JP2008043683A - Management system and method for game machine, server and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To manage a game machine using a two-dimensional code displayed on each unit of a game machine. <P>SOLUTION: When a unit of a slot machine 100 is exchanged, a new two-dimensional code is read with a mobile terminal HT and is sent to a server SV, and the content in a management database DB is updated. Even when a unit of the slot machine 100 is changed in a hall, the management database DB can be kept consistent with the latest condition of the slot machine 100. In addition, the history of unit changes of the slot machine 100 cam be recorded. Moreover, the consistency between the actual two-dimensional code of a unit of the slot machine 100 and the management database DB can be verified. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a management system and method for a gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine, a server, and a program, and more particularly, to one using a two-dimensional code.

A gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine includes a plurality of units (for example, a main board and a sub board) inside thereof. For the purpose of facilitating maintenance and management of each unit, a sticker on which a two-dimensional code (for example, QR code (registered trademark)) in which identification information for identifying the unit is coded is displayed. It has been proposed to stick to a unit (Patent Document 1). The identification information includes, for example, manufacturer information, model information, date of manufacture, serial number, and the like.
JP 2006-122118 A

  That is, according to the invention of Patent Document 1, it becomes easy to manage the manufacturer and date of manufacture of the unit, and it is possible to easily determine the replacement time of the unit, and to reuse the replaced unit. Can be performed smoothly. In order to achieve this effect, at least a seal on which a two-dimensional code coded with identification information is displayed at a position where the door of the gaming machine is visible from the outside of the gaming machine when it is open. Affixed to the unit. This makes it easy to grasp the manufacturer and date of manufacture of each unit by reading the two-dimensional code displayed on each unit using, for example, a portable terminal that can read the two-dimensional code. Will be able to. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the replacement time of each unit and to smoothly reuse the replaced unit.

In addition, there are the following as prior arts related to the two-dimensional code.
JP 2003-316912 A JP 2003-323512 A JP 2004-310313 A JP 2005-327266 A JP 2006-102364 A

  According to the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is certainly possible to easily manage each unit of the gaming machine. However, if a malfunction occurs in a hall at the site where the gaming machine is installed, the failed unit may be replaced in the hall. Due to this repair work, the units actually attached to the gaming machine differ from the contents of the management database recorded at the time of factory shipment. In other words, by replacing the unit with the new two-dimensional code displayed, the association between the already set gaming machine and the unit was interrupted.

  In addition, during use in the hall, the display of the two-dimensional code may be damaged due to discoloration due to heat generation inside the gaming machine, fouling with metal powder, peeling of the seal due to friction, and the like, and the portable terminal may not be readable. In such a case, it is necessary to quickly restore the display of the two-dimensional code. Specifically, bring a sticker displaying a two-dimensional code, or print a new sticker displaying a two-dimensional code, and replace an existing sticker with this. The association between the gaming machine and the unit is interrupted.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can be used to update the contents of the management database when a unit of a gaming machine is replaced or a sticker displaying a two-dimensional code is replaced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine management system and method, a server, and a program.

The present invention is a management system for managing a plurality of gaming machines each including a plurality of units each provided with a display unit on which a two-dimensional code is displayed,
Identification information for distinguishing one gaming machine from other gaming machines (for example, information unique to the gaming machine such as a manufacturing number and serial number), and the display of the plurality of units respectively included in the plurality of gaming machines A gaming machine management database preliminarily storing a plurality of the two-dimensional codes displayed on the unit, a server connected to the gaming machine management database, and a function of reading the two-dimensional codes displayed on the display unit. A portable terminal equipped with,
The portable terminal stores a work flag indicating the selected work type, reads the two-dimensional code of the display unit of all or a part of the plurality of units of the plurality of gaming machines, A new two-dimensional code different from the read two-dimensional code is acquired (for example, a two-dimensional code displayed in advance is read and used as a new two-dimensional code, or a predetermined procedure is used when the two-dimensional code is not read). To generate a new two-dimensional code), send the work flag, the read two-dimensional code and the new two-dimensional code to the server,
The server receives the work flag, the read two-dimensional code and the new two-dimensional code from the portable terminal,
The gaming machine management database is searched based on the read two-dimensional code, and the identification information of the gaming machine (hereinafter, “specific gaming machine”) corresponding to the two-dimensional code read among the plurality of gaming machines is obtained. Identify,
Identifying a unit corresponding to the new two-dimensional code;
Overwriting the two-dimensional code of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine specified by the identification information with the new two-dimensional code,
A history relating to the specified unit of the specific gaming machine is written in the gaming machine management database based on the work flag.

  When the work flag indicates the replacement of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine, the server writes information indicating the replacement of the unit and the date and time in the gaming machine management database. Also good.

  The server means the replacement of the display unit of the unit in the gaming machine management database when the work flag indicates replacement of the display unit of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine. The information to be performed and the date and time may be recorded.

The portable terminal reads all the two-dimensional codes of the display unit attached to the plurality of units, and transmits all the two-dimensional codes to the server.
The server may compare all of the received two-dimensional codes with the two-dimensional codes stored in the gaming machine management database and output the comparison result.

