JP2002233648A - Game machine control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine control system which easily controls processes from sale to disposal to suppress illegal disposal of game machines to be dumped and unfair use of parts. SOLUTION: Information on game machines is inputted from discriminating information inputting devices respectively equipped in makers, used machine sales companies, blocks in recovery centers, recycling companies, etc., of bases for physical distribution in the market. Information on game machines inputted from each discrimination information inputting device is discrimination information to discriminate respective game machines and present condition information to express the present condition such as the location of a game machine, etc. The discrimination information is read out by a reader 21 equipped on each discrimination information inputting device and added with the present condition information and then transmitted to the host computer 1 at the recovery center to be stored.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a pachinko machine, a slot machine, and other gaming machines, which easily manages the process from sale to disposal, to illegally discard the discarded gaming machines and illegally use parts. The present invention relates to a gaming machine management system capable of suppressing a game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game using a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine is a game that has been widely popular because it can be easily enjoyed, and is enjoyed by many players. Then, in order to enhance the interest of the player, a new gaming machine called a new stand is developed and provided to the player every year. Thereby, the player can enjoy the game without getting bored.

[0003] Such a game machine is manufactured by a manufacturer and then sold to a hall. And, with the replacement of the new stand, from the hall was paid to the used machine sales company,
Delivered to the disposal company (or manufacturer). The amusement machine paid to the used machine sales company is further resold from the used machine sales company to another hall, but is finally handed over to a disposal company (or maker) and discarded. The discarded gaming machine is disposed of by a maker or a disposal company by dismantling or incineration. Some of the dismantled parts, such as liquid crystal displays and main control boards, are recycled and reused.

[0004]

However, for example, in pachinko machines, the average annual production volume is about 30
An enormous amount of gaming machines, of which there are 100,000, ie, about 3 million every year, will be discarded. For this reason, it is difficult to grasp the history of the location and distribution route of each gaming machine,
There has been a problem that it is difficult to confirm whether or not it has been properly discarded. Furthermore, discarded gaming machines are not directly discharged from the halls to waste disposal companies, but are often paid to used machine sales companies and resold between halls, etc., making it increasingly difficult to manage their locations. There was a problem that has become. In addition, since the location is unclear, it is not possible to suppress an act of removing a part of the game machine from the discarded game machine, and there is a problem that the part is used due to an illegal act of the game machine. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and can easily manage a process from sale to disposal to prevent illegal disposal of a discarded gaming machine and illegal use of parts. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine management system that can control the game machine.

[0006]

In order to achieve this object, a gaming machine management system according to a first aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine having identification information holding means for holding identification information for identifying a gaming machine; Identification information reading means for reading the identification information held by the information holding means; adding means for adding the current state information indicating the current state of the gaming machine to the identification information read by the identification information reading means; An identification information input device having transmission means for transmitting the added identification information, connected to the identification information input device via a line, and receiving information transmitted from the transmission means via the line. Receiving means, information storage means for storing the identification information received by the receiving means and current status information in association with each other, and identification information and current status information stored in the information storage means. And a management device for managing a gaming machine sold to a market from a manufacturer based on the gaming machine management device.

According to the gaming machine management system of the present invention, the identification information of the gaming machine held in the identification information holding means is read by the identification information reading means of the identification information input device, and the read identification information is read. Is added to the current state information indicating the current state of the gaming machine by the adding means. The identification information to which the current status information is added is transmitted by the transmission means from the identification information input device to the gaming machine management device via the line.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine management apparatus, the identification information and the current status information are received by the receiving means, and the received identification information and the current status information are stored in the information storage means in association with each other. Then, the management unit manages the gaming machine sold from the manufacturer to the market based on the identification information and the current status information stored in the information storage unit.

[0009]

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The gaming machine management system of the present embodiment is a system for managing from the sale to disposal of a gaming machine manufactured by a manufacturer by causing the gaming machine to hold identification information, and the identification information of the gaming machine distributed in the market. An identification information input device for inputting current status information indicating the current state of the gaming machine such as its location and its location, and a gaming machine management device for centrally managing the information input from the identification information input device. The identification information input device is installed in each base (each block of a manufacturer, a used machine sales company, and a collection center) at the time of distribution of the gaming machine, and the gaming machine management device collects the discarded gaming machine by collecting it. Installed in

The identification information held in the gaming machine is stored (held) by a dedicated IC chip.
By reading the identification information stored in the C chip with a reader, the identification information is input to the identification information input device.

FIG. 1 schematically shows an outline of a gaming machine management system, in which a collection center host computer 1 interconnected via a telephone line 3 and a collection center serving as an identification information input device. Block of terminal device 10
Maker terminal device 20 and used machine sales company terminal device 3
FIG. 2 is an external view showing a connection state between the terminal device 0 and a recycling company terminal device 40.

The host computer 1 is a gaming machine management device, and a terminal (collection center side input device) 10 of a collection center block, a maker terminal device (manufacturer side input device) 20, and a used machine It is connected to a sales company terminal device (input device on the used machine sales company side) 30. Further, the terminal is indirectly connected to the recycling company terminal device (processing company side input device) 40 via the manufacturer terminal device 20. Host computer 1 of this collection center
Means CPU, ROM, RAM, hard disk 2, CR
T, a keyboard, and two-way communication with each identification information input device (terminal device 10 of the collection center block, manufacturer terminal device 20, and used machine sales company terminal device 30) via the telephone line 3. A modem is provided for communication. A dedicated protocol for performing communication between the host computer 1 and each identification information input device, received information, and a control program for managing the gaming machine based on the received information are stored in the hard disk 2. I have.

The identification information of the gaming machine is transmitted from each identification information input device to the host computer 1 together with the identification information of the gaming machine. The hard disk 2 of the host computer 1 stores the identification information and the current information in the hard disk 2. Are stored in association with each other. The hard disk 2 stores in advance an identification number unique to each identification information input device. The information transmitted from the identification information input device is provided with an identification number unique to the identification information input device, and the host computer 1 transmits the identification number to the hard disk 2
Is compared with the identification number stored in the storage device, and the validity of the identification information input device of the access source can be determined. The contents of the control program for managing the gaming machine executed by the host computer 1 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

On the other hand, an identification information input device connected to the host computer 1 is a terminal computer for inputting the identification information of the gaming machine and the current status information indicating the current status such as the location of the gaming machine to the host computer 1. Yes, it is installed at the base of gaming machines distributed in the market. Specifically, the identification information input device includes a terminal device 10 of a collection center block installed in a block of the collection center, and a maker terminal device 20 installed in a manufacturer of the gaming machine.
, A used machine sales company terminal device 30 installed in a used machine sales company that handles used game machines, and a recycling company terminal device 40 installed in a recycling company (processing company).

The terminal device 10 of the block of the collection center is:
A computer that registers in the host computer 1 that the discarded gaming machine has arrived in the collection center block or has been delivered to the manufacturer, and the discarded gaming machine has been collected (to the collection center block). This information is added to the identification information as the current status information, such as collection information indicating that the game machine has been discarded, or delivery information indicating that the discarded gaming machine has been transferred from the block of the collection center to the manufacturer.

