Product registration device and program

Abstract

Minimize the amount of verification required from store staff when registering products with purchase conditions. [Solution] The product registration device comprises an identification means, an information acquisition means, a registration acceptance means, and a registration authorization means. The identification means identifies the purchaser. The information acquisition means acquires personal information related to the purchase restrictions of the purchaser identified by the identification means and verification / determination information that determines whether or not the personal information has been verified by a third party. The registration acceptance means accepts the registration of products that have purchase conditions. The registration authorization means authorizes the registration of products with purchase conditions accepted by the registration acceptance means if the personal information of the purchaser who will purchase the product satisfies the purchase conditions and the verification / determination information indicates that it has been verified by a third party.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product registration device and its program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in retail stores such as supermarkets, self-service product registration devices have been introduced that allow purchasers to perform the registration operation of the products they purchase by themselves. Since the self-service product registration device does not involve store clerks in the product registration operation, there are advantages such as reducing the burden on store clerks and reducing labor costs.

[0003] However, on the other hand, there are products such as tobacco and alcoholic beverages for which there are age restrictions on purchase. When this type of product is registered in a self-service product registration device, the product registration device will hold the registration until the store clerk has confirmed the purchaser's age. For this reason, every time a product with an age restriction on purchase is registered, the store clerk must go to the location where the product registration device is installed to confirm the purchaser's age, and if there are no problems,解除 the hold status. This has become an essential task and a burden on the store clerk. In addition, in order to confirm the purchaser's age, it may be necessary to request the presentation of an identity document such as a driver's license or a My Number card. However, there is also a concern that the purchaser may not have the identity document or may refuse to present it, resulting in insufficient confirmation and unnecessary trouble with the purchaser.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a product registration device that can minimize the verification work performed by store staff when products with purchase conditions are registered, thereby reducing the burden on store staff and preventing unnecessary trouble with purchasers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the product registration device comprises an identification means, an information acquisition means, a registration acceptance means, and a registration authorization means. The identification means identifies the purchaser. The information acquisition means acquires personal information related to the purchase restrictions of the purchaser identified by the identification means and verification / determination information that determines whether or not the personal information has been verified by a third party. The registration acceptance means accepts the registration of products that have purchase conditions. The registration authorization means authorizes the registration of products with purchase conditions accepted by the registration acceptance means if the personal information of the purchaser who will purchase the product satisfies the purchase conditions and the verification / determination information indicates that it has been verified by a third party. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a product registration system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of product records stored in the product database. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of member records stored in the member database. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor in a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the main processing performed by the processor of a self-service POS terminal according to the self-service product registration program. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the processing performed by the processor of a self-service POS terminal according to the self-service product registration program. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the accounting process executed by the processor of a self-service POS terminal according to the self-service product registration program. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the restricted product registration process executed by the self-service POS terminal's processor according to the self-service product registration program. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the employee verification process performed by the self-service POS terminal's processor according to the self-service product registration program. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the self-verification process executed by the processor of a self-service POS terminal according to the self-service product registration program. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a member verification screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of the registration start screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a confirmation method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of a store employee verification screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of a self-confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of product records stored in the product database in the second embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the accounting process executed by the processor of a self-service POS terminal in accordance with the self-service product registration program in a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the restricted product registration process executed by the processor of the self-POS terminal according to the self-product registration program in the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the self-verification process executed by the processor of the self-POS terminal according to the self-product registration program in the second embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a product registration device that can minimize the confirmation work by a store clerk when registering a product having a purchase condition will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a self-POS (Point Of Sales) terminal that functions as a self-service type product registration device in which the purchaser himself / herself performs the registration operation of the product to be purchased by the purchaser is exemplified. In addition, examples of products having purchase conditions include products subject to a purchase age limit such as tobacco and alcoholic beverages.

[0009] <First Embodiment> [Description of Product Registration System] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of a product registration system 1. The product registration system 1 is constructed in a retail store such as a supermarket that sells a variety of products including products subject to a purchase age limit such as tobacco and alcoholic beverages. The product registration system 1 includes a plurality of self-POS terminals 10, an attendant terminal 20, a store server 30, and a communication server 40. The product registration system 1 connects each self-POS terminal 10, the attendant terminal 20, the store server 30, and the communication server 40 via a communication network 50 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication network 50 may be wired or wireless.

[0010] The self-POS terminal 10 is a product registration device for the full self-service method. In a retail store, a dedicated accounting area for full self-service is provided separately from the sales floor where products are displayed, and multiple self-POS terminals 10 are installed in this accounting area. A purchaser who has collected the products purchased on the sales floor moves to the accounting area. Then, the purchaser operates an available self-POS terminal 10 and performs all the settlements related to the transaction from the registration of the products to be purchased to the payment of the price entirely by themselves.

[0011] The attendant terminal 20 has a monitor for monitoring the status of each self-POS terminal 10. The attendant terminal 20 is installed near the exit of the accounting area, and a store clerk called an attendant becomes the monitor of the monitor. On the monitor, for each self-POS terminal 10, information on the products registered by that self-POS terminal 10, information on price payment, etc. are displayed. Also, information such as errors that occurred in the self-POS terminal 10 is displayed. The store clerk monitors the presence or absence of fraud, etc. from the information displayed on the monitor. Also, when an error occurs in the self-POS terminal 10, the store clerk goes to the location where that self-POS terminal 10 is installed and performs operations to解除 the error.

[0012] The store server 30 manages the product database 60. The product database 60 is an aggregate of product records 61 (see FIG. 2) created for each product sold in the retail store.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the product record 61. As shown in FIG. 2, the product record 61 is a data record that records a product code, classification category of the product identified by that product code, product name, product-specific information such as unit price, and a purchaser restriction flag Fx. Incidentally, the product code is a unique code set for each product to identify each product. Most products are attached with a barcode symbol representing the product code in the barcode system.

[0014] The buyer restriction flag Fx is a 1-bit data used to identify whether a product identified by its product code has purchase conditions that impose restrictions on the buyer. In this embodiment, the buyer restriction flag Fx is used to identify whether a product imposes age restrictions on the buyer. Specifically, the buyer restriction flag Fx is set to "1" for products that impose age restrictions on the buyer, such as cigarettes and alcoholic beverages that cannot be purchased by those under 20 years old, and to "0" for products that do not impose such restrictions.

[0015] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1. The communication server 40 is a computer that provides data communication services to member servers 3, which are connected via the communication network 2. The communication network 2 is a wide-area network such as the Internet or an intranet. Mobile communication networks, public communication networks, etc., may also be used as part of the communication network 2. Although not shown in the figures, the communication network 2 is connected not only to the communication server 40 of the retail store where the product registration system 1 shown in Figure 1 is built, but also to the communication servers of other retail stores.