The portable terminal transmits a download request including the identification information of any of the plurality of gaming machines to the server,
The server transmits all two-dimensional codes corresponding to the gaming machine specified by the identification information of the download request to the mobile terminal,
The portable terminal stores the plurality of two-dimensional codes received from the server,
The portable terminal reads all the two-dimensional codes of the display unit attached to the plurality of units of the gaming machine specified by the identification information, and stores the read two-dimensional codes. It is also possible to compare with a two-dimensional code and output the comparison result.

  The portable terminal may select a corresponding two-dimensional code from the plurality of stored two-dimensional codes and print the two-dimensional code when there is something that cannot be read by the two-dimensional code of the display unit. .

The present invention is a management method for a plurality of gaming machines each including a plurality of units each provided with a display unit on which a two-dimensional code is displayed,
Reading the two-dimensional code of the display unit of all or a part of the plurality of units of the plurality of gaming machines;
Obtaining a new two-dimensional code different from the read two-dimensional code;
Transmitting a work flag indicating the selected work type, the read two-dimensional code, and the new two-dimensional code to a server;
In the server, identification information for distinguishing one gaming machine from other gaming machines, and a plurality of the two-dimensional codes displayed on the display unit of the plurality of units respectively included in the plurality of gaming machines. A step of searching a gaming machine management database stored in advance and identifying the identification information of a gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “specific gaming machine”) corresponding to the two-dimensional code read out of the plurality of gaming machines. When,
Identifying at the server a unit corresponding to the new two-dimensional code;
Updating the gaming machine management database by overwriting the two-dimensional code of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine specified by the identification information with the new two-dimensional code at the server;
And writing a history of the specified unit in the gaming machine management database based on the work flag.

The present invention is a server for managing a plurality of gaming machines each including a plurality of units each having a display unit on which a two-dimensional code is displayed,
A work flag indicating the selected work type from the portable terminal, the two-dimensional code read from the display unit of all or a part of any of the plurality of units of the plurality of gaming machines, and the read two Receive a new two-dimensional code acquired separately from the dimension code,
Identification information for distinguishing one gaming machine from other gaming machines and a plurality of two-dimensional codes displayed on the display unit of the plurality of units respectively included in the plurality of gaming machines are stored in advance. Search the gaming machine management database, identify the identification information of the gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "specific gaming machine") corresponding to the two-dimensional code read out of the plurality of gaming machines,
Identifying a unit corresponding to the new two-dimensional code;
Updating the gaming machine management database by overwriting the two-dimensional code of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine specified by the identification information with the new two-dimensional code;
A history relating to the specified unit of the specific gaming machine is written in the gaming machine management database based on the work flag.

The present invention is a program for realizing a server for managing a plurality of gaming machines each including a plurality of units each having a display unit on which a two-dimensional code is displayed,
A work flag indicating the selected work type from the portable terminal, the two-dimensional code read from the display unit of all or a part of any of the plurality of units of the plurality of gaming machines, and the read two Receiving a new two-dimensional code obtained separately from the dimension code;
Identification information for distinguishing one gaming machine from other gaming machines and a plurality of two-dimensional codes displayed on the display unit of the plurality of units respectively included in the plurality of gaming machines are stored in advance. Searching for a gaming machine management database, and identifying the identification information of a gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “specific gaming machine”) corresponding to the two-dimensional code read out of the plurality of gaming machines;
Identifying a unit corresponding to the new two-dimensional code;
Updating the gaming machine management database by overwriting the two-dimensional code of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine specified by the identification information with the new two-dimensional code;
A program for causing a computer to execute a step of writing a history regarding the specified unit of the specific gaming machine in the gaming machine management database based on the work flag.

The program according to the present invention is recorded on a recording medium, for example.
Examples of the medium include EPROM devices, flash memory devices, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks, CDs (including CD-ROMs and Video-CDs), DVDs (DVD-Videos, DVD-ROMs, DVD-s). RAM), ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM cartridge, and the like.

  A medium is a medium in which information (mainly digital data, a program) is recorded by some physical means, and allows a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. is there.

  According to the present invention, when the unit of the gaming machine is replaced or the sticker displaying the two-dimensional code is replaced, the contents of the management database are automatically updated. The association can be maintained. In addition, the replacement history of each unit in the gaming machine can be recorded.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door opened 180 degrees.
1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a hinge or the like on the slot machine main body 120 and one side of the front surface of the slot machine main body 120. And a front door 130 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, a game display unit 131 is provided substantially in the center of the front door 130, and a medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided at the lower right corner of the game display unit 131. Provided below the medal insertion slot 132 is a reject button 133 for forcibly discharging a clogged medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132 to the outside of the slot machine 100.

  In addition, a start switch 134 for starting a game is provided at the lower left of the game display unit 131, and three stop switches 140 are provided corresponding to the three reels. A medal payout port 135 is provided at the center of the lower end of the front door.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine main body 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals at a payout port 135 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. A hopper device 121 for paying out the sheets one by one is installed. An upper portion of the hopper device 121 is provided with a hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals therein. Inside the slot machine main body 120, a reel unit 203 including three rotating reels is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the front door 130 is closed. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which a player can see the symbols of the rotating reels of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided between the upper hopper unit 121 and the reel unit 203.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the back side of the front door 130 on the back side of the medal slot 132 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side and communicates with the payout port 135 of the front door 130 is provided below the medal selector 1. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port 135 via the derivation path 136.

