Patent Publication Number: US-7594662-B2

Title: Gift acquisition game device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention generally relates to a prize-capturing game apparatus, and particularly to a prize-capturing game apparatus in which a prize stored in the inside of a casing is obtained by dropping it to an outlet through an in accordance with an operation by a player. 
   BACKGROUND ART 
   Conventional prize-capturing game apparatuses include game apparatuses referred to as UFO catchers, for example. The prize-capturing game apparatus of this type, after a coin is inserted, moves a prize gripping mechanism disposed on a ceiling in the right and left directions and in the backward and forward directions in accordance with a button operation by a player. Then, the prize-capturing game apparatus lowers a clamp portion (formed into a UFO-like shape) having a pair of arms toward a given prize among a plurality of prizes placed in the inside of the casing surrounded with transparent glass, and grips the target prize. 
   By performing a clamp operation for opening and closing the pair of arms disposed on the clamp portion, the pair of arms grips the prize (a succeeded case) or the pair of arms fails to grip the prize (a failed case). Along with the closing movement of the pair of arms, the clamp portions is elevated and moved above a prize drop inlet. Then, the clamp portion drops the gripped prize into the prize drop inlet. Accordingly, the player is capable of taking out the prize from a prize outlet communicated with the prize drop inlet. The opening and closing movement of the pair of arms and the movement of the clamp portion are performed in the same manner in the case where the pair of arms disposed on the clamp portion grips the prize (the succeeded case) and in the case where the prize is dropped while it is transferred (the failed case). 
   In this manner, in the prize-capturing game apparatus, the series of movements by the prize gripping mechanism is performed as a single play. Conventionally, the upper limit on the size of prizes such as stuffed animals (stuffed bears, for example) is about 20 cm to 25 cm. However, in recent years, with the development of large-sized prizes, there is a request that large-sized prizes such as large stuffed animals having a size of about 35 cm to 40 cm, for example, be handled. 
   In order to promote the development of such large-sized prizes, it is necessary to enlarge the pair of arms for gripping prizes. Also, it is necessary to enlarge the opening area of the prize outlet in accordance with the prize size. In this case, countermeasures for preventing theft from the prize outlet pose a problem with respect to the large-sized prizes. 
   As mentioned above, when the opening area of the prize outlet is enlarged, for example, a small child may enter the prize outlet and illicitly obtain a prize placed in the inside of the casing from the prize outlet. And measures in terms of security are required. 
   In order to deal with such a security problem, a certain prize-capturing game apparatus has been proposed. The apparatus includes a first door rotatably disposed between the prize outlet and the prize drop inlet and configured to close the prize drop inlet from a lower side thereof, and a second door rotatably disposed on an outer wall of the casing and configured to open and close the prize outlet (refer to Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 11-192375, for example). 
   In this structure, when the player opens the second door and inserts the hand from the prize outlet, the first door is opened in a vertical manner to block communication between the prize outlet and the prize drop inlet. When the first door is pressed and rotated in a lateral manner from the prize outlet, the prize drop inlet is closed from the lower side with the first door. Thus, the prize-capturing game apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is capable of blocking intrusion from the outside with the first door when the player tries to take out the prize from the prize outlet, thereby preventing the theft of the prize. 
   However, conventional prize-capturing game apparatuses are problematic in that when an adult with long arms inserts the hand from the prize outlet, for example, it is possible to insert the hand from a clearance between a lower edge of the first door in a vertical state and the bottom of the prize outlet. Thus, it is possible to draw the prize positioned in the vicinity of the prize drop inlet to the prize outlet. 
   DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
   It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved and useful prize-capturing game apparatus in which the above-mentioned problem is eliminated. 
   A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a prize-capturing game apparatus capable of preventing the theft of a prize. 
   In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides the following measures. 
   According to one aspect, the present invention comprises: a drop inlet for allowing a player to drop a prize stored in the inside of a casing through an operation of the player; an outlet disposed on an outer wall of the casing, the outlet allowing the player to take out the prize dropped into the drop inlet; a drop inlet opening/closing portion disposed above the drop inlet or on a path from the drop inlet to the outlet, the drop inlet opening/closing portion opening and closing the drop inlet or the path; an opening/closing driving mechanism for opening and closing the drop inlet by driving the drop inlet opening/closing portion; an outlet opening/closing portion configured to be openable and closable when the player takes out the prize dropped into the drop inlet from the outlet; an outlet opening/closing detecting unit configured to detect opened and closed states of the outlet opening/closing portion; and a controlling unit configured to control opening and closing of the drop inlet and/or the outlet, in which the controlling unit controls driving of the drop inlet opening/closing portion such that the drop inlet is opened by the opening/closing driving mechanism if the outlet opening/closing portion has closed the outlet on the basis of a detection signal from the outlet opening/closing detecting unit. 
   Further, according to another aspect, the present invention includes: an outlet locking unit configured to maintain a state where the outlet is closed by locking the outlet opening/closing portion, in which the controlling unit maintains a state where the outlet opening/closing portion has closed the outlet by locking the outlet locking unit and controls driving of the drop inlet opening/closing portion such that the drop inlet is opened by the opening/closing driving mechanism if the outlet opening/closing portion has closed the outlet on the basis of a detection signal from the outlet opening/closing detecting unit. 
   Further, according to another aspect of the present invention, the controlling unit includes a notifying unit configured to notify the player to close the outlet if the outlet is opened on the basis of a detection signal from the outlet opening/closing detecting unit. 
   Further, according to another aspect, the present invention comprises: a drop inlet for allowing a player to drop a prize stored in the inside of a casing through an operation of the player; an outlet disposed on an outer wall of the casing, the outlet allowing the player to take out the prize dropped into the drop inlet; a drop inlet opening/closing portion disposed above the drop inlet or on a path from the drop inlet to the outlet, the drop inlet opening/closing portion opening and closing the drop inlet or the path; an opening/closing driving mechanism for opening and closing the drop inlet by driving the drop inlet opening/closing portion; a drop inlet opening/closing detecting unit configured to detect opened and closed states of the drop inlet; an outlet opening/closing portion configured to be openable and closable when the player takes out the prize dropped into the drop inlet from the outlet; an outlet locking unit configured to maintain a state where the outlet is closed by locking the outlet opening/closing portion; and a controlling unit configured to control opening and closing of the drop inlet and/or the outlet, in which the controlling unit drives the drop inlet opening/closing portion using the opening/closing driving mechanism and controls the outlet opening/closing portion such that it is openable and closable by releasing a lock of the outlet locking unit if the drop inlet opening/closing portion has closed the drop inlet on the basis of a detection signal from the drop inlet opening/closing detecting unit. 
   Further, according to another aspect, the present invention includes: a drop inlet locking unit configured to maintain a state where the drop inlet opening/closing portion has closed the drop inlet, in which the controlling unit drives the drop inlet opening/closing portion using the opening/closing driving mechanism and, if the drop inlet opening/closing portion has closed the drop inlet on the basis of a detection signal from the drop inlet opening/closing detecting unit, maintains the state where the drop inlet opening/closing portion has closed the drop inlet using the drop inlet locking unit and controls opening/closing of the outlet opening/closing portion such that the outlet is opened by releasing a lock of the outlet locking unit. 
   Further, according to another aspect, the present invention comprises: a drop inlet for allowing a player to drop a prize stored in the inside of a casing through an operation of the player; an outlet disposed on an outer wall of the casing, the outlet allowing the player to take out the prize dropped into the drop inlet; a drop inlet opening/closing portion disposed above the drop inlet or on a path from the drop inlet to the outlet, the drop inlet opening/closing portion opening and closing the drop inlet or the path; an opening/closing mechanism biased by a biasing unit such that the drop inlet opening/closing portion is rotated and returned to an original position after the drop inlet opening/closing portion is rotated by colliding with the prize dropped into the drop inlet; a drop inlet opening/closing detecting unit configured to detect opened and closed states of the drop inlet; an outlet opening/closing portion configured to be openable and closable when the player takes out the prize dropped into the drop inlet from the outlet; an outlet locking unit configured to maintain a state where the outlet is closed by locking the outlet opening/closing portion; and a controlling unit configured to control opening and closing of the outlet, in which the controlling unit controls the outlet opening/closing portion such that it is openable and closable by releasing a lock of the outlet locking unit if the drop inlet opening/closing portion has closed the drop inlet on the basis of a detection signal from the drop inlet opening/closing detecting unit. 