[0016] The member server 3 manages the member database 4. The member database 4 is a collection of member records 41 (see Figure 3) created for each point member. A point member is a member who is awarded service points based on the amount of goods purchased, for example, at a retail store. Consumers can become point members by entering into a membership agreement with a company that operates a point service. Upon becoming a point member, they are assigned a unique member ID. Then, for example, a member card with the member ID recorded on it is issued to the point member. Alternatively, a barcode corresponding to the member ID is displayed on the screen of a smartphone or other device carried by the point member. Point members can receive point services by presenting their member ID when purchasing goods at retail stores partnered with the company. The awarded points are accumulated for each point member and can be used for discounts, etc.

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of member record 41. As shown in Figure 3, member record 41 is a data record that records the member ID, personal information such as the name and age of the point member identified by that member ID, accumulated points, and a confirmation completed flag Fy.

[0018] The verification flag Fy is a 1-bit data value used to identify whether or not the age of a points member, identified by their corresponding member ID, has been verified by a third party. The third party could be, for example, a representative of the company operating the points service, or a representative of a retail store partnered with the aforementioned company. Consumers who are points members present their member ID to the third-party representative, along with identification documents such as a driver's license or My Number card. Therefore, it is preferable that the third party is a person who can take responsibility for handling personal information. If such a person is present, consumers will feel more comfortable presenting their identification documents to the third party.

[0019] The person in charge operates a client terminal 5 (see Figure 1) connected to the communication network 2 and enters the member ID provided by the consumer. The client terminal 5, having entered the member ID, queries the member server 3 using that member ID. The member server 3, upon receiving the query, searches the member database 4 using that member ID, reads the consumer's personal information, name and age, from the member record 41 containing that member ID, and sends it back to the client terminal 5. As a result of this reply, the consumer's name and age are displayed on the display device of the client terminal 5, and the person in charge compares the displayed name and age with the name and age stated on the point member's identification document. If the name and age match, the person in charge performs an operation on the client terminal 5 to indicate that the name and age are correct. On the other hand, if at least one of the name or age does not match, the person in charge performs an operation on the client terminal 5 to indicate that the name and age are incorrect.

[0020] Instructions for client terminal 5 are sent to member server 3 via communication network 2. These instructions include the member ID. When member server 3 receives a notification from client terminal 5 indicating that the name and age are correct, it accesses member database 4 and sets the verification completed flag Fy of member record 41 containing the member ID included in the instruction to "1". On the other hand, if member server 3 receives a notification from client terminal 5 indicating that the name and age are incorrect, it sets the verification completed flag Fy of member record 41 containing the member ID included in the instruction to "0". The verification completed flag Fy, once it is "1" or "0", remains in that state until the next notification is received.

[0021] [Description of Self-Service POS Terminal Configuration] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the self-service POS terminal 10. The self-service POS terminal 10 comprises circuit components such as a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, clock 14, communication interface 15, scale interface 16, and I / O (Input / Output) interface 17, as well as a system transmission line 18. The system transmission line 18 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The self-service POS terminal 10 constitutes a computer by connecting each circuit component to the system transmission line 18.

[0022] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls various parts to realize various functions as a self-service POS terminal 10 according to the operating system or application program (application software). The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 may also be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 11 may be a combination of several of these.

[0023] Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 12 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 12 may also store data necessary for the processor 11 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 11. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0024] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing performed by the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application program described above.

[0025] Clock 14 measures the date and time. Self-service POS terminal 10 processes the date and time measured by clock 14 as the current date and time.

[0026] The communication interface 15 connects to the communication network 50. The self-service POS terminal 10 can communicate data with the attendant terminal 20, store server 30, and communication server 40, etc., which are connected to the communication network 50 via the communication interface 15.

[0027] The weighing interface 16 connects to the weighing unit 19. The weighing unit 19 measures the total weight of items placed on the bagging table where a customer operating the self-service POS terminal 10 bags the registered items. Based on the weight measured by the weighing unit 19, the self-service POS terminal 10 can detect fraud, such as placing items other than registered items on the bagging table.

[0028] The I / O interface 17 is a circuit for sending and receiving data signals with various devices such as the touch panel 171, scanner 172, card reader 173, printer 174, and automatic change dispenser 175.

[0029] The touch panel 171 functions as both a display device and an input device for the self-service POS terminal 10. The self-service POS terminal 10 displays necessary images, text, etc., on the touch panel 171. The self-service POS terminal 10 processes touch operations on the touch panel 171 as operator input to the self-service POS terminal 10. The operator is, in principle, the purchaser. The purchaser may also be referred to as a customer, consumer, etc. However, a store employee may also act as the operator.

[0030] Scanner 172 functions as an input device for reading machine-readable codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional data codes. As mentioned above, most products have a barcode indicating the product code. In addition, the screen of a points member's smartphone may display a barcode corresponding to their member ID. Furthermore, the ID card carried by a store employee has a barcode corresponding to their unique employee code. Scanner 172 can read these barcodes.

[0031] The card reader 173 is an input device that reads data recorded on a card medium such as a membership card or credit card. If the card medium is a magnetic card, the card reader 173 is a magnetic card reader. If the card medium is an IC card, the card reader 173 is an IC card reader. The self-service POS terminal 10 may be equipped with either a magnetic card reader or an IC card reader as the card reader 173, or it may be equipped with both. The card reader 173 may also be a card reader / writer that has a data writing function to the card medium.

[0032] The printer 174 is an output device that prints, for example, transaction receipt data onto receipt paper. The receipt paper on which the transaction receipt data has been printed by the printer 174 is cut by a cutter and issued as a transaction receipt from the output slot. The printer 174 can be implemented by, for example, a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer.

[0033] The automatic change dispenser 175 is a device that has a safe for storing banknotes and coins by denomination, and a mechanism for taking banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount from the safe and dispensing them to the dispensing slot. When the automatic change dispenser 175 is notified of the change amount by the processor 11, it calculates the number of banknotes or coins to be dispensed for each denomination that corresponds to that change amount. The automatic change dispenser 175 then takes the calculated number of banknotes or coins for each denomination from the safe and dispenses them to the dispensing slot.

[0034] [Description of Self-POS Terminal Functions] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10. As shown in Figure 5, the processor 11 has the functions of an identification means 111, an information acquisition means 112, a registration acceptance means 113, a determination means 114, a registration permission means 115, a registration hold means 116, and a decision means 117. These functions are realized by the processor 11 executing information processing in accordance with the self-service product registration program.

[0035] The self-registration program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13. The method of installing the self-registration program in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 is not particularly limited. The self-registration program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed via network communication and installed in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13. The recording medium can be any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0036] Identification means 111 is a function that identifies a purchaser who registers purchased items by operating the self-service POS terminal 10. The purchaser identified by identification means 111 is, for example, a points member. The points member has the card reader 173 read their membership card CA, on which their membership ID is recorded. Alternatively, the points member has the scanner 172 read the barcode of their membership ID displayed on their smartphone TM. Identification means 111 identifies the purchaser based on the membership ID on the membership card CA read by the card reader 173, or the membership ID on the barcode read by the scanner 172.

