GAMEBALL SHOOTING GAME MACHINE HAVING A PLURALITY OF GOAL-IN BASKETS OF DIFFERENT HEIGHTS

Abstract

A game machine includes baskets in a first and second row, first and second sets of sensors that respectively correspond to the baskets in the first row, and baskets in the second row, and a processing unit. A first sensor is disposed at a position at which a game ball entered into a first basket in which the first sensor is installed can be detected. The processing unit determines a current state of the first basket using a history in which the game ball is detected by the first set of sensors and the second set of sensors when the first sensor detects the game ball. In this case, the height of the baskets in the second column is higher than the height of the baskets in the first column, and the baskets in the second column are disposed farther away from the player than baskets in the first column.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. filed on, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. § 119, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a game machine in which a predetermined matrix game is played by throwing a game ball into a plurality of baskets disposed at different heights.

Basketball is a sport in which the game ball (e.g., basketball ball) is thrown into a basket disposed at a position higher than an eye level of a player. In this regard, as game machines that grant rewards to the player when he or she makes the ball enter into a basket by shooting the game ball (e.g., basketball ball) into the basket, game machines that include electrical and electronic circuits and steel/synthetic resin frames have already become widespread.

Breaking away from these traditional game machines, a new game method in which a plurality of baskets are installed instead of one basket and the type or amount of reward provided to the player according to identifiers of the baskets, into which the game ball shot by the player has been entered, and/or the combination of the order in which the game ball is made to enter into the basket is determined may be proposed. In this case, the plurality of baskets may be disposed in plural numbers along a line-of-sight direction of the player shooting the game ball, disposed in plural numbers along a line extending from the left to the right of the player, and disposed by appropriately combining the two arrangement methods. If a plurality of baskets are disposed in a rectangular matrix composed of R rows and C columns, each row may be considered as being composed of a plurality of baskets disposed along a line extending from left to right of the player, and each column may be considered as being composed of a plurality of baskets disposed along the line-of-sight direction of the player.

If such a new game method is introduced, a predetermined problem may occur when playing the game. A problem that will be described later occurs when a plurality baskets in a first row along the line-of-sight direction of the player are all disposed at the same height and the height thereof is higher than the eye level of the player. In this disposition state, since entrances of other baskets disposed behind a first basket disposed closest to the player among the plurality of baskets in the first row are hidden by the first basket, the entrances of the other baskets cannot be seen with the eyes of the player. As a result, a problem arises in which it is difficult for the player to aim and shoot the game ball at other remaining baskets by targeting one of the other remaining baskets except the first basket disposed closest to the player among the plurality of baskets in the first row.

The content described above is presented to help understand the present disclosure to be described later, and it does not acknowledge that all of the content described above has already been disclosed and at least some of the content described above was independently created by the inventors of this patent application.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a game machine having a structure that allows a player to shoot a game ball by aiming it at a desired basket in the game machine in which the game ball should be shot higher than an eye level of the player and a plurality of baskets are disposed along a line-of-sight direction of the player.

In addition, the present disclosure provides a game machine that can increase the interest of a game by introducing a body control ability of the player and accidental elements along with strategic thinking of the player.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a game machine that is provided as a target for a game ball that a player shoots with his or her hand and includes a plurality of baskets in a first column disposed along a line-of-sight direction of the player, where at least one basket among the plurality of baskets in the first column is disposed at a position higher than an eye level of the player.

In this case, the game machine may include a plurality of baskets in a first row disposed along an imaginary extension line extending from left to the right of the player. In this case, the baskets in the first column and the baskets in the first row may share one basket. That is, one basket of the baskets in the first column may be included in the baskets in the first row.

In this case, the game machine may include a plurality of baskets disposed in a rectangular matrix composed of R rows and C columns. In this case, each of the rows may be extended along the virtual extension line extending from left to right of the player. In addition, each of the columns may extend along the line-of-sight direction of the player in a state where the player is standing on the extension line of each of the columns.

In this case, the plurality of baskets in the first column may be disposed in any one column among the plurality of baskets disposed in the matrix form.

The game machine may include a sensor unit that detects when a game ball has been entered into a certain basket. The sensor unit may include sensors each of which is disposed in a passage path of the game ball of each of the baskets. A total number of baskets installed in the game machine may be the same as the number of sensors.