   Further, according to another aspect, the present invention includes: a lock release operation portion for releasing a lock of the outlet locking unit through an operation of the player when the state where the outlet opening/closing portion has closed the outlet is maintained using the outlet locking unit, in which the controlling unit drives the opening/closing driving mechanism such that the drop inlet opening/closing portion closes the drop inlet and then the lock of the outlet locking unit is released in response to an operation signal from the lock release operation portion. 
   Further, according to another aspect, the present invention comprises: a drop inlet for allowing a player to drop a prize stored in the inside of a casing through an operation of the player; an outlet disposed on an outer wall of the casing, the outlet allowing the player to take out the prize dropped into the drop inlet; a drop inlet opening/closing portion disposed above the drop inlet or on a path from the drop inlet to the outlet, the drop inlet opening/closing portion opening and closing the drop inlet or the path; an opening/closing driving mechanism for opening and closing the drop inlet by driving the drop inlet opening/closing portion; a prize depositing portion for temporarily depositing the prize dropped into the drop inlet, the prize depositing portion including an outlet for allowing the player to take out the deposited prize; an object detecting unit configured to detect whether or not an object exists in the inside of the prize depositing portion; an object takeout notifying unit configured to notify the player to take out an object in the inside of the prize depositing portion; and a controlling unit configured to control opening and closing of the drop inlet, in which the controlling unit notifies the player to take out a prize in the inside of the prize depositing portion through the prize takeout notifying unit if the prize is dropped in the inside of the prize depositing portion on the basis of a detection signal from the prize detecting unit. 
   Further, according to another aspect, the present invention comprises: a drop inlet for allowing a player to drop a prize stored in the inside of a casing through an operation of the player; an outlet disposed on an outer wall of the casing, the outlet allowing the player to take out the prize dropped into the drop inlet; a drop inlet opening/closing portion disposed above the drop inlet or on a path from the drop inlet to the outlet, the drop inlet opening/closing portion opening and closing the drop inlet or the path; an opening/closing driving mechanism for opening and closing the drop inlet by driving the drop inlet opening/closing portion; a prize depositing portion for temporarily depositing the prize dropped into the drop inlet, the prize depositing portion including an outlet for allowing the player to take out the deposited prize; a pressure detecting unit configured to detect pressure applied to the inside of the prize depositing portion; and a controlling unit configured to control opening and closing of the drop inlet, in which the controlling unit controls driving of the drop inlet opening/closing portion such that the drop inlet is opened by the opening/closing driving mechanism if no pressure is applied to the inside of the prize depositing portion on the basis of a detection signal from the pressure detecting unit. 
   According to the present invention, the driving of the drop inlet opening/closing portion is controlled such that the drop inlet is opened by the opening/closing driving mechanism if the outlet opening/closing portion has closed the outlet on the basis of a detection signal from the outlet opening/closing detecting unit. Thus, the drop inlet is opened during an operation of the player and it is possible to drop the prize into the drop inlet and keep the player from illicitly taking out the prize in the casing from the outlet, thereby preventing the theft of the prize. 
   Further, according to the present invention, a state where the outlet opening/closing portion has closed the outlet is maintained by locking the outlet locking unit if the outlet opening/closing portion has closed the outlet on the basis of a detection signal from the outlet opening/closing detecting unit. Thus, it is possible to prevent the opening of the outlet opening/closing portion during an operation of the player and keep the player from illicitly taking out the prize in the casing from the outlet, thereby preventing the theft of the prize while the drop inlet is opened. 
   Further, according to the present invention, the player is notified to close the outlet if the outlet is opened on the basis of a detection signal from the outlet opening/closing detecting unit. Thus, if the player tries to start a game while the outlet opening/closing portion is opened before the game start, it is possible to instruct the player to close the outlet opening/closing portion. 
   Further, according to the present invention, the drop inlet opening/closing portion, is driven by the opening/closing driving mechanism and the outlet opening/closing portion is controlled such that it is openable and closable by releasing a lock of the outlet locking unit if the drop inlet opening/closing portion has closed the drop inlet on the basis of a detection signal from the drop inlet opening/closing detecting unit. Thus, it is possible to keep the player from opening the drop inlet opening/closing portion when the outlet opening/closing portion is opened and also keep the player from illicitly taking out the prize in the casing from the outlet, thereby preventing the theft of the prize. 
   Further, according to the present invention, the drop inlet opening/closing portion is driven using the opening/closing driving mechanism. And, if the drop inlet opening/closing portion has closed the drop inlet on the basis of a detection signal from the drop inlet opening/closing detecting unit, the state where the drop inlet opening/closing portion has closed the drop inlet is maintained using the drop inlet locking unit and opening/closing of the outlet opening/closing portion is controlled such that the outlet is opened by releasing a lock of the outlet locking unit. Thus, it is possible to keep the player from illicitly taking out the prize in the casing from the outlet, thereby preventing the theft of the prize. 
   Further, according to the present invention, an opening/closing mechanism is included, in which the mechanism is biased by a biasing unit such that the drop inlet opening/closing portion is rotated and returned to an original position after the drop inlet opening/closing portion is rotated by colliding with the prize dropped into the drop inlet. Thus, when failure occurs in an electrical system, the drop inlet opening/closing portion is automatically returned after the prize is dropped, so that it is possible to keep the player from illicitly taking out the prize in the casing from the outlet, thereby preventing the theft of the prize. 
   Further, according to the present invention, a lock release operation portion is included, in which a lock of the outlet locking unit is released through an operation of the player when the state where the outlet opening/closing portion has closed the outlet is maintained using the outlet locking unit. And, the opening/closing driving mechanism is driven such that the drop inlet opening/closing portion closes the drop inlet and then the lock of the outlet locking unit is released in response to an operation signal from the lock release operation portion. Thus, for example, when coins for a plurality of games are inserted to continuously play the plurality of games, it is possible to temporarily suspend the play and take out the prize by operating the lock release operation portion upon obtaining the prize during the play. 
   Further, according to the present invention, the player is notified to take out the prize in the inside of the prize depositing portion through the prize takeout notifying unit if the prize is dropped in the inside of the prize depositing portion on the basis of a detection signal from the prize detecting unit. Thus, it is possible to instruct the player to remember to take out the prize. 
   Further, according to the present invention, driving of the drop inlet opening/closing portion is controlled such that the drop inlet is opened by the opening/closing driving mechanism if no pressure is applied to the inside of the prize depositing portion on the basis of a detection signal from the pressure detecting unit. Thus, for example, when a child enters the outlet, the pressure detecting unit detects his weight and the drop inlet opening/closing portion is driven to a position for closing the drop inlet. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the child from illicitly taking out the prize in the inside of the casing from the outlet. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a prize-capturing game apparatus according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a front view with a partial cross-section showing each internal mechanism of a prize-capturing game apparatus; 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view showing an operation portion  38  and a prize deposit room  30  of a prize-capturing game apparatus  10 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view showing a prize outlet door  34  being opened; 
       FIG. 5  is a plan view showing the prize outlet door  34  being closed; 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged front view showing a mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet; 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view showing the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet with a drop inlet  26  closed; 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view showing the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet with the drop inlet  26  opened; 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control apparatus and each device; 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart for illustrating a main control process performed by a CPU  92 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart for illustrating a process for controlling shutter opening performed by the CPU  92 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart for illustrating a process for controlling door opening and closing performed by the CPU  92 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart for illustrating a process for controlling shutter closing performed by the CPU  92 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart for illustrating a sensor monitoring process performed by the CPU  92 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing a prize-capturing game apparatus according to embodiment 3; 
       FIG. 16  is a longitudinal sectional view showing a prize-capturing game apparatus according to embodiment 3 when viewed from the front; 
       FIG. 17  is a longitudinal sectional view showing a prize-capturing game apparatus according to embodiment 3 when viewed from the side; 
       FIG. 18  is a process chart for illustrating a movement of a shutter  104  according to embodiment 3 when a prize  18  is dropped from the drop inlet  26 , in which FIG.  18 -(A) shows a state before the prize  18  abuts on the shutter  104 , FIG.  18 -(B) shows a state where the prize  18  abuts on the shutter  104 , FIG.  18 -(C) shows a state where the shutter  104  pressed by the prize  18  is rotated, and FIG.  18 -(D) shows a state where the shutter  104  is returned after the prize  18  is dropped; 
       FIG. 19  is a longitudinal sectional view showing a prize-capturing game apparatus according to embodiment 4 when viewed from the side, in which FIG.  19 -(A) shows a state before the prize  18  abuts on a pair of shutters  124  and FIG.  19 -(B) shows a state where the prize  18  is dropped after abutting on the pair of shutters  124 ; 
       FIG. 20  is a longitudinal sectional view showing a prize-capturing game apparatus according to embodiment 5 when viewed from the side; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view showing a configuration of shutters  134  according to embodiment 5; 
       FIG. 22  is a plan view showing a configuration of a locking mechanism  142  according to embodiment 5; and 
       FIG. 23  is a side view showing the pair of shutters  134  being opened. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
   Embodiment 1 
     FIG. 1  is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a prize-capturing game apparatus according to the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a front view with a partial cross-section showing each internal mechanism of the prize-capturing game apparatus. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in a prize-capturing game apparatus  10 , a prize storage portion  14  is disposed on the inside of a casing  12 . Large-sized transparent windows  16   a  to  16   c  surrounding the prize storage portion  14  are disposed on a front face and right and left sides of the casing  12  and a back face board is disposed on a back face thereof. A plurality of prizes  18  are arranged in the prize storage portion  14 . For example, relatively large stuffed animals are stored. 
