JP2010131431A - Information management system for game machine product - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the recording of repurchasers when game machine products newly shipped are resold as used ones afterward. <P>SOLUTION: Production management computers 2 and 4 are installed on a production line of a game machine factory to read out board management numbers, machine numbers and the like. The information read out is transmitted to a center management computer 8 through a network to be recorded collectively. The destinations of the delivery of the products are inputted with a shipping management computer 6 in the shipping process of the products so that all of the information are recorded into the center management computer 8 corresponding to the machine numbers or others. Thereafter, when the products are resoled as used machines, the repurchasers are further inputted from the shipping management computer 6, thereby enabling the recording of the information on the product numbers after the shipment and on the repurchasers collectively with the central control computer 8. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, a predetermined collection stand management slip is issued to an operating entity of a game hall accompanying a new gaming machine product, and a collection stand management slip is affixed to an existing gaming machine product to be discarded The present invention relates to an information management system for gaming machine products distributed under a management system that makes it possible to collect them in a state.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technology for recording completed product information when a game machine is produced by a production entity (manufacturer) and then shipped to an operation entity such as a game hall (hall) is known. For example, after the gaming machine that reads the identification information displayed on the finished product sent out from the production line of the gaming machine and records the identification information that has been read on the package as the finished product correspondence information after the finished product is packed There exists a processing apparatus (refer patent document 1).

  This known post-processing apparatus includes a computer system attached to a production line of game machines, and a CCD camera, an automatic packing machine, a printing machine, and the like are connected to the computer system. The finished product sent out from the production line is transported to an automatic warehouse along a transport path such as a roller conveyor, and in this transport process, identification information is first read from the certificate paper / rated sticker by image recognition by a CCD camera. . The read identification information is input to the computer system, where it is compared with existing data. Next, when the finished product is packed in vinyl by the automatic packing machine, the corresponding information for the finished product (machine number, model name, etc.) is printed on the outer surface of the vinyl package by the printing machine. .

  According to the known post-processing apparatus described above, the identification information reading, packing, and information printing operations can be performed mechanically for each finished product, thus preventing mistakes in the finished product information due to human error. It is considered that shipping mistakes for gaming machine products can be reduced.

JP 2001-276335 A (page 1-3, FIG. 1, FIG. 2)

  Recently, in the gaming machine industry, collection and recycling of used gaming machine products are being promoted from the viewpoint of reducing environmental impact and recycling resources. In fact, a management system called the “gaming machine collection system” starting from a specific area Is built within the industry. Under the management system of this gaming machine collection system, a collection mechanism called a “game machine exchange center” is interposed between the production body (manufacturer) of the gaming machine product and the management body (hall) of the game hall, and the machine is discharged from the hall. All of the gaming machine products that have been collected are picked up by the gaming machine replacement center, and are collected by the manufacturer from there, or are collected by the manufacturer in the form of recycled parts after being recycled.

  At this time, in order to clarify the cost burden required for picking up from the hall to the gaming machine replacement center, manufacturers participating in the gaming machine collection system will call the “collection table management slip” when shipping a new gaming machine product. A voucher will be issued together with the gaming machine product to the shipping destination hall, and the existing gaming machine product discharged from the hall in exchange for a new gaming machine product will be replaced with a collection management card attached Handing over to the center is agreed as a certain rule. Therefore, the collection stand management slip is recorded with an individual serial number, etc., together with a code representing the issuing manufacturer. As a general rule, the cost required for picking up from the hall to the gaming machine replacement center is borne by the collection stand management slip issuing manufacturer. It has become.

  However, if the existing gaming machine product is not discharged and disposed of in the hall, for example, if it is resold to another hall as a second-hand movement distribution product, the distribution product is not yet eligible for collection at this stage. Therefore, there is no need to affix a collection stand management slip. Alternatively, when an existing old machine is simply moved between chain stores of the same series, the old machine becomes a distribution product between chain stores at this stage and is not a target for picking up at the gaming machine exchange center. For this reason, even under the management system of the gaming machine collection system, when the distribution goods are moved, the collection base management slip is also transferred from the source hall to the destination hall, or the collection base management slip is transferred to the source hall. There is still room for the parties to freely decide whether or not to transfer only the goods to the destination hall.

  On the other hand, when the distribution product is discharged and disposed of in the hall where the distribution product is moved in the future, it is also necessary to attach a collection stand management slip in order to deliver it to the gaming machine replacement center. For this reason, under the management system of the gaming machine collection system, the location of the collection stand management slip issued by the manufacturer (game) before the gaming machine product distributed in the market is finally accepted by the collection mechanism. It is considered useful to clarify in some form (not only the name of the legal entity that manages the venue, but also information on the specific store).

  Therefore, the present invention provides an information management system capable of grasping information related to a collection stand management slip at a transaction stage from shipment to transfer / collection of gaming machine products distributed under the management system of the gaming machine collection system. The construction is an issue.

(Solution 1)
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a product information recording means for recording product information relating to a new gaming machine product to be delivered from a gaming machine product producing entity to a primary operating entity of a game hall, and a novel gaming machine When an existing gaming machine product is transferred as a second-hand product from the primary operating entity to another secondary operating entity in place of the product, the transfer destination of the gaming machine product that will be used based on the notification from the secondary operating entity And a transfer destination recording means for recording. That is, when a game machine product is transferred as a used product, if the transfer destination is recorded in the shipping manufacturer, the location until the product is discharged can always be grasped.

(Solution 2)
The information management system of the present invention is applied to gaming machine products distributed under the following management system. In other words, when a new gaming machine product is delivered from the gaming machine product producer to the game hall operating entity, a collection management card with predetermined identification information is attached to the new gaming machine product. Issued and when a new gaming machine product is introduced in place of an existing gaming machine product, the gaming machine operator can accept the existing gaming machine product with a collection management card attached It is assumed that gaming machine products will be distributed under a management system with a collection path.

  Even under the above management system, when a collection management card is issued from the production entity to the primary operation entity, it is not always used for acceptance into the collection route. In this case, for example, the primary operating entity will use the collection table management slip for the collection and disposal of the gaming machine product at a later date, or the existing gaming machine product will be used for resale and distribution goods for movement between chain stores. As such, when transferring to another secondary operating entity, it is not known by the producing entity that is the issuer whether or not the collection table management slip will be transferred along with this. If the collection stand management slip is used later for acceptance into the collection route, information is fed back to the issuing producer according to the agreement under the above management system, but the collection stand management slip is not used. If it is transferred to another, until then the collection stand management slip is finally used, no information on the location of the collection stand management slip can be obtained by the issuing producer.

  Therefore, the information management system of the present invention, when there is a transfer of an existing game machine product as a distribution product for second-hand resale or movement between chain stores under the above-mentioned management system, is accompanied by a collection table management slip. Assuming that clear arrangements are made for the handling of transfers, information is processed according to those arrangements. For this reason, the information management system of the present invention includes a product information recording means for recording product information relating to a new gaming machine product to be delivered from a gaming machine product producer to a primary operating entity of a game hall, An identification information recording means for recording the identification information attached to the collection stand management slip when the collection stand management slip is issued to the primary management entity in association with the gaming machine product, and another secondary from the primary management entity When an existing gaming machine product is transferred to the operating entity as a distribution product, a collection stand is attached to the gaming machine product that becomes the distribution product from information provided based on the notification from the primary operating entity or the secondary operating entity. Management form movement confirmation means for confirming that the management form has been transferred is provided.

