JP2007020958A - Method, apparatus and program for managing game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sort main components built in a game machine without distinguishing a sample machine from a mass-produced machine according to whether the components are reusable. <P>SOLUTION: A processor 42 of an apparatus 40 for managing the game machine obtains a tag ID of a unit 10A in the case of recovering the game machine from a reader 30 and retrieves a storage device 41 with the tag ID as a key to discriminate the class of the game machine 10. The processor 42 refers to a reusability criteria in a unit correspondence table d2 in the storage device 30 with the class as a key. The processor 42 sets the referred reusability criteria as a criteria, and refers to operation history information d9 in the storate device 30 with the tag ID as the key. The processor 42 sorts whether each unit 10A is reusable depending on whether the operation history meets the reusability criteria, and makes an output device of a local server 92 output the result to give information of the result to an operator carrying out recovery operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine management method, a gaming machine management device, and a gaming machine management program in a gaming hall that manages gaming machines using an ID tag after installation of the shipped gaming machines in a gaming hall (hall). is there.

  In general, the administrative responsibility of a manufacturing company is strictly sought by the administrative authority of pachinko machines and swivel-type gaming machines (slot machines (pachislot machines)), so games in the process of being shipped from the manufacturing factory and delivered to the amusement hall There is a need to prevent machine fraud. For this purpose, it is made possible to strictly manage the shipping destination of the gaming machine by performing checks by check slips, product seals, etc. at each check point such as the base warehouse and the shipping company warehouse. However, the check using slips and product stickers is not only complicated, but also causes human error. Therefore, it is proposed that the check is performed by a computer using a two-dimensional barcode or a wireless ID tag. Have been considered.

  In addition, due to the background that obligatory recycling of gaming machines has become mandatory in recent years, we have collected used gaming machines at the game hall (hall) and selected reusable parts (units, etc.). So-called reuse is also performed. Therefore, in recent years, a technique that can manage such reuse by using a two-dimensional barcode or an ID tag has been studied and proposed.

As a technique for managing gaming machines using ID tags, the gaming machine itself is provided with product history information storage means, and an ID tag is attached to a unit such as a main control board so that it can be managed for each unit. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-30008 (paragraphs 0013-0027, FIG. 1)

  By the way, in the gaming machine industry, since about one new product is announced per month, there are many cases where amusement hall managers are gathered all over the country at sales offices and special exhibition halls. Large numbers (about 200-300 units / time) of new models are sent from the manufacturing plants to such sales offices and special exhibition venues nationwide, and are displayed as the next new model launch event. Yes. For this reason, new models are frequently exhibited at sales offices and the like, and the previous models are frequently removed.

Against this background, a large number of sample machines are shipped and collected, but the recycling of the sample machines must be handled differently from the return machines from general amusement halls. The reality is that recycling is behind. Also, if machine history management is carried out on the system, handling a large number of gaming machines as out of inventory is not overlooked for management, and it is necessary to take measures on the system.
Furthermore, in the gaming machine industry, where new models are announced in a short period of time, a large number of sample machines are manufactured together with a large number of mass-produced machines. There is a growing need for reuse of gaming machines.

  Therefore, simply managing various information such as replacement history of a plurality of units built into each sample machine and each game machine of the mass production machine, using the management technology described in Patent Document 1, It is difficult to distinguish between a sample machine and a mass-produced machine, and it is necessary to provide a product history information recording device for every target gaming machine, so there is a problem that it is very complicated in operation.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily handle not only the collected mass-produced machines but also the collected sample machines as objects of reuse, and increase the reuse efficiency of the entire gaming machine.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, in the present invention, before collection of a sample machine or a mass production machine, a reusable standard of each unit, a type indicating whether the game machine is shipped as a sample machine or a mass production machine The operation history including the replacement history of each unit collected as appropriate during operation is stored in the storage device in association with the tag identification information. First, when a gaming machine is collected, the ID tag reader reads tag identification information at the time of collection recorded on an ID tag attached to a plurality of units incorporated in the collected gaming machine and sends it to the gaming machine management device. .

  The gaming machine management device acquires the tag identification information at the time of collection sent from the ID tag reader, searches the storage device using the tag identification information as a key, and determines the type of the collected gaming machine To do. Also, the gaming machine management device refers to the reusable criteria stored in the storage device using the type as a key. Next, the gaming machine management device sets the corresponding reusable criterion that has been referred to as the reuse selection criterion, and refers to the operation history including the replacement history of each unit stored in the storage device using the tag identification information as a key. To do. Subsequently, the gaming machine management device sorts whether or not each unit can be reused based on whether or not the operation history satisfies a reusable criterion, and outputs the sorted result from the output device.

  According to the present invention, not only collected mass-produced machines but also collected sample machines can be easily handled as reuse targets, and the reuse efficiency of the entire gaming machine can be increased.

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine management method, a gaming machine management device, and a gaming machine management program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, as a gaming machine here, a pachinko gaming machine (pachinko machine) will be described as an example. However, the gaming machine is not limited to this as long as it is legally restricted by a wind law or the like. For example, it may be a revolving game machine generally called a slot machine (pachislot).

≪Configuration of pachinko machines≫
First, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine will be described in detail.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a basic structure on the front side of a pachinko gaming machine which is an example of a management target gaming machine in the present embodiment. The pachinko gaming machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 is mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board 4.

  The gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 1, a front frame 2, a glass door 3, an upper tray 5, a lower tray 6 and a launcher handle 7. The outer frame 1 is a rectangular frame having an opening, and is fixed at a position (game island) where a pachinko gaming machine 10 such as a hall is to be installed. The front frame 2 is a frame body aligned with the opening portion of the outer frame 1 and is attached to the outer frame 1 so as to be freely opened and closed.

  The glass door 3 is attached to the front frame 2 so as to be freely opened and closed. The prize balls paid out from the prize ball device are supplied to the upper tray 5 or the lower tray 6 via a predetermined flow path. The upper tray 5 has mechanisms for storing game balls, feeding the game balls to the launch rail, and extracting the game balls to the lower tray 6. The lower tray 6 has mechanisms such as storage and extraction of game balls. When the player rotates the launcher handle 7, the game ball is launched.

  The game board 4 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a symbol display device 8, a first type start winning opening (hereinafter referred to as "start opening") 9, a large winning opening 19 and the like as game parts. For example, the symbol display device 8 displays on the screen while changing a symbol called a first type special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol”) and a decorative symbol linked to the special symbol. Here, the special symbol is a symbol for indicating whether or not to generate a jackpot according to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball is dropped into the start port 9, and the decorative symbol is the result of the lottery. It is a design for producing visually. The symbol display device 8 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, for example. The big winning opening 19 is a horizontal rectangular winning opening that becomes an open state as a “big hit” when the special symbol stops in a specific manner.

Next, FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10. With reference to FIG. 2, the basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described (see FIG. 2 as appropriate).
The main board unit 11 is a unit including a main board that controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and this main board processes all game operations such as a lottery especially when a winning is made to the start port 9. Electronic components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) are mounted on the main board. The liquid crystal unit 12 displays the symbols on the symbol display device 8 by changing the display contents according to the lottery result by the main board unit 11.

  The payout unit 13 pays out the game balls supplied from the prize ball tank 14 to the upper tray 5 in accordance with the winnings at the winning holes. The payout control board unit 15 includes a payout control board for controlling the payout operation by the payout unit 13. The launching device 16 launches the stored balls in the upper tray 5 one by one into the game area with strength according to the operation amount of the launching device handle 7. The launch control board unit 17 includes a launch control board that controls the launch operation of the launcher 16. The power supply unit 18 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 1, a game board 4, a main board unit 11, a liquid crystal unit 12, a payout unit 13, a prize ball tank 14, a payout control board unit 15, and a launching device. 16, the launch control board unit 17, and the power supply unit 18 are each affixed with ID tags 20 each storing a unique tag ID. The function of the ID tag 20 will be described later.

