JP2006158671A - Method and system for game machine recycling management - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and system for game machine recycling management which is capable of sorting the used machines quickly and accurately, and alteration of information is difficult. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine recycling management system 1, a shipping machine management apparatus 10 is connected with a terminal 30 for a manager through a LAN 20. Moreover, the LAN 20 is connected with a plurality of local servers 50 through a communication network 40. The shipping machine management apparatus 10 carries out operation management of a shipped game machine, and judges propriety of recycle according to information about operation of the game machine. The terminal 30 for a manager is a terminal for the manager in charge of operation management of the game machine, and is used when the manager requests information to the shipping machine management apparatus 10 or receives information from the shipping machine management apparatus 10. The local server 50 is installed at a factory or a hall to transmit a tag ID read from an ID tag attached to each unit of the game machine to the shipping machine management apparatus 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine recycling management method and a game for performing management for reusing a gaming machine to which the recycling promotion method is applied, represented by a pachinko gaming machine and a spinning-type gaming machine, using an ID tag. Related to machine recycling management system.

In recent years, it has become mandatory to achieve the material recycling rate set by the Recycling Promotion Act for products such as the revolving type game machine (hereinafter referred to as slot machine), and that achievement has become a serious issue for manufacturers. Yes. Therefore, so-called reuse (hereinafter also referred to as “reuse”) in which used machines are collected, used units are selected, inspected, re-installed in products, and then shipped is actively performed.
In such a background, the conventional reuse records the shipping date of the product itself on a seal-like information medium printed with an identification code such as a two-dimensional bar code when shipping the gaming machine, When this was affixed to the product and the unitized parts (hereinafter referred to as units) and collected as used machines, how long it has passed since the used machines and units were shipped from the identification code Was to judge. In such reuse of equipment products, it is important to promote the recycling of equipment products by reusing the equipment products individually, in units, or in units of parts (Patent Document 1). reference).
JP 2004-30008 (paragraph 0002)

  However, in the conventional method described above, since a two-dimensional bar code is used, there is a serious defect that the information cannot be read unless the product is disassembled into unit units, which improves the efficiency of sorting used machines. There is a problem that it cannot be planned. Furthermore, since it can be easily tampered with, the security is low, and there is a risk that inaccurate information may be adopted by being maliciously altered or pasted during operation in the market.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and it is possible to quickly and accurately sort used machines, and it is difficult to falsify information and a gaming machine recycling management system and gaming machine recycling management system. It is an issue to provide.

  The present invention that solves the above-described problems includes an ID tag reading device that reads non-rewritable tag identification information recorded on ID tags attached to a plurality of units constituting a reusable gaming machine, and a tag A gaming machine recycling management method in a gaming machine recycling management system comprising a shipping equipment management apparatus storing identification information, unit correspondence and unit operation history information, wherein the shipping equipment management apparatus operates the gaming machine. When starting, when the gaming machine ends its operation and when the gaming machine is collected, the step of receiving the tag identification information read by the ID tag reader, and when the gaming machine starts its operation and the game When the machine finishes operation, the step of setting the operation state in the operation history information of the unit corresponding to the received tag identification information, and the gaming machine If the unit is stored, the step of determining whether or not the unit can be reused from the operation state set in the operation history information of the unit corresponding to the tag identification information and the preset operation standard, and the result of the determination to the outside The main feature is to execute the step of outputting. The present invention includes a gaming machine recycling management system.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly and accurately sort used machines for gaming machines, making it difficult to falsify information.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, in this embodiment, a slot machine is exemplified as a gaming machine to which the recycling promotion method is applied as a product.

<< System configuration >>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a gaming machine recycling management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine recycling management system 1 includes a shipping device management device 10 and an administrator terminal (external device) 30 connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 20, and further includes the LAN 20, a plurality of local servers 50, and a plurality of A portable terminal 51 is configured to be connected via a communication network 40.

  The shipped device management apparatus 10 is installed in a gaming machine manufacturing company or the like, and manages the operation of the shipped gaming machine, and determines whether or not it can be reused according to information regarding the operation of the gaming machine. The administrator terminal 30 is a terminal that is installed in a gaming machine manufacturing company or the like and is used by an administrator who is in charge of operation management of the gaming machine. The administrator requests desired information from the shipping device management apparatus 10. Or when receiving the information from the shipping device management apparatus 10. The local server 50 and the portable terminal 51 are used in a factory and a hall (amusement hall), respectively, and ship the tag ID read from the ID tag attached to each unit of the gaming machine via the communication network 40 and the LAN 20. It transmits to the device management apparatus 10. The LAN 20 is connected to the shipping device management apparatus 10 and the manager terminal 30, communicates between them, and is connected to the communication network 40, whereby a plurality of local servers 50 and portable terminals 51 are connected. Communication with the shipping device management apparatus 10 is enabled. The communication network 40 includes, for example, the Internet network and a wireless network.