  2 is a display unit on which a two-dimensional code is displayed. The portion to which the display portion S is attached corresponds to each unit (the display portion S is attached to at least a part of a plurality of units included in the gaming machine. Refer to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6 for whether it is attached to the unit). On the display unit S of each unit, a two-dimensional code (for example, information including manufacturer information, model information, date of manufacture or serial number) for identifying the unit is encoded ( For example, a QR code (registered trademark)) is displayed. Note that a method, a program, and the like for encoding the identification information into a QR code (registered trademark) as a two-dimensional code are known techniques, and thus description thereof is omitted here. The display unit S is attached facing the front so that it can be easily read with the front door 130 opened. The display unit S is typically a seal (sticker) with an adhesive applied to the back surface, and a two-dimensional code is printed on the front surface. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the display unit S is referred to as a seal S, but the display unit of the present invention is not limited to a seal. For example, a portion of a two-dimensional code printed or displayed directly on each unit is also a display unit.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment of the invention.
In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate 10 and a sub substrate 20 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate 10 as main processing devices. At least the main substrate 10 is accommodated inside the case so that it cannot be contacted from the outside, and is sealed so that a trace remains when the substrates are removed.

  The main board 10 is for performing an internal lottery in response to a player's operation, and processing such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub board 20 is for receiving a command signal from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program corresponding to the command signal, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  The main board 10 counts the start switch 134, the stop button 140, the reel unit (including the reel driving device) 70, the reel position detection circuit 71, the hopper driving unit 80, the hopper 81, and the number of medals paid out from the hopper 81. For this purpose, a medal detection unit 82 (which constitutes the hopper device 121 described above) is connected. A peripheral substrate (local substrate) such as a control substrate 200 of the liquid crystal display device, a speaker 201, and an LED substrate 202 is connected to the sub substrate 20.

  As described above, the main board 10 and the sub board 20 are configured around the CPU and include a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. A CPU (processing unit) receives a player's operation and reads a program stored in a ROM (storage unit) to perform a predetermined operation. Specifically, the rotation and stop of the three rotating reels built in the reel unit 70 are controlled based on the operation of the start switch 134 and the stop button 140, and the display of lamps, speakers, and the like are controlled. Temporary data necessary for the operation of the CPU is RAM (generally RAM is a volatile memory, and data is lost in principle when the power is turned off. There is a case where a power source is prepared. In this case, data is not lost even if the power source is cut off). The CPU performs a predetermined operation in accordance with a program recorded in the ROM, records temporary data necessary for processing in the RAM, and reads out and refers to the recorded data as necessary.

  A player who wants to enjoy a game with a slot machine can first borrow a medal as a game medium from a medal lending machine (not shown) or the like, and insert a medal directly into the medal slot 132 of the medal slot device. The start switch 134 is a lever positioned obliquely below the rotating reel, and starts driving the reel unit 70 on condition that a game medal is inserted. The drive of the reel unit 70 is stopped by a stop button 140. The reel unit 70 is composed of three rotating reels. Each rotating reel includes a rotating drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape attached around the rotating drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the units (parts or parts constituting the gaming machine) to which the seal S is attached are the main board 10, the sub board 20, the reel unit 70, the hopper unit 81, the liquid crystal control board 200, and the power supply unit 205. It is. These are examples of units to be managed according to the present invention.

  FIG. 4 is an overall view of a management system for gaming machines (slot machines) according to the embodiment of the invention. A plurality of slot machines 100 are installed in the hall. These slot machines 100 may be the same model or different models, but in any case, have unique identification information (serial number), and thus any slot machine 100 can be specified. At least some of the units of the slot machine 100 are displayed with a two-dimensional code by the seal S of each unit as shown in FIGS. The two-dimensional code of each unit can be read by the portable terminal HT (details of the portable terminal HT will be described later). The sales office of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100 has a personal computer PC connected to the communication line NT, and the mobile terminal HT can be connected to the personal computer PC. The manufacturer of the slot machine 100 has a server SV connected to the communication line NT and a gaming machine management database DB connected to the server SV (details of the gaming machine management database DB will be described later). The portable terminal HT communicates with the server SV through the personal computer PC and the communication line NT, transmits the read two-dimensional code information to the server SV, and can download the contents of the gaming machine management database DB as necessary. .