≪Outline of distribution from manufacturing to collection of gaming machines≫
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the flow from manufacture to collection (disposal / reuse) of the pachinko gaming machine 10 (hereinafter abbreviated as “gaming machine 10”) will be described. The flow is roughly divided into a manufacturing process, a distribution process, an operation process, and a recovery process. Here, first, the manufacturing process and the distribution process will be briefly described, and the operation process and the recovery process will be briefly described. The operation process and the recovery process are described in detail later because they are closely related to the present invention. Moreover, although management by the ID tag 20 mentioned above etc. is made | formed as needed suitably, these are also demonstrated collectively later.

  First, in the unit factory group U, game parts used in the gaming machine 10 are grouped into products (devices) as unit parts such as the main board unit 11 that is unitized. In the unit factory group U, each unit is shipped as a product to the manufacturing factory K based on a request from the manufacturing factory K and delivered to the manufacturing factory K. Here, specific examples of the unit include a frame unit, a main board unit 11, and a liquid crystal unit 12. The frame unit incorporates the ball tray of the upper tray 5 and the lower tray 6, the glass door 3, the front frame 2, the set panel 4 and the like into the outer frame 1 to form a housing unit. As described above, the main board unit 11 has electronic components mounted on a circuit board and accommodated in a case. The liquid crystal unit 12 accommodates a liquid crystal panel, a backlight, an image control board, and the like in a case.

  In the manufacturing factory K, each unit delivered from the unit factory group U is temporarily stored in a warehouse (not shown) through a warehousing procedure in the warehousing / storage process, and delivered to the unit assembly process based on the shipping request of the manufacturing line. The

  In the unit assembly process, the units are received and stored in a warehouse (not shown) according to the manufacturing instructions (entry / storage process), or they are taken out from the reuse warehouse (the reuse warehouse will be described later) and the units are assembled to each other, and then the energization inspection is performed. After passing through inspections (basic inspection process) such as visual inspection, the gaming machine 10 is stored as a product in a warehouse (not shown) (warehouse storage process). The product as the gaming machine 10 stored in the warehouse is appropriately subjected to a shipping operation such as a packing operation according to a shipping request (shipment process), and is transported to the store B or the hall H1 by a transporting means such as a truck. The Here, although not shown in the figure, there is a case where a warehouse or the like (not shown) of each carrier is sent from the manufacturing factory K to the store B, the hall H1, or the like. Here, the process from the shipment process to the arrival at the store B or the hall H1 is defined as the transportation process.

  In the unit assembly process described above, the tag ID (tag identification information) is read from the ID tag 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) attached to each unit incorporated as the gaming machine 10 to obtain the unit (unit ID). The tag ID is attached and stored in the storage device 41 (see FIG. 4). In addition, in the manufacturing factory K, the game machine management device (computer) (to be described later) is associated with each ID tag 20 with the delivery information including the distribution date (ship date) and the distribution destination (unit factory U1, etc.) of each unit. (See FIG. 4). In addition, in the manufacturing factory K, in order to improve the management efficiency of the ID tag 20, the tag ID (tag identification information) of the ID tag 20 assigned to the distribution destination unit factory U1 or the like is registered. For example, tag IDs 1 to 100 are registered in the unit factory U1, and tag IDs 100 and later are registered in the unit factory U2 (see FIG. 4). Note that the number assigned may be a random number instead of a sequential number.

  The products received at the sales office B are installed and operated on an installation frame base called amusement island (operation process). Specifically, at the store B, the gaming machine 10 is delivered as a product from the manufacturing factory K and is operated as a sample machine for sales promotion. That is, it can be said that the gaming machine 10 delivered to the store B is a product for the sales person in the store B to actually try the new product by inviting the hall manager in the area in charge. For this reason, the installation period at sales office B is limited to the sales period of the product and is as short as one month, and the operating time at sales office B is 2 to 3 days after the installation showing a high operating rate. Although it is long in a day, it has a feature that it is relatively short in terms of an average operation time per day.

  In addition, the gaming machine 10 as a product received in the hall H1 or the like is installed and operated on an installation frame base called an amusement island (operation process). Specifically, in the hall H1, the new gaming machine 10 is operated as a product for use in the player's game. That is, it can be said that the operation of the gaming machine 10 is a normal operation that matches a general calculation standard at the time of reuse.

  As described above, the operated gaming machine 10 is shipped to the collection factory K when it becomes unnecessary (collection process). The specific collection time is when the sales period of the gaming machine 10 as the product at the sales office B expires, and the operating rate of the product drops in the hall H1 or the like and is replaced with the gaming machine 10 of another product. This is when the hall manager determines that he can get higher operating profit. Then, at the store B, the hall H1, and the like, the gaming machine 10 is transported to the collection factory K by a collection company or the like at this collection time.

  The amusement machine 10 that has arrived at the collection factory K is checked for arrival in the arrival process, and then checked for reuse or recycling in the sorting process, and the reusable gaming machine 10 is stored in a storage warehouse (not shown) after an inspection process. And is received as a new product unit upon arrival at a reuse warehouse upon request from the manufacturing plant K. In addition, products that cannot be reused are recycled or discarded in the disposal process.

  As will be described later, in the gaming machine 10 as a waste product, there is a difference in the actual operation time between the case of the sample machine and the case of the mass production machine, so the ID tag 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) affixed thereto. By determining whether the machine is a sample machine or a mass-produced machine according to the attached information, whether or not each unit that is incorporated can be recycled (reused) and its period are determined.

  In the manufacturing factory K, the reuse parts (units) received in the reuse warehouse are appropriately incorporated into the gaming machine 10 in the unit assembly process and shipped as a part of the new gaming machine 10. Further, in the recovery factory R, a unit that is determined not to be reused in the sorting process is appropriately disposed of in the disposal process. In the process from manufacturing to distribution to collection, the ID tag 20 is pasted and various management / information collection using the ID tag 20 is performed.

As described above, the series of flows and information related to the manufacture and collection of the gaming machine 10 are managed by the ID tag 20, the gaming machine management device 40, and the like.
In the following, the ID tag 20, the gaming machine management device 40, and the relationship between the gaming machine 10 and the gaming machine management device 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 in addition to FIG.

≪ID tag≫
The ID tag 20 described above is for managing each part (unit), as will be described later. In particular, the ID tag 20 also has a function for selecting reuse or recycling of each part. In addition, although ID tag 20 is not attached about each part, such as launcher handle 7, in order to sort out reuse etc. about each of these parts, it attaches to the part which does not appear on the surface suitably. Is preferred.

  The ID tag 20 has no other information recorded in the tag ID (tag identification information). The ID tag 20 is a non-contact IC chip with a built-in antenna, and is preferably a non-rewritable type (for example, a mu chip (registered trademark) manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.). The tag ID is a number that is not directly related to the gaming machine 10 or the units that constitute it. By doing so, the unity of data and the reliability of the system can be improved, and tampering with related parties and third parties can be prevented. In addition, by using the non-rewritable ID tag 20 in this way, in order to prevent the normalization of illegal units due to the rewriting action of the ID tag 20 which is a concern when the rewritable ID tag 20 is used. It is possible to improve security without taking the above measures.

  Although the case where the ID tag 20 is attached will be described here, an alternative code such as a two-dimensional barcode or barcode may be assigned to each unit. However, in this case, since optical reading is performed as compared with the case of the wireless ID tag 20, it is necessary to open the casing of the gaming machine 10 and perform a reading operation at a close distance. It takes time and effort.

Next, the management system in the present invention will be described in detail.
<< System configuration >>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a gaming machine management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In this gaming machine management system, a gaming machine management device 40, an order entry terminal 50, and an administrator terminal 60 are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 70, and the LAN 70, a plurality of local servers 91, 92, and A base station 93 is connected via a communication network 80. The communication network 80 includes, for example, the Internet network and a wireless network.

  In this embodiment, the base station 93 has shown that the communication at the checkpoint in the manufacturing factory K, the recovery factory R, the warehouse W2, the hall H1, the sales office (exhibition hall) B, etc. is one place. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which each check point serves as one base station. Further, the gaming machine management device 40, the order entry terminal 50, the manager terminal 60, and the local server 92 are installed in the gaming machine manufacturing companies of the manufacturing factory K and the recovery factory R. The local server 91 is installed in the unit factory U1 of the unit manufacturing consignment company.