  Since the production entity records product information when shipping a new game machine product, it is related to the product information of the distribution item when the distribution item is transferred. It is easy to record information. For example, in the case of transfer of a distribution product, it is assumed that it is established as an agreement that the collection table management slip is transferred. Furthermore, the operating entity establishes as an agreement to notify related parties of product information of gaming machine products, identification information of collection stand management slips, etc. during the transfer procedure. In this case, the product information is identified in the information management system from the information provided based on the notification from the primary operating entity that is the transfer source of the distribution product or the secondary operating entity that is the transfer destination, By associating and recording the identification information of the collection table management slip, it is possible to confirm that the collection table management slip has been correctly transferred according to the above-mentioned agreement.

  In the information management system of the present invention, “information provided based on notification from the operating entity” means that each operating entity transfers the existing gaming machine product to the related parties. It means information that can be provided by making a predetermined notification. For example, if an existing gaming machine product is moved between two operating entities (including two different stores in the same series), the operating entity that is the destination of the move will have an actual machine installation work with a gaming machine sales company. It is necessary to negotiate in advance. In addition, it is necessary to submit documents to an organization that manages transaction / sales of gaming machine products at the time of transaction, and these documents are necessary attachments when applying for change approval to a predetermined public security organization. Therefore, as stated above, if it is decided that the management entity will notify the parties concerned with the information on the collection table management slip together with the product information of the gaming machine product as described above, based on this notification It is possible to actually provide information on product information and collection stand management slips.

(Solution 3)
The above management slip movement confirmation means is based on a notification from the secondary operating entity or the tertiary operating entity when a game machine product to be distributed is transferred from the secondary operating entity to another tertiary operating entity. It is possible to further confirm from the information provided in the above that there is a transfer of the collection table management slip accompanying the gaming machine product that is a distribution product.

  In other words, if the distribution product is transferred more than once, product information is identified in the information management system from the information provided based on the notification from the secondary operating entity or the tertiary operating entity, and combined with this. If the identification information of the collection table management slip is recorded, it can be confirmed that the collection table management slip has been correctly transferred according to the above-mentioned agreement.

(Solution 4)
Under the above management system, a plurality of production entities record unique identification information and issue collection table management slips to the primary management entity, and the collection path is the production source of the collection table management slip issuer. Even if the main body and the production body of the existing gaming machine product are different, the existing gaming machine product can be accepted.

  In this case, in the above solution 2 or 3, when the information management system confirms that there is a transfer of the collection table management form by the management form movement confirmation means, the information management system is from any of the primary management entity to the tertiary management entity. The identification means for identifying the production entity of the gaming machine product that is the issuer of the collection stand management slip from the information provided based on the notification, and the production entity that is the issuer of the collection stand management slip identified by this identification means Information about the secondary operating entity or the tertiary operating entity to which the collection unit management slip is transferred to the production entity that is the issuer of the collection unit management slip Notification output means for outputting a management slip movement notification for informing the user. Note that the operating entity that performs the notification is the primary operating entity or the secondary operating entity in the above solution 2, and is the secondary operating entity or the tertiary operating entity in the solution 3.

  If the production entity of the game machine product that becomes the distribution product is different from the production entity that is the issuer of the collection stand management slip transferred along with this, the production entity of the distribution product is Although it can be confirmed from the information provided on the basis of the notification that the collection table management slip has been transferred, there is no particular guarantee that the producing entity that is the publisher can know this. Therefore, in such a case, an agreement has been established to notify the information regarding the secondary operating entity or tertiary operating entity that is the transfer destination from the producing entity that has confirmed the transfer of the collection stand management slip to the issuing manufacturing entity. This is very convenient for each production entity.

  Assuming such an arrangement, according to the information management system of the present invention, since the management slip movement notification is output to inform the production entity of the issuer of the information on the transfer destination of the collection base management slip, the above As a result, each production entity is guaranteed an opportunity to enjoy information.

(Solution 5)
The above is information processing based on the premise that the collection stand management slip must be transferred along with the game machine product that will be distributed, but in the case where a flexible transaction form is allowed in view of the market situation Of course there can be.

  In other words, the information management system for gaming machine products distributed under the above management system is a product related to a new gaming machine product that should be delivered from the gaming machine product producing entity to the primary operating entity of the game hall that is the shipping destination. Product information recording means for recording information, and when the collection base management slip is issued to the primary operating body accompanying the new gaming machine product from the production body, the identification information attached to the collection base management slip is recorded Provided based on the notification from the primary operating entity or the secondary operating entity when the existing gaming machine product is transferred as a distribution product from the identification information recording means and the primary operating entity to another secondary operating entity An aspect may be provided with management form movement recording means for confirming whether or not there is a transfer of the collection table management form accompanying the gaming machine product as a distribution product from the information and recording the presence or absence.

  In this case, it becomes clear only when there is a notification from the primary operating entity or the secondary operating entity whether or not there has been a transfer of the collection table management slip. When the information is provided based on this notification, the information management In the system, the presence / absence and location of collection table management slips can be recorded reliably.

(Solution 6)
In addition, the above-mentioned management slip movement recording means is based on a notification from the secondary operating entity or the tertiary operating entity when a game machine product to be distributed is transferred from the secondary operating entity to another tertiary operating entity. It is also possible to confirm whether or not there is a transfer of the collection table management slip accompanying the gaming machine product that is a distribution product from the information provided, and the presence or absence can also be recorded.

  That is, even if the distribution product is transferred multiple times, product information is identified in the information management system from the information provided based on the notification from the secondary operating entity or the tertiary operating entity each time. In addition, if it is confirmed whether or not the collection stand management slip has been transferred and the location is recorded, the location of the collection stand management slip can always be grasped on the information management system.

(Solution 7)
Even if the above transaction modes are allowed, under the above management system, a plurality of production entities record unique identification information and issue collection table management slips to the primary management entity, and the collection route In this case, the existing gaming machine product can be accepted even if the production entity that is the issuer of the collection table management slip is different from the production entity of the existing gaming machine product.

  In this case, the information management system of the present invention in the above solution 5 or 6 confirms that the management card movement recording means has transferred the collection table management slip from the primary management entity to the tertiary management entity. The identification means for identifying the production entity of the gaming machine product that is the issuer of the collection stand management slip from the information provided based on the notification from either, and the issuer of the collection stand management slip identified by this identification means When a production entity is different from the production entity of a game machine product to be distributed, the secondary management entity or the tertiary management entity to which the collection unit management slip is transferred to the production entity that issued the collection unit management slip Notification output means for outputting a collection table management slip movement notification for notifying information about the information. Note that the operating entity that performs the notification is the primary operating entity or the secondary operating entity in the solving means 5 and the secondary operating entity or the tertiary operating entity in the solving means 6.