The game machine may include a control unit that manages a value of a state variable corresponding to each of the baskets. The control unit may be a computing device that receives an output signal of the sensors.

A total number of state variables managed by the control unit may be the same as the total number of baskets installed in the game machine.

A total number of values that each of the state variables may be S (S is a natural number).

The numbers of values that all state variables corresponding to all baskets installed in the game machine can have may be the same.

Alternatively, values that different state variables corresponding to different baskets installed in the game machine can have may be set independently. That is, the values that different state variables can have may be the same or different.

If the player shoots the game ball multiple times, the control unit may generate a history indicating that the game ball has been entered into zero, one, or a plurality of baskets included in the game machine.

When the player shoots the game ball multiple times but fails to make the game ball enter into any basket, the control unit may generate a history indicating that the game ball has been entered into zero baskets. When the player shoots the game ball multiple times but makes the game ball enter into only one specific basket once or multiple times, the control unit may generate a history indicating that the game ball has been entered into one basket. When the player shoots the game ball multiple times but makes the game ball enter into two or more baskets, the control unit may generate a history indicating that the game ball has been entered into the plurality of baskets.

If the player shoots the game ball multiple times, the control unit may determine a current state of the game machine. The current state of the game machine is determined by a combination of values currently held by the plurality of state variables. If the current state of the game machine satisfies a preset specific condition, the game machine may provide a predetermined reward to the player. The predetermined reward may be provided in various ways, for example, such as extending the game, outputting a congratulatory message, outputting an output containing a declaration of game victory, and providing a tangible prize.

The game machine may support two players to participate in the game simultaneously.

The control unit of the game machine may be adapted to output a message in sound or on a screen designating a time point when the two players will shoot the game ball according to a predetermined game schedule.

For example, the game schedule may be a schedule in which the two players take turns shooting the game ball once. The game schedule is not limited to such a specific example and may be set in various ways.

The control unit of the game machine may specify the player who threw the game ball into the basket, where the ball has currently been into the basket among the plurality of baskets, of the two players.

Each of the baskets of the game machine may correspond not only to the state variable but also to a player variable of another variable. That is, the control unit may prepare state variables and player variables, and simultaneously associate one state variable and one player variable with one basket. If the game machine has a total of RC baskets, the control unit may prepare a total of RC state variables and a total of RC player variables.

Each of the player variables may have the same number of states as the number of players who can simultaneously participate in the game. For example, if two players simultaneously participate in the game using the game machine, each of the player variables may be set to have a total of two state values of a first value corresponding to a first player and a second value corresponding to a second player.

Alternately, if P number of players simultaneously participate in the game using the game machine. each of the player variables may be set to have a total of P state values.

Alternately, if P number of players simultaneously participate in the game using the game machine, the player variable may be set to have a total of (P+1) state values. This is to record up to a state in which there is no player who has made the ball enter into a specific basket.

If the player shoots the game ball multiple times, the control unit may determine a current state of the game machine. The current state of the game machine is determined by a combination of values currently held by the plurality of state variables and values currently held by the plurality of player variables. If the current state of the game machine satisfies a specific preset condition, the game machine may provide a certain reward to the player. The predetermined reward may be provided in various ways, for example, such as extending the game, outputting a congratulatory message, outputting an output containing a declaration of game victory, and providing a tangible prize.

When the baskets of the game machine are disposed in a matrix form, the game machine may be programmed so that the player can play a predetermined matrix game.

Two players can participate in a matrix game according to one embodiment. Each player can choose a set of strategies given by the matrix game, and each combination of the strategies provided a specific outcome and reward for each player. Known representative matrix games include Baduk, Reversi, and Tic-tac-toe, but are not limited thereto, and a new matrix game with rules that did not exist before may also be defined.

In the case of Baduk, Reversi, and Tic-Tac-Toe, only three states of a null state, a first state, and a second state may be assigned to one matrix element. However, in other types of matrix games, four states or more may be assigned to each matrix element of the matrix. The smaller the number of states that may be assigned to each matrix element and the smaller the size of the matrix, the lower the difficulty of the game may be.

A traditional matrix game has the characteristic that all matrix elements that make up the matrix exist on the horizontal plane. That is, the game is played with a flat game board marked with a matrix. For the progress of the matrix game, the player should be guaranteed to be able to observe the state of the entire matrix. The state of each matrix element can be determined by an action of the player.