≪Amusement machine management device≫
The gaming machine management device 40 includes a storage device 41 and a processing device 42, and has a general computer configuration including a CPU and a memory. The storage device 41 is a memory or the like, and the processing device 42 is a CPU or the like.
In the storage device 41, type information d1 (see FIG. 5), unit correspondence table d2 (see FIG. 6), unit management information d3 (see FIG. 7), unit combination information d6 (see FIG. 8), Check information d7 (see FIG. 9), operation history information d9 (see FIG. 10), address information d10 (see FIG. 11), and installation location information d12 (see FIG. 12) are stored. Each information will be described later again as “data structure”.

  The gaming machine management device 40 is installed in a gaming machine manufacturing company or the like, and manages the gaming machine in the distribution process from unit management / shipment to delivery during the manufacturing process / operation management / gaming machine / This is to determine whether or not unit reuse is possible. The gaming machine management device 40 manages the gaming machine 10 in each situation (process or process) based on the tag ID of the ID tag 20 attached to the unit 10A incorporated in the gaming machine 10 or the like.

≪Order entry terminal and administrator terminal≫
The order entry terminal 50 is, for example, a personal computer, and includes a display device, a storage device 51, and a processing device 52 (not shown). The storage device 51 is a memory or the like, and the processing device 52 is a CPU or the like. The storage device 51 stores shipping destination information d81, transportation route information d82, and product management number d83. As will be described later, these pieces of information are input by an operator when an order is received for the gaming machine 10, and the processing device 52 stores the information in the storage device 51, and transfers each information to the gaming machine management device 40. In the machine management device 40, information (not shown) indicating the transportation schedule is stored in the storage device 41.
The manager terminal 60 is also a personal computer, for example, including a memory and a CPU, and is a terminal used by a manager who is in charge of the manufacturing process, operation management, distribution process, recycling, etc. of the gaming machine 10. This is used when the manager requests desired information from the gaming machine management device 40 or receives the information from the gaming machine management device 40.

≪Local server, reader, base station and portable reader≫
A plurality of ID tag readers (hereinafter simply referred to as “readers”) 30 are connected to each of the local servers 91 and 92, and each reader 30 is connected to each unit 10 </ b> A and each unit 10 </ b> A incorporated in the gaming machine 10. Communication with the attached ID tag 20 is performed, and a tag ID recorded in advance on the ID tag 20 is read.

  The local server 91 and the reading device 30 are installed in a unit factory U1 that manufactures the unit 10A. Specifically, it is installed in the unit factory U1 shown in FIG. In addition, the local server 92 is installed in a manufacturing factory K or a collection factory R that assembles the units 10A to manufacture the gaming machine 10 and ship it to the hall H1 or the like. The local servers 91 and 92 are for managing the manufacturing process and the recovery process of the unit 10A in units of factories, and have a general computer configuration including a memory, a CPU, and the like.

  In each factory of the unit factory group U, there are manufacturing process areas for performing manufacturing processes from the first process to the Nth process, and manufacturing facilities such as line equipment are installed in these manufacturing process areas. Yes. Here, the manufacturing process is a series of processes including a part assembling process for assembling parts and manufacturing the unit 10A as a product, a unit inspection process for inspecting the assembled unit, and the like.

  In the collection factory R, in particular, in the sorting process, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine 10 is a sample machine or a mass production machine, whether or not a reusable unit 10A is installed. At this time, the reading device 30 reads the tag ID from the ID tag 20 attached to each unit 10A incorporated in the gaming machine 10 and transmits it to the gaming machine management device 40 via the local server 92. The gaming machine management device 49 is configured to make the determination as described above.

  Further, in the manufacturing factory K, there are manufacturing process areas for performing manufacturing processes from the first process to the Nth process, and manufacturing equipment such as line equipment is installed in these manufacturing process areas. The manufacturing process here is a series of processes including the unit assembly process and the basic inspection process shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is also used for the prior notification to the administrative body in accordance with the rules of wind management in each process at the unit factory U1, the manufacturing factory K, and the recovery factory R depending on the manufacturing equipment used in those series of processes. Or the unit 10A is manufactured. In addition, the reader 30 is installed in each process area from the 1st process to the Nth process mentioned above.

In each base station 93, a portable reader (portable ID tag reader) 31 is connectable. Each base station 93 performs data relay between the gaming machine management device 40 and the portable reading device 31.
The portable reading device 31 communicates with a plurality of ID tags 20 attached to a plurality of units 10 </ b> A incorporated in the gaming machine 10, and reads each tag ID recorded in advance on the ID tag 20. This portable reading device 31 holds a reader ID for identifying itself. The portable reader device 31 is owned by a person in charge of the work. For example, the portable reader 31 is owned by various managers such as a carrier of a transportation company, a person in charge of operating in the hall H1, etc., a manager of the hall. To do. In this embodiment, the portable reading device 31 is described as a single terminal. However, the reading device that communicates with the ID tag 20 is separated, and a notebook personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), A configuration may be adopted in which a portable small electronic device such as a mobile phone is connected via various interfaces.

≪Relationship between gaming machines and gaming machine management equipment≫
Here, the functions of the order entry terminal 50 and the gaming machine management device 40 at the time of ordering for the gaming machine 10 will be described (see FIG. 4 and the like as appropriate).
The order entry terminal 50 has the following functions. When an order is received from the gaming machine 10, the order entry terminal 50 receives shipping destination information d81 such as a delivery hall, a delivery date, the number of units, a product, etc., and a product management number d83 by an operator's operation. Stores them in the storage device 51 and transfers them to the gaming machine management device 40. The processing device 52 determines whether or not the assembly has been completed based on the presence or absence of a response indicating the completion of the assembly of the gaming machine 10 to be shipped from the gaming machine management device 40.

  If the assembly is not completed, the processing device 52 transfers each information to the gaming machine management device 40. On the other hand, when the assembly is completed, the processing device 52 causes the operator to input the transportation route information d82 based on the shipping date, regional information, etc., and the processing device 52 transfers each piece of information to the gaming machine management device 40 to manage the gaming machine. The device 40 organizes each information.

  On the other hand, the gaming machine management device 40 obtains a tag ID (tag identification information) from the ID tag 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) affixed to each unit incorporated as the gaming machine 10 during the unit assembly process described above. The data is read out, and the unit (unit ID) and the tag ID are attached to the storage device 41 with a string attached. In addition, in the manufacturing factory K, the game machine management device (computer) (to be described later) is associated with each ID tag 20 with the delivery information including the distribution date (ship date) and the distribution destination (unit factory U1, etc.) of each unit. (See FIG. 4). In addition, in the manufacturing factory K, in order to improve the management efficiency of the ID tag 20, the tag ID (tag identification information) of the ID tag 20 assigned to the distribution destination unit factory U1 or the like is registered. For example, tag IDs 1 to 100 are registered in the unit factory U1, and tag IDs 100 and later are registered in the unit factory U2 (see FIG. 4). Note that the number assigned may be a random number instead of a sequential number.

  In the gaming machine management device 40, the information sent from the order entry terminal 50 is organized as follows. When the assembly of the gaming machine 10 is completed, the processing device 42 notifies the operator to input the transport route information d82 via the order entry terminal 50. In the order entry terminal 50, the operator inputs the transportation route information d82 based on the shipping date, regional information, and other shipping schedules. When the transportation route information d82 is input, the processing device 52 transmits the transportation route information d82 to the gaming machine management device 40. In the gaming machine management device 40, the processing device 42 stores the shipping destination information d81, the transportation route information 82, and the product management information d83 in the storage device 41 as information (not shown) indicating the transportation schedule. As a result, information that can be acquired by the gaming machine management apparatus 40 (corresponding relationship (product management number, product ID, unit ID, etc.) (corresponding to check information)) can be linked to the transportation schedule information.