   On a ceiling  20  supported by upper portions of the transparent windows  16   a  to  16   c , a prize obtaining mechanism (a prize obtaining unit)  22  is disposed. Since the configuration of the prize obtaining mechanism  22  is known, description thereof is omitted. 
   The prize obtaining mechanism  22  has a suspended movable body  24  configured to move in the backward and forward directions (Ya and Yb directions), in the right and left directions (Xa and Xb directions), and in the upward and downward directions (Za and Zb directions). The movable body  24  before a game start is stationary in a standby position (a start position) shown in  FIG. 1 . Although the standby position (the start position) is set to a higher position relative to the drop inlet  26  for dropping a prize, the movable body  24  may be disposed in other position. 
   The drop inlet  26  is formed using an opening with an area sufficiently larger than the prize  18 . In a boundary between the drop inlet  26  and the bottom of the prize storage portion  14 , a partition board  28  including an acrylic board is erected. The partition board  28  involves a prize partitioning unit configured to partition the inside of the prize storage portion so as to keep the prize therein. In addition, the partition board  28  functions as a drop preventing unit configured to prevent stacked prizes from dropping into the drop inlet  26  through the shaking of the casing and the like (generated when a customer bumps against the casing, for example), for example. Also, the partition board  28  functions as a protection wall for preventing the theft of the prize  18 , by which even when the player tries to insert the hand below the drop inlet  26 , the partition board  28  prevents the player from reaching for the prize  18  stored in the prize storage portion  14 . The partition board  28  is configured to be detachable, so that the attachment may be eliminated depending on stores. 
   The movable body  24  is designed to have an elliptical form to remind a UFO and a pair of arms (gripping members)  24   a  and  24   b  are disposed on a lower portion thereof. And a clamping mechanism (not shown in the drawings) for performing opening and closing operations of the pair of arms  24   a  and  24   b  is disposed on the inside of the movable body  24 . The clamping mechanism opens the pair of arms  24   a  and  24   b  after the movable body  24  is moved in the backward and forward directions and in the right and left directions and stopped at a given position by the prize obtaining mechanism  22 . Then, the clamp mechanism grips a given prize  18  by closing the pair of arms  24   a  and  24   b  after the movable body  24  is lowered. Thereafter, the movable body  24  is elevated. 
   Then, the movable body  24  is moved toward the standby position (the start position) by the prize obtaining mechanism  22  and stopped above the drop inlet  26 . The clamp mechanism opens the pair of arms  24   a  and  24   b  again and drops the gripped prize  18  into the drop inlet  26 . 
   A prize deposit room (a prize deposit portion)  30  is formed in a path from the drop inlet  26  to an outlet  32 . The prize  18  dropped into the prize deposit room  30  can be taken out from the outlet  32  disposed on the front face of the casing  12 . The outlet  32  and the prize deposit room  30  are provided with sufficiently large areas so as to support the development of the large-sized prize  18 . 
   A prize outlet door (an opening/closing portion of the outlet)  34  including a transparent or translucent acrylic board is disposed on the outlet  32  in an openable and closable manner. A hinge (not shown in the drawings) is disposed on the prize outlet door  34  at a left end thereof when viewed from the front and a handle  36  is disposed on the prize outlet door  34  at a right end thereof. Thus, by rotating the prize outlet door  34  in the horizontal direction, the outlet  32  is opened and it is possible to take out the prize  18  dropped into the prize deposit room  30  from the drop inlet  26 . 
   A mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet (an opening/closing driving mechanism) is disposed on the inside of the casing  12 . The mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet is controlled in association with the opening and closing of the prize outlet door  34  as will be described in the following and opens the drop inlet  26  during a game only when the outlet  32  is closed with the prize outlet door  34 . Only when the drop inlet  26  is closed by the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet, the lock of the prize outlet door  34  is released and it is possible to take out the prize  18 . 
   Further, an operation portion  38  for allowing the player to perform operation is disposed on the front face of the casing  12 . Below the operation portion  38 , there are disposed a door close indicating lamp  40 , a door open indicating lamp  41 , and a switch button (a lock release operation portion)  42  for releasing the door lock of the prize outlet door  34  operated when taking out the prize  18  obtained during a plurality of plays from the prize deposit room  30 . 
     FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view showing the operation portion  38  and the prize deposit room  30  of the prize-capturing game apparatus  10 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , when taking out the prize  18  dropped into the prize deposit room  30 , the player is capable of opening the outlet  32  by pulling the handle  36  and rotating the prize outlet door  34  in the lateral direction. Because the prize outlet door  34  is biased in a closing direction with a biasing member  72  as will be described in the following, the prize outlet door  34  is configured to rotate in the closing direction to close the outlet  32  regardless of the existence of a closing operation by the player after the prize  18  is taken out. 
   The operation portion  38  is protruded from the front face of the casing  12 . The operation portion  38  comprises an instruction portion  43  for instructing the player to close the prize outlet door  34  when the prize outlet door  34  is opened, a switch button  44  of operation in X direction for moving the movable body  24  in the horizontal direction, a switch button  46  of operation in Y direction for moving the movable body  24  in the backward and forward directions, an operation button  48  for performing a predetermined operation (moving/stopping the movable body in the upward and downward directions, for example) besides the operations of the switches  44  and  46 , and a coin slot  50 . 
   When the player wishes to play a plurality of games continuously, by inserting coins exceeding the fee for a single game into the coin slot  50 , it is possible to deposit game fees for the following games as a credit. The number of remaining games is displayed to the player on a display portion (not shown in the drawings) and the plurality of games are set. 
   The prize deposit room  30  has the drop inlet  26  opened above and the outlet  32  opened on the front face. A prize drop detecting portion  51  for detecting the drop of the prize  18  is disposed on a surface of a side wall of the path from the drop inlet  26  to the outlet  32 . The prize drop detecting portion  51  comprises an infrared sensor  52  (an object detecting unit shown with dashed lines in  FIG. 3 ), and a reflecting plate  54  for reflecting a detecting light (infrared light) emitted from the infrared sensor  52 . A plurality of infrared sensors  52  include a combination of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, for example, and output a detection signal when the infrared light from the light-emitting element cannot be received with the light-receiving element. 
   In the prize drop detecting portion  51 , the plurality of infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ) are arranged in a line. The infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element of the plurality of infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ) is reflected with the reflecting plate  54  and the reflected light is received by the light-receiving element of the infrared sensor  52 . The prize  18  blocks a plurality of infrared lights when passing through the drop inlet  26 , whereby the plurality of infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ) detect the prize  18  being dropped. According as the number of the plurality of infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ) disposed is increased, the resolution of detection is improved. In the present embodiment, not less than fourteen sensors are disposed. 
   In the prize drop detecting portion  51 , the plurality of infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ) are arranged on one side of the drop inlet  26  in a concentrated manner and the reflecting plate  54  is disposed on the opposite side. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element may be separate bodies and disposed on both sides in an opposing manner. However, the side where the infrared sensor  52  is disposed is positioned closely to a game board (not shown in the drawings) disposed on the inside of the casing, so that the wiring work thereof is easier than the case where the sensors are disposed on both sides. 