[0037] The information acquisition means 112 has the function of acquiring personal information related to the purchase restriction of a purchaser identified by the identification means 111, and verification determination information that determines whether or not that personal information has been verified by a third party. The information acquisition means 112 searches the member database 4 using the member ID of the purchaser identified by the identification means 111. The information acquisition means 112 then acquires the age as personal information related to the purchase restriction of the purchaser from the member record 41 containing the member ID. The information acquisition means 112 also acquires a verification completed flag Fy from the same member record 41 as verification determination information that determines whether or not that personal information has been verified by a third party. The information acquisition means 112 stores the acquired age and verification completed flag Fy information in the member memory 121. The member memory 121 is part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 12.

[0038] The registration acceptance means 113 is a function that accepts the registration of product ME that has purchase conditions. When the barcode of a product in product record 61 in which the buyer restriction flag Fx is set to "1" is read by the scanner 172, the registration acceptance means 113 accepts the registration of the product as product ME that has purchase conditions.

[0039] The determination means 114 is a function that determines whether or not personal information and confirmation / discrimination information have been acquired by the information acquisition means 112 when the registration acceptance means 113 accepts the registration of product ME which has purchase conditions. When the determination means 114 accepts the registration of product for which the purchaser restriction flag Fx is set to "1" by the registration acceptance means 113, it checks whether or not the information of age and the confirmation completed flag Fy is stored in the member memory 121. If the information of age and the confirmation completed flag Fy is stored in the member memory 121, the determination means 114 determines that personal information and confirmation / discrimination information have been acquired. If the information of age and the confirmation completed flag Fy is not stored in the member memory 121, the determination means 114 determines that personal information and confirmation / discrimination information have not been acquired.

[0040] The registration permission means 115 is a function that permits the registration of a product ME that has purchase conditions, as received by the registration acceptance means 113, when the personal information of the purchaser who will purchase the product ME satisfies the purchase conditions and the verification identification information has been verified by a third party. When the registration permission means 115 receives registration of a product ME in which the purchaser restriction flag Fx is set to "1" by the registration acceptance means 113, it checks whether the age stored in the member memory 121 is an age that satisfies the purchase conditions, for example, 20 years of age or older. The registration permission means 115 also checks whether the verification completed flag Fy stored in the member memory 121 is "1". If the age satisfies the purchase conditions and the verification completed flag Fy is "1", that is, it indicates that it has been verified by a third party, the registration permission means 115 permits the registration of the product ME that has purchase conditions.

[0041] The registration holding means 116 is a function that holds the registration of a product ME that has purchase conditions, as received by the registration acceptance means 113, if the personal information of the purchaser who will purchase the product ME does not satisfy the purchase conditions, or if the verification determination information indicates that it has not been verified by a third party. The registration holding means 116 checks whether the age stored in the member memory 121 is an age that satisfies the purchase conditions, for example, 20 years of age or older. The registration holding means 116 also checks whether the verification completed flag Fy stored in the member memory 121 is "1". If the age does not satisfy the purchase conditions, or if the verification completed flag Fy is "0", i.e., it indicates that it has not been verified by a third party, the registration holding means 116 holds the registration of the product ME that has purchase conditions. The registration holding means 116 outputs a call signal to the attendant terminal 20, which is a terminal for store staff, and holds the registration of the product ME until the store staff completes the purchase condition verification process.

[0042] The determination means 117 is a function that determines whether to select a process for confirming purchase conditions by a store employee or a process for identifying the purchaser by the identification means, when the determination means 114 determines that personal information and confirmation / identification information have not yet been obtained. The determination means 117 displays a screen on the touch panel 171 for determining whether to select a process for confirming purchase conditions by a store employee or a process for identifying the purchaser by the identification means, when the determination means 114 determines that personal information and confirmation / identification information have not yet been obtained.

[0043] Here, if a touch operation on the touch panel 171 selects the process of having a store employee confirm the purchase conditions, the decision means 117 activates its function as a registration hold means 116. When the function as a registration hold means 116 is activated, the registration hold means 116 outputs a call signal to the attendant terminal 20, which is a terminal for store employees, and holds the registration of product ME until the store employee confirms the purchase conditions.

[0044] On the other hand, if a touch operation on the touch panel 171 results in the selection of a buyer identification process by a specific means, the determination means 117 activates its function as an identification means 111. When the function as an identification means 111 is activated, the identification means 111 identifies the buyer. The information acquisition means 112 acquires personal information related to the purchase restriction of the buyer, namely their age, and confirmation determination information, namely the confirmation completed flag Fy, which determines whether or not the personal information has been verified by a third party. As a result, the determination means 114 determines that the personal information and the confirmation determination information have been acquired. If the age acquired by the information acquisition means 112 satisfies the purchase condition and the confirmation completed flag Fy is "1", indicating that it has been verified by a third party, the registration permission means 115 permits the registration of the product ME that meets the purchase condition. Conversely, if the age acquired by the information acquisition means 112 does not satisfy the purchase condition, or if the confirmation completed flag Fy is "0", indicating that it has not been verified by a third party, the registration hold means 116 holds the registration of the product ME that meets the purchase condition.

[0045] Therefore, if a purchaser who has viewed the screen displayed on the touch panel 171 is a points member who has not yet been identified by the identification means 111, they should choose to be identified by the identification means. Other purchasers should choose to be identified by a store employee.

[0046] [Explanation of information processing at self-service POS terminals] Figures 6 to 11 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the information processing performed by the processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10 in accordance with the self-service product registration program. Figures 12 to 17 are examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 171 in response to that information processing. The main information processing performed by the processor 11 will be explained below using each figure. Note that the information processing steps shown below are just examples. The steps can be modified as appropriate if similar effects can be achieved.

[0047] [Explanation of the main process] Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the main processing steps from registering goods purchased in a single transaction to payment for that transaction. The idle processor 11 sets the touch panel 171 screen as the member confirmation screen SCa (see Figure 12) as ACT1 in Figure 6.

[0048] Figure 12 shows an example of the member verification screen SCa. The member verification screen SCa has a member button BTa and a non-member button BTb as software keys for operation. A customer who has gathered the items they wish to purchase at the sales floor moves to the checkout area and stands in front of an available self-service POS terminal 10. At this time, the member verification screen SCa is displayed on the touch panel 171, so a customer who is a points member will, in principle, touch the member button BTa. On the other hand, a customer who is not a points member will touch the non-member button BTb.