Note that each piece of information including the type information d1 and the like may be configured not only to be centrally managed by the gaming machine management device 40 but also to be distributed to computers (not shown) so as to be referenced and associated as needed. Further, the timing for inputting the transportation route information d82 may be at the time of the end of manufacturing, or may be performed at the stage where the transportation schedule is determined. Further, in the gaming machine management device 40, the processing device 42 calculates the required scheduled time to each check point based on the transportation route information d82 included as information indicating the transportation schedule, and stores it in the storage device 41.
Next, a data configuration such as the type information d1 stored in the storage device 41 will be described.

<< Data structure >>
[Type information]
As shown in FIG. 5, the type information d1 is shipped as a sample machine and installed and operated in the sales office B or the like, or shipped as a mass-produced machine and installed and installed in the hall H1 or the like. It is a type for distinguishing whether or not it has been done. Here, at the time of shipment from the manufacturing factory K, the gaming machine management device 40 gives a flag “0” to the sample machine column 100 when shipped as a sample machine, and when shipped as a mass-produced machine, The information is such that a flag “1” is given to the column 101. Then, the gaming machine management device 40 manages the combination information d6, operation history information d9, installation location information d12, etc. of the unit 10A, as will be described later.

[Unit correspondence table]
As shown in FIG. 6, the tag ID 102 and the unit ID 103 are associated with each other in the unit correspondence table d2. The tag ID 102 is a number unique to the ID tag 20 recorded in advance in the ID tag 20. The unit ID 103 is a number unique to the unit 10A constituting the gaming machine 10. That is, by referring to the unit correspondence table d2, the unit ID 103 corresponding to the ID tag 20 is uniquely determined, so that other information can be searched using the unit ID 103 as a key.

[Unit management information]
As shown in FIG. 7, the unit management information d3 indicates unit-specific information. The unit ID 103, the manufacturing location 104, the manufacturing date 105, the material information 106, the reusability flag 107, and the mass production machine. It is composed of records having the maximum number of diversions 108 when operated, the maximum operation time 109 when operated as a mass production machine, the shipping date 110 and the product management number 111. The unit ID 103 is as described above.
The manufacturing location 104 indicates a location (unit factory name or the like) where the unit 10A is manufactured. The date of manufacture 105 indicates the date of manufacture of the unit 10A. The production location 104 and the production date 105 are set when the production of the unit 10A is finished.

  When operated as a sample machine, since the actual operation time is shorter than that of a mass production machine, for example, conversion may be performed as follows. Here, Sn is set as the installation time of the sample machine (time set up in the sales office B), and is set as the operation time Sm of the mass production machine. In this case, Sn ≦ Sm. Therefore, it is assumed that there is a proportional relationship of A · Sn = Sm, and A (≧ 1) is referred to as a conversion parameter. In particular, A = 1 corresponds to a case where the actual operating time may be the same as when it is exhibited at a business show that visitors can expect and is installed in a hall or the like. Therefore, the gaming machine management device 40 (see FIG. 4) determines the conversion parameter A in consideration of the time installed in the store B, the number of visitors, and the like, and sets the operating time in the case of the sample machine to the mass production machine. In this case, it is determined whether or not reuse is possible in terms of actual operation time.

  The material information 106 indicates the main material of the unit 10A. The reusability flag 107 indicates whether or not the unit 10A can be reused. When the unit 10A is on, it indicates that the unit 10A can be reused. When the unit 10A is off, the unit 10A indicates that the unit 10A cannot be reused. This is a flag that is fixedly set according to the material and properties of each unit 10A. The maximum number of diversions 108 (reusable number of times of use) indicates the maximum number of times that the unit 10A can be diverted, and corresponds to “diversion number of times 1” at the first operation after shipment. Therefore, for example, if the maximum number of diversions 108 = 1, once the operation is performed once in a certain hole after shipment, the subsequent diversion is not desirable. The maximum operating time 109 (usable operating time) is the maximum time during which the unit 10A can be operated. When the unit 10A is operated for a longer time, the subsequent diversion is not desirable. . Since the material information 106, the reusability flag 107, the maximum diversion number 108, and the maximum operation time 109 are information related to the product assessment based on the recycling promotion law, the gaming machine 10 based on the product assessment based on these information. Reuse management can be performed.

  The shipment date 110 indicates the date on which the unit 10A was shipped as the gaming machine 10. The product management number 111 is a number unique to the gaming machine 10 to be shipped, and the same number is set for each unit ID 103 of each unit 10A constituting the gaming machine 10. In the product management number 111, the unit ID 103 of the outer frame 1 or the game board 4 may be set. As a result, the outer frame 1 and the game board 4 are associated with the other units 10A. According to this, for example, when the gaming machine 10 is collected, if the product management number 111 of the outer frame 1 or the gaming board 4 is different from the product management number 111 of the other unit 10A, the unit 10A can be replaced. Indicates what has been done. That is, it is possible to check whether or not the unit 10A has been replaced. The shipping date 110 and the product management number 111 are information set when the gaming machine 10 is shipped.

[Unit combination information]
The unit combination information d6 indicates the combination pattern of the units 10A when the gaming machine 10 is shipped or when a valid unit is replaced. As shown in FIG. 8, the unit combination information d6 includes a product name 117 of the gaming machine 10, a type 118 indicating a flag according to the type information d1, a delivery installation location ID 119, a product ID number 120, its product management number 111, The unit ID associated with the tag ID (tag identification information) of the ID tag 20 attached to each unit 10A incorporated therein is included. Here, as the unit ID, for example, the main board ID 121, the board management No. for managing the main board. 122, liquid crystal unit ID 123, launch device ID 124, launch control board unit ID 125, power supply unit ID 126, payout control board unit ID 127, and the like are associated with each other. The unit ID may include a product ID number 120 for identifying the product name and a delivery installation location ID 119 for delivering the gaming machine 10. Here, it is assumed that these are included in the unit ID. Each unit ID is associated with the tag ID of the ID tag 20 attached to each unit 10A.

These pieces of information are attached during the manufacturing process of the gaming machine 10. Therefore, the gaming machine management device 40 first acquires the value of the unit ID 103 (see FIG. 7) with reference to the unit correspondence table d2 using the tag ID read from the ID tag 20 as a key. Then, the gaming machine management device 40 determines that the acquired value is the main board ID 121, board management No., and so on of the unit combination information d6. 122, whether or not it is registered as unit ID values such as liquid crystal unit ID 123, launch device ID 124, launch control board unit ID 125, power supply unit ID 126, payout control board unit ID 127, product ID number 120, delivery installation location ID 119, etc. And output. Thereby, at any checkpoint after the gaming machine 10 is shipped from the manufacturing factory K, it is possible to make the operator recognize whether or not the valid unit 10A is incorporated in the gaming machine 10. Further, at the time of collection, it can be used as information for determining whether or not the unit 10A can be reused.
In addition, the time of valid unit replacement | exchange is a case where the gaming machine manufacturing company itself of the manufacturing plant K grasps | ascertains replacement | exchange of the unit 10A incorporated in the gaming machine 10. FIG. For example, replacement performed when a failure occurs.

[Check information]
The check information d7 is a judgment material for inspecting whether or not the gaming machine 10 is properly transported at the check point described above, or whether or not the gaming machine 10 has been tampered with after the shipping destination is installed. It is a judgment material for inspecting. When any unit 10A of the gaming machine 10 is replaced, the tag ID of the unit 10A is stored. Check points include, for example, a shipping factory (manufacturing factory K, etc.), a warehouse (not shown), a hall H1, and a sales office B.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the check information d7 includes a reader ID 100, position information 128 indicating a check point, and read information 129 including various unit IDs. The position information 128 indicates the reading position of the portable reading device 31, and here, for example, information acquired by a GPS (Global Positioning System) technique is used. In addition, you may use hall ID which identifies the hall of an installation place (delivery destination).

The read information 129 indicates the association between the units 10 </ b> A corresponding to the tag ID read by the portable reading device 31. Note that the position may be specified from the identification code of the reader using a gate type reader provided at the checkpoint.
Specifically, the read information 129 includes a product ID number 120, a main board ID 121, a liquid crystal unit ID 123, a launcher ID 124, a launch control board unit ID 125, a power supply unit ID 126, and a payout control board unit ID 127, and is attached to the gaming machine 10. This is a tag ID of the attached ID tag 20.