  Similar to Solution 4 above, if the production entity of the gaming machine product to be distributed is different from the production entity that is the issuer of the collection table management slip transferred along with this, Although the entity can confirm whether or not the collection table management slip has been transferred from the information provided based on the notification from any of the operating entities, there is a particular opportunity for the producing entity to be able to know this. Not guaranteed. Therefore, in such a case, the production entity that has confirmed that the collection table management slip has been transferred notifies the issuer of the secondary operating entity or tertiary operating entity that is the transfer destination to the issuing issuing entity. It is very convenient for each production entity if an agreement is established. Furthermore, according to the information management system of the present invention, since the management slip movement notification is output to inform the production entity of the issuer of information related to the transfer destination of the collection base management slip, the above arrangement is executed smoothly. Each production entity is guaranteed an opportunity to enjoy information.

  The information management system for gaming machine products according to the present invention always tracks the location of collection table management slips issued by the producer in the past as information even when the distribution and trading activities of gaming machine products have progressed over several stages.・ Can be grasped. For this reason, for example, it is possible to know exactly whether the collection stand management slip issued by itself is used or not, and the collection stand management slip already used is used repeatedly. Therefore, unauthorized use due to counterfeiting of the collection table management slip can be suppressed.

  In addition, since it is possible to smoothly execute an arrangement in which notifications are exchanged between different production entities, there is no leakage when grasping the location of the collection stand management slip issued by all production entities. The completeness of information processing by the management system can be greatly increased.

It is the figure which showed roughly the flow of the procedure from development of an amusement machine product to a test | inspection. It is the figure which showed roughly the flow of the procedure of a new stand installation, and the structure of a game machine collection | recovery system. It is the figure which showed the collection stand management slip concretely. It is the figure which showed roughly the procedure at the time of used movement, and the collection procedure of a disposal stand. It is the figure which showed the example of a structure of the information management system. It is a figure for demonstrating the process at the time of the movement of the distribution goods by the information management system, and disposal.

An embodiment of an information management system for gaming machine products will be described along the following items with reference to the corresponding drawings. In the following explanation, pachinko machines are taken up as an example of gaming machine products, and the whole (game board and frame) is produced and distributed together, or only the game board is produced and distributed alone. Assumes both.
0. Explanation of distribution procedures for gaming machine products (Figures 1 and 2)
0-1. Procedures from new model development to verification 0-2. Procedures for new installation of gaming machine products Explanation of gaming machine collection system (Fig.1, 2)
1-1. Mode of recovery route 1-2. Mode of second-hand movement 1-3. Resale example 2. Explanation of information management system (Figs. 3 and 4)
2-1. System configuration 2-2. Processing at the time of shipment 2-2-1. Product information recording means 2-2-2. Identification information recording means 2-3. Processing during second-hand movement 2-3-1. Processing example 1 during second-hand movement
2-3-2. Management slip movement confirmation means 2-3-3. Processing example 2 during second-hand movement
2-3-4. Management slip movement recording means 2-3-5. Identification means 2-3-6. Notification output means 2-4. 2. Disposal process 3. Usefulness of information management system Reference to other embodiments.

(0. Explanation of distribution procedure for gaming machine products)
Before describing the technical contents of the present invention, the procedure from development to distribution of gaming machine products, which is the premise thereof, will be described.

(0-1. Procedures from new model development to verification)
FIG. 1 schematically shows a procedure from development of a new model by a gaming machine maker to approval by a public security organization. In other words, game machine manufacturers are constantly focusing on new technology development, and as a result, new game machine products will be sent to the market one after another. As a premise, new machine models will conform to certain laws and regulations. Need to be. For this purpose, the inspection body that performs the type test is the National Public Safety Commission (National Police Agency), but in practice, the Japan Institute of Secure Electronic Communication Technology (abbreviated as “Tokakyo”), which is designated as an inspection organization by the National Police Agency. Perform a type test. In addition, in order to ship and deliver new models to the hall, it is necessary to undergo a test by the public safety organization of each prefecture, and the verification body that conducts the test is the local public safety committee (prefectural police headquarters) Examinations are entrusted to the above-mentioned Hotsukyo from the local public safety committee.

  Against this background, when a gaming machine manufacturer, which is the main producer, develops a new model (P1), the manufacturer makes an application for a type test to Hotsukyo (P2). At this time, the manufacturer submits application materials containing detailed explanations of the gaming machine to be subjected to the type test and the actual machine of the gaming machine to Hotsukyo.

  When an application is received, the BTS conducts a type test based on the application materials and the actual machine, and determines suitability according to laws and regulations (P3, P4). As a result of the test, if it is determined that the test is “conforming”, the maintenance association notifies the manufacturer as the applicant of the test conformance (P5). When the manufacturer receives a “Type Test Compliance Notice” (P6), it further applies to the Conservation Association for the issuance of a type test certified copy (P7). At this time, the copy application will be made for each prefecture where the new model is shipped and distributed. According to the number of requests from the manufacturer (for each prefecture), the Hotsukyo Co., Ltd. issues type test conformity copies, which the manufacturer receives (P8, P9).

  Upon receipt of a certified copy of the type test, the manufacturer then applies to the public safety committee of each prefecture (P10). At this time, the manufacturer submits a certified copy of the type test for each prefecture and other documents to the local public safety committee.

  Upon receiving the application for certification, the local public safety committee conducts the certification (P11), and as a result, “certification notice” and “certification notice” as defined in laws and regulations are given (P12). In addition, since it is premised that the application for certification has already been applied to the type test by the Conservation Association, the specific certification practice here is omitted.

  Through the above procedure, the manufacturer can finally receive a certificate of approval for each prefecture (P13). As a result, manufacturers can actually ship and sell gaming machine products in each prefecture.

(0-2. New installation procedures for gaming machine products)
FIG. 2 schematically shows a procedure for newly installing a gaming machine product in a hall (game room) and a flow of existing gaming machine products discharged from the hall. First, the procedure for newly installing a gaming machine product in the hall will be described.

  For example, shipment / delivery of a pachinko machine (new machine) is determined by a sales offer from a manufacturer or a sales company (hereinafter simply referred to as “manufacturer”), that is, a sales activity (P21). At this time, it is determined whether the hole is a new introduction including a frame, or whether only the game board is replaced without changing the existing frame (P22). In the latter case, the hole is an existing hand-held frame. The manufacturer number is notified to the manufacturer (P23). The serial number of the frame is recorded on the transaction document when the old machine was purchased before or on the stamp sticker attached to the frame itself.

  The manufacturer has a database that records the serial numbers of products that have already been shipped (details will be described later), and updates the existing database when notified of the frame serial number from the hall to be replaced. P24). At this time, the manufacturer determines the serial number of the delivery machine (game board) and re-records the frame serial number of the hole to be replaced and the serial number of the game board. If there are a plurality of delivery machines, a copy of the list of serial numbers, a copy of the certification notice, a warranty card, a collection table management slip, etc. are issued to the hall (P25). In the above-described procedure P24, if the board is not replaced but a new machine including a frame and a game board is delivered, a database of production numbers and the like is newly created for all shipped products (P30).