   The infrared sensor  52  emits an infrared light at constant periods, allows the infrared light to be reflected with the reflecting plate  54 , and receives the reflected light, thereby performing sensing. Thus, by successively emitting and receiving the light at predetermined periods using the plurality of infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ), it is possible to deal with the drop inlet  26 , which is a detection area, as a plane. And when the emitted infrared light cannot be received, it is possible to detect the existence of an object. Thus, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the dropped prize  18  and a child when he enters the prize deposit room  30  and blocks the infrared light. 
   A pressure sensor  58  for detecting weight (shown with dashed lines in  FIG. 3 ) is disposed on a backside of a bottom plate  56  of the prize deposit room  30 . The pressure sensor  58  may be of a type which outputs a detection signal in response to weight not less than five kg. For example, when the prize  18  of not more than five kg is dropped, the pressure sensor  58  does not output the detection signal, while when a child having not less than five kg enters the prize deposit room  30  from the outlet  32 , for example, the pressure sensor  58  outputs the detection signal in response to the weight of the child. Although the present embodiment employs a pressure sensor formed into a thin strip referred to as a tape switch, the pressure sensor is not limited to this, and other pressure sensor (a load cell, for example) may be used. 
   When the pressure sensor  58  detects the application of weight for not less than a predetermined time set in advance, it is determined that an object exists in the prize deposit room  30  (the child or the like enters and does not come out, for example), and a buzzer  59  (refer to  FIG. 9 ) emits a buzzer sound at high volume. Accordingly it is possible to prompt the child who entered the prize deposit room  30  to come out before he gets injured. 
   To an inner right end of the prize outlet door  34 , a hook  60  for locking the door is attached. The hook  60  is locked in a door closed state using a door locking mechanism  62  (hidden and not shown in  FIG. 3 ) as will be described below. 
   The door locking mechanism is described in the following. 
     FIG. 4  is a plan view showing the prize outlet door  34  being opened.  FIG. 5  is a plan view showing the prize outlet door  34  being closed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , the door locking mechanism (the outlet locking unit)  62  for locking the prize outlet door  34  in a closed state is disposed on the inside of the casing  12 . The locking mechanism  62  comprises a locking motor  64 , a plate-like engaging member  66  disposed on a rotary shaft of the locking motor  64 , and a door sensor (a detecting unit configured to detect the opening/closing of the outlet)  68  for detecting whether the prize outlet door  34  is in a closed position or not. 
   The door locking mechanism  62  also includes a door lock detecting switch  69   a  (refer to  FIG. 6 ) for detecting whether the engaging member  66  is engaged with the hook  60  and rotated to a door lock position for locking the prize outlet door  34 , and a door lock release detecting switch  69   b  for detecting whether the engaging member  66  is spaced from the hook  60  and rotated to a door lock releasing position for releasing the lock of the prize outlet door  34 . 
   The prize outlet door  34  is rotated fully opened at an angle of about 90 to 100 degrees relative to a hinge  70  as a fulcrum. In addition, the biasing member  72  for biasing the prize outlet door  34  in the closing direction is disposed on the hinge  70 . Thus, after the player opened the prize outlet door  34  and took out the prize  18 , when the player releases the prize outlet door  34 , the prize outlet door  34  is automatically returned to the closed state (shown in  FIG. 5 ) by the biasing member  72 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 5 , in the locking mechanism  62 , when a coin of a predetermined fee is inserted into the coin slot  50  with the outlet  32  closed using the prize outlet door  34 , the locking motor  64  is driven and the engaging member  66  is rotated to engage with the hook  60 . Accordingly, the hook  60  is locked by the engaging member  66  and the prize outlet door  34  cannot be opened. In other words, the locking mechanism  62  locks the prize outlet door  34  in the closed position. 
   This prevents the player from intruding into the prize deposit room  30  from the outlet  32  and also prevents the player from illicitly taking out the prize  18  placed in the prize storage portion  14 . Thus, the door locking mechanism  62  is capable of preventing the player from inserting the hand from the outlet  32  and the theft of the prize  18  by locking the prize outlet door  34  and closing the outlet  32 . 
   Further, when the door sensor  68  of the locking mechanism  62  cannot detect the state where the prize outlet door  34  is closed, the instruction portion  43  displays a message for instructing the player to close the prize outlet door  34 , or an announcement such as “Please close the door” is made through a speaker  49 . 
   When the prize outlet door  34  is closed and the door sensor  68  is ON, the locking motor  64  is driven and the engaging member  66  is rotated to engage with the hook  60 , thereby locking the prize outlet door  34  in the closed position. 
   In the following, the configuration of the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet mentioned above is described. 
     FIG. 6  is an enlarged front view showing the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet.  FIG. 7  is a plan view showing the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet with the drop inlet  26  closed. And  FIG. 8  is a plan view showing the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet with the drop inlet  26  opened. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet comprises a shutter (a portion for opening and closing the drop inlet)  74  including a slide plate for opening and closing the drop inlet  26 , a pair of guide rails  76  and  77  for guiding both sides of the shutter  74 , and a driving portion  78  for moving the shutter  74  in the Xa and Xb directions (the closing direction or the opening direction). 
   The driving portion  78  comprises a turning arm  80  for engaging with the shutter  74 , a shutter driving motor  82  for turning the turning arm  80  in the horizontal direction, a closed position detecting switch (a unit configured to detect the closing of the drop inlet)  84  for detecting whether the turning arm  80  is rotated to the closed position, and an opened position detecting switch (a unit configured to detect the opening of the drop inlet)  86  for detecting whether the turning arm  80  is rotated to the opened position. 
   The shutter  74  is slidably disposed between the opened position for opening the drop inlet  26  during the game and the closed position for closing the drop inlet  26  after the game. Thus, the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet closes the drop inlet  26  by sliding the shutter  74 , and thus blocks communication between the prize deposit room  30  and the drop inlet  26 , thereby preventing the theft of the prize  18  with the shutter  74  in the closed position when the player tries to insert the hand from the outlet  32  to steal the prize  18  disposed in the vicinity of the drop inlet  26 . 
   On the side of the shutter  74  in the backward and forward directions, a plurality of rollers  88  to  91  for rolling on the guide rails  76  and  77  are disposed. The roller  88  is configured to abut on a horizontal portion  76   a  of the guide rail  76  and the roller  89  is configured to abut on a vertical portion  76   b  of the guide rail  76 . Further, the roller  90  is configured to abut on a horizontal portion  77   a  of the guide rail  77  and the roller  91  is configured to abut on a vertical portion  77   b  of the guide rail  77 . 
   Thus, the shutter  74  is guided in the Xa and Xb directions (the closed position direction or the opened position direction) by the rollers  88  to  91  while being regulated in the backward and forward directions and in the upward and downward directions. On an undersurface of the shutter  74 , an engaging groove  92  formed in an elongated manner in the backward and forward directions is disposed. An engaging roller  94  disposed on the tip of the turning arm  80  is fitted in the engaging groove  92 . Accordingly, a turning movement of the turning arm  80  is converted into a sliding movement (linear motion) of the shutter  74  by the engaging roller  94  moving along the engaging groove  92 . 
   On an undersurface of the turning arm  80 , a position detecting piece  80   a  is protruded and the position detecting piece  80   a  passes through a shutter closed position detecting switch  84  and a shutter opened position detecting switch  86  supported by a bracket  83  of the shutter driving motor  82 . In the present embodiment, the shutter closed position detecting switch  84  and the shutter opened position detecting switch  86  include a U-shaped photo interrupter. When the position detecting piece  80   a  passes through a space between a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, a detection light is blocked and a detection signal is outputted. Thus, the passage position of the position detecting piece  80   a  is detected upon passing through the shutter closed position detecting switch  84  and the shutter opened position detecting switch  86 . 
   The amount of movement of the shutter  74  in the Xa and Xb directions is determined in accordance with the length of the turning arm  80 . A rotation angle of the turning arm  80  is set to about 190 degrees. In other words, as shown in  FIG. 7 , rotation positions of the turning arm  80  include a lock position A for locking the shutter  74  in a locked state, a closed position B where the shutter  74  reaches the closed position, a middle position C where the shutter  74  is positioned in the middle of the sliding movement, and an opened position D where the shutter  74  reaches the opened position. In  FIG. 7 , the frame of the shutter  74  is shown and a plate to be fixed on the frame is omitted. 