[Operation history information]
As shown in FIG. 10, the operation history information d9 includes unit ID 103, number of diversions 130, elapsed days 131, estimated actual operation time 132, type 118, installation location name 133, product name 117, operation start date 134, operation The block includes an end date 135, operation days 136, installation location name 137, product name 138, operation start date 139, operation end date 140, operation days 141, and the like.
The unit ID 103 is as described above. The number of diversions 130 (the number of uses) indicates the number of times that the unit 10A has been diverted. The initial value of the number of diversions 130 is set to 0. The number of elapsed days 131 indicates the number of days that have elapsed since the shipment date of the unit 10A. The assumed actual operation time 132 indicates the actual operation time calculated from the number of days the unit 10A has been operated. The installation location name 133 indicates the name of the hall in which the unit 10A is diverted (including the first shipment) and operated. The product name 133 indicates the product name of the gaming machine 10 including the unit 10A. The operation start date 134 indicates the date on which the unit 10A started operation. The operation end date 135 indicates the date when the unit 10A ended operation. The operating days 136 indicate the number of days that the unit 10A has been operating.

  Here, the installation location name 133, the product name 117, the operation start date 134, the operation end date 135, and the operation day 136 are the operation history (repetition unit RU) when the number of diversions 130 is 1 (first time). is there. The installation location name 137, the product name 138, the operation start date 139, the operation end date 140, and the operation day 141 are the operation history (repetition unit RU) when the number of diversions 130 is 2 (second time). is there. Hereinafter, similarly, a repetitive unit RU including an installation place name, a product name, an operation start date, an operation end date, and an operation date is added.

[Address information]
The address information d10 is registered for the hall H1 and the sales office B managed by the gaming machine management device 40. As shown in FIG. 11, the address information d10 is information such as the installation location ID 142, the installation location names 133, 137, and the address 143. is there.

[Installation location information]
The installation location information d12 is information for specifying the location such as the hall H1 or the sales office B where the gaming machine 10 is installed. As shown in FIG. 12, the product name 118 of the gaming machine 10 and the product corresponding thereto. ID number 144, product management number 145 corresponding to this, delivery hall delivered from manufacturing factory K and delivery installation location 151 indicating its installation position, type 118, delivery installation manager 152, installation checker 153, operation confirmation There is a person 154. In addition, when a hall or a sales office is moved by resale or the like, in the first movement, the movement date and time 155, the movement installation location 156, the type 118, the installation movement confirmation person 157, and the operation confirmation person 158 are repeated. Added as a unit RU. Further, in the second movement, the operation date / time 159, the moving installation location 160, the type 118, the installation movement confirmation person 161, and the operation time confirmation person 162 are repeatedly added as the unit RU. In this way, each time the user moves, the repeating unit RU including the operation date and time 163, the moving installation location 164... Is added.
Each information is input by the portable reading device 31 owned by the operator at the time of confirming the installation in a hall or a sales office.

  Here, the delivery installation location 151, the mobile installation locations 156, 160, 164, and the like are, for example, data such as “H001” and “B0001”. “H001” indicates an installation location ID 142 (see FIG. 11) that identifies the hall. By specifying the installation location ID 142 in the installation location information d12, the address of the corresponding installation location can be specified by referring to the address information d10 using the installation location ID as a key. Further, “B0001” indicates an installation location ID 142 (see FIG. 11) that identifies the sales office B.

≪Supplementary explanation during operation process of gaming machines≫
In the manufacturing factory K, after performing a shipping operation in a shipping process in response to a shipping request (order received) as a mass production machine of the gaming machine 10, the gaming machine 10 is transported to the hall H1 by a carrier or the like. When the gaming machine 10 is delivered to the hall H1, the person in charge of installation installs the game machine 10 on the game island and is used for a game for a required period (about 3 to 12 months).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3, if the unit breaks down during operation after the gaming machine 10 is installed on the gaming island in the hall H1, the fact is notified from the hall H1 to the manufacturing factory K (manufacturer). The Then, as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the replacement unit 10A of the failed unit 10A is shipped from the reuse warehouse, and the unit 10A is exchanged. There are various forms of unit replacement. For example, when the person in charge of the manufacturer replaces the unit, the person in charge brings the substitute from the manufacturing factory K to the hall H1 and replaces it with the failed unit 10A. At this time, when the ID tag 20 of the product (unit 10A) exchanged by the portable reader 31 (see FIG. 4) described later is read, the tag ID attached to the gaming machine (product) 10 is the gaming machine management device. 40 (see FIG. 4).

  In the case of performing without the person in charge, the person in charge may check the hole H1 using the portable reading device 31 and restring after the replacement of the unit 10A. A method of re-stitching based on the unit ID may be used. By attaching the date and the like at this time, the gaming machine management device 40 (see FIG. 4) manages the exchange history.

  In this example, the alternative unit 10A is exemplified as a form of shipping from the reuse warehouse, and the operation time of the unit 10A in the gaming machine (product) 10 is unified as much as possible to facilitate the work at the time of reuse. You may make it ship as the alternative unit 10A from the warehouse which does not show in figure which accommodates a new thing.

  Also, when the gaming machine 10 is shipped from the manufacturing factory K as a sample machine, it is transported by the hand of a carrier or the like after performing the shipping operation. In this case, the gaming machine 10 is transported to a store (exhibition hall) B or the like. Then, as in the case of mass-produced machines, it will be installed at an appropriate place and will be operated at a new model launch event. Then, the sample machine installed in the store B is installed in the store B until the next new model presentation (about one month), and is operated by the customer. And when the period ends, it is removed from the store B and is received in the collection factory R. For this reason, as described above, in the case of the sample machine, the operation time for about one month is shorter than that in the case of the mass production machine.

  Alternatively, the unit 10A of the sample machine may be taken out and attached to the gaming machine 10 as a mass production machine installed in the hall H1 or the like. In this case, since it is necessary to distinguish whether the unit 10A incorporated in the sample machine is genuine and legitimate, the tag ID recorded in the ID tag 20 of the unit 10A incorporated in the sample machine. May be read to inquire the gaming machine management device 40 (see FIG. 4). If the tag ID 20 of the unit 10A incorporated in the tag ID of the gaming machine 10 newly incorporated in the hall H1 or the like is attached to the tag ID 20 and managed by the gaming machine management device 40 (see FIG. 4), the gaming machine 10 can manage the replacement history of the unit 10A incorporated in the unit 10.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 10 is replaced in the hall H2 shown in FIG. 3, the person in charge such as a hall manager or a transporter uses the portable reader 31 (see FIG. 4) to identify each ID tag incorporated in the gaming machine 10. 20 tag IDs may be read out, and selection of disposal (bound for the disposal process (dashed line)) or reuse (bound for the collection factory R (discarded product route (solid line))) may be performed depending on the presence or absence of the reuse target unit 10A ( Sorting process performed in the hall). At this time, the reusable unit 10A can be used for another gaming machine 10 installed in the hall H2. When the reusable unit 10A is incorporated into another gaming machine 10, the portable reader device 31 reads the tag ID from the newly incorporated gaming machine 10, and uses the tag ID of the incorporated unit 10A as a string. At the same time, it is sent to the gaming machine management device 40 (see FIG. 4) to be managed by the gaming machine management device 40. Thereby, also in this case, the gaming machine management device 40 can manage the replacement history of the unit 10A newly incorporated in the gaming machine 10.

Also, in FIG. 3, when the person in charge periodically collects operation information in the hall H1, using the portable reading device 31 (see FIG. 4) brought by the person in charge, the actual operation information is stored in the gaming machine management device. 40 (see FIG. 4) can also be reflected. Specifically, the portable reading device 31 (see FIG. 4) is provided with an information input unit (not shown), and using the information input unit, operation information, installation location information, and hall information for each gaming machine 10 (that is, stand). Enter etc. Then, by transmitting the input information from the portable reader device 31 to the gaming machine management device 40, the operation survey date and the operation information are stored and processed in the gaming machine management device 40.
According to this, when the reading device 30 of the ID tag 20 is not installed in the hall H1, 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 based on the operation information. It becomes possible to carry out accurately.

