JP2002056322A - Replacing method for product and its system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form a system for recovering and recycling products, particularly game machines. SOLUTION: The products are replaced by the recovery of already introduced products and the introduction of new products or reproduced products from the recovered products to form a smooth cycle of the products between offerers and users. This system coordinates reproduced machine types of recovered products and introduction places of the reproduced machine types based on the replacement requests from the users side and offers judgment materials for the users in judging the replacement of products, and it is suitable for game machines such as pachinko machines or slot machines in particular.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and a system for exchanging various products between a user and a provider, and more particularly to a method and a system for exchanging various game machines such as a pachinko game machine and a slot game machine. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art During a so-called product life cycle from the time a product is manufactured to the time it is disposed of, it is required to supply the product in accordance with market needs. Traditionally, aged products are discarded or sold to other users as second-hand products without disposal, and the product is eventually retired after repeated resale. On the other hand, the impact on the environment of products provided to the market is attracting attention, such as the enforcement of the Recycling Law and the final disposal obligations of producers.

[0003] As a method of distributing products that meet such commercial and social demands, for example, in the case of disposable cameras, a product route is established in which used cameras are collected, reproduced, and sold again. In the case of hospitals, hotels, mats and sheets in offices and homes, etc., the user rents the product for a certain period of time, collects the rental product after the rental period has elapsed, and provides it for the next rental. Those that build product routes are known.

Recently, products such as disposable cameras, mats, and sheets have no uniqueness, and in addition to products supplied to an unspecified number of users, products having uniqueness themselves and supplied to specific users. Recycling is also being considered for products that are used.

[0005]

[0005] Even if the product itself is unique and has the same function, it is handled individually, and if there is a specific relationship between the provider and the user about the product, It seems that collection is easy because the relationship between the provider and the user is clear in the product. However, in practice, the collection of products is not sufficiently performed. This means that, for example, when a user's demand for a product changes quickly and a product performance or design change cycle is short, a reclaimed product made from a recovered product is necessarily functionally and economically attractive to the user. It is not a product, and it is difficult for the provider to treat the user who accepts the recycled product even if the collected product is recycled, and until the contract with the user accepting the recycled product is made, One of the factors is that there is a problem that the flexibility of the recovered product is low and the economic efficiency is low, such as a need to store the regenerated product.

[0006] In particular, when the product is a game machine such as a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, etc., a large number of products are collected or traded as recycled products in units of a certain number of units. In the cycle, it is necessary to efficiently set the combination of the collection source and resale destination of the product, the model of the product to be collected and the model of the product to be resold, the number of each model, and the like.

Therefore, the present invention solves the conventional problems,
The aim is to form a cycle for collecting and reusing products, especially gaming machines. For the product provider, it is possible to easily determine the provision of the product requested by the user and the reuse destination of the collected product, increase the flexibility and economic efficiency of the collected product, and for the product user, the product It is an object of the present invention to promote recycling of collecting and reusing products such as game machines by providing incentives for collecting and recycling recycled products.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a product is exchanged between a provider and a user by retrieving a product already introduced and introducing a regenerated product obtained by regenerating a new product or a reclaimed product. It forms a smooth product cycle, and adjusts the recycled model of the collected product, the introduction destination of the recycled model, etc. based on the replacement request from the user side, and when the user decides to replace the product The present invention is particularly suitable for gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is an exchange in which a product is exchanged between a provider and a user by collecting an already introduced product and introducing a new product or a recycled product by regenerating the collected product. The provider allows the user to input replacement request data including the presence / absence of a request for collection and / or introduction, and the type and number of the products for which the user intends to collect and / or introduce, and based on the replacement request data, Then, change the model of the recovered product from the required model to the required model, and determine where to introduce the model of the recycled product.

[0010] The system for exchanging products provides the provider with exchange request data including the presence / absence of a request for collection and / or introduction, and the model and number of the products that the user intends to collect and / or introduce. It is configured to include an input unit input from a user, and a replacement determining unit that determines a model change from the model of the collected product to the required model based on the replacement request data and an installation destination for the model of the recycled product. The replacement request data can be transmitted between the user and the server provided by the provider. As a result, for a large number of collected products and replacement required models, which combination of recycled products is used for which collected products are to be changed to which required models, and which models of recycled products are provided to which users It is possible to easily determine a combination of introduction destinations and a schedule for the model of the regenerated product.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, replacement of a product is carried out between a provider and a user by collecting an already introduced product and introducing a recycled product by regenerating a new product or a recovered product. In the replacement performed, the server provided by the provider inputs sales data from the server provided by the user, forms replacement support information based on the sales data, outputs the replacement support information to the server provided by the user, and displays it on the user side And assist the user in determining product replacement.