The maker terminal device 20 is a computer for registering, in the host computer 1, the sale of a new in-house gaming machine and the processing status (recycling information) of a discarded in-house gaming machine. Information and recycling information of discarded gaming machines are added to the identification information as current status information. The maker terminal device 20 can access a database of the host computer 1 of the collection center and search for desired information. Information (history, etc.) can be known.

The used machine sales company terminal device 30 is used by a used machine sales company, which is a progress point of the game machines distributed in the market, to receive used game machines (used machines) such as halls.
A computer that manages the sale of used machines. The computer manages the arrival of used machines and the sales (destination) of used owned machines as identification information to the host computer 1 as current status information.

The recycling company terminal device 40 is a computer for executing input of recycling information indicating how the gaming machine requested by the manufacturer has been processed and transmission of the recycling information to the manufacturer terminal device 20. is there. In the recycling company terminal device 40, the recycling information is added to the identification information as the current status information.

Each identification information input device includes a CPU, a ROM,
This is a computer including a RAM, a hard disk, a CRT, and a keyboard, and includes a reader 21 for reading identification information. Further, a modem is provided to enable two-way communication with the host computer 1 (the recycling company terminal device 40 and the manufacturer terminal device 20) via the telephone line 3.

Among the identification information input devices, information input from the terminal device 10, the maker terminal device 20, and the used machine sales company terminal device 30 of the collection center block are transmitted to the host computer 1 according to a dedicated protocol and recycled. Information input from the company terminal device 40 is transmitted to the maker terminal device 20 according to a dedicated protocol. Further, the identification information input device, that is, the terminal device 10, the manufacturer terminal device 20, the used machine sales company terminal device 30, and the recycling company terminal device 40 of the collection center block include:
A control program for controlling processing executed by each identification information input device is stored in the hard disk of each identification information input device. A communication program and a protocol for transmitting and receiving data are stored in the hard disk as a part of the control program. The processing executed by each identification information input device is described in FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

As described above, each identification information input device is provided with an identification number for specifying the device, and the identification number is registered in the host computer 1 of the collection center in advance. Since a plurality of identification information input devices are provided, the identification numbers are assigned to the respective identification information input devices so that the host computer 1 can individually identify the plurality of identification information input devices. As a result, when accessing the host computer 1, the identification information input device from which input device is input is recognized by the host computer 1, and whether the identification information input device is valid is determined. . In addition, the identification number is stored in the terminal device 10 of the block of the collection center, the maker terminal device 2
0, a number is assigned to each of the used machine sales company terminal devices 30 and the recycling company terminal devices 40, that is, for each type of identification information input device, so that the type can be known by reading the identification number. I have.

The reader 21 is a handy terminal type reader for reading information of an IC chip (identification information of a gaming machine) in a non-contact manner. The information read by the reader 21 is decoded by a dedicated program, and is stored in the hard disk of the identification information input device.

As described above, the identification information input device is installed at the manufacturer, used machine sales company, and collection center, which are locations where the location of the gaming machine can be known, and the identification information of the gaming machine is read from such a place, and the market can be obtained. You can know where your gaming machines are. That is, the location of the gaming machine distributed to the market where the location management is difficult can be easily grasped.

By installing the identification information input device in a recycling company, it is possible to manage manufactured gaming machines from sale to disposal. For this reason, the history of the gaming machines distributed in the market can be followed, and illegal disposal of the discarded gaming machines can be suppressed.

Here, in this gaming machine management system, the management (flow of information) of gaming machines distributed to the market is as follows:
This is performed along the distribution route of the gaming machine. For this reason, the distribution route of the gaming machine from sale to recycling processing will be described first with reference to FIG.

Game machines manufactured by manufacturers (Shindai)
At the time of sale is sold to the hall along the new route shown in FIG. And the used gaming machines in the hall are shown in FIG.
It is delivered (sold) to a collection center on the used machine route in the used machine or to a used machine sales company in the used machine route in FIG. Amusement machines sold to used machine sales companies circulate in the market by being resold to another hall, etc., but when they are finally discarded, they go to the collection center via the used machine route described above. Collected (sold).
It should be noted that the collection center is provided with several blocks, and the collection of the gaming machines is executed by the block in charge of the area.

The gaming machines collected at the collection center are sorted for each manufacturer, and stored in each block of the collection center until a predetermined amount is reached or for a predetermined period.
Then, when the number of stored gaming machines exceeds a predetermined amount, or when the storage period exceeds the predetermined period, the gaming machines are delivered to the manufacturer of the manufacturer via the used in-house gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 (purchase by the manufacturer). The gaming machine delivered to the maker is shipped from the maker to the recycling company through the processing gaming machine. It is then recycled by a recycling company (thermal recycling into raw materials), incinerated as fuel, or recycled so that it can be used as a recycled component. Will be shipped to the manufacturer.

Next, a flow of information of the gaming machine along the distribution route of the gaming machine will be described. In the gaming machine management system according to the present embodiment, the information of the gaming machine input from each identification information input device to the host computer 1 includes the identification information of the gaming machine, the current status information, and the recognition of the identification information input device of the input source. Numbers are provided.

In this gaming machine management system, information on a gaming machine is first input from the maker terminal device 20 when the maker sells the gaming machine to the hall as a new machine (corresponding to the new gaming machine distribution channel). Manufacturer terminal device 20
By reading the identification information by the reader 21, the information input of the gaming machine is started, and after the sales information (sales information in FIG. 1) is added to the read identification information, the information is stored in the hard disk of the host computer 1. Registered in 2. This sales information is current status information indicating that a new gaming machine has been released to the market, and specifically, the sales destination of the gaming machine and the date of sale. Thereby, the registration of the new gaming machine released to the market is executed by the host computer 1, and the management of the gaming machine is started.

When a game machine is sold from a hall to a used machine sales company (corresponding to the above-mentioned game machine distribution channel used machine)
The information of the game machine (used machine sales information) is input from the used machine sales company terminal device 30 of the used machine sales company.
In this used machine sales company terminal device 30, the reader 2
By reading the identification information by 1, the information input of the gaming machine is started, and after the used machine sales information (used machine sales information in FIG. 1) is added to the read identification information, the information is sent to the host computer 1. Sent. This used machine sales information is current status information indicating the location of the gaming machine discharged from the hall, and is input when the gaming machine is received at a used machine sales company and when the gaming machine is shipped (sold).

Specifically, the used machine sales information includes, when a used machine is received, an identification number of the used machine sales company terminal 30 and the date of arrival. When shipping (selling) a used machine, the sales destination of the gaming machine and the date of sale are used machine sales information. When such used machine sales information is received by the host computer 1, the host computer 1 reads the information of the corresponding gaming machine from the hard disk 2 with the identification information received together with the used machine sales information as a mark, and sells the used machine sales information. Add information. As a result, of the gaming machines discharged from the hall, the location and history of the gaming machines discharged to the used machine sales company can be clarified.