When playing the matrix game using the game machine of the present disclosure, an action of the player selecting a specific matrix element can be defined as the action of the player putting a game ball into a basket corresponding to the specific matrix element. In this case, a characteristic of the sport of basketball is that the basket is usually located higher than a person's line-of-sight. However, if all the baskets that make up the matrix are disposed at positions higher than the person's line-of-sight in order to maintain this characteristic, it is difficult for the player to directly observe the positions of some baskets, and thus there is a problem that it is difficult for the player to determine a specific basket as a shooting target. In contrast, if all the baskets that make up the matrix are disposed at positions lower than the person's line-of-sight, although it is easy to determine a specific basket as a shooting target, there is a problem in that the characteristic of the sport of basketball, which is that the basket is disposed at the position higher than the eye level, cannot be maintained. In other words, if the matrix game and the action of shooting the game ball are simply combined, there is a problem that the game becomes difficult to proceed or the interest in the game decreases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments can be understood in more detail from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a game machine provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates a state in which a right side wall part and a right net have been removed from the drawing illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a side view of the drawing illustrated in FIG. 1B when viewed from right to left;

FIG. 1D is a front view of the game machine illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a side view when viewed from right to left with only the state display part, multi-array goal structure, and game ball passing sensor unit illustrated in FIG. 1A extracted;

FIG. 2B is a plan view of the part illustrated in FIG. 2A when viewed from top to bottom;

FIG. 2C is a front view of the part illustrated in FIG. 2B when viewed from a direction in which the player is looking;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate sensors and state display parts installed in baskets in a first row, baskets in a second row, and the baskets in a third row, respectively;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a first mark and a second mark, which are two marks displayed by one display part included in the state display part; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the game when a game ball is initially thrown once according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification and may be implemented in various other forms. The terms used in this specification are intended to aid understanding of the embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, singular forms as used hereinafter include plural forms unless phrases clearly indicate the meaning contrary thereto.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a game machine provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a state in which a right side wall part and a right net have been removed from the drawing illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a side view of the drawing illustrated in FIG. 1B when viewed from right to left.

FIG. 1D is a front view of the game machine illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a side view when viewed from right to left with only the state display part, multi-array goal structure, and game ball passing sensor unit illustrated in FIG. 1A extracted.

FIG. 2B is a plan view of the part illustrated in FIG. 2A when viewed from top to bottom.

FIG. 2C is a front view of the part illustrated in FIG. 2B when viewed from a direction in which the player is looking.

Hereinafter, the description will be made with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2A, 2B, and 2C.

<Method of Playing Game by Player)

The game machine 1 may include a game unit 100, a game ball supply unit 200, and a control unit 300.

The control unit 300 may include a game start button 301 that the player can press with his or her hand.

In a state where the game is not being played by the player, a plurality of game balls may be placed on a third bottom part 390 belonging to the control unit 300. The game ball may be, for example, a basketball ball.

The player may pick up the game ball placed on the third bottom part 390 with his or her hand. The player may throw the game ball held by his or her hand toward the game unit 100.

While the player is playing the game using the game machine 1, a line-of-sight direction of the player may be the y-axis direction illustrated in FIG. 1A.

The game unit 100 may include a state display part 110, a game ball irregular bounce inducing part (hereinafter simply referred to as irregular bounce inducing part 120, a multi-array goal structure 130, a game ball passing sensor unit 140, a side wall part 170, and a net 180.

The multi-array goal structure 130 may be composed of basketball baskets (hereinafter simply referred to as ‘baskets’) having a 3*3 arrangement when viewed from top to bottom. The baskets having the 3*3 arrangement are composed of a total of nine baskets. Each of the baskets has a structure in which all sides thereof are closed and the top and bottom surfaces thereof are open. The game ball may sequentially pass through the top and bottom surfaces of the basket to fall below the basket.

Although the drawings attached to the present specification illustrate that the baskets have the 3*3 arrangement, the baskets may have an N*M arrangement depending on the embodiment. Here, N may be the number of rows, and M may be the number of columns. In FIG. 1A, a group of baskets disposed along a direction extending in the x-axis direction form one row, and a group of baskets disposed along a direction extending in the y-axis direction form a column. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an example in which N=3 and M=3 will be used.