  FIG. 5 shows a schematic block diagram of the mobile terminal HT. The portable terminal HT includes a processing unit PRC including a CPU and a memory, an operation unit KB including a plurality of key switches, a display unit DS such as a liquid crystal display device, a two-dimensional code reading unit (scanner) RD that reads a two-dimensional code, and a printer PRN. An infrared communication device IRTX for transmitting print data to the printer. As shown in FIG. 5, the portable terminal HT may include a printer PRN and an infrared communication device IRRX for receiving print data. In order to make the mobile terminal HT main body light and small, the printer PRN is often separate from the other mobile terminals HT. The portable terminal HT of FIG. 5 includes a portion including a processing unit PRC, a two-dimensional code reading unit (scanner) RD, and a printer PRN, but the printer PRN may not be provided. As shown in FIG. 12 to be described later, the printer PRN is necessary when the two-dimensional code sticker S is printed in a hole, but the printer PRN is not necessary when printing is not performed. In the following description, an apparatus including the printer PRN as shown in FIG. 5 is referred to as a portable terminal HT, and an apparatus not including the printer PRN is also referred to as a portable terminal HT. When there is a difference in operation or the like depending on the presence or absence of the printer PRN, this is clearly indicated.

  6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams of the gaming machine management database DB.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a gaming machine management basic database that is a part of the gaming machine management database DB. FIG. 6A shows a state before update, and FIG. 6B shows a state after update (update processing will be described later). As shown in the figure, the gaming machine management basic database includes the identification information (serial number) unique to the gaming machine and each unit of the gaming machine (only five units are shown in the figure for simplicity). The correspondence relationship of the displayed two-dimensional code is stored. The two-dimensional codes QR (i, j) (i = 1, 2, 3, 4,..., J = A, B, C, D, E,...) In FIG. That is, the two-dimensional code QR (i, j) in the figure is unique for each unit individual. Specifically, the two-dimensional code QR (i, j) is encoded with identification information (including manufacturer information, model information, date of manufacture or serial number) for identifying each unit. It is a thing. Since the two-dimensional code QR (i, j) includes type information, it can be determined from the two-dimensional code itself what the displayed unit of the two-dimensional code is.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a unit history database that is a part of the gaming machine management database DB. The unit history database stores information that the unit has been replaced due to a unit failure or the like in the hall after shipment from the factory. Furthermore, the pasting of the seal S without replacement of the unit and the change of the two-dimensional code (referred to as “non-defective product continuation”) are also stored.

  According to the gaming machine management basic database of FIG. 6, it is possible to acquire identification information of units that currently constitute gaming machines installed in the hall. According to the unit history database of FIG. 7, history information such as unit replacement and sticker S replacement can be acquired for each gaming machine.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of database update processing according to the embodiment of the invention. When the server SV executes the process of FIG. 8, the gaming machine management database DB can be updated. That is, the identification information of the unit that currently constitutes the gaming machine installed in the hall can always be kept up-to-date, and the unit can be replaced and the seal S can be replaced for each slot machine (gaming machine) 100. The history information can be continuously recorded.

  The process in FIG. 8 is executed by the server SV based on data received from the mobile terminal HT. The processing of the portable terminal HT will be described in detail for each operation mode with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12.

First, the data transmitted by the mobile terminal HT will be described. The portable terminal HT transmits the following data (1) to (4) to the server SV.
(1) Work flag indicating the work type selected by the operator in the hall. (2) All of the existing stickers S attached to a plurality of units of a specific slot machine read by the two-dimensional code reader RD in the hall. Or at least one of the following two-dimensional codes (3) (3a) to (3c) (3a) affixed to any unit of the specific slot machine read by the two-dimensional code reading unit RD New seal two-dimensional code to be done. For example, a new seal may involve replacement of the unit, such as when the seal that was originally attached to the unit is dirty and overlaid on the original seal, or when the original seal is removed and a new seal is applied. It is used for work that does not exist (simply sticker replacement work). The new seal is affixed to the corresponding unit (existing one) of the specific slot machine, and the two-dimensional code of the new seal indicates the identification information of the unit by updating the database. .
(3b) The two-dimensional code of the seal that was originally attached to the replacement unit. The unit shipped from the factory for repair / replacement has a sticker attached in advance at the time of factory shipment.
(3c) A two-dimensional code of a new seal newly generated by the portable terminal HT to be attached to any unit of the specific slot machine. Either (3c) or (3a) above is alternatively selected. The above (3a) is a method to be selected when the operator has a seal on which the two-dimensional code is displayed in advance, and (3c) is a method to be selected when the operator does not have the seal. That is, when an operator who does not have the seal operates the mobile terminal HT and requests a seal on which a new two-dimensional code is displayed, a new two-dimensional code is generated inside the mobile terminal HT accordingly. The portable terminal HT encodes identification information for identifying the unit (for example, information including manufacturer information, model information, date of manufacture or serial number) according to a predetermined rule, and based on the code. A program for generating a two-dimensional code is provided in advance. A method or program for encoding the identification information into a QR code (registered trademark) as a two-dimensional code is a known technique. The generated two-dimensional code is transmitted to the server SV. The two-dimensional code generated in this way is handled in the same manner as (3a) and (3b) above. The two-dimensional code newly generated inside the portable terminal HT is sent to the printer PRN, and a seal to be attached is prepared by printing here.
(4) Furthermore, date data may be transmitted as necessary.
The two-dimensional codes (3a) to (3c) are newly added to the specific slot machine and can be said to be new two-dimensional codes. The server SV updates the gaming machine management basic database based on the two-dimensional code (new two-dimensional code) of the new seal, and updates the unit history database based on the work flag.

  The processing procedure of the server SV will be described with reference to FIG.