  The hall that receives the delivery of the new machine creates an application form based on the materials issued by the manufacturer and applies for change approval to the local public safety commission (the police station in charge) (P26). The application form includes a list of serial numbers provided by the manufacturer, a copy of the certification notice, and a warranty card. When the Public Safety Commission accepts the change approval application (P27), it conducts a witness inspection in the hall on a predetermined inspection day (P28).

  After issuing the documents to the hall, the manufacturer ships the machine (frame / game board) that should actually be delivered (P29). At this time, the manufacturer has a database that associates the product number with the collection base management slip number by mechanically reading the collection base management slip number and the like in addition to the production number and ID code (described later in detail) attached to the product. It is created (P30).

  In addition, a new stand that has been delivered is actually installed in the hall (P31) and undergoes a witness inspection by the police station in charge (P28). As a result of the witness inspection, if it is confirmed that the machine has been installed correctly as requested, the Public Safety Commission approves the change (P32), and the hall can start business with this approval (P33). .

  The above is the flow of procedures when a new gaming machine product is installed in the hall. When a new machine is installed in the hall, it is considered that a disposal table usually comes out of the hall instead. Therefore, in the gaming machine collection system described below, a management system is established that can collect the disposal table from the hall to the production entity.

(1. Explanation of gaming machine collection system)
FIG. 2 also shows an outline of the gaming machine collection system. In the actual gaming machine collection system, a large number of manufacturers that are the main players in the production of gaming machine products participate, and there are many halls that are the main players in the amusement hall. For this reason, only the manufacturer of the new machine, the manufacturer of the discarded old machine, and the hall that receives the new machine are shown as representative examples.

(1-1. Mode of recovery route)
Under the management system of the gaming machine collection system, a gaming machine exchange center as a collection mechanism is interposed between the manufacturer and the hall, and the entire game board or pachinko machine (old machine) discharged from each hall is the gaming machine exchange center. After that, it is collected by the manufacturer.

  Here, there are two modes for the collection path of the old machine, one of which is called, for example, “collection upon delivery” and the other is called “route collection”. In the first “collection at the time of delivery”, for example, when a new pachinko machine (new machine) is delivered to each hall from a new machine supplier, the old machine discharged from each hall is replaced with a new machine at the gaming machine exchange center. Taken over. On the other hand, in the “route collection”, when the old machine owned by each hall is to be disposed of, the old machine is taken over at the gaming machine exchange center by notifying the fact.

  FIG. 3 specifically shows a voucher commonly used in the gaming machine collection system, that is, a collection table management vote. Under the management system of the gaming machine collection system, it is necessary to attach the collection table management slip shown in FIG. 3 when picking up by the gaming machine exchange center in any collection mode. A management slip number is recorded as predetermined identification information in the collection table management slip, and this management slip number is printed by, for example, 8-digit characters and a two-dimensional code (micro QR code). In addition, the management slip number includes a serial number following the manufacturer-specific code representing the issuer.

  Each manufacturer is the publisher of the collection stand management slip, and when each manufacturer delivers a new stand to its shipping destination hall, it is determined that the collection stand management slip for that number will be delivered to the hall. Yes. Therefore, in the case of the above “collection at delivery”, each manufacturer issues a collection base management slip for the number of units delivered to the hall to which the new unit is shipped first, and discharges it in place of the new unit at the hall that is the shipping destination. It is only necessary to attach a collection stand management slip to each old stand.

  In the case of “route collection”, the collection stand management slip received from each manufacturer at the time of delivery of the new stand is held in the shipping destination hall, and when the old stand is disposed of later, the collection stand management slip is You can ask the game machine exchange center to collect it. However, it is necessary to attach a collection management card for each discharge unit even if only the game board in which the discharged product from the hall is separated from the frame is used. Conversely, even when purchasing a game board only from a manufacturer, a collection management card for the number of purchases is issued to the hall.

  In either case, regardless of whether the manufacturer of the collection stand management slip and the manufacturer of the old stand match each other, all of the old stands with the collection stand management slip attached to the gaming machine replacement center Acceptance is possible, and it is determined that the cost (for example, transportation cost) required for acceptance to the gaming machine replacement center is borne by the manufacturer issuing the collection table management slip.

  At the gaming machine replacement center, the old machines collected are stored separately for each manufacturer, and after a predetermined period (for example, 2 weeks), they are shipped to the manufacturer or transferred to a recycling processor upon request from the manufacturer. Yes. At this time, the manufacturer receives only the old machine produced by the company or its remanufactured parts.

  When each manufacturer receives the old machine from the gaming machine replacement center, it updates the existing database (P34 in FIG. 2). At this time, as the collection information, the manufacturing number of the old machine, the management card number of the collecting machine, etc. are reflected in the database. For example, when the target product is identified from the manufacturing number recorded at the time of shipment, the target product is “discarded / collected”. Etc. are added.

  On the other hand, the old machines received by each manufacturer from the gaming machine replacement center may have a collection table management form issued by their own company, or a collection table management form issued by another company (other manufacturer). Sometimes it is. Hereinafter, database update will be described for each case.

  First, if the manufacturer of the new machine delivered to the hall and the manufacturer of the old machine discarded from the hall are the same, the manufacturer identifies the number from the collection table management slip affixed to the collected old machine and uses this as it is. It can be reflected in its own database. In this case, if it is recorded in the database that the collection table management slip that has been issued once has been used, unauthorized use of the collection table management slip due to subsequent counterfeiting can be prevented.

  On the other hand, if the manufacturer of the new stand delivered to the hall is different from the manufacturer of the old stand discarded from the hall, the issuing manufacturer has no opportunity to know that the collection stand management slip issued by itself has been used. Therefore, the inventor of the present invention, when the manufacturer of the new machine and the disposal machine are different under the management system of the “gaming machine collection system”, the manufacturer of the collection machine is the manufacturer of the issuer from the collection machine management slip affixed to the old machine It is advocated to establish an arrangement to provide information on the collection table management slip to the manufacturer of the issuer. If information is exchanged between manufacturers under such a unified rule, the manufacturer who has received the information on the collection table management slip can easily reflect this in its own database. Similarly, in this case, if the collection table management form issued once is recorded in the database, it is possible to prevent the unauthorized use of the collection table management form due to subsequent counterfeiting or the like.

(1-2. Second-hand movement mode)
The above is a specific arrangement for the case where each hall disposes of the old machine under the management system of the gaming machine collection system. Apart from this, when transferring old machines between multiple halls (including those in the same chain store) by second-hand resale or chain store movement, there is no involvement of the gaming machine exchange center. There is no need to affix a collection stand management slip. Therefore, for example, the hall where the new machine is installed may resell the old machine as a distribution product to another hall while holding the collection machine management form received from the manufacturer. In some cases, they may be resold together. In addition, when an existing table is simply moved between affiliated chain stores, it is normally considered not to move the collection table management slip.