  The shipping equipment management apparatus 10 includes a storage device 11 and a processing device 12. The storage device 11 is a memory or the like, and the processing device 12 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like. The storage device 11 stores a unit correspondence table d1, unit management information d2, and operation history information d3. The unit correspondence table d1 shows a correspondence between a tag ID that is a number unique to the ID tag 73 attached to each unit of the gaming machine 70 and a unit ID that is a number unique to the unit. The unit management information d2 indicates unit-specific information and includes information related to product assessment. The operation history information d3 indicates the operation history of the shipped unit. The specific configuration of these data will be described later.

  The manager terminal 30 is a personal computer, for example, and has a general computer configuration including a display device, a memory, and a CPU. The administrator terminal 30 receives a response to a predetermined request from the shipping device management apparatus 10 via the LAN 20.

  A plurality of ID tag readers (hereinafter simply referred to as “readers”) 60 are connected to each local server 50. The reading device 60 connected to the local server 50 is arranged in each process in the factory, for example. One reading device 60 is integrally connected to the portable terminal 51. The portable terminal 51 is used in a hall by, for example, a salesman of a gaming machine manufacturer or a manager of the hall. The portable terminal 51 is realized by, for example, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The reading device 60 communicates with an ID tag 73 attached to the gaming machine 70 and reads a tag ID (tag identification information) recorded in advance on the ID tag 73. The ID tag 73 (for example, a mu chip (registered trademark) manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.) is a non-contact IC chip with a built-in antenna, and is preferably non-rewritable. By doing so, the unity of data and the reliability of the system are improved, and tampering by related parties and third parties can be prevented.

≪Configuration of gaming machine≫
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. A gaming machine 70 such as a slot machine is composed of a device main body 71 such as a housing, a unit 72a, a unit 72b, a unit 72c, and the like, and ID tags 73y, 73d, 73e, and 73f are respectively attached thereto. In the case of a slot machine, there are a main board, a sub board unit and a power supply unit as the units 72a, 72b and 72c. Incidentally, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine, there are a main board and a payout control board as the units 72a and 72b. Although FIG. 2 shows that the number of “units” is three, other units may be used. Hereinafter, the device main body 71 is also handled as one of the units.

  Each ID tag 73 is recorded with a tag ID 74 (see FIG. 5), which is a unique number, and no other information is recorded. Since the tag ID 74 is numbered and assigned so that it cannot be rewritten as a unique number when the ID tag 73 is manufactured, the tag ID 74 is a number that is not related to the gaming machine 70 or the units that constitute it. is there.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the slot machine is shown with a front frame (hereinafter referred to as a front mask) opened 180 degrees for convenience. In the slot machine, a rectangular frame-shaped front mask (left side portion in FIG. 3) is arranged on the upper and lower sides of each other on the front surface of the outer rectangular back box (right side portion in FIG. 3). It can be opened and closed laterally and detachably by a hinge. At the appropriate position of the back box, there are a main board that controls the entire slot machine, a reel unit that displays symbols, a power supply unit that generates power for the gaming machine, and a payout device (hereinafter referred to as a hopper unit) for paying out medals. It is arranged.

  In addition, a liquid crystal unit and a sub-board unit are provided on the back surface of the front mask, and a game operation such as a medal slot, a start switch, and a stop button (not shown) is required on the front mask surface. Various parts are provided. A transparent plate or the like is attached at a position aligned with the front surface of the reel unit so that the design of the reel unit is visible. Further, the operation panel unit may be arranged at the position of the sub-board unit in FIG. 3, and the sub-board unit may be arranged near or inside the liquid crystal unit.

≪Outline of assembly and distribution of gaming machines≫
Next, the assembly and distribution outline of the slot machine will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the slot machine is roughly divided into a back box, a main board, a reel unit, a power supply unit, a hopper unit, a front mask, a liquid crystal unit, and an operation panel unit. Will be responsible.
For example, in the case of the main board, a process for manufacturing a printed board, a process for mounting electronic components on the printed board, a process for inspecting the mounted control board, a process for housing the control board in a case, and a process for inspecting the entire product The main substrate manufactured through each process is to be delivered to a manufacturing factory.
In the manufacturing factory, the unitized parts are assembled as products on the assembly line as described above. Specifically, the process of assembling the reel unit, power supply unit, hopper unit, main board in the back box, the process of assembling the liquid crystal unit, operation panel unit, etc. in the front mask, and the process of assembling the front mask in the assembled back box And product inspection process.