S1: The server SV receives data from the personal computer PC at the sales office. This data is stored in the portable terminal HT. Specifically, the data includes at least the items (1) to (3).

S2: Corresponding to the two-dimensional code read by the portable terminal HT by searching the game machine management basic database using the existing two-dimensional code (above (2)) of all or part of the slot machine unit as a search key. Search for the slot machine (the specific slot machine above). Since the two-dimensional code is different for each unit, if there is at least one two-dimensional code, the corresponding slot machine can be searched. For example, if the two-dimensional code in (2) is QR (2, B), the gaming machine management basic database in FIG. 6A is searched, and the specific slot machine has the serial number = 0002. I understand that. If the two-dimensional code in (2) is QR (4, E), the gaming machine management basic database in FIG. 6A is searched, and the specific slot machine has the serial number = 0004. I understand that.

S3: It is determined from the identification information included in the two-dimensional code of the new seal ((3) above) which unit the two-dimensional code corresponds to. As described above, since the two-dimensional code QR (i, j) includes type information, it can be determined from the two-dimensional code itself what the displayed unit of the two-dimensional code is. For example, if the two-dimensional code in (3) is QR (2, F), it is determined that it corresponds to the unit C (reel unit). If the two-dimensional code in (3) is QR (4, D '), it is determined that it corresponds to the unit D (hopper unit).

S4: Of the units of the slot machine searched in S2, the two-dimensional code of the corresponding unit determined in S3 is overwritten with the received new two-dimensional code ((3) above). For example, the two-dimensional code in (2) above is QR (2, B), the specific slot machine is serial number = 0002, and the two-dimensional code in (3) is QR (2, F). For example, the two-dimensional code of the unit C (reel unit) with the serial number = 0002 is overwritten with QR (2, F). For example, the two-dimensional code of (2) is QR (4, D), the specific slot machine is serial number = 0004, and the two-dimensional code of (3) is QR (4, D ′ ), The two-dimensional code of the unit D (hopper unit) with serial number = 0004 is overwritten with QR (4, D ′). Through the above processing, the database is updated as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6B.

S5: Next, in order to update the unit history database, it is determined what the work flag of (1) is. Although the gaming machine management basic database has been updated to the latest by the processing of S2 to S4, it is not known whether the update involves replacement of the unit or simply the sticker has been replaced. Information for knowing what kind of work is the work flag. For example, when a specific bit of data is 1, it is defined as a flag that means that the unit has been replaced. When another specific bit is 1, the unit is not replaced and the sticker is simply replaced. Is defined as a flag (unit good product continuation flag).

S6: When the work flag = unit replacement flag, the replacement record and the new two-dimensional code are written in the unit history of the slot machine searched in S2. For example, if the specific slot machine in S3 has serial number = 0002 and the two-dimensional code in (3) above is QR (2, F), “unit C ( “Reel unit) replacement” and “two-dimensional code of new unit = QR (2, F)” and the date and time are written.

S7: When the operation flag = unit good product continuation flag, the change record of the two-dimensional code, the new two-dimensional code and the good product continuation are written in the unit history of the slot machine searched in S2. For example, if the specific slot machine in S3 has serial number = 0004 and the two-dimensional code in (3) above is QR (4, D ′), the unit history of serial number = 0004 is “unit D”. (2D code change of (hopper unit) ”and“ Q (4, D)-> Q (4, D ′) ”and the date and time,“ non-defective product continuation ”is written.

  A database as shown in FIG. 7 is created by the processing of S5 to S7.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, the processing of the entire system will be described for each type of work. 9 to 12, the dotted line process indicates a process (work) performed by the operator, and is for convenience of explanation. In FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, processing related to “date and time” is not shown.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart at the time of unit replacement. This is processing according to an embodiment of the invention that is executed when at least one unit of a specific slot machine fails and is replaced. A new unit to be replaced is provided with a seal (new seal), and a two-dimensional code (new two-dimensional code) is displayed in advance.

  First, an operator with a portable terminal HT goes to the hall. The operation start is operated with the operation unit KB of the portable terminal HT. At this time, what kind of work is to be performed is selected. In the example of FIG. 9, an operation of replacing a defective unit with another new unit is selected.

S11: In response to the above operation, the portable terminal HT stores a work flag (= unit replacement flag). For example, when the mobile terminal HT is turned on, the display section DS displays “Please select the type of work: (1) Replace unit, (2) Continue good unit, (3) Check all units”. The worker inputs “1” on the operation unit KB of the portable terminal HT. The code (for example, “1”) input at this time is stored as a work flag in a memory (not shown) of the processing unit PRC.

S12: The operator reads the two-dimensional code on the sticker attached to the failed unit or any other unit at the two-dimensional code reading unit RD of the portable terminal HT. This is to identify the slot machine that is the work target in the server SV (see S2 in FIG. 8).

S13: The portable terminal HT stores the two-dimensional code read in S12.
S14: Next, the two-dimensional code of the seal attached to the new unit is read.
S15: The portable terminal HT stores the two-dimensional code read in S14.

  When the task of replacing the defective unit with another new unit is completed, the worker turns on the power of the slot machine and restores the slot machine. Then withdraw the hall and return to the sales office.