(1-3. Resale example)
FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of moving the old platform between a plurality of halls and its procedure. In the following explanation, the hall that receives the delivery of a new machine from the manufacturer is the primary operating entity, the other hall that purchases the old machine as a secondhand distribution product from this hall is the secondary operating entity, and the hall from the secondary operating entity is the old. Another hall that purchases a stand as a secondhand distribution product will be handled as a third party.

Buying and selling secondhand goods from the hall that is the primary operating entity to the other halls that are the secondary operating entity is performed according to the following procedure.
(1) For example, an agreement for buying and selling secondhand goods is established between two halls (A and B) through the mediation of an intermediary.
(2) Hall A of the primary operating entity that becomes the seller (source) discloses the used table information that it owns in advance to Hall B of the secondary operating entity that becomes the buyer (destination). Here, the used table information includes information such as the above-mentioned certification notice (issued by the Prefectural Public Safety Commission), warranty card (issued by the manufacturer), serial number list (issued by the manufacturer), and the like.

(3) Hall B negotiates in advance with a gaming machine sales company based on the used machine information notified in advance, and determines the date of installation of the used gaming machine with the consent.
(4) When negotiations are finally finalized between Halls A and B, a sales contract is concluded between them, and the three-split contract created here is Hall A, Hall B, and the union (All Japan Games Business Cooperative Each union association or local union) holds one copy.
(5) Upon completion of the negotiation, Hall A will send used machines and related documents to Hall B.

(6) Based on the documents received from Hall A, submit an application for transfer from Hall B to Yusho (National Amusement Machine Commercial Cooperative Association). Will be stamped to the effect.
(7) After accepting the application by the amusement company, Hall B applies to the local public safety commission (the police station in charge) for the approval of the change of the gaming machine. At this time, the application form will be accompanied by a list of serial numbers related to second-hand machines, as well as documents stamped by Yusho.

(8) The used stand installation work received by Hall B is performed by the sales company going to Hall B at the date and time determined in the prior installation negotiation in (3) above.
(9) Upon receiving the change approval application from Hall B, the Public Security Committee will witness inspection at Hall B and confirm that there are no deficiencies in the content.
(10) When Hall B receives approval from the Public Safety Commission, it can start business using a used car purchased from Hall A.

  The above is a specific example of second-hand resale from Hall A to Hall B, but the external procedure is the same for second-hand movement between affiliated chain stores. Thereafter, the procedure of the above (1) to (10) is repeated also when the goods to be transferred are transferred from Hall B as the secondary operating entity to another hall as the tertiary operating entity. In addition, in the case where used distribution goods are resold / transferred from the hall that became the third management entity to other halls, in principle, the same procedure is taken with the source as the secondary management entity and the destination as the third management entity. Can be repeated.

  When the installation of the old platform in Hall B is completed by second-hand movement, the fact is notified from the sales company to the amusement company (setting completion notification). When this notification is received, the movement information after the installation is completed is provided from the commerce to the manufacturer of the old machine that has moved. This information includes, for example, the information regarding the movement number of the old table that has been moved, information on the movement of the collection table management slip (details will be described later), and the hole B to which the old table has been moved.

  In addition, the manufacturer of the old machine receives the above information, updates its own database, and adds the latest information (such as the store name and location of the hall) about the destination of the old machine shipped in the past. Furthermore, if it is confirmed from the above information that the collection base management slip issued by the manufacturer has been transferred along with the old base, each manufacturer will update its own database, and the collection base management slip issued in the past will be updated. You can also add up-to-date information about whereabouts.

  The above processing is based on the assumption that the manufacturer of the old machine that has been used is the same as the manufacturer that issued the collection table management slip that has been transferred. The issuer of the collection table management slip transferred along with the manufacturer of the old table is not always consistent. For this reason, if the manufacturer of the old machine that has been used is different from the manufacturer that issued the collection table management slip transferred along with this, the collection table management slip issued by the manufacturer will be transferred. There is no opportunity to know what has been done.

  Therefore, the inventor of the present invention is informed that the manufacturer notified of the movement of the collection table management slip issued by the other company from the movement information provided by Yusho is the collection table management obtained by the manufacturer that is the issuer. It is advocated that a common arrangement is to notify information about votes. In this case, since movement information of the collection table management slip is exchanged between different manufacturers, each manufacturer can always grasp the location of the collection table management slip issued by itself.

  On the other hand, if a discarded table comes out from Hall B where the old unit was installed due to second-hand movement, the “route collection” will be performed by the gaming machine replacement center with the collection table management slip attached to it. It is the same as (FIG. 2). Similarly in this case, if the manufacturer of the collection table is the same as the manufacturer that issued the collection table management slip, the manufacturer will reflect the information on the collection tray management slip affixed to the collection stand in its own database. be able to. If the manufacturer of the collection table is different from the manufacturer that issued the collection table management slip, the manufacturer of the collection table management slip should reflect that information in the database by mutual notification between manufacturers. Can do.

(2. Explanation of information management system)
The above is an overview of the creation of a database at the time of shipment of a new machine, and the update of the database at the time of subsequent movement / discard of a used car. In creating and updating such a database, it is desirable to construct an information management system that can efficiently handle a huge amount of data. A preferred embodiment of the information management system for gaming machine products will be described below.

(2-1. System configuration)
FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of the information management system. The information management system includes a plurality of computers and peripheral devices thereof, and the computers are preferably connected to each other through a network.

  The information management system of FIG. 5 can be constructed in a factory of a production entity (manufacturer), for example. Specifically, the production management computers 2 and 4 are installed along with the production lines of the factories already owned by each manufacturer, and the shipment management computer 6 for inputting various information in the shipping process is installed. And the central management computer 8 can be connected to a network, so that an information management system can be easily constructed in an existing factory, and the above-described database is configured by various recording devices and media included in the information management system.

(2-2. Processing at the time of shipment)
The manufacturer can record, for example, the following information in the database using the information management system when producing and shipping the entire game board or pachinko machine (game board and frame).
(A) Board management number (B) Game board production number (C) Frame production number (D) ID code (E) Collection table management slip number (F) Delivery destination (game board + board)
(H) Product status (game board + board)
(J) Customer (frame)
(L) Product status (frame)
(O) Collection table management slip state.

(2-2-1. Product information recording means)
Of these, (A) the board management number is a machine number assigned to the main board as a genuine product that has passed the certification, and is specifically given to each manufacturer by the Japan Amusement Machine Industry Association. This (A) board management number can be read from the certificate sticker S1 affixed to the board box 12 of the game board 10. For example, (A) the board management number is printed with characters and QR code on the certificate sticker S1. Yes.

  The (B) game board production number is a machine number assigned to the game board 10 as a genuine product, and is similarly given to each maker from the Japan Game Machine Industry Association. This (B) game board serial number can be read from, for example, a certificate sticker (not shown) affixed to the front position of the game board 10, and (B) the game board serial number is a letter and QR. Printed by code. Similarly, the (C) frame manufacturing number is a machine number assigned to the frame 14, and the (C) frame manufacturing number can be read from the stamp seal S 2 attached to the frame 14. Also on the stamp seal S2, (C) the frame production number is printed with characters and a QR code.