The system for providing support for product replacement has a configuration in which a server provided by a provider includes replacement support means for assisting a user in determining product replacement. Replacement support means, input the history data of the installed product from the server provided by the user, form simulation data on the replacement product using the history data, and output the simulation data to the server provided by the user,
A simulation of product replacement is displayed on the user side, thereby assisting the user in product replacement. The user can easily determine the replacement of the product by referring to the replacement support information.

The introduction and collection of a product between a provider and a user according to the present invention can be suitably applied to the introduction and collection of a game machine by rental, and in a rental relationship between the provider and the user, It is possible to make the circulation cycle of collecting and introducing the gaming machine reliable and favorable. Further, in the case where the product is a game machine and the provider provides the game machine by rental to the user, the following replacement system can be provided. A rental machine replacement system that delivers a manufactured gaming machine to a user as a rental gaming machine and replaces the rental gaming machine by collecting a rental gaming machine for replacement and removal from the user. And a rental game machine delivery means for delivering the changed rental game machine to a user.

[0014] The face change performed by the face changing means is a process of changing the model by replacing the collected unit components of the rental gaming machine. By replacing different unit components for each model, a model different from the collected model is reproduced. As a result, resources can be saved, and the cost of the gaming machine in the life cycle can be reduced. In the face change, a part of the collected unit components of the rental gaming machine can be replaced, or all of them can be replaced. The face changing means includes face changing determining means for determining a model to be face changed. The face change determination means, based on the replacement request data from the user,
A model that matches each replacement request data of a plurality of users is determined. Thereby, it is possible to respond to various kinds of replacement requests.

[0015] Furthermore, the face changing means is provided in the service side server of the provider, and the service side server and the user side server are connected via the communication means, and the server takes in replacement request data from the user. The service-side server includes a production inventory master and a replacement parts inventory master, and the determination of the replacement model by the replacement determination means is based on replacement request data from the user, the production inventory master and the production read out from the replacement inventory master. This is performed based on the stock data and the replacement part stock data. The replacement parts inventory master is equipped with a parts ordering master that orders parts according to the parts inventory and / or a parts delivery master that instructs the delivery of parts. To make the face change process smooth.

The rental game machine delivery means delivers the reproduced game machine to a user. The delivery destination can be the same user as the collection destination or a different user from the collection destination. The rental gaming machine delivery means includes a delivery destination determining means for determining a delivery model and a delivery destination for delivering the changed rental gaming machine to the user. The delivery destination determining means determines a delivery model and a delivery destination that match each of the replacement request data of a plurality of users based on the replacement request data from the user.

Further, the provider is provided with a sales management server for performing sales management for managing rental gaming machines including replacement of gaming machines, is connected to the user side server and the service side server, and exchanges various data and commands. Communicate. For example,
The sales management server incorporates the replacement request data imported from the user server and the production data imported from the service server, and sets up a rental machine replacement plan for each user, and / or a model type to be collected and / or delivered. It is determined and transmitted to the factory server as production plan data.

The sales management server includes a replacement request management master and a production plan instruction master for each user. The production plan instruction master compares each data input to the replacement request management master, the production stock master, and the replacement parts stock master to determine a production plan. With the sales management server, it is also possible to adjust the timing of collection, face change, and delivery processing for each of a large number of gaming machines,
Smooth replacement can be achieved.

Further, the gaming machine replacement system of the present invention may be provided with a replacement support means for supporting a replacement determination of a rental gaming machine. The replacement support means
Based on sales data of rental gaming machines managed by a server provided by the user, data supporting the replacement of gaming machines by the user is formed and provided to the user. Also,
The gaming machine replacement system according to the present invention may be configured to include a rental history management unit. For example, the rental history management means attaches an ID code identifying the gaming machine to the rental gaming machine side, and reads the ID code to identify the rental gaming machine on the route of the cycle of collecting and introducing the rental gaming machine, You can manage your rental history. In addition, by attaching a recording medium for recording the rental history to the rental gaming machine side and recording the progress on the route of the collection and introduction cycle of the rental gaming machine, the rental gaming machine itself can hold and manage the rental history. Can be.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a product replacement method and a replacement system of the present invention. In FIG. 1, between the user side 1 and the provider side 2, replacement by collection and introduction of products is performed. The user side 1 includes a plurality of users 1A to 1C and has already introduced products (hatched portions in the figure). The transaction form of the product may be any form such as rental or purchase. The replacement of the product is performed between the user side 1 and the provider side 2 by collecting the already introduced product of the user side 1 (broken line arrow in the figure), changing the type of the collected product, and changing the recycled product. Is introduced into the user side 1 (solid line arrow in the figure).