  When returning to the sales office, the mobile terminal HT is connected to the personal computer PC, and the mobile terminal HT is operated to send data to the server.

S16: In response to the above operation, data is transferred from the portable terminal HT to the personal computer PC. The data to be transferred are (1) work flag, (2) two-dimensional code of S12 and S13, and (3) new two-dimensional code of S14 and S15. The same applies to S17 and S18 below.
S17: In response to the above operation, data is transmitted from the personal computer PC to the server SV.

S18: The server SV receives data from the personal computer PC.
S19: The server SV updates the database based on the received data. This process has already been described in detail (see FIG. 8).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the seal is simply replaced (when the unit is non-defective). This is a process according to an embodiment of the present invention that is executed when a seal of at least one unit of a specific slot machine is soiled and cannot be read. The new sticker is either printed by the operator or printed in a hole by the printer PRN. In the latter case, the new two-dimensional code exists in the portable terminal HT, so the reading operation in S23 is unnecessary.

  First, an operator with a portable terminal HT goes to the hall. The operation start is operated with the operation unit KB of the portable terminal HT. At this time, what kind of work is to be performed is selected. In the example of FIG. 10, an operation of replacing the damaged seal is selected.

S20: In response to the above operation, the portable terminal HT stores a work flag (= unit good product continuation flag).

S21: The operator reads the two-dimensional code on the sticker attached to any unit of the slot machine that is going to work at the two-dimensional code reading unit RD of the portable terminal HT. This is to identify the slot machine that is the work target in the server SV (see S2 in FIG. 8).

S22: The portable terminal HT stores the two-dimensional code read in S21.
S23: Next, a two-dimensional code of a new seal prepared in advance is read.
S24: The portable terminal HT stores the two-dimensional code read in S23. When a new sticker is printed in the hall by the printer PRN, the two-dimensional code printed by the printer PRN is stored without performing S23.

  After removing the damaged seal and pasting the new seal, remove the hole and return to the sales office.

  When returning to the sales office, the mobile terminal HT is connected to the personal computer PC, and the mobile terminal HT is operated to send data to the server.

S25: In response to the above operation, data is transferred from the portable terminal HT to the personal computer PC. The data to be transferred is (1) a work flag, (2) a two-dimensional code of S21 and S22, and (3) a two-dimensional code of S23 and S24. The same applies to S26 and S27 below.
S26: In response to the above operation, data is transmitted from the personal computer PC to the server SV.

S27: The server SV receives data from the personal computer PC.
S28: The server SV updates the database based on the received data. This process has already been described in detail (see FIG. 8).

  FIG. 11 shows that the operation of unit replacement and sticker replacement is not performed in the hall, but whether the contents of the gaming machine management database DB are correct, that is, whether the actual two-dimensional code of the unit included in the slot machine is the same. Checking process. With the processing in FIG. 11, the gaming machine management database DB can be updated to the correct content even if a work mistake occurs.

  First, an operator with a portable terminal HT goes to the hall. The operation start is operated with the operation unit KB of the portable terminal HT. At this time, what kind of work is to be performed is selected. In the example of FIG. 11, the operation of checking all units is selected.

S30: In response to the above operation, the portable terminal HT stores a work flag (= all unit check).
S31: The worker reads the two-dimensional codes of all the stickers attached to the unit of the slot machine that is going to work at the two-dimensional code reading unit RD of the portable terminal HT.
S32: The portable terminal HT stores a plurality of two-dimensional codes read in S32.

  After completing the work of reading the two-dimensional code of all the seals of the slot machine unit, the hall is withdrawn and returned to the sales office.

  When returning to the sales office, the mobile terminal HT is connected to the personal computer PC, and the mobile terminal HT is operated to send data to the server.

S33: In response to the above operation, data is transferred from the portable terminal HT to the personal computer PC. The data to be transferred are (1) work flag and (5) all stored two-dimensional codes. The same applies to the following S34 and S35.
S34: In response to the above operation, data is transmitted from the personal computer PC to the server SV.

S35: The server SV receives data from the personal computer PC.
S36: The server SV compares the content of the database with the received two-dimensional code. If the received two-dimensional code and the two-dimensional code in the database match, there is no flaw between them and the fact is notified and the process is terminated. If there is any discrepancy, the fact is notified and the database is overwritten with the received two-dimensional code as necessary.
For example, in FIG. 6 (a) or (b), the received two-dimensional code is QR (1, A), QR (1, B), QR (1, C), QR (1, D), QR (1 , E), the message “The serial number of the slot machine = 0001. The actual two-dimensional code matches the contents of the database. The result is good” is output. On the other hand, when the received two-dimensional code includes an unknown two-dimensional code QR (X, X), for example, QR (1, A), QR (1, B), QR (1, C), QR ( 1, D), QR (X, X) is received, “The serial number of the slot machine = 0001, but the actual 2D code does not match the contents of the database. The unknown 2D code is QR ( X, X) Do you want to update this database by overwriting this two-dimensional code? "

  FIG. 12 is a modification of the flowchart when the sticker of FIG. 10 is simply replaced (when the unit is in good condition). In FIG. 10, the database was updated by transmitting data to the server after exchanging the seals. In FIG. 12, the contents of the database are downloaded in advance to the portable terminal HT, and the contents of the downloaded database are compared with the two-dimensional code of each unit of the actual slot machine in the hall. According to FIG. 12, all the units in FIG. 11 can be checked and the damaged seal in FIG. 10 can be replaced at the same time, and the two-dimensional code of the newly printed seal is in the existing database. The update work of becomes unnecessary. Note that information indicating that the sticker has been pasted may be written in the unit history database in the same procedure as shown in FIGS.