  A QR reader 16 is connected to each of the production management computers 2 and 4 so that the information printed on the stamp seals S1 and S2 can be mechanically read. The production management computers 2 and 4 can optically read the QR code using the QR reader 16 and extract information recorded therein. The information (A) to (C) extracted here is transmitted to the central management computer 8 through the network, and is recorded together there.

  Further, the ID code of (D) is individually assigned in advance by the manufacturer of the CPU. By mounting the CPU (security chip) on which such an ID code is recorded on the main board, it is easy to detect an unauthorized board. Can be. An ID reader 18 is connected to each production management computer 2, 4, and this ID reader 18 has a function of reading an ID code recorded in a CPU (not shown) of the main board. If the main board is energized on the production line, the ID reader 18 is connected to the main board to communicate with the CPU, and the ID code is read and recognized by the production management computers 2 and 4. it can. Similarly, the recognized (D) ID code is transmitted to the central management computer 8 through the network and recorded in the database together with the numbers (A) to (C).

  The information of the (D) ID code is used when an on-site inspection is performed by the Public Safety Commission after product shipment. That is, in the on-site inspection, an ID code is read from the CPU by connecting an ID reader held by the Public Safety Commission to a machine (main board) suspected of unauthorized modification. Then, the ID code is inquired to the gaming machine manufacturer, and it is confirmed whether or not it matches the genuine product at the time of actual manufacturer shipment. At this time, if the ID code is different from the manufacturer's record, it is easily detected that the board has been tampered with. Similarly, when the ID code itself is not recorded in the CPU, it can be easily detected that the board is an illegal product.

(2-2-2. Identification information recording means)
Remaining (E) collection stand management slip number, (F) delivery destination (game board + board), (H) product status (game board + board), (J) delivery destination (frame), (L) product status ( Each information on the status of the (frame) and (O) collection table management slip can be recorded, for example, in the shipping process of a new table (the entire game board or pachinko machine).

  First, the collection base management slip number of (E) is read into the shipping management computer 6 by reading the management slip number of the collection base management slip issued along with the new base with a QR reader (not shown) or by key operation. To be recorded. Further, the delivery destination (game board + board) of (F) is recorded in the delivery management computer 6 by inputting information relating to the delivery destination when only the game board is used as a shipment unit. When the shipment unit is the entire pachinko machine, (J) the delivery destination (frame) is simultaneously recorded together with the information of (F). The information on the delivery destinations of (F) and (J) can be used to specify the final owner when an illegally discarded disposal table is found after product shipment. In other words, it is illegal to record the above-mentioned (A) board management number, (B) game board production number, (C) frame production number, etc. and (F), (J) delivery destinations in a database. The final owner can be easily identified from the serial number of the discarded disposal table.

  At the time of shipment, (H) product state (game board + board) and (L) product state (frame) are recorded in the shipment management computer 6 as “new delivery”, for example. Further, the state of the collection base management form (O) is recorded in the shipment management computer 6 as “unused”, for example.

  When information is recorded in the shipping management computer 6 in the shipping processing step, the information is further transmitted from the shipping management computer 6 to the central management computer 8 through the network and stored in the database together with the information (A) to (D). It is to be recorded.

(2-3. Processing during second-hand movement)
Next, a description will be given of the movement by resale of old machines (distributed goods), the movement between chain stores (hereinafter collectively referred to as “used movement”), and information processing at the time of disposal based on the gaming machine collection system. Again, information processing can be performed using the information management system.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration and additional information of the information management system used in the processing at the time of used movement / discard. First, an output device 18 is newly added to the information management system, and this output device 18 is also connected to the central management computer 8 through a network. Here, examples of suitable output device 18 include various printer devices, facsimile devices, computers connected to the Internet, and the like.

(2-3-1. Processing example 1 during second-hand movement)
First, processing example 1 when there is a second-hand movement due to resale of an old machine will be described. As already mentioned, there is no particular agreement as to whether or not the collection stand management slip will be transferred at the time of second-hand resale under the management system of the gaming machine collection system. Therefore, the inventor of the present invention proposes to transfer the collection stand management slip together with the first rule when a used resale occurs under the management system of the gaming machine collection system. We created an information processing method that enables the information management system to confirm that the collection table management slip has been transferred according to the rules.

  In addition, in this first rule, at least at the time of prior installation negotiations with the sales company, or at the time of application for transfer to the amusement company, it is unified that the number of the collection management card is notified from the hall to the sales company or the amusement company It is desirable to make this arrangement. In addition, when the sales company receives a notification of the collection base management slip number during the pre-installation negotiation, this shall be notified to the amusement company together with, for example, the installation completion notification, and finally the collection base management slip number from the amusement company to each manufacturer. Shall be provided as information.

Hereinafter, the movement example 1 when the first rule is observed will be described in detail.
First, when there is travel information provided to the manufacturer after the completion of installation by second-hand travel, the manufacturer searches the existing information from the serial number of the distribution product based on this. For example, when the serial number of the distribution product is input to the shipping management computer 6, the existing information on the target distribution product from the database recorded in the central management computer 8 through the network, that is, recorded at the time of past shipment Information is read.

When the existing information related to the distribution product is specified in the information management system, for example, the following additional information is recorded.
(G1, G2, G3, ...) Product destination (game board + board)
(H) Product status (game board + board)
(K1, K2, K3, ...) Product destination (frame)
(L) Product status (frame)
(N1, N2, N3,...) Recovery stand management slip move destination (O) Recovery stand management slip state.

  Of these, (G1, G2, G3,...) Product movement destination (game board + board) and (K1, K2, K3,...) The information of a certain hole is recorded by inputting it into the shipping management computer 6. For example, when the entire game board or pachinko machine has moved from the specific hole A shown in FIG. 4 to the hole B, the existing information is identified from the serial number of the distribution product provided by the amusement company after the installation is completed. In addition, information regarding the hole B can be additionally recorded as (G1) product destination (game board + substrate) or (K1) product destination (frame).

  After this, for example, if there is a repeated movement of the goods from Hall B to another hole, to another hole, information is provided by the amusement company after the installation in the destination hall is completed each time. Existing information is identified from the serial number of the distribution product, and it is the latest as (G2, G3, ...) product destination (game board + board) or (K2, K3, ...) product destination (frame) It is possible to add and record information on the hall that is the destination of the movement to the database.

  The above (H) product status (game board + board) and (L) product status (frame) are both recorded as “new delivery” at the time of shipment of a new machine. H) Update the database record with the product status (game board + board) or (L) product status (frame) as “move”.

  Next, based on the movement information after completion of installation provided by the amusement company, the number of the collection base management slip transferred together with the distribution item is searched from the database of the central management computer 8. As a result, when the information on the (E) collection table management form number recorded at the time of shipment is specified, information on the hole B is added to (N1) collection table management form transfer destination.

  In addition, after this, for example, if the goods in circulation have been moved from hole B to another hole and further to another hole, information will be provided by the amusement company after completion of installation in the destination hall each time. (E) Identify the existing information from the collection table management slip number, and add (N2, N3, ...) information on the hall that is the latest destination as the collection platform management slip destination to record. Can do.