  In the manufacturing process of gaming machines and units as described above, ID tags are attached to units and products, and each information is defined. Hereinafter, the relationship between the ID tag, the product, and each unit will be described.

  In an assembly process for assembling a unit to manufacture a slot machine, first, an ID tag of a product is attached to the back box of the slot machine. The ID tag pasted here is for identifying the slot machine body, and for example, a product ID number is associated therewith. Therefore, in this assembly process, the slot machine main body can be identified in the first process. Subsequently, the reel unit with the ID tag attached is assembled in the back box. Thereby, the slot machine main body and the reel unit are associated with each other. Next, the hopper unit to which the ID tag is affixed is incorporated into the back box. In this way, two types of units are incorporated into the back box of the slot machine.

  In addition, a liquid crystal unit or sub-board unit to which an ID tag is attached is also incorporated in the front mask of the slot machine. Then, a front mask is attached to the back box of the slot machine, and then the main board unit with the ID tag attached is mounted. In this way, the various units incorporated in one slot machine main body are stringed, that is, the ID tags are associated with each other, and shipped after the next inspection process. At this time, verification may be performed on the products and units to which the strings are attached. This makes it possible to update or check data when a unit is exchanged outside the process due to human error.

  The slot machine manufactured as described above is shipped to the hall A from the manufacturing factory in response to an order and is used for games. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, when the gaming machine needs to be replaced due to a decrease in the operation of the slot machine in the hall A, the slot machine is used and distributed. That is, the slot machine is moved from hole A to hole B, and is used in the same manner as hole A in hole B. Depending on the model, it may be returned to the manufacturing plant without being distributed in the secondhand market.

  Next, unit exchange and related matters from when the slot machine is installed in the hall to when it is exchanged will be described.

  If the unit fails during operation after the slot machine is installed in the hall, the fact is notified from the hall to the manufacturer. Then, as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 4, the replacement unit of the failed unit is shipped from the reuse warehouse, and the unit is exchanged. There are various forms of unit replacement. For example, when a salesman of a manufacturer replaces the unit, the salesman brings an alternative from the manufacturing plant to the hall and replaces it with a defective unit. At this time, when the ID tag of the product exchanged by the portable terminal 51 is read, the unit ID linked to the product is rewritten on the shipping device management apparatus 10. In addition, when performing without going through a salesman, it is possible to use a method in which a salesman uses the portable terminal 51 to check and re-link after replacing the unit. A method of re-linking based on the above may be used.

In addition, when the salesman regularly collects operation information in the hall, the actual operation information can be reflected in the shipping device management apparatus 10 using the portable terminal 51 brought by the salesman. Specifically, the portable terminal 51 is provided with an information input unit, and operation information for each table is input using the information input unit. Then, by transmitting the input information from the portable terminal 51 to the shipping device management apparatus 10, the operation survey date and the operation information are stored and processed in the shipping device management apparatus 10.
According to this, when the ID tag reading device 60 is not installed in the hall, it is possible to more clearly grasp the operation information that tends to be opaque, and the determination at the time of reuse is more accurately based on the operation information. Can be done.

<< Data structure >>
Next, the configuration of the unit correspondence table d1, the unit management information d2, and the operation history information d3 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described. These data are stored in the storage device 11 of the shipping device management apparatus 10.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the unit correspondence table. The unit correspondence table d1 is composed of records having a tag ID 74 and a unit ID 81, and indicates that the tag ID 74 and the unit ID 81 have a one-to-one correspondence. The tag ID 74 is a number unique to the ID tag 73 recorded in advance in the ID tag 73. The unit ID 81 is a number unique to the units constituting the gaming machine 70. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, tag ID 74 = Y corresponds to unit ID 81 = X. Specifically, the unit to which the ID tag 73 of tag ID 74 = Y is attached indicates that the unit ID 81 = X, and unit management information d2 (see FIG. 6) and operation history information d3 (see FIG. 6) regarding the unit. 7 reference) indicates that the unit ID 81 = X may be used. It should be noted that by referring to the unit ID 81, it is possible to identify the type of the unit (device main body, main board, sub board, power source, etc.).

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of unit management information. The unit management information d2 indicates unit-specific information. The unit ID 81, the manufacturing location 82, the manufacturing date 83, the material information 84, the reusability flag 85, the maximum diversion count 86, the maximum operating time 87, the shipment It consists of a record having a date 88 and a shipping device ID 89. The unit ID 81 is as described above.
The manufacturing location 82 indicates a location (a factory name or the like) where the unit is manufactured. The date of manufacture 83 indicates the date of manufacture of the unit. The production location 82 and the production date 83 are set when the production of the unit is finished.