[0049] The processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10, which displays the member confirmation screen SCa, proceeds to ACT2. The processor 11 checks whether the member button BTa has been entered as ACT2. If the member button BTa has not been entered, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT3. The processor 11 checks whether the non-member button BTb has been entered as ACT3. If the non-member button BTb has not been entered, the processor 11 returns to ACT2. In this way, the processor 11 waits in ACT2 and ACT3 for either the member button BTa or the non-member button BTb to be entered.

[0050] If the member button BTa is pressed while in the waiting state of ACT2 or ACT3, processor 11 proceeds to ACT4. Processor 11 executes member processing as ACT4. The procedure for member processing will be explained in detail later. After completing member processing, processor 11 proceeds to ACT5. On the other hand, if the non-member button BTb is pressed while in the waiting state of ACT2 or ACT3, processor 11 proceeds to ACT5. Thus, if the member button BTa on the member confirmation screen SCa is pressed, processor 11 executes member processing and then proceeds to ACT5. If the non-member button BTb is pressed, processor 11 proceeds to ACT5 without executing member processing.

[0051] The processor 11 clears the transaction memory as ACT5. The transaction memory is an area for storing data related to a single commercial transaction processed by the self-service POS terminal 10. The self-service POS terminal 10 uses a portion of the volatile memory area in the main memory 12 as the transaction memory area.

[0052] After clearing the transaction memory, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT6. As ACT6, the processor 11 sets the clerk-verified flag Fz to "0". The clerk-verified flag Fz is a 1-bit data that identifies whether or not the clerk has verified the registration of goods with purchase conditions within a single commercial transaction. In this embodiment, the clerk-verified flag Fz is set to "0" to indicate that the clerk has not verified the transaction, and to "1" to indicate that the clerk has verified the transaction. At the time of ACT6, the clerk has not verified the transaction, so the processor 11 sets the clerk-verified flag Fz to "0".

[0053] After setting the staff-verified flag Fz to "0", processor 11 proceeds to ACT7. For ACT7, processor 11 sets the touch panel 171 screen as the registration screen SCb (see Figure 13).

[0054] Figure 13 shows an example of the registration screen SCb. As shown in the figure, the registration screen SCb displays the product name, unit price, number of items sold, and sales amount for the products registered as a single transaction, as well as the total number of items and total amount. The registration screen SCb also has a checkout button BTc as an operator controlled by a software key. Once the purchaser confirms that the registration screen SCb is displayed, they scan the barcode of each item they wish to purchase one by one with the scanner 172. After scanning all the barcodes of the purchased items and proceeding to checkout, the purchaser touches the checkout button BTc.

[0055] The processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10, which displays the registration screen SCb, proceeds to ACT8. The processor 11 waits for the product code to be entered as ACT8. For example, when the product code is entered by scanning a barcode with the scanner 172, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT9. As ACT9, the processor 11 retrieves the product data for the product identified by that product code from the product database 60. The product data includes the classification category, product name, unit price, and buyer restriction flag Fx of the product record 61 containing the product code.

[0056] The processor 11, having acquired the product data, proceeds to ACT10. As ACT10, the processor 11 checks whether the buyer restriction flag Fx included in the product data is "1", that is, whether the product identified by the product code is a product that has purchase conditions.

[0057] If the buyer restriction flag Fx is "0", meaning the product does not have purchase conditions, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT11. The processor 11 executes the product registration process as ACT11. That is, the processor 11 calculates the sales amount by multiplying the unit price included in the product data by the number of units sold. The number of units sold is, in principle, "1". If a multiplier was entered immediately before the product code was entered, that multiplier is used for the number of units sold. The processor 11 registers the product sales data, including the product code, product name, classification, unit price, number of units sold, and sales amount, into the transaction memory. The processor 11 also updates the registration screen SCb so that the product name, unit price, number of units sold, sales amount, total number of units, and total amount of the product sales data are displayed.

[0058] On the other hand, if the buyer restriction flag Fx is "1", meaning the product has purchase restrictions, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 12. The processor 11 executes the restricted product registration process as ACT 12. The procedure for the restricted product registration process will be explained in detail later.

[0059] After completing the product registration process or the restricted product registration process, processor 11 proceeds to ACT13. Processor 11 checks whether a new product code has been entered as ACT13. If no product code has been entered, processor 11 proceeds to ACT14. Processor 11 checks whether the checkout button BTc has been entered as ACT14. If the checkout button has not been entered, processor 11 returns to ACT13. In this way, processor 11 waits in ACT13 and ACT14 for either a product code to be entered or the checkout button BTc to be entered.

[0060] When a product code is entered while the system is in the waiting state of ACT13 and ACT14, the processor 11 returns to ACT9. The processor 11 then executes the processing from ACT9 onward in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 11 retrieves the product data for the product identified by the product code. If the buyer restriction flag Fx included in the product data is "0", the processor 11 executes the product registration process. Conversely, if the buyer restriction flag Fx is "1", the processor 11 executes the restricted product registration process.

[0061] If the payment button BTc is pressed while in the standby state of ACT13 or ACT14, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT21 in Figure 7. As ACT21, the processor 11 sets the touch panel 171 screen to the payment method selection screen.

[0062] The payment method selection screen includes buttons for cash, credit, and electronic money, which are operated via software keys. The cash button is for instructing payment by cash. The credit button is for instructing payment by credit card. The electronic money button is for instructing payment by electronic money. A customer paying with cash touches the cash button and inserts the cash into the automatic change dispenser 175. A customer paying with a credit card touches the credit button and has the card reader 173 read the credit card. A customer paying with electronic money touches the electronic money button and has the card reader 173 read the electronic money card. Alternatively, the customer has the scanner 172 read a machine-readable code such as a barcode or two-dimensional data code corresponding to the electronic money ID.

[0063] The processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10, which displays the payment method selection screen, proceeds to ACT22. Processor 11 waits for a payment method to be selected as ACT22. Once a payment method is selected, processor 11 proceeds to ACT23. Processor 11 executes the payment process as ACT23. For example, if cash is selected as the payment method, processor 11 executes the cash payment process. If a credit card is selected as the payment method, processor 11 executes the credit card payment process. If electronic money is selected as the payment method, processor 11 executes the electronic money payment process. Since these payment processes are well known, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0064] After completing the payment processing, processor 11 proceeds to ACT24. Processor 11 checks whether the transaction settled as ACT24 is a transaction by a points member. If the member memory 121 contains information on age and the verification completed flag Fy, processor 11 determines that it is a transaction by a points member, i.e., a member transaction. On the other hand, if the member memory 121 does not contain information on age and the verification completed flag Fy, processor 11 determines that it is a transaction by a purchaser other than a points member, i.e., a non-member transaction. If it is determined to be a non-member transaction, processor 11 terminates the main processing. Self-POS terminal 10 returns to idle state. Note that even if a person is a member, there may be cases where their age and verification completed flag Fy are not stored; in such cases, for convenience in this embodiment, they are treated as a non-member.