≪Content of collection process at collection factory R≫
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, each process in the collection factory R is demonstrated in detail. Since the gaming machine 10 as a waste product received in the recovery factory R may include a recyclable unit, the presence or absence of a reusable part is selected in the selection process. Units (parts) that are determined to be reusable in this process are stored in a warehouse in a storage process after a predetermined inspection in an inspection process, and are stored in a reuse warehouse in a manufacturing factory K before a new game machine (product) ) 10. Therefore, in the recovery factory R, as described above, the arrival process and the selection process (incoming / selection process), the inspection process, the storage process, and the disposal process are performed.

(Incoming / sorting process)
When the gaming machine 10 is brought into the collection factory R as a waste product, the ID tag 20 is read when entering a warehouse (not shown) (warehouse entry reading process), and the read tag ID is transmitted to the gaming machine management device 40. . Then, the gaming machine management device 40 updates the installation location information d12 and the like (see FIG. 4). Subsequently, as will be described later, it is determined whether the machine is a sample machine or a mass production machine, and a reusable unit (product) 10A is selected according to each type (product selection process). Here, the unit 10A that is not a reuse target or has passed the reuse period is shifted to a disposal process.

  Next, the operator visually checks the state of the unit 10A selected in the product selection process, determines whether the unit 10A can be reused, and selects the unit 10A (unit selection process). Here, the unit 10 </ b> A that the operator determines is not reusable is transferred to the disposal process. On the other hand, the unit 10A that is determined to be reusable by the operator is taken out as a usable unit 10A (usable unit take-out process) and proceeds to the inspection process.

(Inspection process)
In the inspection process, the operator inspects the application state of the ID tag 20 to the unit 10A (tag durability confirmation process), and if there is no durability, the inspection is performed after applying a new ID tag 20 (tag application process). The person in charge reads the tag ID with the portable reading device 31 or the like (see FIG. 4) (inspection person reading step). When the tag ID is normally read, the operator performs various inspections (various inspection processes). At this time, the target tag ID is sent to the local server 92 to manage that the target tag ID unit 10A is in the inspection process.

  On the other hand, the worker reads the tag ID at the end of the inspection (inspection end reading step), and causes the local server 92 to manage that the inspection has ended. Next, the local server 92 passes the communication network 80 in order to update the number of reuses (the number of diversions) of the tag ID of the unit 10A that can be reused after the inspection is completed according to the operation of the operator's keyboard or the like. Then, the command is sent to the gaming machine management device 40 (reuse frequency update step). Further, the operator shifts the target unit 10A to the storage process.

(Storage process)
The operator reads the ID tag 20 when the unit 10A enters the warehouse (not shown) (warehouse entry reading process), and transmits the read tag ID to the gaming machine management device 40. Then, the gaming machine management device 40 updates the installation location information d12 and the like (see FIG. 4). On the other hand, the worker enters the target unit 10A into a storage warehouse (storage warehouse).

(Disposal process)
By the way, the unit 10A which has shifted to the discarding process is first sorted according to a predetermined recycling method (discarding sorting process). In this waste separation process, the unit 10A is burned to extract thermal energy, the thermal recycling process is used as the operating energy of the manufacturing factory and the recovery factory, and the unit is disassembled and manufactured again as a unit 10A in the unit factory group U. The unit 10A is separated into a material recycling process for returning to a material to be made and a complete disposal process for complete disposal as garbage.

≪System processing≫
Next, based on the system configuration described above and the data configuration stored in the gaming machine management device 40, the gaming machine management processing of the system will be described according to a flowchart. In the following description, FIGS.
Here, first, as shown in FIG. 5, the reading device 30 or the portable reading device 31 reads the tag ID 102 of the ID tag 20 attached to the unit 10A constituting the gaming machine 10, and the tag ID 102 and the reading thereof. It is assumed that the reader IDs of the device 30 and the portable reading device 31 are sequentially transmitted to the gaming machine management device 40 via the communication network 80.

Below, the management of the gaming machine 10 after the end of operation will be described.
In addition, management after the gaming machine 10 is installed in the hall H1 or the like, the person in charge goes to the hall H1 or the like, reads the ID tag 20 using the portable reading device 31, and stores the storage device 41 of the gaming machine management device 40. It is assumed to be consistent with the information transmitted and stored in Therefore, the gaming machine management device 40 can grasp the operation history of the unit 10A incorporated in the gaming machine 10 after shipment based on the tag information of the ID tag 20.

[Processing at the end of operation]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing of the gaming machine management device at the end of gaming machine operation. This processing is performed with the reading of the tag ID 102 as a trigger when the gaming machine 10 moves from the hall for diversion or collection, but the processing device 42 of the gaming machine management device 40 is a device stored in the storage device 41. By referring to the operation schedule information, movement slip data (not shown), etc., the hall movement of the gaming machine 10, that is, the operation end is recognized. The tag ID 102 is read by using the portable reading device 31 by a person in charge of a gaming machine manufacturer, a hall manager, or the like.

  First, the processing device 42 of the gaming machine management device 40 receives a plurality of tag IDs 102 and hole names from the portable reading device 31 in a certain hall (Sj1). Next, referring to the unit correspondence table d2 (FIG. 8) stored in the storage device 41, the unit ID 103 corresponding to the received tag ID 102 is read (Sj2). Then, the processing device 42 sets the operation history information d9 (FIG. 10) for each read unit ID 103. First, the elapsed days 131 and the assumed actual operation time 132 are updated (Sj3). Specifically, the elapsed days 131 are calculated from the shipment date 110 and the current date in the unit management information d3 (FIG. 9) and set. Then, the estimated actual operation time 132 is calculated and set using Equation 1 described later.

  Next, the operation end date 135 and the operation days 136 are set (Sj4). In the operation days 136, a value obtained by subtracting the operation start date 134 from the operation end date 135 is set. This explanation is a case where the number of times of diversion 130 after update is 1, for example, when the number of diversions 130 is 2, the operation end date 140 and the number of work days 141 are set. That is, the location where the operation end date and the number of operation days should be set changes according to the number of diversions 130 after the update.

  According to the process at the start of operation and the process at the end of operation of the gaming machine 10 described above, for each unit 10A constituting the gaming machine 10, 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. can do. The elapsed days 131, the estimated actual operating time 132, the operating days 136, 141,... Of the operation history information d9 are updated and set as needed at the timing when the administrator terminal 60 requests to reference the operation history information d9. It is also possible.

[Processing when collecting gaming machines]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing of the gaming machine management device when collecting gaming machines. This processing is performed by using the reading of the tag ID 102 as a trigger when the gaming machine 10 operated as a mass production machine from the hall H1 arrives at the collection factory R or the like for collection, but the processing device 42 of the gaming machine management device 40 Recognizes the collection of the gaming machine 10 based on the fact that the reader ID of the reading device 30 is in the collection factory R (information in the storage device 41, not shown). Note that the tag ID 102 is read by an operator of the collection factory R using the portable reading device 31.

  First, the processing device 42 of the gaming machine management device 40 receives a plurality of tag IDs 102 and reader IDs 100 from each portable reading device 31 (Sk1). Here, the plurality of tag IDs 102 are tag IDs 102 of the ID tag 20 attached to each of the plurality of units 10 </ b> A constituting the collected gaming machine 10. In addition, it is assumed that the operator is input to the gaming machine management apparatus 40 and notified that the machine is a mass production machine. Next, referring to the unit correspondence table d2 (FIG. 6) stored in the storage device 41, the unit ID 103 corresponding to the received tag ID 102 is read (Sk2). Then, for each unit ID 103 that has been read, the processing device 42 refers to the unit management information d3 (FIG. 7) and the operation history information d9 (FIG. 10), and whether the gaming machine 10 can be reused or discarded. Determine what should be done.

  First, it is checked whether there is a reusable unit 10A in the gaming machine 10 (Sk3). Specifically, referring to the unit management information d3, it is checked whether or not the reusability flag 107 is on for each unit ID 103 read in Sk2. When the reusability flag 107 of one or more unit IDs 103 is on, that is, when there is a reusable unit 10A (“Yes” in Sk3), whether or not the number of diversions of the unit ID 103 is smaller than the maximum number of diversions. Is checked (Sk4).