The replacement system of the present invention includes an input means 2a, a replacement determination means 2b, a replacement means 2c, and a delivery means 2d on the provider 2 side in order to replace the product. The input means 2a is a means for receiving replacement request data from each of the users 1A to 1C. The input means 2a receives from the user 1 connected using a communication form such as the Internet or a facsimile communication whether or not there is a user's request for replacement of the product, And information such as the model of the product to be introduced and the number thereof are received as replacement request data. The replacement request data can be obtained by data conversion using OCR.

The replacement determination means 2b determines a model change such as which model a collected product is to be changed to which model based on the input replacement request data, and determines to which user a product whose model has been changed and reproduced is to be introduced. Is determined, and the determined content is sent to the face changing means 2c and the delivery means 2d. The face changing means 2c replaces the unit components of the collected product based on the model change determined by the replacement determining means 2b and performs face changing to form a recycled product. The delivery means 2d collects the collected product from the user, sends the collected product to the face changing means 2c, receives the regenerated product from the face changing means 2c, and introduces the regenerated product to the introduction destination determined by the replacement determining means 2b.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the flow of products in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 to FIG.
This will be described with reference to the replacement processing diagram of FIG. The product flow chart in FIG. 2 shows an example of a case where a model a is introduced to the user 1A and a model b is collected between the users 1A to 1D and the provider 2. In addition,
In FIG. 2, the products to be collected are indicated by oblique lines. Further, it is assumed that the handling models are model a, model b, and model c, and the users are 1A to 1D. However, the type of the model and the user can be arbitrary.

The provider 2 collects the model b from the user 1A by the delivery means 2d and introduces the model a to the user 1A. The face changing means 2c of the provider 2 performs a face changing process on the collected model b. Which of the model a, the model b, and the model c is changed from the collected model b is determined based on the replacement request data of the user 1. When the users 1B, 1C, and 1D request the models b, c, and a as replacement models, respectively,
(c) repairs the collected model (b) or changes the model to the model (c) or the model (a) by exchanging the unit components, and the delivery means (2d)
The model b, the model c, and the model a are introduced to the users 1B, 1C, and 1D, respectively. Although not shown, the products are similarly collected for the users 1B, 1C, and 1D, and after the face change is performed based on the replacement request data, the recycled products are introduced to the users.

The replacement request of each user and the process of changing the provider in response to the replacement request may take various forms. 3 to 5 show an example of the mode of the user's replacement request and the provider's face change process in response to the replacement request, as time elapses in the downward direction in the figure. Note that FIGS. 3 to 5 show the case of two users for the provider. The example shown in FIG. 3 shows a case where the model b is collected from the user 1A and replaced with the model a, and the model c is collected from the user 1B and replaced with the model b. The provider receives a request for replacing the model a from the user 1A, and receives the request from the user 1B.
Receives a request for replacement of model b. In this replacement, the model b is collected from the user 1A and the user 1B
When the model c is collected from, and the stock model is the model a, the provider collects the model b from the user 1A and introduces the stock model a to the user 1A. On the other hand, for the user 1B, since the model b of the replacement request is not held in stock, the model c is collected and
The model b recovered from the user 1A is repaired, and the reproduced model b is introduced to the user 1B.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an embodiment in which users 1A and 1B
Is a case where a request for replacement of the model a is made.
From the user 1B, and the model c is collected from the user 1B and replaced with the model a. The provider receives a request for replacement of the model a from the user 1A and the user 1B. In this exchange, user 1
The model b is collected from A, and the model c is collected from the user 1B. The number of the models a in the inventory has the required number of the user 1A, but does not have the number required by the user 1B. Then, the provider collects the model “b” from the user 1A and introduces the model “a” in stock to the user 1A, while the number of stocks of the model “a” requested for replacement is insufficient for the user 1B. Model c
And the model b collected from the user 1A is set as a face-change model a, and the reproduced model a is introduced to the user 1B.

The example shown in FIG. 5 shows a case where the model b is collected from the user 1A and replaced with the model a, and the model c is collected from the user 1B and replaced with the model b. The provider receives a request for replacement of model a from the user 1A and a request for replacement of model b from the user 1B. In this replacement, the model b is collected from the user 1A, the model c is collected from the user 1B, and when the stock model is the model a, the provider collects the model b from the user 1A and the user 1A To introduce a model a in stock. At this time, if the model b collected from the user 1A cannot withstand the repair, the model c is collected and the stocked model a is changed to the model b for the user 1B.
The reproduced model b is introduced to the user 1B.

Next, there are models a, b, and c as models.
An example of a flow for determining a replacement model when the model a is a new model and the models b and c are already introduced models will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, an exchange request is received from the user (steps S1 and S2), and it is determined whether the model of the exchange request is model a, model b, or model c (steps S3, 12, and 24).