When a game machine is collected (sold) from a hall or a used machine sales company to a collection center (corresponding to the above-mentioned game machine used in the distribution channel of the game machine), the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center is used. , Information (collection information) of the gaming machine is input. In the terminal device 10 of the block of the collection center, the identification information is read by the reader 21 so that the information input of the gaming machine is started, and the collection information (FIG.
The collected information is added to the read identification information, and then transmitted to the host computer 1. This collection information is current status information indicating that the gaming machine distributed in the market has been collected by the collection center as a discarded gaming machine. In other words, the information indicates the result of the game machine sold by the maker being collected along a valid route without being illegally dumped.

Specifically, the collection information includes the identification number of the terminal device 10 of the block from which the gaming machine was collected, the date when the gaming machine was collected, and the like. When the collection information is received by the host computer 1, the host computer 1 reads the information of the corresponding gaming machine from the hard disk 2 with the identification information received together with the collection information as a mark, and adds the received collection information.

The gaming machines collected in each block are stored in each block until handed over to the maker as described above, and the information of the gaming machine being stored is managed by the host computer 1. Then, after a predetermined period of time, or when the number of gaming machines of the same maker reaches a predetermined number, the host computer 1 sends the maker terminal device 20 of the delivery maker.
Then, the collection contact information requesting the collection ('collection contact information') is transmitted. The collection contact information is constituted by, for example, identification information of the gaming machine for which the collection is requested and the quantity thereof.

Also, when the gaming machine is delivered from each block of the collection center to the maker (corresponding to the above-described used gaming machine used in the distribution channel of the gaming machine), the terminal device 10 of the block of the collection center sends the information to the manufacturer. Game machine information (delivery information) is input. In the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center, as in the case of the collection of the gaming machine, the information input of the gaming machine is started by reading the identification information by the reader 21, and the delivery information (the delivery information in FIG. 1) is obtained. After being added to the read identification information, the host computer 1
Sent to

The delivery information is current status information indicating that the gaming machine to be discarded has been delivered to the maker. More specifically, the delivery destination (the identification number of the delivery maker), that is, the gaming machine has been delivered to the maker. This is information indicating that When the delivery information is received by the host computer 1, the host computer 1 reads the information of the corresponding gaming machine from the hard disk 2 with the identification information received together with the delivery information as a mark, and adds the received delivery information. Thereby, it is possible to manage from the sale of the gaming machine sold by the manufacturer to the disposal (delivery to the manufacturer).

When the processing of the gaming machines shipped from the maker to the recycling company is completed and the recycled parts and the like after the processing are shipped to the maker (corresponding to the above-described distribution parts of the gaming machines, the recycled parts). Information (recycle information in FIG. 1) is added to the identification information of the gaming machine,
It is transmitted from the recycling company terminal device 40 to the manufacturer terminal device 20. Recycling information is information on the current status of how amusement machines were processed, such as the items of recycled parts (parts recycling), the material recycling ratio for converting recovered materials into raw materials, and thermals for incineration as fuel.・ Recycling ratio, processing amount, etc.
The transmitted recycling information is further transmitted from the maker terminal device 20 to the host computer 1. The recycle information received by the host computer 1 is tabulated by the host computer 1 (execution of a recycle information tabulation process).

Note that the distribution of the gaming machine and the distribution of the information need not necessarily be performed in synchronization with each other. For example, information input from each identification information input device to the host computer 1 may take one
It may be executed collectively at a frequency of once a month or the like.

Next, distributed gaming machines will be described. A game machine manufactured by a manufacturer is provided with identification information for identifying the game machine. This identification information is held by the IC chip.
An antenna provided on the IC chip is designed so that signals can be transmitted and received (reading identification information) with the reader 21 in a non-contact manner. Then, the IC chip is laminated with a flexible plastic base material or paper on which the contents as a certificate stamp are printed, and processed into an IC label or IC tag. An adhesive layer is provided on the back surface of the label or tag (opposite the printing surface), and the label or tag is fixed to the gaming machine by the adhesive layer.

Here, the gaming machine is a product that can be dismantled,
Also, considering that it is used for each disassembled part,
The above-mentioned IC labels and IC tags are used for gaming boards of gaming machines,
The frame and the case of the main control board are respectively fixed to three places. Thereby, even if the gaming machine is disassembled and used, its location can be clarified and managed. In this embodiment, an IC tag is used as identification information holding means.

Incidentally, the IC chip is not necessarily processed into the form of a label or a tag, but may be directly fixed to a game machine. Also, it is not always necessary to be provided integrally with the certificate stamp. Further, the IC chip may be fixed to the game machine after being laminated in a sandwich structure with the protective base material. The method of fixing is not limited to bonding, and a general method such as screwing or embedding may be used.

The identification information written in the IC chip is a manufacturer code, a board, a frame, a type of a main control board, a serial number, a manufacturing date, and a security code. The security code is a code indicating that the identification information attached to the gaming machine is valid identification information. The identification information written in this IC chip is write-protected and is read-only information. This prevents unauthorized information from being written in the course of distribution, and allows the history of gaming machines holding the identification information to be accurately managed. Also, even with a small amount of information,
Since information necessary for managing the gaming machines is covered as identification information, each gaming machine can be properly managed. Further, since the maker code is held as identification information, management for each maker can be easily performed. According to this, for example, the gaming machines collected at the collection center are handed over to the manufacturer, but if the identification information is read at the collection center, the sorting can be easily performed for each manufacturer, and the sorting operation can be made more efficient. be able to.

Next, with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 2 to 4, each processing executed by the maker terminal device 20 in the identification information input device configured as described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the shipping information transmission process executed by the manufacturer terminal device 20. The shipping information transmission process is a process performed by the manufacturer, and is a process of registering the gaming machine shipped from the manufacturer to the hall in the host computer 1 of the collection center. This is executed to register a new gaming machine to be distributed to the market.

In this shipping information transmitting process, first, it is confirmed whether or not identification information has been input (S1). The input of the identification information is executed by reading the IC tag provided in the gaming machine with the reader 21. As a result of the confirmation in the processing of S1, if the identification information has not been read (S1: N
o), the shipment information transmission process ends. On the other hand, if the identification information has been read as a result of the check in S1 (S1: Yes), the input identification information is written into a predetermined area of the hard disk of the maker terminal device 20 (S1).
2). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the input of the three kinds of identification information is completed (S3). Here, the identification information for one gaming machine is held in the form of an IC tag on each of the gaming board, the frame of the gaming machine, and the case of the main control board. And 1
The input of the identification information is completed when all of the identification information is read by the reader 21 for the gaming machine. For this reason, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S3, if the input of the three kinds of identification information is not completed (S3: No), S4
Wait for subsequent processing. Also, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S3, if the input of the three types of identification information is completed (S3: Y
es), it is confirmed whether or not the sales destination of the gaming machine has been inputted (S4).

Here, if the seller has not been input (S4: No), the processing after S5 is waited. On the other hand, if the sales destination has been input (S4: Yes), the input sales destination and the date on which the gaming machine was sold are added to the corresponding identification information area (S5). Next, the own identification number (the identification number of the maker terminal device 20 serving as the identification number of the access source) and a new data input command are added to the identification information to which the sales destination and date are added, and the host computer 1 of the collection center is added. (S6), and terminates the shipping information transmission process. The seller and the date are current status information corresponding to the sales information in FIG.