  Specifically, a comparison is made between the diversion count 130 of the operation history information d9 and the maximum diversion count 108 of the unit management information d3 corresponding to the unit ID 103 whose reusability flag 107 is on. When there is a unit ID 103 whose number of diversions is smaller than the maximum number of diversions ("Yes" in Sk4), it is checked whether or not the operation time (usage time) of the unit ID 103 is smaller than the maximum operation time (Sk5). Specifically, first, for the unit ID 103 whose number of diversions is smaller than the maximum number of diversions, the operation start date 134, 139,... And the operation end date 135, 140,. Calculate the operating time. The operating time can be obtained by Equation 1 (Equation 2).

Operation time = 24 × [(operation end date 135−operation start date 136) + (operation end date 140−operation start date 139) +...] Equation 1
That means
Operating time = (First operating time + Diverted first operating time + Diverted second operating time + ...) ... Formula 2

  Then, the obtained operation time is compared with the maximum operation time 109 of the unit management information d3 corresponding to the unit ID 103 (Sk5). When there is a unit ID 103 whose operating time is smaller than the maximum operating time ("Yes" in Sk5), the unit ID 103 is notified to the administrator as identification information of the reusable unit 10A (Sk6). The notification to the manager is, for example, that the processing device 42 of the gaming machine management device 40 transmits a reusable unit ID 103 to the manager terminal 60 via the LAN 70.

  When there is no reusable unit 10A ("No" in Sk3), when there is no unit 10A whose number of diversions is smaller than the maximum number of diversions ("No" in Sk4), or unit 10A whose operation time is smaller than the maximum operation time When there is no (No in Sk5), the manager is instructed to discard the gaming machine 10 (Sk7). The instruction to the manager is performed, for example, by the processing device 42 of the gaming machine management device 40 transmitting a message to the manager terminal 60 via the LAN 70 to the effect that the gaming machine 10 is to be discarded.

  Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 15, when the processing device 42 first refers to the unit management information d3 and the product management numbers 111 of the outer frame 1 and the other unit 10A are different, The administrator is notified that the unit 10A has been replaced in the gaming machine 10. The manager who has received the notice confirms the fact with the manager of the hall H1.

  According to this gaming machine collection process, the portable reader 31 wirelessly reads the tag ID 102 of the ID tag 20 attached to each unit 10A constituting the gaming machine 10, and the gaming machine management device 40 uses the tag ID 102 as a basis. Since it is checked whether or not there is a reusable unit 10A, it is possible to confirm whether or not the gaming machine 10 should be discarded without being disassembled into the unit 10A. In addition, since the actual operating time of each unit 10A can be grasped, not only product assessment but also device management from another viewpoint (for example, quality evaluation and management such as durability) can be performed. Become.

[Product selection process]
This process is the “product selection process” briefly described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the process of the product selection process performed through the collection factory R at the time of product collection. This process is performed when the operator does not know whether the collected gaming machine 10 is a sample machine or a mass production machine. However, even if the worker knows the distinction, it is not necessary to input the distinction to the gaming machine management device 40 side. In this case, the burden on the worker is small.

  First, the tag recorded on the ID tag 20 attached to the unit 10A incorporated in the collected gaming machine 10 by the reading device 30 or the portable reading device 31 (hereinafter described as being read by the reading device 30). Read all IDs. Next, when the reading device 30 passes the read tag ID to the local server 92, the local server 92 transmits all the tag IDs to the gaming machine management device 40 via the communication network 80.

  Then, the gaming machine management device 40 extracts all unit IDs 103 of the corresponding tag ID 102 by referring to the unit correspondence table d2 (FIG. 6) using the tag ID received by the processing device 42 as a key. Next, the processing device 42 refers to the column of the product ID number 120 in the unit combination information d6 (FIG. 9) using all the extracted unit IDs 103 as keys, and the product ID number corresponding to the value of the unit ID 103. The value 120 is extracted, and the product ID number 120 is acquired as product representative tag information (S11).

  Next, the processing device 42 determines whether or not the value of the product ID number 120 as the product representative tag information is a reuse target product (S12). This determination is made based on, for example, the value of the product ID number 120 that indicates a discontinued product. It should be noted that the reference information for distinguishing whether the product is a discontinued product is stored in the storage device 41 as appropriate. When the processing apparatus 42 determines that the product is not a reuse target product (“N” in S12), the processing device 42 transmits to the local server 92 that the process is shifted to the disposal process (S13), and notifies the worker of the target product. The entire gaming machine 10 is discarded.

  On the other hand, if the processing device 42 determines that the product is a reuse target product (“Yes” in S12), the processing device 42 refers to the type 118 of the record associated with the product ID number 120 and determines whether or not it is a sample machine. Is determined (Sl4). If the processing device 42 determines that it is a mass production machine (“No” in S14), it extracts the mass production machine operation time (the value of the maximum operation time 109 of the unit management information d3) and sets it as the mass production machine operation time ( S15) Note that the maximum number of diversions 107 may be used in combination.

  On the other hand, when determining that the processing device 42 is the sample machine (“Yes” in S14), the processing device 42 sets the operation time for the sample machine (S16). This sample machine operation time is longer than the mass production machine operation time (maximum operation time 109). For example, when the conversion parameter A described above is used, it can be set as a value obtained by multiplying the reciprocal of the value by the mass production machine operation time (maximum operation time 109). The operating time for the sample machine is set according to the situation of the branch office B where the sample machine is installed.

  Next, the processing device 42 refers to the operation history information d9 and searches for a record including the unit ID of the target tag ID. Then, the processing device 42 acquires an operation history including a component replacement history such as the number of diversions (component replacement history) 130, elapsed days 131, and estimated actual operating time 132 for each unit 10A (component) (S17).

  Subsequently, when the processing device 42 is the unit 10A within the predetermined number of diversions, the processing unit 42 compares the estimated actual operation time 132 with the operation time for the mass production machine or the operation time for the sample machine (reusable standard) and reuses it. It is determined whether it is within the possible period (Sl8). When the estimated actual operation time 132 exceeds or immediately exceeds the mass production machine operation time or the sample machine operation time (when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded) ( Since the reusable period has been exceeded in S18 (“No”), it is selected that the process is to be discarded (Sl9), and that fact is sent to the local server 92, and the fact is displayed on the display of the local server 92. Display.

  On the other hand, when the estimated actual operating time 132 exceeds the operating time for mass production machines or the operating time for sample machines (“Yes” in S18), the processing device 42 can be reused because it is within the reusable period. Information specifying the unit 10A such as the tag ID (unit ID) of the unit 10A is sent to the local server 92, and the specified information is displayed on the display of the local server 92 (Sl10). Thereby, the worker can determine whether the target unit 10A is a reuse target, and can perform the reuse work of the gaming machine 10 without distinguishing between the sample machine and the mass production machine.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the programs executed in each of the gaming machine management device 40, the order input terminal 50, the manager terminal 60, and the local servers 91 and 92 shown in FIG. It is assumed that the gaming machine management system according to the embodiment of the present invention is realized by recording on a recording medium and causing the computer system to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium.

According to the above description, the ID tag 20 is assigned to each unit 10A constituting the gaming machine 10, and the correspondence between the tag ID and the unit ID and the information related to the unit 10A are managed.
Therefore, the comparison between the unit configuration at the time of shipment and the latest unit configuration can be confirmed. Next, the actual operation time of each unit 10A can be managed with high accuracy by reading the tag ID when the game machine 10 starts and ends. Further, since the sample machine and the mass production machine are distinguished from each other, it is possible to estimate whether the sample machine unit 10A can be reused by estimating the actual operation time of the sample machine.

  Furthermore, the ID tag 20 is stored in the storage device 41 of the gaming machine management device 40 even if the tag ID is stolen by recording only the tag ID not directly related to the unit 10A and making it non-rewritable. In addition, since the tag ID does not change without the knowledge of the administrator, the information security of the system can be ensured.