  The material information 84 indicates the main material of the unit. The reusability flag 85 indicates whether or not the unit can be reused. If the unit is on, it indicates that the unit can be reused. If it is off, the unit indicates that the unit cannot be reused. This is a flag that is fixedly set according to the material and properties of each unit. The maximum number of diversions 86 (reusable number of uses) indicates the maximum number of times that the unit can be diverted, and corresponds to “diversion number of one” at the first operation after shipment. Therefore, for example, if the maximum number of diversions 86 = 1, after one operation in a certain hole after shipment, the subsequent diversion is not desirable. The maximum operating time 87 (usable operating time) is the maximum time during which the unit can be operated, and when the unit is operated for a longer time, subsequent diversion is undesirable. Since the material information 84, the reusability flag 85, the maximum number of diversions 86, and the maximum operating time 87 are information related to product assessment based on the recycling promotion law, the re-use of the gaming machine based on the product assessment is based on these information. You can manage usage.

  The shipping date 88 indicates the date when the unit was shipped as the gaming machine 70. The shipping device ID 89 is a number unique to the gaming machine 70 to be shipped, and the same number is set for each unit ID 81 of each unit constituting the gaming machine 70. The unit ID 81 of the device main body 71 may be set as the shipping device ID 89. Thereby, the apparatus main body and the other units are associated with each other. According to this, for example, when the gaming machine 70 is collected, if the shipping device ID 89 of the device main body 71 is different from the shipping device ID 89 of another unit, it indicates that the unit has been replaced. That is, it is possible to check whether or not the unit has been replaced. The shipping date 88 and the shipping device ID 89 are information set when the gaming machine 70 is shipped.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation history information. The operation history information d3 includes unit ID 81, number of diversions 91, elapsed days 92, estimated actual operation time 93, hall name 94, product name 95, operation start date 96, operation end date 97, operation days 98, hall. The record includes a name 99, a product name 100, an operation start date 101, an operation end date 102, an operation date 103, and the like. The unit ID 81 is as described above. The number of times of diversion 91 (number of times of use) indicates the number of times that the unit was diverted. The initial value of the number of diversions 91 is set to 0. The number of elapsed days 92 indicates the number of days that have elapsed since the shipment date of the unit. The assumed actual operation time 93 indicates the actual operation time calculated from the number of days the unit has been operated. The hall name 94 indicates the name of the hall where the unit was diverted (including the first shipment) and operated. The product name 95 indicates the product name of the gaming machine 70 including the unit. The operation start date 96 indicates the date on which the unit started operation. The operation end date 97 indicates the date of operation of the unit. The number of working days 98 indicates the number of days that the unit has been operated. Here, the hall name 94, the product name 95, the operation start date 96, the operation end date 97, and the operation date 98 are operation histories when the number of diversions 91 is 1 (first time). The hall name 99, the product name 100, the operation start date 101, the operation end date 102, and the operation date 103 are operation histories when the number of diversions 91 is 2 (second time). Hereinafter, similarly, a record including a hall name, a product name, an operation start date, an operation end date, and the number of operation days is added.

≪System processing≫
Subsequently, processing of the gaming machine recycling management system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described (see FIGS. 1 to 7 as appropriate).
Here, first, as shown in FIG. 1, the reading device 60 installed in each process or hall of the factory reads the tag ID 74 of the ID tag 73 attached to the unit constituting the gaming machine 70, and the tag The ID 74 and the reader ID of the reading device 60 are sequentially transmitted to the local server 50 shown in FIG. Then, it is assumed that the local server 50 sequentially transmits the tag ID and reader ID transmitted from the reading device 60 to the shipping device management device 10 via the communication network 40.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the shipping device management apparatus at the end of unit manufacture. First, the processing device 12 of the shipping equipment management device 10 receives the tag ID 74 and the reader ID from the local server 50 in a certain process (step S801). Next, with reference to the unit correspondence table d1 stored in the storage device 11, the unit ID 81 corresponding to the received tag ID 74 is read (step S802). Specifically, the column (row) of the tag ID 74 in the unit correspondence table d1 is searched by the tag ID 74 received in step S801, and when there is a matching tag ID 74, the corresponding unit ID 81 is input. Then, it is checked whether or not the process corresponding to the received reader ID is the final process of the unit manufacturing (step S803). This is because the reading device 60 is installed for each process, and the reader ID, which is a number unique to the reading device 60, corresponds to each process, so information indicating the correspondence between the reader ID and the process (not shown). No.), the process is specified, and it is determined whether or not the process is the final process of manufacturing the unit. When it is the final process of unit manufacturing (Yes in step S803), the processing apparatus 12 sets the manufacturing location 82 and the like in the unit management information d2 in association with the unit ID 81 read in step S802 (step S804). Specifically, the manufacturing location 82, the manufacturing date 83, the material information 84, the reusability flag 85, the maximum number of diversions 86, and the maximum operating time 87 are set. When it is not the final process of unit manufacturing (No in step S803), the processing device 12 skips step S804 and ends the process.

