grab the prize through the arm driving unit 77.

  The display device 27L displays various types of information under the control of the CPU 70. The display device 27L displays, for example, the number of credits (playable number of times) and the display of the operation mode.

  The setting device 29 is used by the administrator to make various settings for the crane game apparatus 10. For example, the setting device 29 includes a plurality of buttons (selection button, determination button, up / down button) for inputting various setting operations. Left and right buttons), a display for displaying various setting screens, and the like are mounted. Note that the setting operation may be performed using the buttons 24 and the display devices 27L and 27R provided in the control panel portions 23L and 23R.

Next, operation | movement of the crane game apparatus 10 in this embodiment is demonstrated.
In the present embodiment, as described above, a prize stand can be set at an arbitrary position by combining a plurality of prize stand units. This not only places the prize at an arbitrary position, but also drops the prize to the prize dropout, for example, by tilting the prize stand of the prize stand unit arranged around the prize dropout towards the prize dropout side. Easy to do. In this case, if the crane arms 18L and 18R move so as to pass over the prize table after performing an operation for gripping the prize, the crane arms 18L and 18R are inclined even if the prize cannot be transported to the prize drop opening. If the prize can be transported to the prize table, the possibility that the prize can be acquired increases. Therefore, in the crane game apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, the movement paths of the crane arms 18L and 18R can be arbitrarily set according to the position where the prize stand is set by the prize stand unit.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a crane arm path setting process.
For example, the administrator instructs the execution of the crane arm route setting process by operating the setting device 29. The CPU 70 displays a movement route setting menu in response to an instruction input from the setting device 29. In the movement path setting menu, for example, after a player executes a prize acquisition sequence (descent, gripping operation by the arm, ascent) for the crane arms 18L and 18R to grab a prize in response to an operation of the lowering button 24Lc during the game execution. It is assumed that a plurality of options capable of selecting a route for moving the crane arms 18L and 18R to above the prize drop opening are prepared.

  For example, after the prize acquisition sequence is completed, it is moved to the side of the upper housing 12 and then moved in the direction of the prize outlet, and moved to the front side of the upper casing 12 and then moved in the direction of the prize outlet. Alternatively, it is assumed that options such as linear movement to the prize dropout direction are prepared.

  Here, when an instruction to select a movement route is input from the setting device 29 (step A2), the CPU 70 sets a movement route according to the option indicated by the input instruction (step A3). That is, the CPU 70 stores data indicating the movement path after the prize acquisition sequence in the storage device 72. This data is referred to at the time of crane arm control processing described later.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a crane arm control process for controlling the movement of the crane arms 18L and 18R according to the operation of the player. Here, a case where the crane arm 18L is operated in the left unit 10L will be described as an example.
First, in order to play the crane game apparatus 10, a player inserts a coin from the coin insertion slot 26L. When coin insertion sensor 86 detects that a coin has been inserted, it outputs a detection signal to input / output processing unit 73. When the CPU 70 detects the coin insertion based on the detection signal from the coin insertion sensor 86, the CPU 70 starts the crane arm control process.

  When starting the crane arm control process, the CPU 70 loads data indicating the movement path after the prize acquisition sequence from the storage device 72 to the RAM 71.

  When the CPU 70 is instructed to move the crane arm 18L horizontally / vertically by operating the horizontal movement button 24La or the vertical movement button 24Lb (step B1, Yes), the CPU 70 moves the crane arm 18L according to the button operation. The motor is driven to move the crane arm 18L (step B2). That is, when the lateral movement button 24La is operated, the CPU 70 drives the X-axis motor 80 through the X-axis motor drive unit 74 to move the crane arm 18L in the lateral direction (X-axis direction). Further, when the vertical movement button 24Lb is operated, the CPU 70 drives the Y-axis motor 81 through the Y-axis motor driving unit 75 to move the crane arm 18L in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction).

  On the other hand, when the depression of the lowering button 24Lc is detected (step B3, Yes), the CPU 70 executes a prize acquisition sequence for gripping the prize by the crane arm 18L (step B4).