The types of information transmitted from the maker terminal device 20 to the host computer 1 are plural. The processing executed by the host computer 1 differs depending on the type of the information. For this reason, a command is added to the information transmitted from the maker terminal device 20 to the host computer 1, and the processing to be executed by the host computer 1 is instructed by the added command. Therefore, in the shipping information transmitting process, a new data input command is added to the information transmitted to the host computer 1 in the process of S6, and when the information is received by the host computer 1, the input process of the new data is instructed. It has become.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the recycle shipping process executed by the manufacturer terminal device 20. The recycling shipping process is a process for the maker to manage gaming machines shipped from the manufacturer to the recycling company. This allows the manufacturer to confirm the collected gaming machines among the gaming machines sold by the manufacturer.

In this recycling shipping process, first, it is confirmed whether or not identification information has been input (S11). The identification information is input by reading the IC tag held by the gaming machine by the reader 21. Here, if the identification information has not been input (S11: No), the recycle shipping processing ends. On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S11, if the identification information is input (S11: Ye
s) It is checked whether the input identification information matches the identification information stored in the hard disk of the maker terminal device 20 (S12). If the input identification information does not match the identification information stored in the hard disk (S12: No), the recycle shipping processing ends. If the input identification information matches the identification information stored in the hard disk (S12: Yes) as a result of the check in S12, that is, if the input identification information is stored in the hard disk. For example, a code for recycling shipment is added to the corresponding identification information stored in the hard disk (S13), and the recycling shipment processing ends.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the recycling information receiving process executed by the maker terminal device 20. The recycling information receiving process is a process performed by the manufacturer, and is a process for receiving the recycling information transmitted from the recycling company. As described above, the recycling information is information indicating how the gaming machine has been processed. In addition to the identification information indicating the processed gaming machine, for example, items of recycled parts, a thermal recycling rate, a processing amount, etc. Is the recycling information.

In the recycling information receiving process, first,
Check whether information has been received from the recycling company (S2
1). Here, if the information is not received from the recycling company (S21: No), the recycling information receiving process ends. Then, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S21, if the information is received from the recycling company (S21: Yes),
The identification information is confirmed for the received information (S22), and it is confirmed whether or not the confirmed identification information is stored in the hard disk of the maker terminal device 20 (S23). As a result of the confirmation, if the received (confirmed) identification information is not stored in the hard disk (S23: No), the recycle information receiving process ends.

If the received (confirmed) identification information is stored in the hard disk as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S23 (S23: Yes), a code for recycling shipment is further added to the confirmed identification information. It is checked whether the state is stored in the hard disk (S24).
If the recycling shipping code has not been added (S24: No), the recycling information receiving process ends. On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S24, if the code of the recycle shipment is added (S24: Ye
s) Recognizing that the gaming machine having the identification information is a gaming machine that has been shipped to a recycling company for recycling, and corresponding identification information stored in the hard disk includes:
Recycle information (received information) is added (S25),
After executing the recycle information transmission process (S26), the recycle information reception process ends.

The recycle information transmission process is a process of transmitting to the host computer 1 the identification information of the gaming machine to which the recycle information has been added. This allows the host computer 1 to manage the state (recycle) of the collected gaming machines after disposal. For this reason,
In the recycling information transmission process (S26), the host computer 1 is called, and when the line is closed with the host computer 1, the identification information of the gaming machine to which the recycling information has been added is added to the maker terminal device 20. , And a recycle information input command.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the gaming machine information receiving process executed by the host computer 1 of the collection center. The gaming machine information receiving process is performed by each identification information input device (the maker terminal device 20,
The program is a program for receiving information on gaming machines such as identification information and current status information input from the used machine sales company terminal device 30 and the terminal device 10) of the collection center block and writing the information to the hard disk 2.

In this gaming machine information receiving process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the identification number has been received (S41). And
If the identification number has not been received (S41: No), the game machine information receiving process ends. If the identification number has been received as a result of the check in S41 (S41: Y
es) After confirming the received access source identification number (S42), it is determined whether the identified identification number is a valid identification number by comparing it with an identification number stored in the hard disk 2 in advance. (S43).

As a result, if the confirmed identification number is not a valid identification number (S43: No), the game machine information receiving process ends. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in the process of S43,
If the confirmed identification number is a valid identification number (S43:
Yes), the type of the identification number is determined (S44). As a result of the determination, if the type is a maker (S44: maker), since the identification information input device of the access source is the maker terminal device 20, what is the transmitted command (added to the transmitted information)? It is checked whether there is (S45).
Then, if the command is a new data input command (S45: new data input command), a new file is created on the hard disk 2, and the file is associated with the received identification information, and together with the identification information, The received sales destination, date, and identification number of the access source (the identification number of the maker) are written (S46), and this gaming machine information reception processing ends. As a result, the gaming machine newly sold (distributed to the market) from the manufacturer is registered in the host computer 1.

On the other hand, as a result of checking in the processing of S45, if the command is a search execution command (S45:
Search execution command), maker terminal device 20 of access source
Based on your search scope, such as keywords sent by,
A search process for searching for a game machine of the maker is executed (S47).

Further, as a result of checking in the process of S45, if the command is a recycle information input command (S45: Recycle information input command), the information transmitted from the maker terminal device 20 is the recycle information. Then, a recycling information totalizing process for totalizing the recycling information for each manufacturer is executed (S48). In the recycle information totalizing process (S48), using the transmitted recycle information, the amount of processing for each manufacturer, the processing ratio according to the recycling mode, the item of recycled parts (parts recycling), and the material for converting the recovered resources into raw materials・ Calculate the recycling ratio and the thermal recycling ratio for incineration as fuel. In this way, it is possible to monitor the recycling efforts as a manufacturer.

As a result of the judgment in S44, if the type is a used machine sales company (S44: used machine sales company), the identification information input device of the access source is the used machine sales company terminal device 30. Then, it is determined whether or not the identification information added to the received identification number is stored in the hard disk 2 (S49), and if not, the identification information is not stored (S49:
No) The game machine information receiving process ends. On the other hand, S4
If the identification information added to the received identification number is stored in the hard disk 2 as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S9 (S
49: Yes), and after writing the information (date, identification number of the used machine sales company terminal 30 and sales destination) transmitted from the used machine sales company terminal 30 to the stored identification information file (S50), This gaming machine information reception processing ends. Since information is transmitted from the used machine sales company terminal device 30 at the time of arrival or sale of the used machine, the seller is not received at the time of arrival.

Further, as a result of the determination in the processing of S44, if the type is the block of the collection center (S44: Terminal of the block of the collection center), the identification information input device of the access source is the terminal of the block of the collection center. It is 10.
Therefore, it checks what command is received together with the received identification number (S51). As a result, if the received command is a command other than the arrival information input command (S51:
Others), after executing each process (S54), the game machine information receiving process ends. On the other hand, as a result of checking in the processing of S51, if the received command is a received information input command (S51: received information input command), whether the identification information added to the received identification number is stored in the hard disk 2 or not is determined. Is confirmed (S52), and if it is not stored (S52: No), this gaming machine information receiving process ends. Further, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S52, if the identification information added to the received identification number is stored in the hard disk 2 (S52: Yes), the terminal device of the collection center block is stored in the stored identification information file. The information (date, identification number of the terminal device 10 of the block of the collection center) transmitted from 10 is written (S53), and the game machine information receiving process is terminated.