[0065] If ACT24 determines that it is a member transaction, processor 11 proceeds to ACT25. Processor 11 calculates the points to be awarded to the buyer for this transaction as ACT25. Then, as ACT26, processor 11 outputs the data of the points to member server 3. Member server 3 adds the points to the accumulated points of member record 41, which includes the member ID.

[0066] Processor 11, having output the point data, proceeds to ACT27. Processor 11 clears the member memory 121 as ACT27. With this, Processor 11 terminates its main processing. The self-POS terminal 10 returns to idle state.

[0067] [Explanation of Member Processing] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of member processing. In ACT4 of Figure 6, when member processing begins, processor 11 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 8. Processor 11 waits for the member ID to be input as ACT31. For example, when a member card CA is read by card reader 173, processor 11 determines that the member ID recorded on that member card CA has been input. For example, when a barcode of a member ID displayed on a smartphone™ or the like is read by scanner 172, processor 11 determines that the member ID represented by that barcode has been input.

[0068] When a member ID is entered, processor 11 proceeds to ACT32. Processor 11 outputs a member data query event as ACT32. The query event is sent from communication interface 15 to communication server 40 via communication network 50, and then, under the control of communication server 40, is sent to member server 3 via communication network 2. The query event includes the member ID obtained in the processing of ACT31.

[0069] Upon receiving the inquiry event, the member server 3 searches the member database 4 using the member ID included in the inquiry event. The member server 3 then finds a member record 41 containing that member ID and sends a response event containing the data from that member record 41 to the self-service POS terminal 10 that sent the inquiry event.

[0070] The processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10 that output the inquiry event proceeds to ACT33. As ACT33, the processor 11 waits for a response event from the member server 3. Upon receiving the response event, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT34. As ACT34, the processor 11 stores the age of the member record 41 and the confirmation completed flag Fy included in the response event in the member memory 121. After that, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT5 in Figure 6. The processor 11 executes the processing from ACT5 onward in the same manner as described above. Therefore, after the transaction memory is cleared and the clerk confirmation flag Fz becomes "0", the purchaser begins registering the items to be purchased.

[0071] In ACT34, after storing the age of member record 41 and the confirmation completed flag Fy in member memory 121, the touch panel 171 screen is set to the registration start screen SCc (see Figure 14).

[0072] Figure 14 shows an example of the registration start screen SCc. The registration start screen SCc has a registration start button BTd as an operator controlled by a software key. Text prompting the buyer to touch the registration start button BTd is displayed on the registration start screen SCc. A buyer who has seen this registration start screen SCc may touch the registration start button BTd and then begin registering the product they wish to purchase.

[0073] On the other hand, if a response event cannot be received from the member server 3 in ACT33, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT35. For example, if there is a communication failure with the member server 3, a response event cannot be received. Alternatively, if an invalid member ID is entered, a response event cannot be received.

[0074] If a response event cannot be received, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT35. As ACT35, the processor 11 displays an error screen on the touch panel. The error screen is a screen with text informing the purchaser that their membership status as a points member could not be verified, and a confirmation button is provided as a software key. Upon seeing the error screen, the purchaser touches the confirmation button.

[0075] The processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10, which displays an error screen, waits for the confirmation button to be pressed as ACT36. When the confirmation button is pressed, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT37. As ACT37, the processor 11 sets the touch panel 171 screen to the member confirmation screen SCa (see Figure 12). Then the processor 11 returns to ACT2 in Figure 6. The processor 11 executes the processing from ACT2 onward in the same way as described above. Therefore, the buyer who touched the confirmation button should then touch the member button BTa or the non-member button NTb again.

[0076] [Explanation of the restricted product registration process] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the restricted product registration process. In ACT 12 of Figure 6, when the restricted product registration process begins, the processor 11 starts processing information according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 9. In ACT 51, the processor 11 checks whether the staff-confirmed flag Fz is "1". In the first restricted product registration process in a single transaction, the staff-confirmed flag Fz is "0". In contrast, in subsequent restricted product registration processes, the staff-confirmed flag Fz may be "1".

[0077] In ACT51, if the staff-verified flag Fz is "0", the processor 11 proceeds to ACT52. In ACT52, the processor 11 checks whether the customer's age and the verification completed flag Fy are stored in the member memory 121. If the customer's age and the verification completed flag Fy are stored, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT53. In ACT53, the processor 11 checks whether the customer's age is at least the age N (where N is, for example, 20) that satisfies the purchase conditions.

[0078] If the age is N or older, satisfying the purchase conditions, processor 11 proceeds to ACT54. Processor 11 checks whether the verification completed flag Fy is "1" as ACT54. If the verification completed flag Fy is "1", meaning that the age has been verified by a third party, processor 11 proceeds to ACT55. Processor 11 executes the product registration process as ACT55. The product registration process is the same as the product registration process described as ACT11 in Figure 6. That is, processor 11 registers product sales data, including product code, product name, classification, unit price, number of items sold, and sales amount, into the transaction memory. Processor 11 also updates the registration screen SCb so that the product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, total number of items, and total amount of the product sales data are displayed.

[0079] In contrast, if the staff-verified flag Fz in ACT51 is "1", the processor 11 proceeds to ACT55 without executing the processes in ACT52 through ACT54. The processor 11 then executes the product registration process.

[0080] After completing the product registration process, processor 11 terminates the restricted product registration process. Processor 11 then proceeds to ACT13 in Figure 6. Processor 11 waits for a new product code to be entered or for the checkout button BTc to be pressed.

[0081] On the other hand, if in ACT53 the age is less than N years old, which satisfies the purchase conditions, or if in ACT54 the verification completed flag Fy is "0", then processor 11 proceeds to ACT56. Processor 11 executes the store clerk verification process as ACT56. The procedure for the store clerk verification process will be explained in detail later.

[0082] Furthermore, if the purchaser's age and the verification completion flag Fy are not stored in the member memory 121 in ACT52, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT57. In ACT57, the processor 11 sets the screen of the touch panel 171 to the verification method selection screen SCd (see Figure 15).

[0083] Figure 15 shows an example of the display of the verification method selection screen SCd. The verification method selection screen SCd is a screen that allows the purchaser to select a method for verifying the purchase conditions of a product with purchase restrictions, and it has two software key controls: a first age verification button BTe and a second age verification button BTf. The first age verification button BTe is a control for selecting the method of purchase condition verification by a store employee. The second age verification button BTf is a control for selecting the method of purchase condition verification by the purchaser themselves.

[0084] In this embodiment, the purchase condition is the purchaser's age. Point members can perform self-service age verification, i.e., age verification using their member data. Purchasers who use self-service age verification touch the second age verification button BTf. Purchasers who do not use self-service age verification touch the first age verification button BTe.