When the model of the replacement request is model a and model b is collected from the user (step S4), model b is collected (step S8), and model c is collected from the user (step S8). In step S5), the model c is collected (step S9). If the stock of the model a is sufficient (step S10), the stock model a is selected (step S6) and the model a is introduced to the user (step S5).
7). On the other hand, when the stock of the model a is insufficient (step S10), the model b or the model c is changed to the model a (step S11), and then the model a is introduced to the user.
If the model to be collected is neither the model b nor the model c, the stock model a is selected (step S6), and the model a is introduced to the user (step S7).

Next, when the model of the replacement request from the user is model b (step S12) and the model b is collected from another user (step S13), the model b is collected from another user. (Step S14), model b
If the stock is sufficient (step S15), model b is selected from the stock and introduced to the user (step S15).
23). On the other hand, if the stock of the model b is insufficient (step S15), it is determined whether or not the collected model b can be repaired (step S16). If repairable, the model b is repaired and the model b is reproduced (step S16). S17) If the repair is difficult, the model a in the stock is replaced with the model b (step S18), and the model b is introduced to the user.

When the model c is to be collected from the user (step S19), the model c is collected (step S2).
0), when the inventory of the model b is sufficient (step S
21) Introduce model b to the user (step S2)
3). On the other hand, when the stock of the model b is insufficient (step S21), the model a or the model c to be stocked is changed to the model b (step S22), and the model a is introduced to the user (step S23). If the model to be collected is neither the model b nor the model c, the inventory model a
Is changed to model b (step S22), and model b is introduced to the user (step S23).

Next, when the model of the replacement request is the model c (step S24), and when the model b is to be collected from the user (step S25), the model b is collected (step S25).
26) If the stock of the model c is sufficient (step S27), the model c is selected from the stock and introduced to the user (step S35). On the other hand, if the stock of the model c is insufficient (step S27), the model b to be stocked is changed to the model c (step S28), and the model a is introduced to the user (step S35).

When the model c is to be collected from the user (step S29), the model c is collected (step S3).
0), when the stock of the model c is sufficient (step S
31), introducing the model c to the user (step S3)
5). On the other hand, if the inventory of the model c is insufficient (step S31), it is determined whether the collected model c is repairable (step S32). If repairable, the model c is repaired and the model b is reproduced (step S32). S33) When it is difficult to repair, after changing the stock model a to the model c (step S34), the model b is introduced to the user (step S34).
35). If the model to be collected is neither the model b nor the model c, the stock model a is replaced with the model b (steps S25 and S29), and the model c is introduced to the user (step S35). The above-described flowchart shows an example of the case of the new model a and the existing models b and c, and the flowchart can be formed in the same manner for other combinations of models.

Next, an example of a configuration in which the replacement system of the present invention is applied to a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine will be described with reference to a schematic block diagram of FIG. In FIG. 7, the user side 1 includes a plurality of gaming machines 10 and 11, and a user side server 12 connected to the gaming machines 10 and 11 for controlling each gaming machine and taking in data. Each of the gaming machines 10, 11 is, for example, a gaming machine body 10a, 11a,
It includes counters 10b and 11b, medal counters 10c and 11c, and the like. The gaming machine handled by the replacement system of the present invention may be the entire gaming machine, or the gaming machine body, a counter,
Alternatively, it may be a medal counter.

The user-side server 12 includes an MPU 12e for performing various data processing, a display unit 12f such as a CRT device or a liquid crystal display, an output unit 12g such as a printer (PR), and sales data for managing sales data. A master 12a, a replacement support master 12b for performing replacement support,
And transmission / reception port 1 for connection to gaming machines 10 and 11
2c, a transmission / reception port 12d for connecting to the server on the provider 2 side. The sales data master 12a and the replacement support master 12b for performing replacement support have therein sales data and data for replacement support.

FIG. 8 is an example of a database provided in the sales data master 12a. For example, a model, an introduction date, and various history data are stored for a device number for specifying a gaming machine. Examples of the history data include, for example, the total use time of the gaming machine, the time history used, and the like.
These data can be processed to be processed data relating to the usage tendency of users of the gaming machine. As another example of the history data, a failure history for storing the number of failures of the gaming machine, the details of the failure, the failure date and time, a link to the repair history, and the like, a repair content for the gaming machine, a repair date and time, a link to the failure history, and the like are stored. A sales history that stores repair history, total sales, a sales day total, a sales month total, and processed data related to sales trends and the like obtained by data processing of these data can be adopted.

The user makes a decision on replacement of the gaming machine by referring to the sales status obtained from the sales data master 12a, the use status of the gaming machine, and the like, and by referring to the support contents provided by the replacement support means 12b. When a replacement of the machine is desired, the user side server 12 forms replacement request data and sends it to the provider 2 to request the provider 2 to replace the gaming machine.