  Note that the administrator can refer to the manufacturing history information of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 13 by setting the manufacturing location 82 and the manufacturing date 83 of each unit by the process at the end of unit manufacturing. Specifically, it can be seen on the screen of the manager terminal 30 or the printed paper. Here, the product name is the product name of the gaming machine 70. The product management number is a certificate number that is a solid management number (administrative management number) of the gaming machine 70. The product ID number is a unit ID of the device body, and is managed in association with a unit ID such as a product management number and a main board ID. The main board ID or the sub board unit ID is a unit ID of a unit other than the device main body. For each unit ID, the product manufacturing location and the manufacturing date are shown. According to this, it becomes possible to confirm through which manufacturing process the factory constituting the gaming machine 70 is manufactured. Therefore, it is easy and useful to prove that the manufacturing is performed as described in the prior notification to a predetermined administrative organization.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the shipped device management apparatus when gaming machines are shipped. First, the processing device 12 of the shipping equipment management device 10 receives a plurality of tag IDs 74 and reader IDs from the local server 50 in a certain process (step S901). Here, the plurality of tag IDs 74 are tag IDs 74 of the ID tag 73 attached to each of the plurality of units constituting the gaming machine 70 to be shipped. Next, with reference to the unit correspondence table d1 stored in the storage device 11, the unit ID 81 corresponding to the received tag ID 74 is read (step S902). Then, it is checked whether or not the process corresponding to the received reader ID is a gaming machine shipping process (step S903). When it is a gaming machine shipping process (Yes in step S903), the processing device 12 sets a shipping date 88 and a shipping device ID 89 in the unit management information d2 in association with the unit ID 81 read in step S902 ( Step S904). The shipping device ID 89 is a number unique to the gaming machine 70 to be shipped and is generated by the processing device 12 as needed. Note that the processing in step S904 is performed for each unit ID read in step S902, but since these correspond to the units constituting one gaming machine 70, the same shipment date 88 and the same shipment are performed. The device ID 89 is set. When it is not a gaming machine shipping process (No in step S903), the processing device 12 skips step S904 and ends the process.

  According to this gaming machine shipping process, since the reading device 60 wirelessly reads the ID tag 73 attached to each unit, when a predetermined time is available between the packaging of the gaming machine 70 and the actual shipping. Even if the unit is replaced immediately before packing the gaming machine 70, the configuration of the unit at the time of shipping the gaming machine 70 can be accurately recorded.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the shipping device management apparatus at the start of gaming machine operation. This process is performed with the reading of the tag ID 74 as a trigger when the gaming machine 70 is handed over to the hall, but the processing device 12 of the shipping device management device 10 stores the device operation schedule information stored in the storage device 11 in advance. By referring to (also referred to as an operation management table, not shown) or the like, the hall passing of the gaming machine 70, that is, the start of operation is recognized. The tag ID 74 is read by using a portable terminal 51 by a salesman of a gaming machine manufacturer or the like.

  First, the processing device 12 of the shipping equipment management device 10 receives a plurality of tag IDs 74 and a hall name from the portable terminal 51 in a certain hall (step S1001). Here, the plurality of tag IDs 74 are tag IDs 74 of the ID tag 73 attached to each of a plurality of units constituting the gaming machine 70 installed in the hall. The hall name is input to the portable terminal 51 by a salesman of a gaming machine manufacturer. Next, with reference to the unit correspondence table d1 stored in the storage device 11, the unit ID 81 corresponding to the received tag ID 74 is read (step S1002). Then, the processing device 12 updates or sets the operation history information d3 for each read unit ID 81.

  First, the number 91 of diversions and the number of elapsed days 92 are updated (step S1003). Specifically, a value obtained by adding 1 to the current diversion count 91 is reset. Then, the number of elapsed days 92 is calculated and set from the shipping date 88 of the unit management information d2 and the current date. Next, a hall name 94 and a product name 95 are set (step S1004). As the hole name 94, the one received in step S1001 is set. As the product name 95, for example, the product name shown in FIG. 13 (assumed to be associated with the shipping device ID 89 of the unit management information d2) is set. Furthermore, the operation start date 96 is set (step S1005). The hall name 94, the product name 95, and the operation start date 96 are described as being set. This is the case where the number 91 of diversions after the update in step S1003 is 1, for example, the number 91 of diversions. Is 2, hall name 99, product name 100, and operation start date 101 are set. That is, the location where the hall name, product name, and operation start date are to be set changes according to the number 91 of diversions after the update.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the shipping device management apparatus at the end of the gaming machine operation. This processing is performed with the reading of the tag ID 74 as a trigger when the gaming machine 70 moves from the hall for diversion or collection. The processing device 12 of the shipping equipment management device 10 is a device stored in the storage device 11. The hall movement of the gaming machine 70, that is, the end of the operation is recognized by referring to the operation schedule information, the data of the movement slip (not shown), and the like. The tag ID 74 is read by using a portable terminal 51 by a salesman of a gaming machine maker or a hall manager.