[0085] When the self-service POS terminal 10 displays the verification method selection screen SCd, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT58. In ACT58, the processor 11 checks whether age verification by a store employee has been selected, that is, whether the first age verification button BTe has been pressed. If the first age verification button BTe has not been touched, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT59. In ACT59, the processor 11 checks whether self-service age verification has been selected, that is, whether the second age verification button BTf has been pressed. If the second age verification button BTf has not been touched, the processor 11 returns to ACT58. In this way, in ACT58 and ACT59, the processor 11 waits for either the first age verification button BTe or the second age verification button BTf to be touched.

[0086] When the first age verification button BTe is touched while in the standby state of ACT58 and ACT59, the processor 11 proceeds to the process of ACT56 described above. That is, the processor 11 performs the store clerk verification process. On the other hand, when the second age verification button BTf is pressed while in the standby state of ACT58 and ACT59, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT60. The processor 11 performs the self-verification process as ACT60. The procedure for the self-verification process will be explained in detail later.

[0087] After completing the employee verification process or the self-verification process, processor 11 terminates the restricted product registration process. Processor 11 then proceeds to ACT13 in Figure 6. Processor 11 waits for a new product code to be entered or for the checkout button BTc to be pressed.

[0088] [Explanation of staff verification process] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the staff verification process. In ACT 56 of Figure 9, when the staff verification process begins, the processor 11 starts processing information according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 10. The processor 11 executes the staff call process as ACT 71. This process controls the output of a staff call signal that notifies staff members monitoring the attendant terminal 20 that there is a call. The staff call signal is output from the communication interface 15 and transmitted to the attendant terminal 20 via the communication network 50.

[0089] Upon receiving the staff call signal, the attendant terminal 20 displays a guidance message on its monitor indicating that a staff member has been called from the self-service POS terminal 10, which is the source of the staff call signal. The staff member then goes to the location where the self-service POS terminal 10 is installed. The staff member then has the scanner 172 read their employee code barcode and switches the self-service POS terminal 10 to staff mode.

[0090] Processor 11, which executed the employee call process, proceeds to ACT72. Processor 11 waits for the employee ID to be entered as ACT72. Once it confirms that the employee code barcode has been read by scanner 172 and the employee ID has been entered, processor 11 proceeds to ACT73. Processor 11 sets the screen of touch panel 171 to the employee confirmation screen SCe (see Figure 16) as ACT73.

[0091] Figure 16 shows an example of the SCe clerk verification screen display. The SCe clerk verification screen has two software key controls: an allow button BTg and a cancel button BTh. The clerk verifies the purchaser's age. If the clerk confirms that the purchaser is 20 years of age or older, they touch the allow button BTg. Conversely, if the clerk cannot confirm that the purchaser is 20 years of age or older, they touch the cancel button BTh.

[0092] The processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10, which displays the employee verification screen SCe, proceeds to ACT74. The processor 11 checks whether the allow button BTg has been pressed as ACT74. If the allow button BTg has not been touched, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT75. The processor 11 checks whether the cancel button BTh has been pressed as ACT75. If the cancel button BTh has not been touched, the processor 11 returns to ACT74. In this way, the processor 11 waits for either the allow button BTg or the cancel button BTh to be touched in ACT74 and ACT75.

[0093] If the permission button BTg is pressed while in the waiting state of ACT74 and ACT75, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT76. In ACT76, the processor 11 sets the staff confirmation flag Fz to "1". Subsequently, the processor 11 executes the product registration process in ACT77. The product registration process is the same as the product registration process described as ACT11 in Figure 6. That is, the processor 11 registers product sales data, including product code, product name, classification, unit price, number of items sold, and sales amount, into the transaction memory. The processor 11 also updates the registration screen SCb so that the product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, total number of items, and total amount of the product sales data are displayed.

[0094] In contrast, if the cancel button BTh is pressed while ACT74 or ACT75 is in standby mode, processor 11 proceeds to ACT78. Processor 11 clears product data such as product code, product name, classification, and unit price as ACT78.

[0095] If the processor 11 has finished the product registration process in ACT77, or cleared the product data in ACT78, it will finish the store clerk verification process. The processor 11 will then proceed to ACT13 in Figure 6. The processor 11 will wait for a new product code to be entered or for the checkout button BTc to be pressed.

[0096] [Explanation of the self-verification process] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the self-verification process. In ACT60 of Figure 9, when the self-verification process begins, the processor 11 starts processing information according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 11. The processor 11 sets the screen of the touch panel 171 as the self-verification screen SCf (see Figure 17) as ACT81.

[0097] Figure 17 shows an example of the self-verification screen SCf. The self-verification screen SCf displays text prompting the purchaser to enter their member ID, and also includes a cancel button BTi as a software key for operation.

[0098] After confirming the self-verification screen SCf, the purchaser has the card reader 173 read the membership card CA on which their membership ID is recorded. Alternatively, the purchaser has the scanner 172 read the barcode of the membership ID displayed on their smartphone TM. Purchasers who do not have a membership card or who cannot display the barcode of their membership ID on their smartphone, and therefore have no way to enter their membership ID, touch the cancel button BTi.

[0099] The processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10, which displays the self-confirmation screen SCf, proceeds to ACT82. Processor 11 checks whether a member ID has been entered as ACT82. If no member ID has been entered, processor 11 proceeds to ACT83. Processor 11 checks whether the cancel button BTi has been pressed as ACT83. If the cancel button BTi has not been pressed, processor 11 returns to ACT82. In this way, processor 11 waits for either a member ID to be entered or a cancel button BTi to be pressed in ACT82 and ACT83.

[0100] If the cancel button BTi is pressed while in the standby state of ACT82 and ACT83, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT57 in Figure 9. The processor 11 sets the screen of the touch panel 171 to the verification method selection screen SCd (see Figure 15). Thereafter, the processor 11 executes the processing from ACT57 onwards in the same manner as described above. That is, if the first age verification button BTe on the verification method selection screen SCd is pressed, the processor 11 executes the store clerk verification process. If the second age verification button BTf on the verification method selection screen SCd is pressed, the processor 11 executes the self-verification process again.

[0101] When ACT82 and ACT83 are in standby mode, for example, if a member card CA is read by the card reader 173, the processor 11 determines that the member ID recorded on that member card CA has been entered. For example, if a barcode of a member ID displayed on a smartphone™ or the like is read by the scanner 172, the processor 11 determines that the member ID represented by that barcode has been entered.

[0102] When a member ID is entered, processor 11 proceeds to ACT84. Processor 11 outputs a member data inquiry event as ACT84. The inquiry event is sent from communication interface 15 to communication server 40 via communication network 50, and then, under the control of communication server 40, is sent to member server 3 via communication network 2. The inquiry event includes the member ID obtained in the processing of ACT82.

[0103] Upon receiving the inquiry event, the member server 3 searches the member database 4 using the member ID included in the inquiry event. The member server 3 then finds a member record 41 containing that member ID and sends a response event containing the data from that member record 41 to the self-service POS terminal 10 that sent the inquiry event.