In a modified embodiment, the wall that separates two adjacent baskets on the left and right when viewed by the player may be removed.

When the player throws the game ball, the game ball may fall downward through one of the baskets in the 3*3 arrangement, or may fall downward without passing through any of the baskets in the 3*3 arrangement.

The game ball that passes through the multi-array goal structure 130 and falls downward may reach the first bottom part 190 included in the game unit 100. The first bottom part 190 may be an inclined surface inclined downward toward the player.

The game ball that fell on the first bottom part 190 may roll down toward the player and reach the second bottom part 290 belonging to the game ball supply unit 200. The second bottom part 290 may be an inclined surface inclined downward toward the player.

The game ball that fell on the second bottom part 290 may roll down toward the player and reach the third bottom part 390 belonging to the control unit 300. The third bottom part 390 may be an inclined surface inclined downward toward the player.

<Specific Structure of Game Machine>

Components constituting the game unit 100, the game ball supply unit 200, and the control unit 300 may be installed on a predetermined frame. It may be understood that a specific shape of the frame can be appropriately designed by anyone skilled in the art who understands the overall structure of the present disclosure.

In order to prevent the game ball from going out of the game machine 1 when the player throws the game ball, the side wall part 170 and the net 180 may be installed on each of the right and left sides of the game unit 100, and a net 280 may be installed on each of the right and left sides of the game ball supply unit 200. In addition, a front fence 270 that prevents the game ball bounced inside the game machine 1 from bouncing toward the player's face, etc. may be installed on an upper-side surface of the game ball supply unit 200.

The side wall part 170 may also serve as a housing that protects the components inside the game machine 1.

When described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B together, the nine baskets may be classified into a first row 1311, a second row 1312, a third row 1313, a first column 1321, a second column 1322, and a third column 1323. Each of the first row 1311, the second row 1312, the third row 1313, the first column 1321, the second column 1322, and the third column 1323 is composed of three baskets.

Each of the first row 1311, the second row 1312, and the third row 1313 is a set of three baskets disposed consecutively in the left-and-right direction (extending direction of the x-axis) when the player looks at them.

Each of the first column 1321, the second column 1322, and the third column 1323 is a set of three baskets disposed consecutively along the line-of-sight direction of the player (extending direction of the y-axis) when the player looks at them.

In the first row 1311, an 11th basket 11, a 12th basket 12, and a 13th basket 13 are disposed in order from left to right.

In the second row 1312, a 21st basket 21, a 22nd basket 22, and a 23rd basket 23 are disposed in order from left to right.

In the third row 1313, a 31st basket 31, a 32nd basket 32, and a 33rd basket 33 are disposed in order from left to right.

In one embodiment, the nine baskets may have substantially the same shape.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, entrances of the nine baskets may have the same shape so that the probability of the game ball entering into the basket when the game ball reaches the entrance is substantially the same.

In the present disclosure, the baskets in the first row 1311 may be installed at the same first height, the baskets in the second row 1312 may be installed at the same second height, and the baskets in the third row 1313 may be installed at the same third height. In this case, the third height is greater than the second height, and the second height is greater than the first height. That is, the farther a row is from the player, the higher the row may be disposed.

A first plate 1331 may be disposed between the baskets in the first row 1311 and the baskets in the second row 1312. The game ball thrown by the player may directly be made to enter into an entrance of any one of the baskets in the first row 1311 or may made to enter into the entrance of any one of the baskets after hitting the first plate 1331 once.

In one embodiment, a height of an upper-side edge of the first plate 1331 may be lower than a height of an entrance of the baskets in the second row 1312 and higher than a height of an entrance of the baskets in the first row 1311.

A second plate 1332 may be disposed between the baskets of the second row 1312 and the baskets of the third row 1313. The game ball thrown by the player may directly be made to enter into the entrance of any one of the baskets in the second row 1312 or may be made to enter into the entrance of any one of the baskets after hitting the second plate 1332 once.

In one embodiment, a height of an upper-side edge of the second plate 1332 may be lower than a height of the entrance of the baskets in the third row 1313 and higher than a height of the entrance of the baskets in the second row 1312.