As described above, the information of the gaming machine is input to the host computer 1 as needed from each identification information input device provided at the distribution base of the gaming machine, so that the location and the history of the gaming machine distributed in the market are obtained. Can be centrally managed and grasped by the host computer 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the disposal table management processing executed by the host computer 1 of the collection center. The disposal table management process is a process of managing gaming machines collected as discarded gaming machines and stored in each block of the collection center for each manufacturer in block units, and stored in each block. This is a program for instructing a maker when a delivery time arrives at a gaming machine. The gaming machines collected by the collection center are delivered to the maker when the number of gaming machines of the same maker exceeds a predetermined amount in the same block or when a certain period of time has elapsed after the collection. For this reason, in this disposal table management process, counting of the gaming machines received in the block of the collection center and calculation of the number of storage days from the arrival time are executed.

More specifically, in this disposal table management process, it is first checked whether or not the number of gaming machines of a predetermined manufacturer stored in one block exceeds a predetermined number (S61).
Here, if the number of stored gaming machines exceeds the predetermined number (S61: Yes), the delivery time to the maker has arrived, so the identification information of the gaming machine at which the delivery time has arrived is read, and The manufacturer of the gaming machine is confirmed (S63). Thereafter, the manufacturer is instructed to collect the gaming machine (S6).
4), the discard table management processing ends. The collection instruction executed in the process of S64 is the collection contact information of 'shown in FIG.

As a result of the check in S61, if the number of stored gaming machines does not exceed the predetermined number (S6).
1: No), it is further checked whether or not any of the gaming machines managed in the one block has passed a predetermined number of days from the arrival date (S62). As a result, if there is no one that has passed the predetermined number of days from the arrival date (S62: N
o), the discard table management processing ends. On the other hand, if there is a gaming machine that has passed the predetermined number of days from the arrival date (S62: Ye
s) It means that there is a gaming machine for which the delivery time has arrived, and the processing shifts to the processing of S63.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the delivery process executed in each process of FIG. The delivery process is executed when the gaming machine stored in each block is delivered to the manufacturer, and is a process for registering in the host computer 1 that the gaming machine stored in each block has been delivered to the manufacturer. is there. This delivery process is executed based on a command transmitted from the terminal device 10 of each block of the collection center.

In the delivery process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the received command is a delivery execution command (S7).
1), as a result of the confirmation, if the received command is not a delivery execution command (S71: No), the delivery process ends. On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S71, if the received command is a delivery execution command (S71: Ye
s) The identification information added to the received delivery execution command is confirmed, and the delivery code is added to the corresponding identification information stored in the hard disk 2 (S72).
The delivery command and the identification information are both input from the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center. The identification information is inputted by reading the IC tag held in the gaming machine by the reader 21 provided in the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center.

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the identification number of the delivery maker has been received (S73), and if it has been received (S7).
3: Yes), it is checked whether or not the received identification number matches the identification number of the manufacturer stored in the hard disk 2 in association with the identification information to which the delivery code has been added in the processing of S72 (S74). . The received identification number is transmitted from the terminal device 10 of the collection center block, and when the gaming machine is delivered to the maker in the collection center block, the delivery company (delivery destination manufacturer) is authorized by the delivery company (delivery destination). This is input to prove that the user is the first maker.

Here, if the received identification number matches the identification number of the manufacturer stored in the hard disk 2 (S74: Yes), the manufacturer of the delivery destination is authenticated as a valid manufacturer, and the delivery note of the gaming machine is received. After executing a slip issuing process for issuing a bill or a bill (S75), the delivery process is terminated.

If the identification number of the transfer destination maker has not been received as a result of the check in S73 (S73:
No), the processing of S74 and thereafter is waited until the identification number is received. Further, as a result of checking in the processing of S74, if the received identification number does not match the identification number of the manufacturer stored in the hard disk 2 (S74: No), the terminal device 10 of the block of the collection center of the access source is sent to the terminal device 10 An error is transmitted (S76), and the delivery process ends.

In the gaming machine management system of this embodiment,
Game machines collected from the market to the collection center are purchased by the collection center, and game machines delivered from the collection center to the manufacturer are purchased by the manufacturer. Since the purchase price is predetermined, in the delivery process, the slip issuing process (S75) can be executed only by inputting the identification information of the gaming machine. This purchase price is a price that fluctuates depending on the presence / absence of a part mounted on the gaming machine. If a part has been extracted, the purchase price is set to be low (depending on the state of extraction of parts). By setting in advance the purchase price according to the state of component removal, if the presence or absence of component installation is input for each gaming machine, the price of that gaming machine is determined, and based on the determined price, The issued slip issuing process (S75) is executed.

The presence / absence of this part is determined by determining whether or not the abandoned gaming machine is collected (received) in a block of the collection center in the discarding table receipt information transmission process shown in FIG. It is input by the terminal device 10. As described above, the purchase price is set low for a gaming machine from which a part of a part is extracted.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the discarding table receipt information transmission processing executed by the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center. The discarding machine receipt information transmission process is executed when the discarded gaming machine is collected in the collection center block, and the host computer of the collection center notifies that the newly discarded gaming machine has been received in the collection center block. This is a process for registering the information in No. 1.

In this discarding table arrival information transmission processing, it is confirmed whether or not identification information has been input (S81). The input of the identification information is executed by reading the information of the IC tag held in the gaming machine by the reader 21 provided in the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center. As a result, if the identification information has not been input (S81: No), the discarding table arrival information transmission processing ends. On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S81, if the identification information is input (S8
1: Yes), the input identification information is written in a predetermined area of the hard disk of the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center (S82), and the date when the identification information is input is associated with the written identification information. It writes its own identification number (the identification number of the terminal device 10 of the block of the collection center that becomes the identification number of the access source) (S83).

Next, it is checked whether or not the liquid crystal of the gaming machine, the main control board, and the payout control board are input (S8).
4) If input, the presence / absence of attachment of each component (liquid crystal of the gaming machine, main control board, payout control board) is added to the identification information written on the hard desk (S85). Then, an arrival information input command is further added to the identification information to which the date, the identification number, and the presence / absence of the component attachment are added, and the command is transmitted to the host computer 1 (S86). I do. Here, the date, the identification number, and the presence / absence of component attachment are current status information, and correspond to the collection information in FIG.

In the process of S86, when the information transmitted from the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center to the host computer 1 is received by the host computer 1, the gaming machine information receiving process is executed in the host computer 1, The received information (date, identification number of the terminal device 10 of the block of the collection center) is written in the corresponding identification information file stored in the hard disk 2. As a result, the information of the gaming machine collected by the block of the collection center is registered in the host computer 1.

If it is determined in step S84 that the liquid crystal of the gaming machine, the main control board, and the payout control board have not been input, the process proceeds to step S8.
The process waits for the processes after 4.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a delivery execution process executed by the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center. The delivery execution process is executed by the terminal device 10 in the collection center block, and the gaming machine stored in the collection center block notifies the host computer 1 that the gaming machine is to be delivered to the manufacturer, and performs the delivery process to the host computer 1. This is the process to be executed. The host computer 1 recognizes that the gaming machine stored in the collection center is delivered from the block of the collection center to the manufacturer by the delivery execution processing.