  As a preparatory work, the portable terminal HT is connected to the personal computer PC, and the two-dimensional code is downloaded from the server SV to the portable terminal HT. Since the worker knows the serial number of the slot machine of the hall to be visited, he / she inputs the serial number into the portable terminal HT along with the download request.

S40: A two-dimensional code download request is transmitted from the portable terminal HT to the server SV. This download request includes the serial number of the slot machine.
S41: The server SV receives the download request.

S42: The server SV reads all of the two-dimensional code of the slot machine related to the serial number included in the download request and transmits it to the portable terminal HT.
S43: The mobile terminal HT receives all of the two-dimensional code.
S44: The portable terminal HT stores all of the two-dimensional code.

  Now that the preparation work is completed, the worker goes to the hall with the portable terminal HT storing all of the two-dimensional code. The operation start is operated with the operation unit KB of the portable terminal HT. At this time, what kind of work is to be performed is selected. In the example of FIG. 12, the operation of checking all units is selected.

S45: The operator reads the two-dimensional codes of all the stickers attached to the unit of the slot machine that is going to work with the two-dimensional code reading unit RD of the portable terminal HT.

S46: The portable terminal HT compares all the read two-dimensional codes with the downloaded two-dimensional code. If they match, there is no flaw between the actual two-dimensional code of the slot machine unit and the two-dimensional code of the database, and this is notified and the process is terminated. If there is any discrepancy, this is reported. Thereafter, the processing of S33 to S36 in FIG. 11 may be performed to update the database.

S47: It is determined whether there is a two-dimensional code that cannot be read next. For example, when the number of two-dimensional codes read in S45 is smaller than the number of downloaded two-dimensional codes, it is determined that there is a two-dimensional code that cannot be read.

S48: A unit related to a two-dimensional code that cannot be read is notified. To determine which unit cannot be read, it is only necessary to search for a downloaded two-dimensional code that does not match any of the two-dimensional codes read in S45 and determine a unit corresponding to the two-dimensional code. Since the two-dimensional code includes type information, if the two-dimensional code is known, it is possible to determine what the unit is from the two-dimensional code itself. Then, the two-dimensional code is printed by the printer PRN in order to replace the seal that could not be read.

  The operator attaches the newly printed sticker to the unit notified in S48 and finishes the operation.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, when the slot machine unit is replaced or the sticker displaying the two-dimensional code is replaced, the contents of the management database are automatically updated. The association with the unit can be maintained. Moreover, the replacement history of each unit in the slot machine can be recorded. Furthermore, it is possible to verify whether the actual two-dimensional code of the slot machine unit matches the database.

  In the embodiment of the invention, the case where the two-dimensional code display unit is a seal has been described as an example. However, the two-dimensional code display unit according to the present invention is not limited to this example. A two-dimensional code may be drawn directly on the screen. In this case, the part where the two-dimensional code is drawn corresponds to the two-dimensional code display part. The unit may be provided with a display device capable of displaying a two-dimensional code, and the two-dimensional code may be displayed on the display device. In this case, the display device corresponds to a two-dimensional code display unit.

In the embodiment of the invention, the QR code (registered trademark) is taken as an example of the two-dimensional code, but it is needless to say that the two-dimensional code in the present invention is not limited to this.
In the above description, a slot machine is taken as an example of a gaming machine, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a pachinko machine.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door 180 degree | times. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing of the management system of the gaming machine which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a block diagram of a portable terminal. It is explanatory drawing of the gaming machine management basic database which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is explanatory drawing of the unit history database which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the database update process which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart at the time of unit replacement | exchange which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart at the time of sticker replacement (at the time of unit good quality continuation) concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of the all unit check which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart at the time of the two-dimensional code download which concerns on embodiment of invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Medal selector 10 Main board 20 Sub board 100 Game machine (slot machine)
120 slot machine main body 121 hopper device 122 hopper tank 130 front door 131 game display section 132 medal insertion port 133 reject button 134 start switch 135 payout port 136 lead-out path 140 stop button 205 power supply unit DB gaming machine management database HT portable terminal (handy terminal)
NT Communication line PC PC S Sticker (display part)
SV server

Claims (9)