A third plate 1333 may be disposed behind the baskets in the third row 1313. The game ball thrown by the player may directly be made to enter into the entrance of any one of the baskets in the third row 1313 or may be made to enter into the entrance of any one of the baskets after hitting the third plate 1333 once.

In one embodiment, the height of the upper-side edge of the third plate 1333 may be higher than the height of the entrances of the baskets of the third row 1313.

In one embodiment, the baskets in the second row 1312 may be coupled to a rear surface of the first plate 1331. And the baskets in the third row 1313 may be coupled to a rear surface of the second plate 1332.

In one embodiment, the baskets in the first row 1311 may be coupled to a rear surface of a plate 1330 installed in front of the baskets in the first row 1311. In this case, a height of an upper-side edge of the plate 1330 may be lower than the height of the entrances of the baskets in the first row 1311.

The first column 1321 is a column disposed furthest to the left when the player looks at it, and the third column 1323 is a column disposed furthest to the right when the player looks at it. The game ball irregular bounce inducing part 120 is installed on each of the left side of the three baskets included in the first column 1321 and the right side of the three baskets included in the third column 1323. Therefore, a total of six game ball irregular bounce inducing parts 120 may be provided.

The game ball irregular bounce inducing part 120 installed on the left side of the three baskets included in the first column 1321 has a wide surface disposed to bounce the game ball thrown by the player to the right.

The game ball irregular bounce inducing part 120 installed on the right side of the three baskets included in the third column 1323 has a wide surface disposed to bounce the game ball thrown by the player to the left.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate sensors and state display parts installed in the baskets in the first row, the baskets in the second row, and the baskets in the third row, respectively.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a first mark and a second mark, which are two marks displayed by one display part included in the state display part. The first mark and the second mark represent different states. If no mark is displayed, another state is indicated.

For each of the nine baskets, one sensor may be installed on a path through which the game ball passes. Therefore, a total of nine sensors 411, 412, 413, 421, 422, 423, 431, 432, and 433 may be provided for the nine baskets. Each sensor may detect the game ball that has been entered into the basket corresponding thereto. Each sensor may be, for example, an infrared sensor. Each of the sensors may be disposed at a location that the player cannot see.

For each of the nine baskets, the state display part 110 may be installed on the front of the basket. The state display part 110 may be implemented using, for example, a lighting device such as a lamp or a display device.

Therefore, a total of nine state display parts 1111, 1112, 1113, 1121, 1122, 1123, 1131, 1132, and 1133 may be provided for the nine baskets. The state display part 110 is disposed at a position where the player can see it. The wide surface, that is, an information display surface, of the state display part 110 may be disposed to face the player.

Each of the state display parts may be a display device that displays the first mark illustrated in FIG. 4A or the second mark illustrated in FIG. 4B with light.

Each state display part displays the first mark illustrated in FIG. 4A or the second mark illustrated in FIG. 4B when the sensor installed in the corresponding basket detects the game ball that has been entered into the basket.

For example, the first mark may be a mark representing a first player, and the second mark may be a mark representing a second player.

The 3*3 type of game machine described above is suitable for implementing a Tic-tac-toe game, for example. Hereinafter, in order to help understand the operation of this game machine, an example of Tic-tac-toe among the matrix games implemented in this game machine will be described.

Tic-tac-toe is a type of traditional matrix game. Tic-tac-toe is a two-player game typically played on a 3×3 grid. Each player takes turns marking one empty cell of the grid with a designated symbol (usually an X or O). The player who succeeds in placing three symbols horizontally, vertically or diagonally wins the game. If neither side wins and all nine cells are filled, the game is considered a draw. The game starts with an empty grid and a first player chooses whether or not to place a symbol anywhere on the grid or in an empty cell. A second player then takes his or her turn, and the players take turns while taking their turns until he or she wins or draws the game. To win the game, the players should strategically place the symbols to create three lines in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally. If the player succeeds, he or she immediately wins the game.

Despite the basic game rules of Tic-tac-toe, Tic-tac-toe may be implemented by modifying the game rules in various ways. Hereinafter, four game scenarios derived from the Tic-tac-toe game will be described.

<First Game Scenario>

Hereinafter, a first game scenario of the present disclosure will be described.

According to the first game scenario of the present disclosure, when a game using the game machine 1 is started, two players can take turns shooting the game ball. When the game starts, the first mark is not displayed and the second mark is not displayed on all nine display parts.