In the delivery execution process, first, it is confirmed whether or not the identification information has been input (S91). The input of the identification information is executed by reading the information of the IC tag held in the gaming machine by the reader 21 provided in the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center. as a result,
If the identification information has not been input (S91: No), the delivery execution processing ends. On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S91, if the identification information is input (S91: Yes), it is further confirmed whether or not the recognition number of the delivery maker has been input (S92). If the identification information is input (S92: Yes), the identification information of the self (the terminal device 10 of the collection center block which is the identification number of the access source) and the identification numbers of the transfer destination maker and the transfer execution command are added to the input identification information. After that, the data is transmitted to the host computer 1 (S93), and the delivery execution processing ends. Here, the identification number of the delivery destination maker is current status information indicating that the gaming machine has been taken over by the maker, and FIG.
It is the delivery information of the inside.

When the information transmitted to the host computer 1 by the delivery execution process is received by the host computer 1, the host computer 1 executes the delivery process based on the delivery execution command, and stores the identification information stored in the hard disk 2 The delivery code is added to the identification information corresponding to the received identification information.

As a result of the check in S92, if the identification number of the delivery maker has not been input (S9).
2: No), the processing after S93 is waited until the identification number of the delivery maker is input.

Although the method of inputting the identification number is not limited at all in the delivery execution process, a contractor (delivery destination maker) who has picked up the discarded gaming machine has a keyboard of the terminal device 10 in the block of the collection center. Alternatively, the identification may be performed by reading an identification card such as a card in which the identification number of the delivery maker is described by a dedicated reader.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the used machine information transmission processing executed by the used machine sales company terminal device 30. Used machine information transmission processing is a distribution base in the market (progress point)
The location of a used machine (used gaming machine discharged from the hall) executed in the used machine sales company terminal device 30 installed in the used machine sales company and registered in the market is registered in the host computer 1. This is the process to perform. For this reason,
The process is executed when a used machine is received by a used machine sales company and when a used machine owned by the used machine sales company is sold.

In the used machine information transmitting process, first, it is confirmed whether or not identification information has been input (S101). This identification information is input by the reader 21 provided in the used machine sales company terminal device 30 by the IC held by the gaming machine.
This is executed by reading the information of the tag. As a result, if the identification information has not been input (S101: No), the delivery used machine information transmission process ends. On the other hand, S10
As a result of the confirmation in the process 1, if the identification information is input (S
101: Yes), it is further confirmed whether the game machine (used machine) is sold or received (S102).

Here, if a game machine (used machine) is received (S102: arrival), the input identification information is written in the hard disk of the used machine sales company terminal device 30 (S10).
3) Then, the written identification information is added with the date and its own identification number (the identification number of the used machine sales company terminal device 30 as the identification number of the access source) and transmitted to the host computer 1 of the collection center (S104). ), The used machine information transmission processing ends.

On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S102, if the game machine (used machine) is sold (S102: sale), the corresponding identification information stored in the hard disk is read (S105), and the sale is started. It is confirmed whether or not a destination has been input (S106), and if a sales destination has been input (S1).
06: Yes), after adding the sales destination to the read identification information, adding the date and its own identification number (the identification number of the used machine sales company terminal device 30 as the identification number of the access source) to the collection center. To the host computer 1 (S
107), the used machine information transmission processing ends. Also,
As a result of the confirmation in the processing of S106, if the seller has not been input (S106: No), the processing after S107 is waited until the seller is input. Here, the information added to the identification information in the process of S103 or S107 is the current status information, and corresponds to the used machine sales information in FIG.

By the used machine information transmitting process, the information transmitted to the host computer 1 is
When the host computer 1 receives the information, the host computer 1 executes a game machine information receiving process, and adds the received information to the corresponding identification information among the identification information stored in the hard disk 2. This makes it possible to accurately grasp and manage the location of a gaming machine (second-hand machine) whose location tends to be unclear when discharged from the hall, thereby preventing illegal dumping.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the recycling information input processing executed by the recycling company terminal device 40. The recycling information input process is a process of managing the processing status of each gaming machine by inputting the processing status (recycling information) of a gaming machine shipped from a manufacturer to a recycling company for disposal. The input recycling information is transmitted to the maker and is reported to the maker.

In this recycling information input processing, first,
It is confirmed whether or not the discarding table has arrived (S111). If the discarding table has arrived (S111: Yes), it is further confirmed whether or not identification information has been input (S112). Here, if identification information is input (S112: Yes), a new file is created and the input identification information is written. The input of the identification information is executed by reading the information of the IC tag held in the gaming machine by the reader 21 provided in the terminal 40 of the recycling company.

Next, it is confirmed whether or not the recycle information is transmitted (S114). If the recycle information is not transmitted (S114: No), the recycle information input processing is terminated. On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S114, if the recycle information is transmitted (S114: Yes
s) It is checked whether the input of the recycling information has been completed (S115). Here, if the input of the recycling information has been completed (S115: Yes), the file for which the input of the recycling information has been completed is discarded stored in the hard disk of the recycling company terminal device 40 as a predetermined manufacturer (identification information). (S116), and the recycle information input processing is terminated.

If the discard table is not received (S111: No) as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S111, for example, recycle information relating to a gaming machine for which a file has already been created is input, and new identification information is input. Since there is no need to input or create a new file, the processing of S112 and S113 is skipped, and the process proceeds to S114.

Further, as a result of the confirmation in the processing of S114, if the recycle information is not transmitted (S114: No), the recycle information input processing ends. In addition, S11
As a result of the confirmation in the process of No. 5, if the input of the recycle information is not completed (S115: No), the process from S116 is waited until the input of the recycle information is completed.
In this recycling information input processing, the recycling information transmitted to the manufacturer is transmitted from the manufacturer to the host computer 1 of the collection center. As a result, the processing status (recycling information) of the amusement machines discarded by the recycling company (processing company) is collected by the host computer 1 of the collection center via the manufacturer. That is, in the gaming machine management system of the present embodiment, the processing status of the discarded gaming machine can be managed.

As described above, according to the gaming machine management system of the present invention, the identification information of the gaming machine is read by the identification information input device installed at the distribution base, and the read identification information is read. After the current status information indicating the current status of the gaming machine is added to the information, the host computer 1
Sent to and stored. And, the gaming machines sold to the market from the maker are managed based on the identification information and the current status information stored in the gaming machine management device. Centralized management up to disposal is possible. For this reason, it is possible to easily manage the current status and history of each gaming machine sold to the market from the maker, and it is possible to suppress illegal disposal of used gaming machines.

In the above embodiment, the additional means described in claim 1 includes the processing of S5 in the flowchart of FIG. 2, the processing of S25 in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the processing of S83 and S85 in the flowchart of FIG. Processing of S93 of the flowchart, S104, S of the flowchart of FIG.
Step 107 corresponds to this.

The transmitting means described in claim 1 includes the processing of S6 in the flowchart of FIG. 2, the processing of S26 in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the processing of S86 in the flowchart of FIG.
This corresponds to the processing of S93 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 and the processing of S104 and S107 in the flowchart of FIG.