  As for (O) collection stand management slip state, the record of information can be updated as “unused” at the stage of movement of the distribution product as in the case of shipment.

(2-3-2. Management slip movement confirmation means)
Next, the function of the management slip movement confirmation means by the information management system will be described. For example, in accordance with the first rule, the number of the recovery table management slip that Hall B has handed over from Hall A during second-hand movement is provided to the manufacturer as movement information after installation is completed. From this information, when the collection base management slip number (E) is input to the shipping processing computer 6 at the manufacturer, the collection base management slip is transferred together with the transfer of the distribution goods by referring to the database of the central management computer 8. It can be confirmed that it has been transferred correctly. At this time, if the input (E) collection stand management slip number matches the record in the existing database, the central management computer 8 may display, for example, “confirm collection stand management slip transfer” on the display screen. Confirmation information can be displayed. Conversely, if (E) the collection base management slip number does not match the record in the existing database, or (E) the collection base management slip number is not entered, “ A warning message such as “The transfer of the recovery table management slip has not been confirmed” can be displayed. When such a warning message is displayed, for example, the manufacturer (or from the merchant through the manufacturer) may call attention to Halls A and B, and request the transfer of the collection table management slip in accordance with the first rule. it can.

(2-3-3. Processing example 2 during second-hand movement)
The above is an example of processing when the first rule is observed in the management system of the gaming machine collection system, but the inventor of the present invention has also proposed the following agreement as the second rule. According to the second rule, when a distribution item is moved under the management system of the gaming machine collection system, the transfer of the collection table management slip is generally free. However, when transferring the collection stand management slip together with the distribution goods, the sales company will also give the amusement merchant the number of the collection stand management slip at the time of prior negotiation with the sales company, or at the time of application for transfer to the amusement store. Shall be notified. Conversely, when the collection table management slip is not transferred, the fact may be notified to the sales company or the amusement company. In this case, the information management system can confirm whether or not the collection table management slip has been transferred together with the distribution goods, and can record the presence or absence.

  For example, when movement information is provided from a commerce company to a manufacturer after completion of installation by second-hand movement, the existing information is retrieved from the serial number of the distribution product based on this. At this time, when the serial number of the distribution product is input to the shipping management computer 6, the existing information relating to the target distribution product is read from the database recorded in the central management computer 8 through the network.

When the existing information related to the distribution product is specified in the information management system, for example, the following additional information is recorded.
(G1, G2, G3, ...) Product destination (game board + board)
(H) Product status (game board + board)
(K1, K2, K3, ...) Product destination (frame)
(L) Product status (frame)
(N1, N2, N3,...) Recovery stand management slip move destination (O) Recovery stand management slip state.

  Of these, (G1, G2, G3,...) Product movement destination (game board + board) and (K1, K2, K3,...) The information of a certain hole is recorded by inputting it into the shipping management computer 6.

  The above-mentioned (H) product state (game board + board) and (L) product state (frame) are (H) product state (game board + board) or (L) product state (frame) for each movement unit of the distribution product. ) Is moved, and the record is updated.

  Next, for example, when the collection stand management slip is transferred together with the distribution goods, the number of the collection stand management slip received by Hall B is assigned to the central management computer 8 based on the movement information after completion of the installation provided by the commerce. Search from the database. As a result, when the information on the (E) collection table management form number recorded at the time of shipment is specified, information on the hole B is added to (N1) collection table management form transfer destination. On the other hand, if the collection table management slip is not transferred together with the circulated goods, the movement information provided by the play merchant does not include the information on the (E) collection table management slip number. Information about the management slip move destination is not added.

(2-3-4. Management slip movement recording means)
Next, the function of the management slip movement recording means by the information management system will be described. For example, when Hall B receives a collection management card from Hall A during second-hand movement, the number of the collection management card is provided to the manufacturer as movement information from Yusho in accordance with the second rule. From this movement information, when (E) the collection base management slip number is input to the shipping processing computer 6 at the manufacturer, the database is stored in the central management computer 8 by referring to this, and the collection base management slip of the collection base management slip is transferred. It is possible to confirm that there has been a transfer and record this on the database. At this time, if the input (E) collection stand management slip number matches the record in the existing database, the central management computer 8 indicates, for example, “There is a transfer of the collection stand management slip” on the display screen. In addition to displaying the confirmation information, it is possible to record the fact that the collection table management slip has been transferred in association with the transfer of the distribution product.

  On the other hand, if Hall B does not transfer the collection table management form from Hall A during second-hand movement, the fact will be provided to the manufacturer by Yusho according to the second rule, or from Yusho The provided movement information does not include information on the collection base management slip number. In any case, on the basis of these information, if the central management computer 8 does not input (E) the collection table management slip number when moving the distribution goods, for example, “No collection table management slip transferred on the display screen” And the fact that the collection table management slip has not been transferred in association with the transfer of the distribution item can be recorded in the database.

  Also, after this, for example, if the distribution goods have been moved from Hall B to another hole and further to another hole, it will be provided by the amusement company after the installation in the destination hall is completed each time. Whether or not the collection table management slip has been transferred from the information can be confirmed by the information management system, and the presence or absence can be recorded.

(2-3-5. Identification means)
Next, the function of the identification means by the information management system will be described. This function can be realized by using, for example, the shipping processing computer 6 of the information management system. That is, even if second-hand movement is performed in accordance with either of the first and second rules, information provided from the commerce to the manufacturer if there is a transfer of the collection table management slip along with the distribution goods (E) Information on the collection base management slip number is input to the information management system. At this time, the distribution product is always related to the production of the manufacturer, but the issuer of the collection table management slip is not necessarily the same manufacturer.

  On the other hand, if the information on the (E) collection table management slip number is obtained in the process at the time of secondhand movement, the manufacturer as the issuing source is specified from the manufacturer-specific code recorded therein. Therefore, for example, when the (E) collection stand management slip number is input, the shipping processing computer 6 can easily identify the manufacturer as the issuing source from the manufacturer-specific code at that time.

  As already mentioned, the inventor of the present invention is attached to the first and second rules, respectively, and confirms that, for example, the collection table management slip of another manufacturer is transferred along with the distribution goods during second-hand movement. If this is the case, an arrangement is proposed in which the manufacturer of the distribution product notifies the manufacturer of the collection table management slip of this notification.

(2-3-6. Notification output means)
In order to exchange notifications between manufacturers in accordance with the above agreement, the information management system has a function of notification output means. For example, when the manufacturer that is the issuer of the collection stand management slip is identified by the shipping processing computer 6 in the processing when moving the distribution product, the identification result is transmitted to the central management computer 8. At this time, the central management computer 8 determines whether or not the manufacturer that is the issuer of the collection stand management slip is different from its own (the manufacturer of the transferred distribution product), and as a result, the manufacturer of the issuer is different from its own To do so, it outputs a management slip movement notification for notifying the manufacturer of the issuer the information on the hall to which the collection base management slip is to be transferred.