  According to the above, the reuse of the gaming machine 10 including the sample machine can be operated accurately, efficiently, and at low cost. Further, the traceability of the unit 10A is improved, and the manufacturing responsibility can be clarified. In addition, the manufacturing process can be clarified. It is possible to grasp the distribution process after shipment and the unit configuration of the gaming machine 10 during operation.

<< 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) The configuration and data configuration of the entire system including the gaming machine management device 40 can be variously changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the gaming machine management device 40 may be configured to perform distributed processing using a plurality of computers.
(2) Although according to the above-described embodiment, the start and end of the operation of the gaming machine 10 is described as being recorded, the date may be recorded including the hour and minute time. According to this, since the operation time of the unit 10A can be calculated in consideration of not only the date but also the time, the reuse management of the gaming machine 10 can be performed with higher accuracy.
(3) According to the above-described embodiment, the material information 106 of the unit management information d3 is not used to determine the reuse of the unit 10A, but the material information 106 is used when comparing the number of times of diversion and the operating time. You may make it take into account. For example, a default value is set for the maximum number of diversions 108 and the maximum operation time 109, and when the actual number of diversions and operation time is actually compared, the default value is multiplied by a coefficient corresponding to the material information 106. It is conceivable to use a value. At this time, it is assumed that the table data indicating the correspondence between the material information 106 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 10A, and it is possible to manage the reuse of the gaming machine 10 based on the product assessment.

(4) When it is necessary to replace the ID tag 20 in accordance with the service life of the ID tag 20, it is conceivable to perform replacement at the unit factory group U or the like. At this time, by updating the old tag ID 20 to the new tag ID 20 in the unit correspondence table d2, the unit management information d3, the unit combination information d6, the check information d7, and the operation history information d9 are updated using the same unit ID 103. It is made to correspond to ID20.

(5) According to the above-described embodiment, an example in which a used machine is delivered to the collection factory R once is shown. However, when the operation in the hall H1 or the like is finished, a carrier owned by a carrier or a new stand installation person When the product information is transmitted using the reading device 31 and there is no reusable unit 10A based on the determination result from the gaming machine management device 40, it is directly sent to the disposal process (factory) as shown by the broken line in FIG. You may make it do. According to this, it is possible not only to reduce the space of the used machine delivery warehouse before sorting, but also to sort used machines more quickly.
In addition, when purchasing a used machine at a predetermined price, the gaming machine management device 40 determines the unit 10A within the reusable period when it is removed from the hall H1, etc., and the price is set based on the determination result. You may make it do. According to this, a used machine can be purchased at an appropriate price, and a reuse product can be reduced in price.

(6) Although the portable reader 31 has been described as being used by a carrier or a hall manager, it is installed in a manufacturing factory K, a warehouse (not shown), a sales office B, a hall H1, or the like instead of the portable reader 31. A stationary reader may be used. Further, the reader may be installed on a transport vehicle such as a truck that transports the gaming machine 10. In the unit factory group U, the manufacturing factory K, and the recovery factory R, a gate type reading device or a handy type reading device may be used.

(7) Although the pachinko gaming machine 10 is illustrated as the gaming machine 10, it is needless to say that the gaming machine 10 can be applied to other gaming machines such as a revolving type gaming machine (pachislot), an arrangement ball machine, and a sparrow ball gaming machine.
(8) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the gaming machine management device 40 sends the result of selecting whether reuse is possible to the local server 92 and performs display output on the display of the local server 92 will be described as an example. However, the output destination is not limited to the local server 92. For example, you may make it display on the display of the administrator terminal 60, the reader 30, or the portable reader 30.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram (a front view showing a game surface side) illustrating a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a management target of a gaming machine management method and a gaming machine management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram (a front view showing an internal structure) illustrating a pachinko gaming machine that is an example of a management target of a gaming machine management method and a gaming machine management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the schematic flow from manufacture of a game machine to distribution and collection. It is a block diagram showing a gaming machine management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the classification information shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the unit correspondence table shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the unit management information shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the combination information of the unit shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the check information shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the movement history information shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the address information shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining the installation location information shown in FIG. It is a figure explaining each process in collection factory R. It is a flow chart which shows processing of a gaming machine management device at the time of game machine operation end. It is a flow chart which shows processing of a gaming machine management device at the time of gaming machine collection. It is a flowchart which shows the product selection process process in a collection | recovery factory.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Game machine 10A ... Unit 20 ID tag 30 Reading apparatus 31 Portable reader 40 Game machine management apparatus 50 Order input terminal 60 Administrator terminal 70 LAN
80 Communication network 91, 92 Local server (output device)
93 Base station d1 Type information d2 Unit correspondence table d3 Unit management information d6 Unit combination information d7 Check information d9 Movement history information d10 Address information d12 Installation location information

Claims (5)

Reusable standards for each unit making up the gaming machine, the type indicating whether or not the gaming machine has been shipped as a sample machine, and the operation history including the replacement history of each unit appropriately collected during operation are attached to each unit. A storage device stored in association with the tag identification information of the ID tag
An ID tag reader for reading tag identification information stored in the ID tag;
The reuse management of each unit constituting the gaming machine is managed by the gaming machine management device that acquires the tag identification information read by the storage device and the ID tag reading device and performs a predetermined process. A gaming machine management method including
The gaming machine management device
Obtain tag identification information at the time of collection sent from the ID tag reader,
Search the storage device using the tag identification information as a key, determine the type of the recovered gaming machine,
With reference to the reusable criteria stored in the storage device using the type as a key,
Set the relevant reusable criteria as a reference,
Using the tag identification information as a key, refer to the operation history including the replacement history of each unit stored in the storage device,
Depending on whether the operation history meets the reusability criteria, the reusability of each unit is selected,
To output the selected result from the output device,
A game machine management method characterized by the above.   The gaming machine management method according to claim 1, wherein the reusable criterion is a maximum operating time according to a type of a sample machine or a gaming machine.   The gaming machine management method according to claim 1, wherein the reusable criterion is a maximum number of exchanges according to a type of a sample machine or a gaming machine. Reusable standards for each unit making up the gaming machine, the type indicating whether or not the gaming machine has been shipped as a sample machine, and the operation history including the replacement history of each unit appropriately collected during operation are attached to each unit. The storage device information stored in association with the tag identification information of the ID tag and the tag identification information read by the ID tag reader that reads the tag identification information stored in the ID tag are acquired, and the game A gaming machine management device that manages the reuse of each unit making up a machine, including the sample machine,
The gaming machine management device includes a processing device,
The processing device is
Obtain tag identification information at the time of collection sent from the ID tag reader,
Search the storage device using the tag identification information as a key, determine the type of the recovered gaming machine,
With reference to the reusable criteria stored in the storage device using the type as a key,
Set the relevant reusable criteria as a reference,
Using the tag identification information as a key, refer to the operation history including the replacement history of each unit stored in the storage device,
Depending on whether the operation history meets the reusability criteria, the reusability of each unit is selected,
To output the selected result from the output device,
A gaming machine management device characterized by the above. Reusable standards for each unit making up the gaming machine, the type indicating whether or not the gaming machine has been shipped as a sample machine, and the operation history including the replacement history of each unit appropriately collected during operation are attached to each unit. The storage device information stored in association with the tag identification information of the ID tag and the tag identification information read by the ID tag reader that reads the tag identification information stored in the ID tag are acquired, and the game A gaming machine management program executed by a processing device of a gaming machine management device that performs the reuse management of each unit constituting a machine, including the sample machine,
In the processing device,
Obtain tag identification information at the time of collection sent from the ID tag reader,
Search the storage device using the tag identification information as a key, determine the type of the recovered gaming machine,
With reference to the reusable criteria stored in the storage device using the type as a key,
Set the relevant reusable criteria as a reference,
Using the tag identification information as a key, refer to the operation history including the replacement history of each unit stored in the storage device,
Depending on whether the operation history meets the reusability criteria, the reusability of each unit is selected,
Outputting the selected result from the output device;
A gaming machine management program characterized in that the game is executed.

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