  First, the processing device 12 of the shipping equipment management device 10 receives a plurality of tag IDs 74 and a hall name from the portable terminal 51 of a certain hall (step S1101). Next, with reference to the unit correspondence table d1 stored in the storage device 11, the unit ID 81 corresponding to the received tag ID 74 is read (step S1102). Then, the processing device 12 sets the operation history information d3 for each read unit ID 81. First, the elapsed days 92 and the estimated actual operation time 93 are updated (step S1103). Specifically, the number of elapsed days 92 is calculated and set from the shipping date 88 and the current date in the unit management information d2. Then, the assumed actual operation time 93 is calculated and set using Equation 1 (see the description of FIG. 12) described later. Next, the operation end date 97 and the number of operation days 98 are set (step S1104). For the number of working days 98, a value obtained by subtracting the operation start date 96 from the operation end date 97 is set. This explanation is for the case where the number 91 of diversions after update in step S1003 in FIG. 10 is 1. For example, when the number 91 of diversions is 2, the operation end date 102 and the number of work days 103 are set. That is, the location where the operation end date should be set changes according to the number 91 of diversions after the update.

  According to the process at the start of operation and the process at the end of operation of the gaming machine 70 described above, the number of diversions, the number of days elapsed from the shipping date, the estimated actual operating time and the number of operating days are grasped for each unit constituting the gaming machine 70. be able to. In addition, the elapsed days 92, the estimated actual operating time 93, the operating days 98, 103,... Of the operating history information d3 are updated and set as needed at the timing when the administrator terminal 30 requests to reference the operating history information d3. It is also possible.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing of the shipping device management apparatus when collecting gaming machines. This processing is performed by using the reading of the tag ID 74 as a trigger when the gaming machine 70 arrives at the parts picking factory for collection. However, the processing device 12 of the shipping equipment management device 10 uses the reader ID of the reading device 60 as a component. The collection of the gaming machine 70 is recognized based on the fact that it is in the take-off factory (information in the storage device 11; not shown). Note that the tag ID 74 is read when an operator of a parts picking factory uses the reading device 60.

  First, the processing device 12 of the shipping equipment management device 10 receives a plurality of tag IDs 74 and reader IDs from a predetermined local server 50 (step S1201). Here, the plurality of tag IDs 74 are tag IDs 74 of the ID tag 73 attached to each of the plurality of units constituting the collected gaming machine 70. Next, referring to the unit correspondence table d1 stored in the storage device 11, the unit ID 81 corresponding to the received tag ID 74 is read (step S1202). Then, for each unit ID 81 that has been read, the processing device 12 determines whether the gaming machine 70 can be reused or should be discarded while referring to the unit management information d2 and the operation history information d3.

  First, it is checked whether there is a reusable unit in the gaming machine 70 (step S1203). Specifically, referring to the unit management information d2, it is checked whether or not the reusability flag 85 is on for each unit ID 81 read in step S1202. When the reusability flag 85 of one or more unit IDs 81 is on, that is, when there is a reusable unit (Yes in step S1203), whether or not the number of diversions of the unit ID 81 is smaller than the maximum number of diversions. A check is made (step S1204). Specifically, the size comparison of the diversion count 91 of the operation history information d3 and the maximum diversion count 86 of the unit management information d2 corresponding to the unit ID 81 whose reusability flag 85 is on is performed. When there is a unit ID 81 whose number of diversions is smaller than the maximum number of diversions (Yes in step S1204), it is checked whether the operation time (usage time) of the unit ID 81 is smaller than the maximum operation time (step S1205). Specifically, first, for the unit ID 81 whose number of diversions is smaller than the maximum diversion number, the operation start dates 96, 101,... And the operation end dates 97, 102,. Calculate the operating time. The operating time can be obtained by Equation 1.