On the other hand, in FIG. 7, the provider side 2 includes a service unit 20 for changing the model, a sales management unit 24 for managing overall sales of the gaming machine, and a manufacturing / parts unit 25 for producing the gaming machine and parts. Is provided. The service unit 20 (portion surrounded by a dashed line) includes a service management unit 21 including a service management server, a reproduction unit 22 for performing a face change process, and a delivery unit 23 for collecting and delivering game machines.

The service management unit 21 includes a master unit 21a having various masters, a face change determination unit 21c for determining a model to be replaced, a replacement support means 21d for providing replacement support to the user, and a user 1 side. And a transmission / reception port 21b for exchanging data between them. Master unit 21
a is a replacement request data master that stores replacement request data input from each user and performs data management; a production inventory master that manages the stock status of gaming machines manufactured by the manufacturing / parts unit 25; And a user data master that manages the sales status of users and the models and the like of the gaming machines used. Further, the replacement part master includes a parts ordering master that manages the order of the missing parts to the manufacturing / parts section 25 and a parts delivery master that manages the parts delivered from the manufacturing / parts section 25.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a database provided in a replacement request data master for storing replacement request data input from each user. For example, for each user, replacement models and their number, collection models and their number, Data such as the time when the replacement is desired is stored. The face change determination means 21c
Based on the replacement request data input from the user side 1,
A face-to-face determination is made as to which model of the collected gaming machines is to be changed to a required one. In this determination of the replacement, in addition to the replacement request data, it can also be performed based on production stock data and replacement part data, a replacement plan based on a production plan, production plan data such as a type of replacement model, and the like.

FIG. 10 is an example of a database of replacement data determined by the replacement determination unit 21c.
FIG. 9A includes data on the replacement request data shown in FIG. 9, such as the number of corresponding new devices, the models before and after the face change when the face change is performed, and the numbers of the models. FIG. 10 (a)
Is an example of replacement data for each gaming machine, and includes, for example, data such as new and old device numbers, models of collection devices, replacement models, replacement destinations, replacement times, and the like. The replacement support means 21d is means for providing the user 1 with data, advice, and formation useful for the user when deciding model replacement, and provides the data and advice from the master 21a to the sales status of each user. Various data such as a replacement request state can be read out and formed by a support program or a provider's input.

The reproducing unit 22 reproduces the gaming machine by performing a process called face change for exchanging a part or all of the unit components of the collected gaming machine or a new gaming machine. Surface changing processing means 22b for exchanging unit components, and a surface changing control means 22 for controlling processing steps in the surface changing processing means 22b.
a. The face change control means 22 a
c, based on the information relating to the model change, the gaming machine to be replaced is selected with respect to the replacement processing unit 22b, and is obtained from the collection unit 23d, the new stand 25c, or the stock unit (not shown); The part of the unit component required for the face change is obtained from the part 25b. Face change processing means 22b
The game machine reproduced in is delivered to the user from the delivery means 23c of the delivery unit 23. The functions of the above-described face change determination means 21c, face change control means 22a, and face change processing means 22b can also be configured as face change means 20A.

The delivery unit 23 includes a collection unit 23d for collecting the gaming machine from the user 1, a delivery unit 23c for delivering the gaming machine to the user 1, and a game machine of any type with respect to the delivery unit 23c. And a delivery destination determining unit 23a for determining a model to be delivered and a delivery destination. Delivery destination determination means 23a
Can be performed based on the replacement request data input from the user 1. In addition, the delivery time can be adjusted by taking in the stock information and the information of the collected gaming machines from the master 21a in the service server 21. Note that the delivery and collection data is transmitted from the delivery control unit 23b and the collection unit 23d to the master 21.
a to be updated.

The sales management unit 24 is a part that manages overall sales of the gaming machine, and includes a server including a production plan instruction master 24a and a replacement request management master 24b. The replacement request management master 24b manages replacement request data input from the user side 1, and stores the production plan instruction master 24a.
Manages a production plan such as a model and number of game machines to be produced based on replacement request data and a sales plan of the game machines.
The production plan instruction master 24a instructs the production / parts section 25 to produce a gaming machine based on the production plan. The manufacturing / parts section 25 is a section for manufacturing a part of a new gaming machine or a unit component, and includes a new stand 25c for manufacturing a new gaming machine, a parts section 25b for manufacturing parts, and a new base 25.
c and a production management unit 25a for issuing a production instruction to the component unit 25b.