  In the prize acquisition sequence, the CPU 70 lowers the tip of the crane arm 18L via the Z-axis motor drive unit 76 to a position where it reaches the prize, and causes the arm 18La to grip the prize through the arm drive unit 77. The crane arm 18L is raised.

  When the crane arm 18L is raised, the CPU 70 moves the crane arm 18L along the path indicated by the data to the upper position of the prize drop opening based on the data indicating the movement path after the prize acquisition sequence (step B5). In the crane arm path setting process, a path is set according to the prize stand unit set in the housing. For example, when a prize stand unit having a prize stand inclined at the prize dropout side is set, a route is set so as to pass over the prize stand unit. For this reason, even if the prize gripped by the crane arm 18L falls before reaching the prize drop opening, there is a high possibility of entering the prize drop due to the inclination of the prize stand by the prize stand unit.

  The CPU 70 moves the crane arm 18L to above the prize drop opening, moves the arm 18La to release the prize, and then moves it to the initial position.

  In this way, the crane game apparatus 10 can set the movement path of the crane arms 18L and 18R according to the arrangement of the premium unit (premium base) set inside the upper casing 12. For this reason, it is possible not only to change the display form of the prize by simply combining the prize stand units, but also to change the contents of the game.

  In the above description, the prize acquisition sequence is executed when the depression of the lowering button 24Lc is detected. However, the horizontal / vertical movement of the crane arm 18L according to the operation of the horizontal movement button 24La and the vertical movement button 24Lb. The prize acquisition sequence may be started after a certain time has elapsed after the movement.

  Further, instead of the lowering button 24Lc, a lowering stop button for stopping the lowering crane arm 18L may be provided. In this case, when the lowering stop button is pressed, the CPU 70 stops the lowering of the crane arm 18L, causes the arm 18La to grip the prize through the arm driving unit 77, and then raises the crane arm 18L.

  Furthermore, in the above description, it is possible to set a path along which the crane arm moves by operating the setting device 29, but it is also possible to set in advance the amount of descent in the claim arm prize acquisition sequence. For example, in the present embodiment, since the prize stand unit can be set at an arbitrary height in the prize field, according to the height at which the prize stand unit is set, the setting device 29 is used to preliminarily set the prize stand unit. A descending amount suitable for the acquisition operation of the placed prize is set. Setting the lowering amount using the setting device 29 is performed by, for example, directly inputting a numerical value indicating the lowering amount, selecting from a prepared lowering amount list menu, or actually lowering the crane arm and pressing the button at the stop position. This is done by operating. The descending amount of the crane arm can be controlled by calculating based on the time for driving the motor or by calculating based on the rotation amount of the pulse cam.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Crane game machine, 12 ... Upper housing | casing, 13 ... Lower housing | casing, 15 ... Transparent board, 16L, 16R ... Premium field, 18L, 18R ... Crane arm, 21L, 21R ... Premium outlet, 23L, 23R ... Control panel Part, 24L, 24R ... button, 26L, 26R ... coin insertion slot, 17L1, 17L2, 17L3, 17R1, 17R2, 17R3, 60L1, 60R1, 60R2 ... Premium stand unit, 19L1, 19L2, 19L3, 19R1, 19R2, 19R3 ... Mounting hole, 50... Unit support member.

Claims (5)

In a crane game apparatus that controls a crane arm in accordance with a player's operation and grips a prize stored in a housing by the crane arm and transports it to a prize drop opening.
A crane game apparatus, wherein a prize stand unit for supporting a member on which a prize can be placed by an articulated manipulator is provided in the casing.   The crane game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the multi-joint manipulator supports the prize stand via a joint that adjusts an inclination angle of the member.   The crane game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a mounting structure that allows the premium stage unit to be detachable is provided in the housing.   2. The crane game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rod-like unit support member is provided in the housing, and the premium unit is mounted so as to be slidable along the unit support member. Setting means for setting a route for moving the crane arm to the prize drop opening;
The crane game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the crane arm according to the path set by the setting means.

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