  For example, when a product from a specific manufacturer (X) is resold from Hall A to Hall B, a collection stand management slip issued by the manufacturer (Y) is transferred to Hall B. Is assumed. In this case, Hall B notifies the number of the collection management card received from Hall A when negotiating at least in advance with the sales company that handles the product of manufacturer X or when applying for transfer to the amusement company. Based on this notification, information on the collection base management slip number is provided from the commerce to the manufacturer X, and as a result, it is identified in the information management system of the manufacturer X that the issuer of the collection base management slip is the manufacturer Y. For example, the management slip movement notification is output in the following various modes.

  (1) A management slip movement notification is displayed in text on the display screen of the central management computer 8 or the shipping processing computer 6. For example, the collection information management card issued by manufacturer Y has been moved to Hall B. Information about Hall B, the destination of the collection table management card, will be notified to Manufacturer Y. Conceivable. After the operator of the information management system confirms this character information, for example, when an operation for sending a notification to the manufacturer Y is performed, the (E) collection table management slip is sent to the manufacturer Y via a communication means such as an e-mail or a facsimile. A notification for notifying information such as the number and (N1) collection base management slip moving destination is transmitted.

  (2) A predetermined management slip movement notification is output from the output device 18. The management slip movement notification is output, for example, in the form of a mail, a facsimile transmission sheet, a contact slip, or the like on which information such as (E) collection stand management slip number or (N1) collection stand management slip movement destination is printed. The manufacturer X can perform the actual notification work by sending the output management slip movement notification to the manufacturer Y.

(2-4. Disposal at disposal)
The above is information processing at the time of second-hand movement, but when the old machine is discarded through the collection route by the gaming machine collection system, the following information processing is performed by the information management system.

Here, for example, the following information is added based on the notification from the gaming machine exchange center.
(H) Product status (game board + board)
(I) Management table number at the time of disposal (game board + board)
(L) Product status (frame)
(M) Collection table management slip number at the time of disposal (frame)
(O) Status of collection table management slip For example, information such as (A) board management number, (B) game board production number, (C) frame production number, (D) ID code, etc. is shipped by notification from the gaming machine replacement center When input to the management computer 6, existing information is retrieved from the database of the central management computer 8 based on the input information. At this time, according to the discharged product unit (game board or pachinko machine as a whole), the information management system displays (H) product status (game board + board) or (L) product status (frame) as “Discard” information. Is recorded. Further, (O) Information such as “used” is recorded as the collection table management slip state.

  In addition, if the manufacturer of the collection table is different from the manufacturer that issued the collection table management slip, as described above, information on the collection table management slip should be provided from the collection table manufacturer to the issuing manufacturer. Are common arrangements. Upon receiving this notification, when the manufacturer (I) and (M) information on the collection base management slip number at the time of disposal is input to the shipping management computer 6 in response to this notification, the central management is performed based on the input information. The database of the computer 8 is updated.

(3. Usefulness of information management system)
The above is a specific operation mode of the information management system. For example, the following utility is recognized in this information management system.

  (1) Each manufacturer can keep track of the location of the collection base management slip issued together with the new base and keep track of its location. In particular, if the collection table management slip was not used along with the delivery of a new vehicle due to the “collection at delivery” mode, the collection tray management slip was used at the time of second-hand movement after that, or it was transferred without being used. It is always possible to keep information on whether or not it was done. In addition to the resale between halls, it is possible to record the specific store name and location as information when there is a movement between chain stores. I can leave.

  (2) If there is a notification from the gaming machine replacement center or a notification from another manufacturer, the manufacturer that issued the collection stand management slip will eventually collect the collection stand management slip issued together with the new stand. You can confirm that it was used and record the fact.

  (3) After the final use of the collection stand management slip issued by the company has been confirmed, if the manufacturer is provided with information on the transfer or collection of the same number collection tray management slip, the collection stand management It is possible to immediately detect that the vote has been forged or that there was a problem such as a wrong number when providing information.

  (4) When the information of the collection base management slip number issued by another manufacturer at the time of second-hand movement is provided, the arrangement to be sure to notify the manufacturer of the issue is executed smoothly. There is no omission in tracking and grasping the destination of collection table management slips, and the sale and movement of distribution items are performed smoothly under a clearly unified order.

(5) In addition, the information management system can record product information (product number, delivery destination, destination, etc.) related to new gaming machine products in the database as its original function, so that illegal monitoring and illegal dumping after product shipment can be performed. Effective for deterrence.
(6) Furthermore, since the information management system can reflect the product information about the gaming machine product collected through the gaming machine exchange center in the database, it is effective for tracking the disposal table itself together with the collection table management slip.

(4. Reference to other embodiments)
This is the end of the description of one embodiment of the information management system, but the present invention is not limited to one embodiment. Regarding the implementation of the present invention, the following modes are given as other examples.

(1) The handling target of the gaming machine collection system is not limited to pachinko machines, but includes various other gaming machines such as other ball-type gaming machines and revolving gaming machines.
(2) The configuration of the information management system is not limited to a network-connected computer group, and may be a computer device that functions alone, or conversely, a computer group that can communicate with each other through an electric communication line such as the Internet. It may be included.
(3) The recording of product information is not limited to a mode performed on the production line, but may be a mode performed in a shipping process step after the completion of production.

  (4) In second-hand movement between halls, product information of distribution items and information on collection table management slips are notified from the hall (secondary or third-order management entity) to the sales company or amusement company. However, the information may be notified from the hall (primary operating entity or secondary operating entity) that is the source of movement.

  (5) In FIG. 2, the information on the recovery table management slip is provided from the manufacturer of the disposal table to the gaming machine manufacturer that issued the recovery table management game (the gaming machine manufacturer that delivered the new unit). Also, in FIG. 4, a collection machine is obtained from an amusement machine manufacturer that is a manufacturer of an old machine moved as a distribution product, or a manufacturer of a machine that is discarded as a result of second-hand movement. The information on the collection table management slip is provided to the gaming machine manufacturer that is the issuer of the management slip. However, the manner of providing such information may be changed as follows.

  For example, there is a common place for exchanging information on collection stand management slips between gaming machine manufacturers, and each gaming machine manufacturer brings information on the collection stand management slips that the gaming machine manufacturers understand, where the information is collected by the machine manufacturer. It is also possible to build a mechanism / arrangement for exchanging At this time, if a computer is used as a place for exchanging information, this computer may be installed at the gaming machine exchange center, or it may be installed at the Japan Amusement Machine Industry Association (Nikko Corporation). May be.

2,4 Production management computer 6 Shipment management computer 8 Central management computer 10 Game board 12 Board box 14 Frame 16 QR reader 18 ID reader

Claims (1)

A product information recording means for recording product information relating to a new gaming machine product to be delivered from a gaming machine product producer to a primary operating entity of the amusement hall;
When an existing gaming machine product is transferred as a second-hand product from the primary operating entity to another secondary operating entity in place of a new gaming machine product, An information management system for a gaming machine product, comprising: a transfer destination recording means for recording a transfer destination of the gaming machine product.

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