The service section 20 and the manufacturing / parts section 25 described above can be configured as a factory section, and the sales management section 24 can also be provided in the service section 20. Alternatively, the service unit 20, the manufacturing / parts unit 25, and the sales management unit 24 may be configured as different organizations such as separate companies, and connected between them via communication means such as the Internet. In the configuration shown in FIG.
Although only one user is shown, a plurality of users are connected to the provider side 2 via communication means such as the Internet, and the provider side 2 obtains replacement request data from each user and provides replacement support data. And so on.

Although only one service unit 20 is shown in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of service units may be used. In this case, the replacement process of each service unit 20 is adjusted by allocating the replacement performed by each service unit 20 by the sales management unit 24. further,
The reproduction unit and delivery unit that perform the actual face change process can also be configured with a plurality of reproduction units and delivery units. In this case, the service management unit allocates processing to be performed by each of the reproduction units and the delivery unit.

In the replacement system and the replacement method of the present invention, a gaming machine or a product to be replaced can be a rental device. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the present invention is applied to a rental device. In FIG.
The manufacturer 102 sells the device manufactured by the new device manufacturing unit 102a to the service company 101, and the rental unit 101a of the service company 101 rents the purchased device to the user 100 as a rental device. Service company 101
, The rental device collected from the user 100 is subjected to a face change process in the reproduction unit 101b to change to a different model or repaired with the same model, and then rented from the rental unit 101a to the user 100 again. If the face change process is not performed, the discard unit 101c discards the face change process. The playback unit 1
01b is the component manufacturing unit 1 of the manufacturer 102
Procured by ordering and selling parts for 02b.

Next, replacement support in the replacement system and the replacement method of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining replacement support. User side 1 is shown in FIG.
Sales data master 12a and replacement support means 1 similar to
2b, and is connected to a communication network via a transmission / reception port 12d. The replacement support unit 12b can be configured by a control unit, an input unit, a display unit, and the like. On the other hand, the provider side 2 includes the same master 21a and replacement support means 21d as in FIG. 7, and is connected to the communication network via the transmission / reception port 21b. The replacement support unit 21d includes a replacement determination unit 21e, a replacement support information creation unit 21f, and an input unit 21.
g, display means 21h, etc., and the master 21a forms a simulation master together with the replacement determination means 21e. The replacement determination means 21e and the simulation master evaluate the effect of the replacement,
This is a functional part for forming a material for judging the presence or absence of replacement and the type of replacement. This function can be performed in various forms.

As an embodiment, data of another user can be referred to. FIG. 13 shows an example of a replacement support database stored by the simulation master. As shown in FIG. 13 (a), sales histories, sales change rates, device usage histories, usage rate changes, etc. for each model and user are shown. The replacement is determined with reference to the above. In another embodiment, the replacement determination unit 21e and the simulation master have a function of predicting a change in sales due to a model replacement. This function can be configured by, for example, a sales function or an evaluation function obtained from a conventional sales trend or the like or a sales trend of another user, and sales data for each user stored in the user data master in the master 21a. With the parameters such as the exchange model and the exchange model of the exchange request data input by the user, the number of exchanges, and the like, the sales by the model exchange are simulated, and the evaluation by the exchange is performed.

The simulation result obtained by the replacement determination means 21e is sent to the user 1 as it is, and is displayed on the display means of the replacement support means 12b to assist the user in determining the model replacement. Means 2
At 1f, the simulation result obtained by the replacement determining means 21e is displayed on the display means 21h, and the like, and the simulation result is examined. The input means 21g creates support information on replacement, and sends the replacement support information to the user side 1. The display can be displayed on the display means of the replacement support means 12b to support the replacement determination. FIG.
As shown in (b), advice on replacement is stored in advance as advice data for a combination of various parameter values, and the advice data corresponding to the parameter according to the user's request is read out and provided to the user. It is also possible to adopt a form in which The parameters can be arbitrarily determined, such as the sales desired by the user, the utilization rate of the device, the model, and the number of introduced devices.

Next, rental history management in the replacement system and the replacement method of the present invention will be described. When a gaming machine or a product to be replaced in the present invention is a rental device, it is necessary to manage a rental history in order to smoothly replace the rental device and increase the rental efficiency. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining rental history management of rental equipment in the present invention. The rental history management means is constituted by a moving means attached to each rental device and moving together with the rental device, and a fixed means provided on the route on which the rental device moves on the provider side and giving history data of the rental device. Can be.

One form of the moving means and the fixing means is constituted by an ID code that is attached to the rental device and specifies the rental device, and a reading device that reads the ID code at a predetermined position on the route along which the rental device moves. By reading the ID code with the reader, the rental gaming machine can be identified on the route of the cycle of collecting and introducing the rental gaming machine, and the rental history can be managed. Further, other forms of the moving means and the fixing means include a recording medium attached to the rental device for recording the rental history and writing / reading data to / from the recording medium at a predetermined position on a route along which the rental device moves. The rental game machine itself can hold and manage the rental history by recording the progress on the route of the collection / introduction cycle of the rental game machine.