   The shutter closed position detecting switch  84  detects whether the turning arm  80  is in the lock position A and the shutter opened position detecting switch  86  detects whether the turning arm  80  is in the opened position D. When the turning arm  80  is in the lock position A, a dead point of the turning radius relative to a reciprocating motion is passed, so that when the player tries to slide the shutter  74  in the Xb direction, the turning arm  80  is lodged and functions as a drop inlet locking unit. Thus, the shutter  74  is held in the closed position. Accordingly, when the power is off due to failure, for example, the shutter  74  is locked in the closed position due to the rotation angle of the turning arm  80 , so that when the player tries to insert the hand into the prize deposit room  30  to open the shutter  74 , the turning arm  80  is not rotated and the opening of the shutter  74  is prevented. 
   In the following, the operation of the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet configured as mentioned above is described. 
   Before the player inserts a coin into the coin slot  50 , in the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the shutter  74  is held in the lock position A. Then, when the player inserts a coin into the coin slot  50 , the shutter driving motor  82  is driven to turn the turning arm  80  from the lock position A to the opened position D. Thus, the shutter  74  is slid in the Xb direction and moved to the opened position as shown in  FIG. 8  in accordance with the rotation of the turning arm  80  in the counterclockwise direction. 
   By moving the shutter  74  to the opened position, the drop inlet  26  is fully opened. After the game is started, when the prize  18  is gripped using the arms  24   a  and  24   b  of the movable body  24  and dropped into the drop inlet  26 , the shutter driving motor  82  is driven to turn the turning arm  80  from the opened position D to the lock position A. Thus, the shutter  74  is slid in the Xa direction and moved to the closed position in accordance with the rotation of the turning arm  80  in the clockwise direction. 
   Accordingly, when the player opens the prize outlet door  34  and takes out the prize  18  dropped into the prize deposit room  30 , the drop inlet  26  is closed with the shutter  74  and the turning arm  80  holds the shutter  74  so as not to slide in the lock position A, so that the player cannot insert the hand into the prize storage portion  14  from the drop inlet  26  to illicitly obtain other prize. 
     FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control apparatus and each device. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , a control apparatus  90  of the prize-capturing game apparatus  10  comprises a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM  94 , a RAM  96 , and an I/O interface  98 . Each device mentioned above is connected to the I/O interface  98 . 
   Examples of devices connected to the CPU  92  via the I/O interface  98  include each motor of the prize obtaining mechanism  22 , the door close indicating lamp  40 , the door open indicating lamp  41 , a door lock releasing switch  42   a , an instruction portion indicating lamp  43   a , an X direction operating switch  44   a , a Y direction operating switch  46   a , other operation switch  48   a , the loudspeaker  49 , a coin switch  50   a  of the coin slot  50 , the infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ), the pressure sensor  58 , the buzzer  59 , the locking motor  64 , the door sensor  68 , the door lock detecting switch  69   a , the door lock release detecting switch  69   b , the shutter driving motor  82 , the shutter closed position detecting switch  84 , the shutter opened position detecting switch  86 , and the like. 
   The ROM  94  stores a control program P 1  for performing the drive control of the shutter  74  such that the drop inlet  26  is opened by the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet when the prize outlet door  34  has closed the outlet  32  on the basis of a detection signal from the door sensor  68 . The ROM  94  also stores a control program P 2  for maintaining a state where the prize outlet door  34  has closed the outlet  32  by locking the door locking mechanism  62  when the prize outlet door  34  has closed the outlet  32  on the basis of the detection signal from the door sensor  68 . The ROM  94  also stores a control program P 3  for notifying the player to close the outlet  32  when the outlet  32  is opened on the basis of the detection signal from the door sensor  68 . 
   Further, the ROM  94  stores a control program P 4  for driving the shutter  74  using the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet, and for controlling the prize outlet door  34  in an openable and closable manner by releasing the lock of the door locking mechanism  62  when the shutter  74  has closed the drop inlet  26  on the basis of the detection signal of the shutter closed position detecting switch  84 . The ROM  94  also stores a control program P 5  for driving the shutter  74  using the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet, for maintaining the state where the prize outlet door  34  has closed the outlet  32  using the door locking mechanism  62  when the shutter  74  has closed the drop inlet  26  on the basis of the detection signal from the shutter closed position detecting switch  84 , and for controlling the opening and closing of the prize outlet door  34  such that the outlet  32  is opened by releasing the lock of the door locking mechanism  62  in accordance with a signal from the door lock releasing switch  42   a.    
   In the following, the control process performed by the CPU  92  of the control apparatus  90  mentioned above is described. 
     FIG. 10  is a flowchart for illustrating a main control process performed by the CPU  92 .  FIG. 11  is a flowchart for illustrating a process for controlling shutter opening performed by the CPU  92 .  FIG. 12  is a flowchart for illustrating a process for controlling door opening and closing performed by the CPU  92 . And  FIG. 13  is a flowchart for illustrating a process for controlling shutter closing performed by the CPU  92 . 
   In the CPU  92  of the control apparatus  90 , in S 11  of  FIG. 10 , the coin switch  50   a  is switched to ON when the player inserts a coin of a predetermined amount of money into the coin slot  50 . Then, the process proceeds to S 12 , where a game is started and an electronic music, for example, is played through the loudspeaker  49 . 
   In the following S 13 , the shutter  74  is moved in the opening direction (the Xb direction) by driving the shutter driving motor  82  and the drop inlet  26  is opened. In S 14 , whether the shutter  74  is opened is confirmed. In other words, the process confirms whether the shutter opened position detecting switch  86  has detected the turning arm  80 . 
   In the following S 15 , whether the X direction operating switch  44   a  is operated to ON is confirmed. When the player depresses the switch button  44  of operation in X direction, the X direction operating switch  44   a  is ON, so that the process proceeds to S 16  and moves the movable body  24  in the Xb direction (the right direction when viewed from the front) by driving the prize obtaining mechanism  22 . Next, the process proceeds to S 17  and confirms whether the player has released the switch button  44  of operation in X direction and the switch button  44  of operation in X direction is OFF or whether a limit position in the X direction is reached. 
   In S 17 , if the X direction operating switch  44   a  is ON, the process returns to S 16  and moves the movable body  24  in the Xb direction. And in S 17 , if the X direction operating switch  44   a  is OFF, or the movable body  24  has reached the limit position in the X direction, the process proceeds to S 18  and stops the movable body  24 . In the following S 19 , whether the Y direction operating switch  46   a  is operated to ON is confirmed. 
   When the player depressed the switch button  46  of operation in Y direction, the Y direction operating switch  46   a  is ON, so that the process proceeds to S 20  and moves the movable body  24  in the Yb direction (the backward direction when viewed from the front) by driving the prize obtaining mechanism  22 . Next, the process proceeds to S 21  and confirms whether the player has released the switch button  46  of operation in Y direction and the Y direction operating switch  46   a  is OFF, or whether a limit position in the Y direction is reached. 
   In S 21 , if the Y direction operating switch  46   a  is ON, the process returns to S 20  and moves the movable body  24  in the Yb direction. And in S 21 , if the Y direction operating switch  46   a  is OFF, or the movable body  24  has reached the limit position in the Y direction, the process proceeds to S 22  and stops the movable body  24 . 
   When the movement of the movable body  24  by the prize obtaining mechanism  22  is ended, the process proceeds to S 23  and opens the pair of arms  24   a  and  24   b  disposed on the movable body  24 . Then, the process proceeds to S 24  and lowers the movable body  24  (in the Zb direction). In the following S 25 , a given prize  18  placed in the prize storage portion  14  is gripped by closing the pair of arms  24   a  and  24   b.    
   Next, in S 26 , the gripped prize  18  is suspended by elevating the movable body  24  using the prize obtaining mechanism  22 . In S 27 , the movable body  24  is returned to the standby position (the start position) by the prize obtaining mechanism  22 . Thereafter, when the movable body  24  has reached the standby position (the start position) and become stationary, the pair of arms  24   a  and  24   b  are opened. Accordingly, the prize  18  gripped by the pair of arms  24   a  and  24   b  is dropped into the drop inlet  26 . If the prize  18  is not gripped, although the pair of arms  24   a  and  24   b  are opened, the prize  18  is not dropped into the drop inlet  26 . 
   In the following S 29 , if a plurality of games are set, whether there is an unused remaining credit is confirmed. In S 29 , if there is no remaining credit, the process proceeds to S 30 , moves the shutter  74  in the closing direction (the Xa direction) by driving shutter driving motor  82 , and closes the drop inlet  26 . In S 31 , whether the shutter  74  is closed or not is confirmed. In other words, the process confirms whether the shutter closed position detecting switch  84  has detected the turning arm  80  turned to the closed position A, thereby ending this game. 