  Operation time = 24 × [(Operation end date 97−Operation start date 96) + (Operation end date 102−Operation start date 101) + ...] Formula 1

  Then, the obtained operation time is compared with the maximum operation time 87 of the unit management information d2 corresponding to the unit ID 81. When there is a unit ID 81 whose operation time is smaller than the maximum operation time (Yes in step S1205), the unit ID 81 is notified to the administrator as reusable unit identification information (step S1206). The notification to the administrator is, for example, that the processing device 12 of the shipping device management apparatus 10 transmits a reusable unit ID 81 to the administrator terminal 30 via the LAN 20.

  When there is no reusable unit (No in step S1203), when there is no unit whose number of diversions is smaller than the maximum number of diversions (No in step S1204), or when there is no unit whose operation time is smaller than the maximum operation time (step) In S1205 No), the administrator is instructed to discard the gaming machine 70 (Step S1207). The instruction to the administrator is performed, for example, by the processing device 12 of the shipping device management apparatus 10 sending a message to the manager terminal 30 via the LAN 20 to instruct to discard the gaming machine 70.

  Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, when the processing device 12 first refers to the unit management information d2 and the shipping device IDs 89 of the device main body and other units are different, the gaming machine At 70, the administrator is notified that the unit has been replaced. The manager who receives the notification confirms the fact with the manager of the hall.

  According to the processing at the time of collecting the gaming machine, the reading device 60 wirelessly reads the tag ID 74 of the ID tag 73 attached to each unit constituting the gaming machine 70, and the shipping device management apparatus 10 based on the tag ID 74. Since it is checked whether or not there is a reusable unit, it is possible to confirm whether or not the gaming machine 70 should be discarded without being disassembled into units. In addition, since the actual operating time of each unit can be ascertained, it becomes possible not only to perform product assessment, but also to manage equipment from another viewpoint (for example, quality evaluation and management such as durability). .

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the program executed by each of the shipping device management apparatus 10, the manager terminal 30, and the local server 50 shown in FIG. 1 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, It is assumed that the gaming machine recycling management system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized by causing a computer system to read and execute a program recorded on the recording medium.

According to the above description, by assigning an ID tag to each unit constituting the gaming machine, and managing the correspondence between the tag ID and the unit ID and information on the unit, the unit configuration at the time of shipment and the latest unit configuration Can be compared. Next, the actual operation time of each unit can be accurately managed by reading the tag ID at the start and end of operation of the gaming machine. In addition, by using an ID tag and a reading device, information for identifying a unit can be read even when the gaming machine is packed without being disassembled, and the label becomes dirty when a two-dimensional barcode is used. There is no need to worry about damage and damage, and unnecessary disassembly and storage are eliminated, so that it is possible to efficiently manage the reuse of gaming machines at low cost. Further, the ID tag records only the tag ID not directly related to the unit and cannot be rewritten, so that even if the tag ID is stolen, the unit stored in the storage device 11 of the shipping device management apparatus 10 Since the tag ID does not change without the knowledge of the administrator, the system information security can be ensured.
According to the above, the reuse of the gaming machine can be operated accurately, efficiently, and at low cost. Furthermore, the traceability of the unit is improved and the responsibility for manufacturing can be clarified.

<< Other embodiments >>
An example of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following embodiments can be considered.
(1) According to the embodiment, it has been described that the date of the start and end of the operation of the gaming machine 70 is recorded, but it may be recorded including the hour and minute time. According to this, since the operation time of the unit can be calculated in consideration of not only the date but also the time, the reuse management of the gaming machine 70 can be performed with higher accuracy.
(2) According to the above-described embodiment, the material information 84 of the unit management information d2 is not used for the determination of unit reuse, but the material information 84 is taken into account when comparing the number of diversions and the operating time. You may do it. For example, default values are set for the maximum number of diversions 86 and the maximum operation time 87, and when actually compared with the number of diversions and the operation time, the default values are multiplied by a coefficient corresponding to the material information 84. It is conceivable to use a value. At this time, it is assumed that the table data indicating the correspondence between the material information 84 and the coefficients is provided. According to this, it is possible to evaluate the number of diversions and the operating time according to the material of the unit, and it is possible to manage the reuse of the gaming machine 70 based on the product assessment.
(3) When it is necessary to replace the ID tag 73 according to the service life of the ID tag 73, it is conceivable to perform replacement at a unit factory or the like. At this time, by updating the old tag ID 74 to the new tag ID 74 in the unit correspondence table d1, the unit management information d2 and the operation history information d3 are associated with the new tag ID 74 using the same unit ID.
(4) According to the above embodiment, an example of once delivering a used machine to a manufacturing factory (recycling factory) has been shown, but it may be held by a carrier or a person in charge of installing a new stand when operation in the hall is completed. The product information is transmitted using the portable terminal 51, and if there is no reusable unit based on the determination result from the shipping device management apparatus 10, it is directly transmitted to the disposal process (factory) as shown by the broken line in FIG. You may do it. According to this, it is possible not only to reduce the space of the used machine carry-in warehouse before sorting, but also to sort used machines more quickly.
Furthermore, when buying a used machine at a predetermined price, the shipping equipment management device 10 determines a unit that is within a reusable period when it is removed from the hall, and the price is set based on the determination result. May be. According to this, a used machine can be purchased at an appropriate price, and a reuse product can be reduced in price.
(5) Although the slot machine is exemplified as the gaming machine, it is needless to say that it can be applied to other gaming machines such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, and a sparrow ball gaming machine.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the game machine recycling management system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a structure of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the open slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a view showing an outline of assembly and distribution of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the unit correspondence table which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the unit management information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the operation history information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the shipment equipment management apparatus at the time of completion | finish of unit manufacture which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the shipment equipment management apparatus at the time of game machine shipment which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the shipment equipment management apparatus at the time of the game machine operation start which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the shipping equipment management apparatus at the time of the completion | finish of game machine operation | movement concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the shipping equipment management apparatus at the time of the game machine collection | recovery based on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the manufacture history information of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine recycling management system 10 shipping equipment management device 11 storage device d1 unit correspondence table d2 unit management information d3 operation history information 12 processing device 60 reading device (reading device for ID tag)
70 gaming machine 73 ID tag