In FIG. 14, the manufacturer 102 assigns an ID code or a recording medium moving means 200 to the device manufactured by the new device manufacturing unit 102a and sells the device to the service company 101. At this time, the transportation means 200 includes the service provider 1
ID code based on new equipment order data on 01 side is ID
It is given to codes and recording media. The rental unit 101a of the service provider 101 rents the purchased device to the user 100 as a rental device. At this time, the moving means 200 is identified by the fixing means 201, and data such as the passage of the rental unit 101a and the date and time of the passage are recorded. I
In the case of a D code, the history data is recorded in management data, and in the case of a recording medium, it is recorded on the device side.

Further, the service provider 101 is the user 1
The rental equipment is collected from 00, the collected rental equipment is changed to a different model by performing a face change process in the reproducing unit 101b, or repaired with the same model, and rented to the user 100 again from the rental unit 101a. If not performed, the discarding unit 101c discards. At this time, in the collection stage, between the reproduction unit 101b and the rental unit 101a, and in the disposal unit 101c, as described above,
The moving means 200 is identified by the fixing means 201, and data such as the passage of each part and the passage date and time is recorded. The collected data is recorded in the collected device data, the data passed between the reproducing unit 101b and the rental unit 101a is recorded in the management data, and the data of the discard unit 101c is recorded in the discard data.

When a used machine is purchased from the user 100, the purchased used machine is provided with an ID code having an identification code based on the used purchase data or a recording medium moving means 200, as described above. History management is performed in the same manner as the device. FIG. 15 shows an example of the history management data. The history management data includes, for example, an identification code grant date, a rental start date (introduction date), a collection date, a reproduction date, a disposal date, etc. for a new device, and a purchase date, Including the rental start date (introduction date), collection date, reproduction date, disposal date, etc., the collection date and reproduction date history can be recorded multiple times.

[0056]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A cycle for collecting and reusing products, especially gaming machines, can be formed, and for product providers, it is possible to provide products requested by users and easily determine where to reuse collected products. Product flexibility and economic efficiency can be increased. For the user, by providing incentives for collecting products and introducing recycled products, it is possible to promote recycling of collecting and reusing products such as game machines.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram for explaining a product replacement method and a replacement system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a flow of products by the replacement system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a product replacement process by the replacement system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a product replacement process by the replacement system of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a product replacement process by the replacement system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining replacement of a product by the replacement system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram for explaining one configuration example in which the replacement system of the present invention is applied to a gaming machine.

FIG. 8 is an example of a database provided in a sales data master.

FIG. 9 is an example of a database provided in a replacement request data master that stores replacement request data input from each user.

FIG. 10 is an example of a database of replacement data determined by a replacement determination unit.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the present invention is applied to a rental device.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining replacement support.

FIG. 13 is an example of a replacement support database stored by the simulation master.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining rental history management of rental equipment in the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an example of history management data.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 User side 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D User 2 Provider side 2a Input means 2b Replacement determining means 2c Face changing means 2d Delivery means 10,11 Game machine 10a, 11a Game machine body 10b, 11b Counter 10c, 11c Medal counting Device 12 User server 12a Sales data master 12b Replacement support master 12c, 12d Transmission / reception port 12e MPU 12f CRT 12g PR 20 Service unit 20A Surface replacement unit 21 Service management unit 21a Master 21b Transmission / reception port 21c Surface replacement determination unit 21d Replacement support unit 21e Replacement Judging means 21f Replacement support information creating means 21g Input means 21h Display means 22 Playback part 22a Face changing control means 22b Face changing processing means 23 Delivery part 23a Delivery destination determination means 23b Delivery control means 23c Delivery means 23d Collection Means 24 Sales management section 24a Production plan instruction master 24b Replacement request management master 25 Manufacturing / parts section 25a Manufacturing management means 25b Parts section 25c New stand section 100 User 101 Service provider 101a Rental section 101b Reproduction section 101c Discard section 102 Manufacturer 102a New equipment Manufacturing unit 102b Parts manufacturing unit 200 Moving unit 201 Fixed unit

Claims (20)