   In S 29 , if there is an unused remaining credit, the process proceeds to S 32  and blinks the door lock releasing switch button  42 . Then the process returns to the aforementioned S 15  and performs processing from S 15  again. 
   In the following, the process for opening the shutter  74  in S 13  is described in detail with reference to  FIG. 11 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 11 , when a code for instructing the opening of the shutter is received in S 41 , the process proceeds to S 42  and checks the presence or absence of an output (volume) from the door sensor  68 . 
   In the following S 43 , if a detection signal is outputted from the door sensor  68  as a result of the aforementioned S 42 , the process proceeds to S 44 . If the detection signal is not outputted from the door sensor  68 , the process proceeds to S 48 . In S 44 , the engaging member  66  is locked on the hook  60  by driving the locking motor  64  of the locking mechanism  62 . Accordingly, the prize outlet door  34  is locked in the closed state by the locking mechanism  62 . 
   In the following S 45 , the shutter  74  is moved in the opening direction (the Xb direction) by driving the shutter driving motor  82 . Next, the process proceeds to S 46  and confirms whether the shutter  74  is opened. In other words, the process confirms whether the shutter opened position detecting switch  86  has detected the turning arm  80 . 
   When the shutter opened position detecting switch  86  is ON in S 46 , the process proceeds to S 47  and returns a code for notifying that the shutter  74  is moved to the opened position. 
   In S 43 , if the detection signal is not outputted from the door sensor  68 , since the prize outlet door  34  has not closed the outlet  32 , the process proceeds to S 48  and instructs the player to close the prize outlet door  34  by blinking the indicating lamp  43   a  of the instruction portion  43 . 
   In the following S 49 , whether a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed is confirmed and the aforementioned processing in S 43  and S 48  is repeated until the predetermined time has elapsed. If the prize outlet door  34  is not closed after the predetermined time has elapsed in S 49 , the process proceeds to S 50  and an announcement such as “Please close the prize outlet door” is made through the speaker  49 . 
   In the following S 51 , the presence or absence of the output from the door sensor  68  is checked again. In S 51 , if the detection signal is outputted from the door sensor  68 , since the prize outlet door  34  is closed, the process returns to the aforementioned S 44  and the processing from S 44  is performed. In S 51 , if the detection signal is not outputted from the door sensor  68 , since the prize outlet door  34  is not closed, the process proceeds to S 52 , an error is issued, and a buzzer sound is emitted to notify a store clerk that the prize outlet door  34  is not closed. 
   In S 46 , if the shutter opened position detecting switch  86  is not ON and whether the shutter  74  is moved to the opened position is not confirmed, the process proceeds to S 53 , in which whether a predetermined time has elapsed is confirmed and the aforementioned processing in S 46  and S 53  is repeated until the predetermined time has elapsed. In S 53 , if the shutter  74  has not moved to the opened position after the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S 54 , an error is issued, and an alarm sound is emitted from the loudspeaker  49  to notify the store clerk of the failure of the shutter. 
   The following describes, with reference to  FIG. 12 , processing performed when the door lock releasing switch  42   a  is operated to ON in S 32 , in other words, door lock releasing processing when the player opens the prize outlet door  34  and takes out the prize  18  dropped into the prize deposit room  30  while the player has not finished all games in a case where a plurality of games are set and the prize  18  is dropped from the drop inlet  26  into the prize deposit room  30 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 12 , when the door lock releasing switch  42   a  is operated to ON, a code for indicating that the door lock releasing switch  42   a  is ON is received in S 61  and the process proceeds to S 62  and sets the button operation of one play (operations of the switch button  44  of operation in X direction and the switch button  46  of operation in Y direction) to be disabled. 
   In the following S 63 , the shutter  74  is moved in the closing direction (the Xa direction) by driving the shutter driving motor  82  and the drop inlet  26  is closed. In S 64 , whether the shutter  74  is closed is confirmed. In other words, the process confirms whether the shutter closed position detecting switch  84  has detected the turning arm  80  turned to the closed position A. 
   In S 64 , when the shutter closed position detecting switch  84  is ON, the process proceeds to S 65 , in which the engaging member  66  is spaced from the hook  60  by driving the locking motor  64  of the locking mechanism  62 , and the lock of the prize outlet door  34  is released. In the following S 66 , the presence or absence of the output from the door sensor  68  is checked. 
   In the following S 66 , if the detection signal is outputted from the door sensor  68 , since the prize outlet door  34  is closed, the process proceeds to S 47  and confirms whether the predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed in S 47 , the process returns to S 66  mentioned above. 
   In S 66 , if the detection signal is not outputted from the door sensor  68 , since the prize outlet door  34  is opened and the prize  18  is taken out from the outlet  32 , the process proceeds to S 68  and checks the presence or absence of the output from the door sensor  68  again. In S 68 , if the detection signal is outputted from the door sensor  68 , since the prize outlet door  34  is closed after the prize  18  is taken out, the process proceeds to S 69 . In S 67 , if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S 69  since the prize  18  is not taken out in the predetermined time. 
   In S 69 , the engaging member  66  is engaged with the hook  60  and the prize outlet door  34  is locked in the closed state by driving the locking motor  64  of the locking mechanism  62 . In the following S 70 , the shutter  74  is moved in the opening direction (the Xb direction) by driving the shutter driving motor  82  and the drop inlet  26  is opened. 
   Then the process proceeds to S 71  and sets the button operation of one play (operations of the switch button  44  of operation in X direction and the switch button  46  of operation in Y direction) set to be disabled in S 69  to be enabled. Next, in S 72 , a code for indicating that the shutter  74  is moved to the opened position is returned. 
   In S 68  mentioned above, if the detection signal is not outputted from the door sensor  68 , since the prize outlet door  34  is opened, the process proceeds to S 73  and instructs the player to close the prize outlet door  34  by blinking the indicating lamp  43   a  of the instruction portion  43 . 
   In the following S 74 , whether a predetermined time set in advance has elapsed is confirmed and the aforementioned processing in S 68  and S 73  is repeated until the predetermined time has elapsed. If the prize outlet door  34  is not closed after the predetermined time has elapsed in S 74 , the process proceeds to S 75  and an announcement such as “Please close the prize outlet door” is made through the speaker  49 , for example. 
   In the following S 76 , the presence or absence of the output from the door sensor  68  is checked again. In S 76 , if the detection signal is outputted from the door sensor  68 , since the prize outlet door  34  is closed, the process returns to the aforementioned S 69  and the processing from S 69  is performed. In S 76 , if the detection signal is not outputted from the door sensor  68 , since the prize outlet door  34  is not closed, the process proceeds to S 77 , an error is issued, and a buzzer sound is emitted to notify the store clerk that the prize outlet door  34  is not closed. 
   In the following, the shutter closing processing performed in S 31  mentioned above is described in detail with reference to  FIG. 13 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 13 , when a code for instructing the closing of the shutter is received in S 81 , the process proceeds to S 82  and confirms whether the shutter  74  is closed. In other words, the process confirms whether the shutter closed position detecting switch  84  has detected the turning arm  80  turned to the closed position A. 
   In S 82 , if the shutter  74  is closed, the process proceeds to S 83 , in which the engaging member  66  is spaced from the hook  60  by driving the locking motor  64  of the locking mechanism  62 , and the lock of the prize outlet door  34  is released. Then, the process proceeds to S 84  and returns a code for indicating that the shutter  74  is moved to the closed position. 
   In S 82 , if the shutter  74  is opened, the process proceeds to S 85 , in which whether a predetermined time has elapsed is confirmed and the aforementioned processing in S 82  and S 85  is repeated until the predetermined time has elapsed. In S 85 , if the prize outlet door  34  is not closed after the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S 86 , an error is issued, and a buzzer sound is emitted to notify the store clerk that the shutter  74  is not closed. 
   In the following, control processing for monitoring the infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ) and the pressure sensor  58  is described with reference to  FIG. 14 . In the CPU  92 , the control processing in  FIG. 14  is set to perform an interrupt handling in each predetermined time whether it is in the middle of the game or not. 
   As shown in  FIG. 14 , in S 91 , the CPU  92  confirms whether or not at least two of the infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ) are ON. The reason to confirm whether or not at least two of the infrared sensors  52  are ON is that if dirt or the like is adhered to the reflecting plate  54  and an infrared light is not reflected, it may cause false detection, for example. 