In this case, the game balls having been entered into the nine baskets can be sequentially counted from 1 to increase the counted number of game balls.

The first mark corresponding to the first player may be displayed on the state display part of the basket into which the game ball having an odd count number has been entered. The second mark corresponding to the second player may be displayed on the state display part of the basket into which the game ball having an even count number has been entered. However, if the game ball has been entered into a basket in which the mark corresponding to the first player or the second player is already displayed on the state display part, the mark displayed on the state display part of the basket may remain unchanged.

Until the game ends, the mark once displayed will not be turned off or changed to another mark.

This embodiment is a method of consecutively and indefinitely providing shooting opportunities to the first player until the first player makes the game ball enter into an arbitrary basket among the nine baskets. However, if the first basket into which the first player made the game ball enter is already occupied by the second player, the first player cannot occupy the first basket, and the shooting opportunity to occupy the basket is handed over to the second player.

<Second Game Scenario>

Hereinafter, a second game scenario of the present disclosure will be described.

According to the second game scenario of the present disclosure, when the game using the game machine 1 is started, two players can take turns shooting the game ball. When the game starts, the first mark is not displayed and the second mark is not displayed on the nine display parts.

In this case, the game balls having been entered into the nine baskets can be sequentially counted from 1.

The first mark corresponding to the first player may be displayed on the state display part of the basket into which the game ball having an odd count number has been entered. If the second mark is already displayed on the state display part of the basket, the second mark is changed to the first mark.

The second mark corresponding to the second player may be displayed on the state display part of the basket into which the game ball having an even count number has been entered. If the first mark is already displayed on the state display part of the basket, the first mark is changed to the second mark.

Until the game ends, the mark once displayed may be changed to another mark

This embodiment is a method of consecutively and indefinitely providing shooting opportunities to the first player (second player) until the first player (second player) makes the game ball enter into an arbitrary basket among the nine baskets. And if another player makes the game ball enter into the basket that is already occupied by one player, he or she can take occupancy of that basket.

<Third Game Scenario>

Hereinafter, a third game scenario of the present disclosure will be described.

According to the third game scenario of the present disclosure, when a game using the game machine 1 is started, two players can take turns shooting the game ball. When the game starts, the first mark is not displayed and the second mark is not displayed on the nine display parts.

In this case, it can be acknowledged under a rule of thumb that if two players throw game balls enough times, the game balls may eventually be made to enter into all nine baskets.

In the game machine 1, nine occupancy flags that respectively correspond to the nine baskets may be prepared. The game machine 1 may be provided with nine registers for the nine occupancy flags. The occupancy flag may have a value of ‘0’ or ‘1’. When the game starts, all occupancy flags are set to a value of ‘0’.

When the sensor of the basket whose occupancy flag occupancy flag has a state of ‘0’ detects the game ball, the occupancy flag of the basket is changed to ‘1’.

Even if the sensor of the basket whose occupancy flag occupancy flag has a state of ‘1’ detects the game ball, the value of the occupancy flag of the basket does not change.

If two players throw game balls enough times, all nine occupancy flags will eventually have the value of ‘1’.

In this case, a first array having nine elements may be prepared in the game machine 1. Indexes that respectively represent the elements of the first array are 1 to 9. When the first basket whose occupancy flag is changed from ‘0’ to ‘1’ is detected, the first basket goal-in is assigned to index 1 of the first array. When a k-th basket whose occupancy flag is changed from ‘0’ to ‘1’ is detected, the k-th basket is assigned to index k of the first array. In the state display part of the basket assigned to index k, when k is an odd number, a first mark representing the first player may be displayed, and when k is an even number, a second mark representing the second player may be displayed. The time point when the mark is displayed on the state display part of the basket assigned to index k may be the time point when the k-th basket is assigned to index k of the first array.

Until the game ends, the mark once displayed will not be turned off or changed to another mark.

This embodiment is a method is a method of consecutively and indefinitely providing shooting opportunities to the second player until the first player makes the game ball enter into an arbitrary basket not occupied by the second player.

<Fourth Game Scenario>

Hereinafter, a fourth game scenario of the present disclosure will be described.