A management system for managing a plurality of gaming machines each including a plurality of units each having a display unit on which a two-dimensional code is displayed,
Identification information for distinguishing one gaming machine from other gaming machines and a plurality of the two-dimensional codes displayed on the display unit of the plurality of units respectively included in the plurality of gaming machines are stored in advance. A gaming machine management database, a server connected to the gaming machine management database, and a portable terminal having a function of reading the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit,
The portable terminal stores a work flag indicating the selected work type, reads the two-dimensional code of the display unit of all or a part of the plurality of units of the plurality of gaming machines, Obtaining a new two-dimensional code different from the read two-dimensional code, and transmitting the work flag, the read two-dimensional code and the new two-dimensional code to the server;
The server receives the work flag, the read two-dimensional code and the new two-dimensional code from the portable terminal,
The gaming machine management database is searched based on the read two-dimensional code, and the identification information of the gaming machine (hereinafter, “specific gaming machine”) corresponding to the two-dimensional code read among the plurality of gaming machines is obtained. Identify,
Identifying a unit corresponding to the new two-dimensional code;
Overwriting the two-dimensional code of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine specified by the identification information with the new two-dimensional code,
A gaming machine management system, wherein a history about the specified unit of the specific gaming machine is written in the gaming machine management database based on the work flag. When the work flag indicates replacement of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine, the server writes information indicating the replacement of the unit and its date and time in the gaming machine management database. The gaming machine management system according to claim 1. The server means the replacement of the display unit of the unit in the gaming machine management database when the work flag indicates replacement of the display unit of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine. 2. The game machine management system according to claim 1, wherein the information to be recorded and the date and time thereof are recorded. The portable terminal reads all the two-dimensional codes of the display unit attached to the plurality of units, and transmits all the two-dimensional codes to the server.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the server compares all of the received two-dimensional codes with the two-dimensional codes stored in the gaming machine management database, and outputs the comparison result. Management system. The portable terminal transmits a download request including the identification information of any of the plurality of gaming machines to the server,
The server transmits all two-dimensional codes corresponding to the gaming machine specified by the identification information of the download request to the mobile terminal,
The portable terminal stores the plurality of two-dimensional codes received from the server,
The portable terminal reads all the two-dimensional codes of the display unit attached to the plurality of units of the gaming machine specified by the identification information, and stores the read two-dimensional codes. 2. The gaming machine management system according to claim 1, wherein the system is compared with a two-dimensional code and the comparison result is output. The portable terminal selects a corresponding two-dimensional code from the plurality of stored two-dimensional codes and prints the two-dimensional code when there is something that cannot be read by the two-dimensional code of the display unit. The gaming machine management system according to claim 5. A management method for a plurality of gaming machines each including a plurality of units each provided with a display portion on which a two-dimensional code is displayed,
Reading the two-dimensional code of the display unit of all or a part of the plurality of units of the plurality of gaming machines;
Obtaining a new two-dimensional code different from the read two-dimensional code;
Transmitting a work flag indicating the selected work type, the read two-dimensional code, and the new two-dimensional code to a server;
In the server, identification information for distinguishing one gaming machine from other gaming machines, and a plurality of the two-dimensional codes displayed on the display unit of the plurality of units respectively included in the plurality of gaming machines. A step of searching a gaming machine management database stored in advance and identifying the identification information of a gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “specific gaming machine”) corresponding to the two-dimensional code read out of the plurality of gaming machines. When,
Identifying at the server a unit corresponding to the new two-dimensional code;
Updating the gaming machine management database by overwriting the two-dimensional code of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine specified by the identification information with the new two-dimensional code at the server;
A game machine management method comprising: writing a history of the specified unit in the game machine management database based on the work flag. A server for managing a plurality of gaming machines each including a plurality of units each having a display unit on which a two-dimensional code is displayed,
A work flag indicating the selected work type from the portable terminal, the two-dimensional code read from the display unit of all or a part of any of the plurality of units of the plurality of gaming machines, and the read two Receive a new two-dimensional code acquired separately from the dimension code,
Identification information for distinguishing one gaming machine from other gaming machines and a plurality of two-dimensional codes displayed on the display unit of the plurality of units respectively included in the plurality of gaming machines are stored in advance. Search the gaming machine management database, identify the identification information of the gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "specific gaming machine") corresponding to the two-dimensional code read out of the plurality of gaming machines,
Identifying a unit corresponding to the new two-dimensional code;
Updating the gaming machine management database by overwriting the two-dimensional code of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine specified by the identification information with the new two-dimensional code;
A server that writes a history of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine in the gaming machine management database based on the work flag. A program for realizing a server for managing a plurality of gaming machines each including a plurality of units each having a display unit on which a two-dimensional code is displayed,
A work flag indicating the selected work type from the portable terminal, the two-dimensional code read from the display unit of all or a part of any of the plurality of units of the plurality of gaming machines, and the read two Receiving a new two-dimensional code obtained separately from the dimension code;
Identification information for distinguishing one gaming machine from other gaming machines and a plurality of two-dimensional codes displayed on the display unit of the plurality of units respectively included in the plurality of gaming machines are stored in advance. Searching for a gaming machine management database, and identifying the identification information of a gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “specific gaming machine”) corresponding to the two-dimensional code read out of the plurality of gaming machines;
Identifying a unit corresponding to the new two-dimensional code;
Updating the gaming machine management database by overwriting the two-dimensional code of the specified unit of the specific gaming machine specified by the identification information with the new two-dimensional code;
A program for causing a computer to execute a step of writing a history regarding the specified unit of the specific gaming machine in the gaming machine management database based on the work flag.

Images