[Claims] Claims 1. In a replacement method in which a product is exchanged between a provider and a user by collecting an already introduced product and introducing a new product or a regenerated product by regenerating the collected product, the user collects the product. And / or change of the model of the product to be recalled from the model of the product to be collected and the model of the product to be recycle based on the request for collection and / or introduction of the product to be introduced and the replacement request data including the model and number of the product. A product replacement method characterized by determining where to introduce products. 2. The product replacement method according to claim 1, wherein the server provided by the provider inputs the replacement request data from the server provided by the user. 3. A replacement method for replacing a product between a provider and a user by recovering an already introduced product and introducing a refurbished product by regenerating a new product or a recovered product. The provided server inputs the sales data from the server provided by the user, forms replacement support information based on the sales data, outputs the replacement support information to the server provided by the user, displays the replacement support information on the user side, and displays the product by the user. A method of exchanging products, which assists in the judgment of exchanging. 4. The method of exchanging products according to claim 1, wherein introduction and collection of the product between the provider and the user are introduction and collection by rental of a game machine. 5. In a product replacement system in which a provider and a user collect an already introduced product and introduce a refurbished product by regenerating a new product or a reclaimed product, in the product replacement system, the provider collects the product by the user. And, for the product to be introduced, whether there is a request for collection and / or introduction, and the type of the product, input means for inputting replacement request data including the number from the user, based on the replacement request data,
A product replacement system comprising: a changeover unit for changing a model of a collected product from a required model to a required model and determining an introduction destination for the model of a recycled product. 6. The product replacement system according to claim 5, wherein a server provided by the provider includes said input means and replacement determination means, and inputs replacement request data from a server provided by a user. 7. A replacement system for replacing a product between a provider and a user by collecting an already introduced product and introducing a refurbished product by regenerating a new product or a reclaimed product. The server to prepare,
A replacement support unit that supports determination of product replacement by the user, the replacement support unit inputs history data on the already-introduced product from a server provided by the user, and forms simulation data on the replacement product using the history data. A product replacement system that outputs the simulation data to a server provided in the user and displays a simulation of product replacement on the user side, thereby assisting the user in product replacement. 8. The product replacement system according to claim 5, wherein introduction and collection of the product between the provider and the user are introduction and collection by rental of a game machine. 9. A rental machine replacement system for replacing a rental gaming machine by delivering a manufactured gaming machine to a user as a rental gaming machine and collecting a replacement removal rental gaming machine from the user. A rental gaming machine characterized by comprising a face changing means for changing at least a part of the unit components of the collected rental game machine, and a rental game machine delivery means for delivering the changed rental game machine to a user. Replacement system. 10. The rental game machine replacement system according to claim 9, wherein a delivery destination delivered by said rental game machine delivery means is a user different from a collection source. 11. The rental gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein said replacement means forms a different gaming machine by replacing all of the collected unit components of the rental gaming machine. Replacement system. 12. The face change means includes face change determination means for determining a model to be face changed, and the face change determination means generates a face change request data of a plurality of users based on the replacement request data from the user. 10. The rental game machine replacement system according to claim 9, wherein a matching model is determined. 13. The rental game machine delivery means includes delivery destination determination means for determining a delivery model and a delivery destination for delivering a changed rental gaming machine to a user, wherein the delivery destination determination means includes a replacement request from the user. 10. The rental game machine replacement system according to claim 9, wherein a delivery model and a delivery destination that match each replacement request data of a plurality of users are determined based on the data. 14. The rental gaming machine according to claim 9, further comprising replacement support means for supporting a replacement determination of the rental gaming machine based on sales data of the rental gaming machine managed by a server provided by the user. Replacement system. 15. The rental game according to claim 9, wherein said face changing means fetches replacement request data from a user by a service side server connected to the user side server via communication means. Machine replacement system. 16. The service-side server includes a production stock master and a replacement part stock master, and the replacement model determination by the replacement determination means is based on replacement request data from a user, the production stock master, and the replacement part stock. 16. The rental game machine replacement system according to claim 15, wherein the replacement is performed based on production stock data and face replacement part stock data read from the master. 17. The sales management server is connected to the user server and the service server, and the sales management server takes in the replacement request data fetched from the user server and the production data fetched from the service server. A rental machine change plan for each user,
17. The replacement of a rental gaming machine according to claim 9, 11, 12, 14, 14, 15, or 16, wherein a model type to be collected and / or delivered is determined and transmitted as production planning data to a factory server. system. 18. The sales management server compares the data input to the replacement request management master of each user and the data input to the replacement request management master, the production inventory master, and the replacement parts inventory master, and performs production planning. 2. A production planning instruction master for determining the order is provided.
7. A rental game machine replacement system according to item 7. 19. The parts replacement master according to claim 16, wherein the part replacement master includes a parts ordering master for ordering parts in accordance with a parts inventory amount and / or a parts delivery master for instructing the delivery of parts. Rental machine replacement system. 20. The rental game machine replacement according to claim 9, further comprising rental history management means for updating the history data by identifying the rental game machine on the route of the rental game machine. system.