The receiving means described in claim 1 corresponds to the processing in S41 of the flowchart in FIG. 5, and the managing means described in claim 1 corresponds to the processing in S61 to S64 in the flowchart in FIG.

The identification information holding means described in claim 1 corresponds to an IC tag provided in a gaming machine.

The present invention has been described based on the embodiments.
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment at all, and it can be easily inferred that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, in this embodiment, the IC tag for holding the identification information is provided at three places of the gaming machine (the game board, the frame, and the case of the main control board).
The location and number of tags are not limited to this, and for example, a liquid crystal or a payout control board may be added to the location.

Further, although the identification information is configured to be stored in the IC tag, the identification information may be configured to be stored in a bar code instead. Since bar codes are mainly created by printing, they can be manufactured at a low cost.
Since it is a general-purpose technology widely used as a system, a gaming machine management system can be configured at low cost.

In addition, in the disposal stand management process, an instruction to pick up a gaming machine stored in the block of the collection center is executed to the manufacturer, but this instruction is sent from the host computer 1 of the collection center to the telephone. It is configured to be directly transmitted to the maker terminal device 20 connected via the line 3. However, the CRT of the host computer 1
Alternatively, the information may be displayed in such a manner that the operator of the host computer 1 may indirectly execute the method by instructing the manufacturer. Further, it is not necessary to transmit all the identification information of the gaming machine requesting the collection and the quantity thereof to the maker, and the information may be transmitted by sending an e-mail requesting the collection.

Further, the host computer 1 of the collection center
The telephone line 3 is used to interconnect the telephone and each identification information input device.
A line using an SL or an optical fiber network may be used. Thus, information can be transmitted and received at high speed and at low cost.

In addition, although the identification information is read-only information, writing may be enabled by inputting a password or the like. According to this, for example, when a maker picks up a gaming machine and ships it to a recycling company, the recycling method (instruction of parts to be reused) can be written, and the disposal of the gaming machine can be performed efficiently. be able to.

Each program (shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 11) for transmitting and receiving information relating to the gaming machine and executed in this embodiment (shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 1 is stored in a storage medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk and supplied to each identification information input device or the host computer 1 of the collection center. good.

Further, in the above embodiment, data transmission and reception between the respective devices are executed by a dedicated program using a dedicated protocol.
The transmission and reception of data may be performed using the Internet World Wide Web system.

Hereinafter, modified examples of the present invention will be described. 2. The gaming machine management system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information input device is a manufacturer input device installed at a game machine manufacturer and a used machine installed at a used machine sales company that sells used gaming machines. A sales company-side input device, a collection center-side input device installed at a collection center that collects discarded gaming machines, and a processing company-side input device installed at a processing company that processes collected gaming machines. A gaming machine management system 1 comprising: The game machines sold by the manufacturer are collected at the collection center via the hall and the used machine sales company. Then, the gaming machine collected by the collection center is delivered again to the manufacturer.

For this reason, an identification information input device is installed at a manufacturer, a used machine sales company, and a collection center at which the location of a gaming machine can be known, and if the identification information of the gaming machine is read from such a place, it can be marketed. You can know where your gaming machines are. That is, the location of the gaming machine distributed to the market where the location management is difficult can be easily grasped. Further, since the identification information input device is also installed in the processing company, it is possible to manage the manufactured gaming machine from sale to disposal. For this reason, the history of the gaming machines distributed in the market can be followed, and illegal disposal of the discarded gaming machines can be suppressed.

In the gaming machine management system 1, the adding means of the maker-side input device identifies the sales information indicating the sales destination of the gaming machine and the processing information indicating the processing result of the collected gaming machine as the current status information. A gaming machine management system 2 which is added to information. After the sales information is added to the identification information, it is transmitted to the game management device. According to this, it is possible to clarify the sales destination of each game machine sold by the manufacturer in the game machine management device. it can. Processing information indicating the processing result of the collected gaming machine is also added to the identification information of the processed (collected) gaming machine and transmitted to the gaming machine management apparatus. It can be integrated in the management device. According to this, it is possible to easily sum up the processing information after the sold gaming machines are collected, for example, the recycling status of the discarded gaming machines.

In the gaming machine management system 2, the maker-side input device and the processing company-side input device are connected via a line, and the processing company-side input device stores the processing results of the collected gaming machines. Input means for inputting processing information to be displayed, and transmitting means for transmitting the processing information input by the input means to the maker-side input device via the line, wherein the maker-side input device transmits the transmitted processing information. A gaming machine management system 3 comprising processing information receiving means for receiving a processing information. Generally, a discarded gaming machine is handed over to a maker and then processed at a processing company. Here, the processing company can transmit the processing information of the gaming machine to the maker, and further, the maker can receive the processing information by the maker-side input device, so that the transmission of the processing information can be easily performed. Is done. In addition, the maker can execute a series of processes (reception of processing information, addition to identification information, transmission to the gaming machine management device) of the processing information only with the maker-side input device, and the processing can be performed simply and efficiently. A series of processes relating to information can be executed.
The processing company input device need not be connected only to the manufacturer input device via a line, but may be connected to the gaming machine management device. Thus, the processing information may be transmitted directly to the gaming machine management device without passing through the maker-side input device.

In any of the gaming machine management systems 1 to 3, the additional means of the used machine sales company-side input device may include:
A gaming machine management system 4, wherein used machine arrival information indicating the arrival of used gaming machines and used machine sales information indicating the sales destination of used gaming machines are added to the identification information as current status information. In general, used machine sales companies purchase used gaming machines in halls and the like and sell used owned gaming machines. Amusement machines circulating in the market not only move between halls and manufacturers, but also used machine sales companies intervene. For this reason, the location of the gaming machine sold by the manufacturer tends to be unclear. However, when a used game machine is received and sold by a used machine sales company, the information is added to the identification information and transmitted to the game machine management device, so that the game machine distributed through a complicated distribution channel can be used. Can also be managed, and its location can be easily clarified.

[0109] In any of the gaming machine management systems 1 to 4, the addition means of the input device at the collection center side may include discarded game machine arrival information indicating the arrival of discarded game machines, and information on the discarded game machines provided by the manufacturer. A gaming machine management system 5 characterized by adding discarded gaming machine shipping information to be shipped to a manufacturer as current status information to the identification information. Gaming machines that are discarded after being distributed in the market are received at the collection center. By managing discarded game machine arrival information and discarded gaming machine shipping information in association with identification information, the collection center discards them. Can accurately grasp the status of possession of gaming machines.

[0110] In any one of the gaming machine management system and the gaming machine management systems 1 to 5, the identification information held by the identification information holding means is read-only information, and includes at least a manufacturer code, Board,
A gaming machine management system 6 comprising a frame, a type of main control board, a serial number, and a date of manufacture. Since the identification information is read-only information, it is not illegally rewritten. Therefore, by reading the identification information, the history of the gaming machine holding the identification information can be accurately managed. In addition, even if the amount of information is small, information necessary for managing the gaming machine is covered as identification information, so that each gaming machine can be properly managed. Further, since the maker code is held as identification information, management for each maker can be easily performed. According to this, for example, the gaming machines collected at the collection center are handed over to the manufacturer, but if the identification information is read at the collection center, the sorting can be easily performed for each manufacturer, and the sorting operation can be made more efficient. be able to.