[0104] The processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10 that output the inquiry event proceeds to ACT85. As ACT85, the processor 11 waits for a response event from the member server 3. Upon receiving the response event, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT86. As ACT86, the processor 11 stores the age of the member record 41 included in the response event and the confirmation completed flag Fy in the member memory 121.

[0105] The processor 11, having stored the age and the confirmation flag Fy, proceeds to ACT87. In ACT87, the processor 11 checks whether the age is N (where N is, for example, 20) or older, which satisfies the purchase conditions.

[0106] If the age is N or older, satisfying the purchase conditions, processor 11 proceeds to ACT88. Processor 11 checks whether the verification completed flag Fy is "1" as ACT88. If the verification completed flag Fy is "1", meaning that the age has been verified by a third party, processor 11 proceeds to ACT89. Processor 11 executes the product registration process as ACT89. The product registration process is the same as the product registration process described as ACT11 in Figure 6. That is, processor 11 registers product sales data, including product code, product name, classification, unit price, number of items sold, and sales amount, into the transaction memory. Processor 11 also updates the registration screen SCb so that the product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, total number of items, and total amount of the product sales data are displayed.

[0107] Once the product registration process is complete, processor 11 terminates the self-verification process. Processor 11 then proceeds to ACT13 in Figure 6. Processor 11 waits for either a new product code to be entered or the checkout button BTc to be pressed.

[0108] On the other hand, if in ACT87 the age is less than N years old, which satisfies the purchase conditions, or if in ACT88 the confirmation completed flag Fy is "0", the processor 11 proceeds to ACT57 in Figure 9. The processor 11 sets the screen of the touch panel 171 to the confirmation method selection screen SCd (see Figure 15). Thereafter, the processor 11 executes the processing from ACT57 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0109] Furthermore, if a response event cannot be received from the member server 3 in ACT85, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT90. In ACT90, the processor 11 displays an error screen on the touch panel. The error screen contains text informing the purchaser that their membership status cannot be verified, and also features a confirmation button as a software key. Upon seeing the error screen, the purchaser touches the confirmation button.

[0110] The processor 11 of the self-service POS terminal 10, which displays an error screen, waits for a confirmation button to be pressed as ACT91. When the confirmation button is pressed, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT57 in Figure 9. The processor 11 sets the screen of the touch panel 171 to the confirmation method selection screen SCd (see Figure 15). Thereafter, the processor 11 executes the processing from ACT57 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0111] Here, processor 11 realizes the function of a specific means 111 through the processing of ACT31 to ACT33 in Figure 8 and the processing of ACT82 to ACT85 in Figure 11. Processor 11 realizes the function of an information acquisition means 112 through the processing of ACT34 in Figure 8 and the processing of ACT86 in Figure 11. Processor 11 realizes the function of a registration acceptance means 113 through the processing of ACT9 and ACT10 in Figure 6. Processor 11 realizes the function of a determination means 114 through the processing of ACT52 in Figure 9. Processor 11 realizes the function of a registration permission means 115 through the processing of ACT53 to ACT55 in Figure 9 and the processing of ACT87 to ACT89 in Figure 11. Processor 11 realizes the function of a registration holding means 116 through the processing of ACT53, ACT54 and ACT56 in Figure 9. Processor 11 realizes the function of a decision means 117 through the processing of ACT52 and ACT57 to ACT59 in Figure 9.

[0112] [Description of the effects of the embodiment] As detailed above, when the self-service POS terminal 10 according to this embodiment receives registration of a product with purchase conditions such as age restrictions through self-operation by the purchaser, it checks whether the purchaser's age and the verification completed flag Fy information are stored in the member memory 121. If the purchaser's age and the verification completed flag Fy information are stored, the self-service POS terminal 10 checks whether the age meets the purchase conditions. The self-service POS terminal 10 also determines whether the verification completed flag Fy is "1", that is, whether the age has been verified by a third party. If the age meets the purchase conditions and has been verified by a third party, the self-service POS terminal 10 permits the registration of the product with purchase conditions without executing the store clerk call process.

[0113] Therefore, purchasers who meet the age requirements and whose age has been verified in advance by a third party can register not only regular products that do not have purchase requirements, but also products that do have purchase requirements, by operating the self-service POS terminal 10 themselves. As a result, the age verification process by store staff, which was previously required when registering products with purchase requirements at the self-service POS terminal 10, is no longer necessary, thus reducing the burden on store staff. In addition, since purchasers do not need to present identification documents such as a driver's license or My Number card to store staff, it is possible to prevent unnecessary trouble with purchasers that may occur due to insufficient verification because the purchaser does not have identification documents or refuses to present them.

[0114] On the other hand, if the member memory 121 does not contain information about the purchaser's age and the verification completed flag Fy, and the self-POS terminal 10 accepts registration of a product that meets the purchase conditions, the touch panel 171 screen will be set to the verification method selection screen SCd. For example, if the purchaser presses the non-member button BTb on the member verification screen SCa, the information will not be stored in the member memory 121, and the verification method selection screen SCd will be displayed. Also, if the purchaser presses the member button BTa on the member verification screen SCa, but a communication failure occurs with the member server 3, the information will not be stored in the member memory 121, and the verification method selection screen SCd will be displayed.

[0115] Therefore, the purchaser, who is a points member, presses the second age verification button BTf. At this time, if the communication failure with the member server 3 has been resolved, the purchaser's age and the verification completed flag Fy are stored in the member memory 121. As a result, if the age meets the purchase conditions and has been verified by a third party, the registration of the product that meets the purchase conditions is permitted without calling a store employee.

[0116] On the other hand, customers who are not point members press the first age verification button BTe. The self-service POS terminal 10 then performs a staff verification process, and registration of items with purchase conditions is permitted only if staff verification is performed as before. However, once staff verification is performed in a single transaction, the staff verification flag Fz becomes "1". As a result, if the self-service POS terminal 10 accepts registration of a second or subsequent item with purchase conditions in that transaction, it permits registration of the items with purchase conditions without performing a staff call process. Therefore, staff are only called once per transaction for age verification, thus reducing the burden on staff.

[0117] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, as an example of a product with purchase conditions, a product limited to a single age group of purchasers, for example, a product limited to those 20 years of age or older, was given. The age restrictions on purchase are not limited to a single pattern. For example, it is possible that products limited to those 20 years of age or older and products limited to those 18 years of age or older may be sold together. Next, a second embodiment that can handle multiple age restrictions on purchase will be described using Figures 18 to 21. Note that parts common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0118] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a product record 62 stored in the product database 60 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, an age restriction item is added to the product record 62. The age restriction is the age at which purchase is restricted. For example, for a product whose purchase age is limited to 20 years or older, the purchaser restriction flag Fx is set to "1" and "20" is written as the age restriction. For example, for a product whose purchase age is limited to 18 years or older, the purchaser restriction flag Fx is set to "1" and "18" is written as the age restriction.