According to the fourth game scenario of the present disclosure, when the game using the game machine 1 is started, two players can take turns shooting the game ball. When the game starts, the first mark is not displayed and the second mark is not displayed on the nine display parts.

In this case, in the game machine 1, an opportunity for the first player to shoot and an opportunity for the second player to shoot may be expressed in a time division manner. For example, in a first time section during which a predetermined first display is turned on and a predetermined second display is turned off, in the game machine 1, the shot game ball is considered as having been shot by the first player. Conversely, in a second time section during which the first display is turned off and the second display is turned on, in the game machine 1, the shot game ball is considered as having been shot by the second player.

In one embodiment, the first time section may be maintained only for a predetermined period of time. In this case, if the first player does not occupy any basket during the first time section, the game may proceed to the second time section. Alternatively, if the first player newly occupies a certain basket during the first time section, the game may immediately proceed to the second time section.

Likewise, the second time section may be maintained only for a predetermined period of time. In this case, if the second player does not occupy any basket during the second time section, the game may proceed to the first time section. Alternatively, if the second player newly occupies a basket during the second time section, the game may immediately proceed to the first time section.

While the first time section is maintained, the first player may shoot multiple times. And while the second time section is maintained, the second player may shoot multiple times.

In one embodiment, the first player may be adapted to newly occupy only the basket that is not occupied by the second player.

However, in another embodiment, the first player may be adapted to take occupancy of the basket already occupied by the second player.

For all four scenarios described above, the player who is the first to make identical marks on either the first row, second row, third row, first row, second row, third row, and two diagonals becomes the winner of the game, and the game may be ended. Until all nine state display parts are displayed, if identical marks are not made on any one of the first row, second row, third row, first column, second column, third column, and the two diagonals, the game may end in a draw.

A processing unit not illustrated in FIG. 1 may be included in the game machine 1. The processing unit is a type of computing device and may be adapted to execute an algorithm related to starting the game of the game machine 1, controlling the state display part, and ending the game.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the game when the game ball is initially thrown once according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step S10, when the game machine 1 receives an instruction to start the game from the player, the game starts.

In step S20, the player may pick up the game ball (basketball ball) placed on the third bottom part 390 of the control unit 300 with his or her hand and shoot.

In step S30, the shot game ball may be made to enter into the multi-array goal structure 130, may be made to enter into the multi-array goal structure 130 after hitting the game ball irregular bounce inducing part 120, may be made not to enter into the multi-array goal structure 130 after hitting the game ball irregular bounce inducing part 120, or may bounce after hitting the frame of the multi-array goal structure 130 and may be made not to enter into the multi-array goal structure 130. In any case, the shot game ball may return to the player along the bottom parts 190, 290, and 390 of the game machine 1.

In step S40, the game machine 1 may recognize and display the score according to the position of the game ball that has been entered into the multi-array goal structure 130. For example, one of the ‘O’ and ‘X’ marks in FIGS. 4A and 4B may be displayed.

In step S50, the results according to shooting may be displayed on a result display part. For example, when the game is set to be played by two players taking turns shooting, the winner and loser of the two players may be displayed on the screen, and the final score of each player may be displayed.

In step S60, the shot game ball may be returned to the player again along the bottom parts 190, 290, and 390 of the game machine 1 and wait.

Using the embodiments of the present disclosure described above, those belonging to the technical field of the present disclosure will be able to easily make various changes and modifications without departing from the essential characteristics of the present disclosure. The contents of each claim in the claims may be combined with another claim that does not have a citation relationship within the scope that can be understood through this specification.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a game machine having a structure that allows a player to shoot a game ball by aiming it at a desired basket in the game machine in which the game ball should be shot higher than the eye level of the player and a plurality of baskets are disposed along the line-of-sight direction of the player.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a game machine that can increase the interest of the game by introducing a body control ability of a player and accidental elements along with strategic thinking of the player.

Although the game ball shooting game machine having a plurality of goal-in baskets with different height has been described with reference to the specific embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A game machine comprising:

a first basket and a second basket disposed along a line-of-sight direction of a player;

a first basket sensor disposed at a position where a game ball that has been entered into the first basket shot by the player can be detected;

a second basket sensor disposed at a position where a game ball that has been entered into the second basket shot by the player can be detected; and

a processing unit, wherein

the processing unit is adapted to execute determining a current state of the first basket using a past history of game balls detected by the first gasket sensor when the first basket sensor detects a game ball, and determining a current state of the second basket using a past history of game balls detected by the second basket sensor, and

a location where the second basket is installed is farther from the player and higher than a location where the first basket is installed.