Claims (6)

ID tag reader for reading non-rewritable tag identification information recorded on ID tags attached to a plurality of units constituting a reusable gaming machine, and correspondence between the tag identification information and the units And a gaming machine recycling management method in a gaming machine recycling management system comprising a shipping equipment management device storing operation history information of the unit,
The shipping equipment management device is:
Receiving the tag identification information read by the ID tag reader when the gaming machine starts operation, when the gaming machine ends operation and when the gaming machine is collected;
A step of setting an operation state in operation history information of a unit corresponding to the received tag identification information when the gaming machine starts operation and when the gaming machine ends operation;
A step of determining whether or not the unit can be reused based on an operation state set in the operation history information of the unit corresponding to the tag identification information and a preset operation standard when the gaming machine is collected;
Outputting the determined result externally;
A game machine recycling management method characterized in that The operation standard includes the number of times the unit can be reused,
The shipping equipment management device is:
In the step of setting the operating state of the unit when the gaming machine starts operation, the number of times the unit is used is updated,
The step of determining whether or not a unit can be reused when the gaming machine is collected includes comparing the number of times of use of the operating state and the number of times of use of the operation reference. Game machine recycling management method. The operation standard includes a usage time during which the unit can operate,
The shipping equipment management device is:
In the step of setting the operation state of the unit when the gaming machine starts operation, the operation start information including the operation start date or the operation start time of the unit is set,
In the step of setting the operation state of the unit when the gaming machine ends operation, the operation end information including the operation end date or the operation end time of the unit is set,
In the step of determining whether or not the unit can be reused when the gaming machine is collected, the use time calculated from the operation start information and the operation end information is compared with the operation reference use time. The gaming machine recycling management method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine recycling management method is characterized. ID tag reader for reading non-rewritable tag identification information recorded on ID tags attached to a plurality of units constituting a reusable gaming machine, and correspondence between the tag identification information and the units And a gaming machine recycling management system comprising a shipping equipment management device storing operation history information of the unit,
The shipping equipment management device is:
When the gaming machine starts operation, when the gaming machine ends operation and when the gaming machine is collected, the tag identification information read by the ID tag reader is received,
When the gaming machine starts operating and when the gaming machine finishes operating, an operating state is set in the operation history information of the unit corresponding to the received tag identification information,
When the gaming machine is collected, it is determined whether or not the unit can be reused from the operation state set in the operation history information of the unit corresponding to the tag identification information and the preset operation standard,
A gaming machine recycling management system, wherein the determined result is output to the outside. The operation standard includes the number of times the unit can be reused,
The shipping equipment management device is:
When the operating state of the unit is set when the gaming machine starts operation, the number of times the unit is used is updated,
5. When determining whether or not a unit can be reused when the gaming machine is collected, the number of times of use of the operating state and the number of times of use of the operation reference are compared to determine the unit. Game machine recycling management system. The operation standard includes a usage time during which the unit can operate,
The shipping equipment management device is:
When the operation state of the unit is set when the gaming machine starts operation, the operation start information including the operation start date or the operation start time of the unit is set,
When the operation state of the unit is set when the gaming machine ends the operation, the operation end information including the operation end date or the operation end time of the unit is set,
When determining whether or not a unit can be reused when the gaming machine is collected, the use time calculated from the operation start information and the operation end information is compared with the use time of the operation reference. The gaming machine recycling management system according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it is characterized in that:

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