[0119] Regarding the information processing of processor 11, parts of the member processing, restricted product registration processing, and self-verification processing differ from those of the first embodiment.

[0120] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the main steps of member processing in the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, when a response event is received from the member server 3 in ACT33 of Figure 8, in ACT34, the processor 11 stores the age of the member record 41 included in the response event and the verification completed flag Fy in the member memory 121. In the second embodiment, when a response event is received from the member server 3 in ACT33 of Figure 19, the processor 11 stores not only the age of the member record 41 included in the response event and the verification completed flag Fy, but also the age limit in the member memory 121 as ACT101.

[0121] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the restricted product registration process in the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, if information is stored in the member memory 121 in ACT 52 of Figure 9, in ACT 53, the processor 11 checks whether the age stored in the member memory 121 is at or above the age N (where N is, for example, 20) that satisfies the purchase conditions. In the second embodiment, if information is stored in the member memory 121 in ACT 52 of Figure 20, the processor 11 obtains the restricted age Nx from the member memory 121 as ACT 111. The processor 11 also checks as ACT 112 whether the age stored in the member memory 121 is at or above the restricted age Nx. If the age is at or above the restricted age Nx, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 54. The processor 11 checks whether the verification completed flag Fy is "1". If the verification completed flag Fy is "1", that is, if it is determined that the age has been verified by a third party, the processor 11 executes the product registration process.

[0122] Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the self-verification process in the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, when the processor 11 receives a response event from the member server 3 in ACT 85 of Figure 11, in ACT 86 the age of the member record 41 included in the response event and the verification completed flag Fy are stored in the member memory 121. In the second embodiment, when the processor 11 receives a response event from the member server 3 in ACT 85 of Figure 21, in ACT 121 the age of the member record 41 included in the response event and the verification completed flag Fy are stored in the member memory 121 as well as the age limit. Next, in ACT 122 the processor 11 obtains the age limit Nx from the member memory 121. Then, in ACT 123 the processor 11 checks whether the age stored in the member memory 121 is greater than or equal to the age limit Nx. If the age is greater than or equal to the age limit Nx, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 88. The processor 11 checks whether the verification completed flag Fy is "1". When the verification flag Fy is identified as "1," meaning that the age has been verified by a third party, the processor 11 executes the product registration process.

[0123] According to the second embodiment configured as described above, even if there are multiple age restrictions on purchase, the verification work performed by store staff when registering products with purchase conditions can be minimized, similar to the first embodiment, thereby reducing the burden on store staff.

[0124] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, products with purchase conditions were exemplified as products that impose restrictions on the purchase age, such as tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Products with purchase conditions are not limited to products that impose restrictions on the purchase age. For example, products that can only be purchased by purchasers who meet certain qualifications may also be used. Such products cannot be sold unless a store employee verifies the purchaser's qualification certificate. Therefore, the member database 4 stores information on whether each member is qualified and whether that qualification has been verified by a third party. The product registration device permits product registration only if the purchaser is qualified and that qualification has been verified by a third party. By adopting this configuration, the work of visually verifying the qualification certificate each time a purchaser buys a product is eliminated, thus reducing the burden on store employees.

[0125] In the above embodiment, a fully self-service self-POS terminal 10 was exemplified as one form of product registration device. The product registration device is not limited to the self-service POS terminal 10. For example, it may be a terminal (registration machine) dedicated to product registration, where a separate terminal (accounting machine) is used for payment. Furthermore, it is not limited to a self-service product registration device. It may also be a product registration device operated by a store employee.

[0126] In the above embodiment, an example was given where a third party verifies the age of a consumer in person between the consumer and the person in charge. However, this can also be done online. For example, the consumer takes a picture of their identification document with their smartphone camera and sends the image data along with their member ID to the client terminal 5. The person in charge (third party), who is the operator of the client terminal 5, compares the name and age of the point member identified by the member ID with the name and age on the identification document shown in the image and performs an approval or denial operation. In this case, the member data may include a facial image of the point member and compare it with the facial image on the identification document to confirm whether they are the same person or not.

[0127] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1...Product registration system, 2...Communication network, 3...Member server, 4...Member database, 5...Client terminal, 10...Self-service POS terminal, 11...Processor, 12...Main memory, 13...Auxiliary storage device, 14...Clock, 15...Communication interface, 16...Scale interface, 17...I / O interface, 18...System transmission path, 19...Scale unit, 20...Attendant terminal, 30...Store server, 40...Communication server, 50...Communication network, 60...Product database, 111...Identification means, 112...Information acquisition means, 113...Registration acceptance means, 114...Determination means, 115...Registration permission means, 116...Registration hold means, 117...Decision means, 121...Member memory.

Claims

1. A means of identifying the buyer, Information acquisition means for acquiring personal information related to purchase restrictions of a purchaser identified by the aforementioned identification means and confirmation / determination information for determining whether or not that personal information has been verified by a third party, A registration method for accepting registrations of products that have purchase conditions, A registration authorization means that permits the registration of a product having purchase conditions accepted by the registration acceptance means when the personal information of the purchaser who will purchase the product satisfies the purchase conditions and the verification identification information has been verified by a third party, A product registration device equipped with the following features.

2. A registration retention means for suspending the registration of a product that meets the purchase conditions, which has been accepted by the registration acceptance means, if the personal information of the purchaser who will purchase the product does not satisfy the purchase conditions, or if the verification and identification information indicates that it has not been verified by a third party. The product registration device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. When the registration of a product subject to purchase conditions is received by the registration acceptance means, the determination means determines whether or not the personal information and the confirmation / discrimination information have already been obtained by the information acquisition means, If the determination means determines that the personal information and the confirmation / determination information have not yet been obtained, a determination means determines whether to select a process for confirming the purchase conditions by a store employee or a process for identifying the purchaser by the identification means, The product registration device according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. The aforementioned registration acceptance means is a means for accepting registration of products that meet purchase conditions through self-operation by the purchaser. The product registration device according to claim 2, wherein the registration holding means is a means for outputting a call signal to a terminal for store employees and holding the registration of the product until the store employee has completed the purchase condition confirmation process.

5. The product registration device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the purchase condition is the age of the purchaser.

6. The computer of the product registration device A means of identifying the buyer, Information acquisition means for acquiring personal information related to purchase restrictions of a purchaser identified by the aforementioned identification means and verification / determination information for determining whether or not that personal information has been verified by a third party. A registration method for accepting registrations of products that have purchase conditions, and A registration authorization means that permits the registration of a product having purchase conditions accepted by the registration acceptance means when the personal information of the purchaser who will purchase the product satisfies the purchase conditions and the verification identification information has been verified by a third party. A program designed to function as such.

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