2. The game machine of claim 1, further comprising:

a first state display part disposed on one surface of the first basket on a side of the player and exposed to the player; and

a second state display part disposed on one surface of the second basket on the side of the player and exposed to the player, wherein

an entrance of the first basket is open upward, and

the second state display part is disposed at a location where the second state display part serves as a backboard of the first basket.

3. The game machine of claim 1, further comprising:

a first row of baskets including the first basket and disposed along a first extension line from left to right of the player;

a second row of baskets including the second basket and disposed along a second extension line from left to right of the player;

a first row of basket sensors disposed at positions that respectively correspond to the first row of baskets; and

a second row of basket sensors disposed at positions that respectively correspond to the second row of baskets, wherein

the first basket sensor is included in the first row of basket sensors,

the second basket sensor is included in the second row of basket sensors,

an arbitrary basket sensor among the first row of basket sensors and the second row of basket sensors is disposed at a location where a game ball that has been entered into an arbitrary basket at which the arbitrary basket sensor is installed can be detected,

the processing unit is adapted to execute determining a current state of the arbitrary basket using a past history of game balls detected by the first row of basket sensors and the second row of basket sensors when the arbitrary basket sensor detects a game ball, and

a height at which the second row of baskets is installed is higher than a height at which the first row of baskets is installed, and the second row of baskets are disposed farther away from the player than the first row of baskets.

4. The game machine of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of baskets disposed in a matrix form; and

a plurality of basket sensors disposed at locations where game balls that respectively have been entered into the plurality of baskets can be detected, wherein

the processing unit is adapted to execute determining a current state of an arbitrary basket using a past history of game balls detected by the plurality of basket sensors when a basket sensor corresponding to the arbitrary basket detects a game ball, and

a height at which a second row of baskets among the plurality of baskets are installed is higher than a height at which a first row of baskets among the plurality of baskets are installed, and the second row of baskets are disposed farther away from the player than the first row of baskets.

5. The game machine of claim 4, further comprising:

a plurality of state display parts disposed on one surface of the side of the player of each of the baskets and exposed to the player, wherein

entrances of the first row of baskets are open upward, and

a second row of state display parts disposed of in the second row of baskets is disposed at a location where the second row of state display parts serves as backboards of the first row of baskets.

6. The game machine of claim 4, wherein

the plurality of baskets are composed of two rows and a plurality of columns.

7. The game machine of claim 4, wherein

the plurality of baskets are composed of three or more rows and a plurality of columns.

8. The game machine of claim 4, wherein

the height at which baskets in an arbitrary row disposed farther away from the player than the baskets in the second row among the plurality of baskets are installed is higher than the height at which the baskets in the second row are installed.

9. The game machine of claim 4, wherein

the first basket and the second basket are included in the plurality of baskets, and the first basket sensor and the second basket sensor are included in the plurality of basket sensors.

10. The game machine of claim 4, wherein

in each of the baskets, an upper open surface through which the game ball is made to enter into the basket and a lower open surface through which the game ball is made to enter into the basket are formed.

11. The game machine of claim 4, wherein

the plurality of baskets have an N*M matrix structure with M columns and N rows when viewed from the top of the game machine to the bottom.

12. The game machine of claim 4, wherein

the plurality of baskets have an N*M matrix structure with M columns and N rows when viewed from a line-of-sight of the player.

13. The game machine of claim 4, wherein

a left irregular bound inducing part is installed on a left side of the basket belonged to the leftmost column among the baskets in each row,

a right irregular bound inducing part is installed on a right side of the basket in the rightmost column among the baskets in each row,

the left irregular bound inducing part has a wide surface disposed to bounce the game ball thrown by the player in a right direction, and

the right irregular bounce inducing part has a wide surface disposed to bounce the game ball thrown by the player in a left direction.

14. The game machine of claim 5, further comprising:

a first plate 1331 disposed between the baskets in the first row and the baskets in the second row, wherein

state display parts in a second row disposed on one side of the player of the baskets in the second row and exposed to the player are installed on the first plate.