   In S 91 , if at least two of the infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ) are not ON, the process proceeds to S 92  and confirms whether the pressure sensor  58  is ON or not. In S 92 , if the pressure sensor  58  is not ON, since there is no abnormality, the process proceeds to S 103  and transmits a shutter opening code, thereby ending this processing. 
   In S 91 , if at least two of the infrared sensors  52  ( 52   1  to  52   n ) are ON, the process proceeds to S 93  and confirms whether the state where the infrared sensors  52  are ON has been maintained for not less than a predetermined time set in advance. In S 93 , if the state where the infrared sensors  52  are ON has not been maintained for not less than the predetermined time, it is judged that the prize  18  is dropped into the prize deposit room  30  through the drop inlet  26  and the process proceeds to S 94 . 
   In S 94 , it is recognized that the prize  18  is obtained in this game, and one point is added to a prize winning counter. Also, in S 95 , sound effects such as a prize-winning fanfare are emitted from the loudspeaker  49 . Next, the process proceeds to S 96  and transmits a code for releasing the lock of the prize outlet door  34  using the locking mechanism  62 . In the following S 97 , whether the prize outlet door  34  is opened is confirmed. In S 97 , when the door sensor  68  is OFF, it is judged that the prize outlet door  34  is opened and the prize  18  is taken out, thereby ending this processing. 
   Also in S 97 , if the door sensor  68  is ON, since the prize outlet door  34  is not opened, the process proceeds to S 98  and confirms whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed in S 98 , the process returns to S 97  mentioned above and confirms again whether the prize outlet door  34  is opened. 
   In S 98 , if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S 99  and a message such as “Please take out the prize” is notified to the player through the loudspeaker  49  (a notifying unit). Thereafter, the process returns again to S 97  and confirms again whether the prize outlet door  34  is opened. Then, when the player opens the prize outlet door  34  and takes out the prize  18  after hearing the message from the loudspeaker  49 , this processing is ended. 
   In S 92 , if the pressure sensor  58  is ON, the process proceeds to S 100  and confirms whether the state where the pressure sensor  58  is ON has been maintained for not less than a predetermined time set in advance. In S 100 , if the state where the pressure sensor  58  is ON has been maintained for not less than the predetermined time set in advance, it is judged that a child, for example, has entered the prize deposit room  30  and the process proceeds to S 101 . In the following S 101 , the buzzer  59  emits a buzzer sound at high volume. Accordingly it is possible to prompt the child who entered the prize deposit room  30  to come out before he gets injured. 
   In the following S 102 , a code for instructing the closing of the shutter is transmitted, and this processing is ended. 
   In S 100  mentioned above, if the state where the infrared sensors  52  are ON has not been maintained for not less than the predetermined time, it is judged that there is no abnormality and this processing is ended. In S 93  mentioned above, if the state where the infrared sensors  52  are ON has been maintained for not less than the predetermined time, it is judged that an infrared light is blocked since a child has entered the prize deposit room  30  or an adult has inserted the hand from the outlet  32  without activating the pressure sensor  58 , and the process proceeds to S 101 . In this case, the buzzer  59  also emits a buzzer sound at high volume in S 101 . Accordingly, if there is illicit conduct, for example, in the prize deposit room  30 , it is possible to prevent the illicit conduct with the buzzer sound. 
   Embodiment 2 
   The prize-capturing game apparatus  10  according to embodiment 1 employs the method for closing the outlet  32  by locking the prize outlet door  34  in the closed state using the locking mechanism  62  and the method for closing the drop inlet  26  with the shutter  74  using the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet. And it is possible to prevent the theft of the prize  18  in the prize storage portion  14  from the outlet  32  or the drop inlet  26  by closing one of the outlet  32  and the drop inlet  26 . However, it is possible to configure the prize-capturing game apparatus using only either of the methods. 
   For example, with only the locking mechanism  62  of the prize outlet door  34 , it is possible to prevent the theft of the prize  18  in the prize storage portion  14  from the outlet  32 . In this case, the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet is not disposed. Thus, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the apparatus and eliminate the processing for opening and closing the shutter  74 , thereby also simplifying the control processing. 
   Further, with only the mechanism  37  for opening and closing the drop inlet, it is possible to prevent the theft of the prize  18  in the prize storage portion  14  from the outlet  32 . In this case, the locking mechanism  62  is not disposed. Thus, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the apparatus and eliminate the processing for driving the door locking mechanism  62 , thereby also simplifying the control processing. 
   Embodiment 3 
     FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing a prize-capturing game apparatus according to embodiment 3.  FIG. 16  is a longitudinal sectional view showing the prize-capturing game apparatus according to embodiment 3 when viewed from the front. And  FIG. 17  is a longitudinal sectional view showing the prize-capturing game apparatus according to embodiment 3 when viewed from the side. In  FIGS. 15 to 17 , the same portions as in embodiment 1 are provided with the same numerical references and the description thereof is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 15 to 17 , in a prize-capturing game apparatus  100  according to embodiment 3, a cylindrical member  101  for surrounding the drop inlet  26  is installed above the prize deposit room  30 , and a mechanism  102  for opening and closing the drop inlet is disposed on the inside of the prize deposit room  30 . The mechanism  102  for opening and closing the drop inlet rotatably supports a shutter  104  formed in an L-shape when viewed from the side using a shaft  105  and is configured to return the shutter  104  using a biasing member not shown in the drawings. 
   The shutter  104  has a first shielding plate  106  extending in a horizontal manner such that it intersects the prize deposit room  30 , and a second shielding plate  108  extending in the perpendicular direction relative to the first shielding plate  106 . A shaft hole  110  for allowing the penetration of a shaft  105  is disposed on the joining portion of the first shielding plate  106  and the second shielding plate  108 . In the present embodiment, a width size La from the shaft  105  to the tip of the first shielding plate  106  is formed to be smaller than a width size L of the prize deposit room  30  and a width size Lb from the shaft  105  to the tip of the second shielding plate  108  is formed to be greater than the width size L of the prize deposit room  30  (La&lt;L&lt;Lb). 
   The shutter  104  is attached such that it is rotated in the A direction (in the counterclockwise direction in  FIG. 17 ) relative to the shaft  105  as a center when the prize  18  is dropped from the drop inlet  26 . Thus, when the player inserts the hand into the prize deposit room  30  from the outlet  32  and tries to rotate the shutter  104  in the B direction (in the clockwise direction in  FIG. 17 ), the second shielding plate  108  abuts on a side wall of the prize deposit room  30  and functions as a drop inlet locking unit, so that the rotation in the upward direction is prevented. 
   Thus, the mechanism  102  for opening and closing the drop inlet is capable of preventing the theft of the prize  18  in the prize storage portion  14  from the outlet  32  by regulating the rotation direction of the shutter  104 . 
     FIG. 18  is a process chart for illustrating a movement of the shutter  104  according to embodiment 3 when the prize  18  is dropped from the drop inlet  26 . FIG.  18 -(A) shows a state before the prize  18  abuts on the shutter  104 . FIG.  18 -(B) shows a state where the prize  18  abuts on the shutter  104 . FIG.  18 -(C) shows a state where the shutter  104  pressed by the prize  18  is rotated. And FIG.  18 -(D) shows a state where the shutter  104  is returned after the prize  18  is dropped. 
   As shown in FIG.  18 -(A), when the prize  18  is dropped into the prize deposit room  30  from the drop inlet  26 , the first shielding plate  106  is held in a horizontal state and blocks the prize deposit room  30 . As shown in FIG.  18 -(B), since the prize  18  abuts on the first shielding plate  106 , the shutter  104  is rotated in the A direction relative to the shaft  105  as the center. Accordingly, the prize  18  abutted on the first shielding plate  106  is dropped downward. 
   As shown in FIG.  18 -(C), an upper end  108   a  of the second shielding plate  108  abuts on a side wall  30   a  of the prize deposit room  30 , so that further rotation of the shutter  104  is regulated. Moreover, the shutter  104  is rotated in the A direction and positioned in an inclined state, so that the second shielding plate  108  blocks the prize deposit room  30 . Also, the shutter  104  stops rotating in the inclined state. Thus, the prize  18  is moved downward, sliding on the first shielding plate  106  stationary in the inclined state. 