In the gaming machine management system 6, the identification information has a security code indicating that the information is valid information.

In any one of the gaming machine management system and the gaming machine management systems 1 to 7, the identification information is held in each of the game board, the gaming machine frame, and the main control board case by the identification information holding means. A gaming machine management system 8 characterized in that A gaming machine is generally configured to be disassembled into a game board, a gaming machine frame, and a main control board case, and each disassembled component is often used alone. For this reason, by holding the identification information in each component, even if the gaming machine is disassembled and used, its location can be clarified and managed.

[0113] In any one of the gaming machine management system and the gaming machine management systems 1 to 8, the gaming machine management device stores the information in the information storage means in response to a request from the identification information input device. A gaming machine management system 9 comprising a search means for searching for information to be performed. Game machines sold by manufacturers (game machines distributed in the market) are centrally managed by the game machine management device,
The amount of information tends to be enormous. However, since desired information can be searched by the search means, necessary information can be quickly retrieved when needed.

[0114] In any one of the gaming machine management system and the gaming machine management systems 1 to 9, the management means of the gaming machine management device may include a discarded gaming machine arrival information input from the collection center side input device. Counting the number of discarded gaming machines and calculating the number of days elapsed from the date of arrival based on, and if the count or the number of elapsed days exceeds a predetermined value, the discarded gaming machines are collected A gaming machine management system 10 comprising an instructing means for instructing a manufacturer to collect the game at the center.
The management of discarded gaming machines is very complicated due to the large amount, but the counting of the number of discarded gaming machines and the calculation of the number of days elapsed from the date of arrival makes it possible to arrive at the disposal time, that is, the collection time Is instructed to the manufacturer, so that the management can be saved.

[0115] In any one of the gaming machine management system and the gaming machine management systems 1 to 10, the identification information input device has an identification number to be individually recognized, and A gaming machine management system 11, comprising: an identification number adding unit that adds an identification number to information to be transmitted when transmitting information to a management device. Although information is transmitted from a large number of identification information input devices to the gaming machine management device, processing executed inside the game management device may differ depending on information transmitted from each identification information input device. Here, if each identification information input device can be individually recognized, processing corresponding to the identification information input device of the information transmission source can be executed quickly and accurately. In addition, for example, in order to facilitate the collection of a game machine whose collection center is discarded, it is preferable to provide a plurality of collection centers, but in such a case, each collection center is provided with an identification information input device. Here, if the identification number is individually assigned to each identification information input device, the management of (discarded) gaming machines possessed by each collection center can be easily performed by the gaming machine management device separately for each collection center. Can be executed.

In the gaming machine management system 11, the gaming machine management device determines whether the information transmitted from the identification information input device is a valid identification information input device based on the identification number registered in advance. Determining means for determining;
A gaming machine management system comprising: an input permitting unit for permitting an input when the determining unit determines that the device is a valid identification information input device. Since input is permitted only when the identification information input device of the information transmission source is a valid identification information input device, a system with security can be easily constructed. According to this, for example, at the time of execution of the search process, if access is made from the maker-side input device, a search is performed only for the maker's gaming machine based on the identification number of the maker-side input device. Search information can be restricted as described above. Therefore, even if the information on the gaming machines of a plurality of manufacturers is managed in the gaming management device, the interests thereof are not violated.

[0117] In the identification information input device provided in any one of the gaming machine management system and the gaming machine management systems 1 to 11, the identification information held by the identification information holding means of the gaming machine is read. Identification information reading means, addition means for adding current state information indicating the current state of the gaming machine to the identification information read by the identification information reading means, and transmission means for transmitting the identification information with the current state information added by the addition means And a computer-readable recording medium that records the program for causing the program to function.

[0118] In the gaming machine management system provided in any one of the gaming machine management systems or the gaming machine management systems 1 to 11, the information transmitted from the transmission means of the identification information input device is received. Receiving means, information storage means for storing identification information and current status information received by the receiving means in association with each other, and selling from the manufacturer to the market based on the identification information and current status information stored in the information storage means And a computer-readable recording medium for recording the program for functioning as a management unit for managing the selected gaming machine.

[0119]

According to the gaming machine management system of the present invention, the identification information of the gaming machine is read by the identification information input device, and after the current status information indicating the current status of the gaming machine is added to the read identification information. It is transmitted to the gaming machine management device and stored in the gaming machine management device. The gaming machine sold to the market from the manufacturer is managed based on the identification information and the current status information stored in the gaming machine management device. Therefore, in the gaming machine management device, there is an effect that each gaming machine sold to the market from the manufacturer can be centrally managed. Specifically, the gaming machine can be specified by the identification information, and information such as the location of the gaming machine can be known by the current status information added to the identification information. This allows
The effect is that the current status and history of each gaming machine sold to the market from the manufacturer can be easily managed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a host computer of a collection center according to an embodiment of the present invention, a terminal device of a block of the collection center,
It is an external view which shows the state of the game machine management system in which the maker terminal device, the used machine sales company terminal device, and the recycling company terminal device were mutually connected.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a shipping information transmission process executed by a maker terminal device of the gaming machine management system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a recycle shipping process executed by a maker terminal device of the gaming machine management system.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a recycling information receiving process executed by a maker terminal device of the gaming machine management system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a gaming machine information receiving process executed by a host computer of a collection center of the gaming machine management system.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a disposal table management process executed by a host computer of a collection center of the gaming machine management system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a delivery process executed by a host computer of a collection center of the gaming machine management system.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a discarding board arrival information transmitting process executed by the terminal device of the block of the collection center of the gaming machine management system.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a delivery execution process executed by a terminal device of a block of the collection center of the gaming machine management system.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a used machine information transmission process executed by a used machine sales company terminal device of the gaming machine management system.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a recycling information input process executed by a recycling company terminal device of the gaming machine management system.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Host computer (gaming machine management device, a part of gaming machine management system) 2 Hard disk (information storage means) 3 Telephone line (line) 10 Terminal device of collection center block (identification information input device, one of gaming machine management systems) 20) Manufacturer terminal device (identification information input device, part of gaming machine management system) 21 Reader (identification information reading device) 30 Used machine sales company terminal device (identification information input device, part of gaming machine management system) 40 Recycling company terminal device (identification information input device, part of gaming machine management system)

Claims (1)

[Claims] A gaming machine having identification information holding means for holding identification information for identifying a gaming machine, identification information reading means for reading the identification information held by the identification information holding means, and identification information reading means An identification information input device comprising: an addition unit that adds current status information indicating the current status of the gaming machine to the identification information read by the transmission unit; and a transmission unit that transmits the identification information to which the current status information is added by the addition unit. A receiving unit that is connected to the identification information input device via a line and receives the information transmitted from the transmission unit via the line, and stores the identification information received by the receiving unit and the current status information in association with each other A game device comprising information storage means, and management means for managing a gaming machine sold to a market from a manufacturer based on the identification information and the current status information stored in the information storage means. Gaming machine management system characterized by comprising a machine management device.