   As shown in FIG.  18 -(D), the prize  18  is dropped into the bottom plate  56  from the first shielding plate  106 . When the load of the prize  18  affecting the first shielding plate  106  is removed, the shutter  104  is rotated in the B direction by a biasing force of a biasing member and returned to a state before the movement as shown in FIG.  18 -(A). 
   In this manner, the mechanism  102  for opening and closing the drop inlet functions sufficiently with only a mechanical configuration without disposing the driving motor or various detecting switches as in embodiment 1 mentioned above. 
   Embodiment 4 
     FIG. 19  is a longitudinal sectional view showing a prize-capturing game apparatus according to embodiment  4  when viewed from the side. FIG.  19 -(A) shows a state before a movement. FIG.  19 -(B) shows the movement when a prize is dropped. In FIGS.  19 -(A) and (B), the same portions as in embodiment 1 are provided with the same numerical references and the description thereof is omitted. 
   As shown in FIG.  19 -(A), in a prize-capturing game apparatus  120  according to embodiment 4, a mechanism  122  for opening and closing the drop inlet is disposed on the prize deposit room  30 . The mechanism  122  for opening and closing the drop inlet rotatably supports a pair of shutters  124  formed in an L-shape when viewed from the side using a shaft  125  and is configured to return the shutters  124  using a biasing member not shown in the drawings. 
   The pair of shutters  124  have a first shielding plate  126  extending in a horizontal manner such that it intersects the prize deposit room  30 , and a second shielding plate  128  extending in the perpendicular direction relative to the first shielding plate  126 . A shaft hole (not shown in the drawings) for allowing the penetration of a shaft  125  is disposed on the joining portion of the first shielding plate  126  and the second shielding plate  128 . 
   As shown in FIG.  19 -(B), the pair of shutters  124  are attached such that they are rotated in the A direction relative to the shaft  125  as a center when the prize  18  is dropped from the drop inlet  26 . Thus, when the player inserts the hand into the prize deposit room  30  from the outlet  32  and tries to rotate the pair of shutters  124  in the B direction, the second shielding plate  128  abuts on a side wall of the prize deposit room  30 , so that the rotation in the upward direction is prevented. 
   Thus, the mechanism  122  for opening and closing the drop inlet is capable of preventing the theft of the prize  18  in the prize storage portion  14  from the outlet  32  by regulating the rotation direction of the pair of shutters  124 . 
   Further, the prize  18  abuts on the first shielding plate  126 , so that the pair of shutters  124  are rotated in the A direction relative to the shaft  125  as the center. Accordingly, the prize  18  is dropped downward through a clearance formed between the first shielding plates  126  inclined in accordance with the rotation of the pair of shutters  124  in the A direction. 
   Then, further rotation of the pair of shutters  124  is regulated since the first shielding plate  126  abuts on the side wall of the prize deposit room  30  by rotating 90 degrees, and the second shielding plate  128  blocks the prize deposit room  30 . The pair of shutters  124  are stopped in this rotated state. 
   Thereafter, since the load of the prize  18  is not applied when the prize  18  is dropped, the pair of shutters  124  are rotated in the B direction by a biasing force of a biasing member (not shown in the drawings) and returned to a state before the movement. 
   In this manner, the mechanism  122  for opening and closing the drop inlet functions sufficiently with only a mechanical configuration without disposing the driving motor or various detecting switches as in embodiment 1 mentioned above. 
   Embodiment 5 
     FIG. 20  is a longitudinal sectional view showing a prize-capturing game apparatus according to embodiment 5 when viewed from the side.  FIG. 21  is a perspective view showing the configuration of shutters  134  according to embodiment 5.  FIG. 22  is a plan view showing the configuration of a locking mechanism  142  according to embodiment 5. And  FIG. 23  is a side view showing the pair of shutters  134  being opened. In  FIGS. 20 to 23 , the same portions as in embodiment 1 are provided with the same numerical references and the description thereof is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 20 , in a prize-capturing game apparatus  130  according to embodiment 5, a mechanism  132  for opening and closing the drop inlet is disposed on the prize deposit room  30 . The mechanism  132  for opening and closing the drop inlet rotatably supports a pair of shutters  134  formed in a plate when viewed from the side using a shaft  135  and is configured to maintain the pair of shutters  134  in a horizontal state using a biasing member not shown in the drawings. 
   As shown in  FIG. 21 , the pair of shutters  134  have a shielding plate  136  extending in a horizontal manner such that it intersects the prize deposit room  30 , and a triangular stopper  138  at an end portion of the shielding plate  136 , which is a rotation center. And a shaft hole for allowing the penetration of a shaft  135  is disposed on the joining portion of the shielding plate  136  and the stopper  138 . 
   In the configuration of the mechanism  132  for opening and closing the drop inlet, the stopper  138  has a small amount of protrusion, so that when the pair of shutters  134  are rotated in the A direction, a clearance between the pair of shutters  134  is increased according as the shielding plate  136  is inclined and the player may insert the hand from the clearance. Thus, in the present embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 22 , a locking mechanism  142  for locking the pair of shutters  134  when the game is not played is disposed. 
   The locking mechanism  142  has a solenoid  144  and a locking member  146  for regulating the rotation of the pair of shutters  134  by being driven by the solenoid  144 . The locking member  146  has a pair of abutting portions  146   a  and  146   b  for abutting on undersurfaces of the shutters  134 . The locking member  146  is normally held in a locked position for causing the pair of abutting portions  146   a  and  146   b  to abut on the undersurfaces of the shutters  134 . Also, the locking member  146  is configured to experience suction by an electromagnetic force of the solenoid  144  upon a game start and slide to a lock-released position for causing the pair of abutting portions  146   a  and  146   b  to space from the shutters  134 . 
   Accordingly, while the pair of abutting portions  146   a  and  146   b  abut on the undersurfaces of the shutters  134  in a locked state, when a person with long arms tries to rotate the pair of shutters  134  in the downward direction (the A direction), the rotation of the pair of shutters  134  is prevented with the locking mechanism  142 . 
   When the prize  18  is dropped from the drop inlet  26 , the pair of abutting portions  146   a  and  146   b  are spaced from the shutters  134  due to a suction movement of the solenoid  144 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the pair of shutters  134  are pressed by the load of the dropped prize  18  and rotated in the A direction relative to a shaft  136  as the center, thereby further allowing the prize  18  to drop downward. 
   Moreover, when the player insets the hand into the prize deposit room  30  from the outlet  32  and tries to rotate the pair of shutters  134  of a lock-released state in the B direction, the stopper  138  abuts on a side wall of the prize deposit room  30  and functions as a drop inlet locking unit, so that the rotation in the upward direction is prevented. 
   Since the prize  18  abuts on the shielding plate  136 , the pair of shutters  134  are rotated in the A direction relative to the shaft  136  as the center. Accordingly, the prize  18  is dropped downward through a clearance formed between the shielding plates  136  inclined in accordance with the rotation of the pair of shutters  124  in the A direction. 
   Thereafter, since the load of the prize  18  is not applied when the prize  18  is passed, the pair of shutters  134  are rotated in the B direction by a biasing force of a biasing member (not shown in the drawings) and returned to a state before the movement. 
   In this manner, the mechanism  132  for opening and closing the drop inlet functions sufficiently with only a mechanical configuration without disposing the driving motor or various detecting switches as in embodiment 1 mentioned above. 
   INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
   Although each embodiment mentioned above describes the prize-capturing game apparatus as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. A mechanism other than the prize-capturing mechanism disposed on the ceiling may move the movable body, or the present invention may be applied to a mechanism for moving a movable body other than one configured to grip a prize with a pair of arms. 
   Dropping a prize includes not only a direct drop into the prize deposit room but also a drop having a path such that a prize is dropped along an inclined wall surface. 
   In embodiment 1, when the turning arm  80  is in the lock position A, if the player tries to slide the shutter  74  in the Xb direction, the turning arm  80  is lodged, thereby constituting a drop inlet locking unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a drop inlet locking unit may be disposed in which the shutter  74  is held in the closed position by rotating a locking member using a driving unit such as a motor. 
   Further, in embodiment 1, whether the shutter  74  is in the closed position is confirmed by detecting the rotation position of the turning arm  80  using the shutter closed position detecting switch  84 . However, a detecting unit such as the shutter closed position detecting switch  84  does not need to be disposed. For example, whether the shutter  74  is in the closed position may be confirmed by detecting an output of a driving signal for driving the turning arm  80  to the closed position. 
   The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
   The present application is based on Japanese priority application No. 2003-317457 filed Sep. 9, 2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.