Commodity registration device and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a commodity registration apparatus and a storage medium capable of assisting processing related to confirmation of personal information. A product registration device includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a product registration unit. The acquisition unit acquires member information on the basis of member identification information of a member. And a determination unit that determines, on the basis of the member information, whether or not the age of the member is a predetermined age or more. And a product registration unit that performs processing on the basis of the determination result of the determination unit on the basis of a situation in which a predetermined product has been registered.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. JP2024-049792, filed on Mar. 26, 2024, and cites the contents of the aforementioned application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a commodity registration device and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, self-service POS (Point of Sale) systems have become practical in commercial facilities such as grocery stores, which allow users to complete transactions from product registration to checkout without the intervention of store employees.

[0004] In a self-service POS system, when a customer purchases a product that requires age verification, they usually need to call a store clerk, who then needs to intervene to verify their personal information.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a technology for reducing the operational burden of confirming customers' personal information, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a technology for reducing the operational burden of confirming customers' personal information, etc.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a technology (a product registration device and a storage medium) that can assist in processing related to confirmation of personal information.

[0008] To address the above-mentioned issues, in one embodiment, a product registration device includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a product registration unit. The acquisition unit acquires member information based on the member's identification information. The determination unit determines whether the member's age is above a specified age based on the member information. The product registration unit performs processing based on the determination result of the determination unit, based on whether the specified product has been registered.

[0009] According to the above-mentioned commodity registration device, by performing processing based on the result of determination as to whether the member's age is above a predetermined age, the age confirmation operation when registering a predetermined commodity can be made more efficient.

[0010] The above-mentioned product registration device further includes a display processing unit configured to display a product registration image including a notification based on the determination result according to the determination result of the determination unit.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned commodity registration device, the age determination result can be easily confirmed.

[0012] In the above-mentioned commodity registration device, the processing performed when the determination result indicates that the age is above the prescribed age is to skip the processing of the age confirmation by the store clerk when the prescribed commodity is registered.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned commodity registration device, a store clerk does not need to perform age verification when a predetermined commodity is registered, thereby making it possible to improve the efficiency of the process when a predetermined commodity is registered.

[0014] In the above-mentioned commodity registration device, the commodity registration unit, when the judgment result indicates that the member is under the prescribed age, restricts the operations performed by the member based on the fact that the prescribed commodity has been registered, and the commodity registration unit enables the registration of other commodities based on the fact that the restrictions on the operations performed by the member have been lifted through the operation of the store clerk.

[0015] According to the above-mentioned commodity registration device, if the result of determination is that the member is under the prescribed age, the member's operation can be restricted until the employee's operation.

[0016] In the above-mentioned commodity registration device, the commodity registration unit, when the judgment result indicates that the member is under the prescribed age, restricts the operations performed by the member based on the fact that the prescribed commodity is registered, and the commodity registration unit deletes the registered prescribed commodity based on the fact that the restriction on the operations performed by the member has been lifted through the operation of the store clerk.

[0017] According to the above-mentioned commodity registration device, when the result of determination is that the person is under the prescribed age, the store clerk can accurately delete the registered prescribed commodity.

[0018] In the above-mentioned product registration device, the display processing unit displays the product registration image including a notification display area and a transaction detail display area. The notification display area displays a notification based on the determination result, and the transaction detail display area displays information related to transaction details.

[0019] According to the above-mentioned commodity registration device, the notification of the determination result can be confirmed together with the transaction details.

[0020] In the above-mentioned commodity registration device, the acquisition unit acquires the membership code from the code symbol read by the scanner, and acquires the member information corresponding to the acquired membership code from the server via the communication interface.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned product registration device, member information can be acquired from the server.

[0022] In the above-mentioned product registration device, the member information obtained by the acquisition unit includes purchase judgment data for determining whether a certain product among the specified products has been purchased in the past. The product registration unit, when the product with the input product code is the specified product and the judgment result of the judgment unit is above the specified age, refers to the purchase judgment data, and when no data indicating that a certain product among the specified products has been purchased in the past is stored, applies the discount to the specified product with the input product code and registers it, and stores the data indicating that a certain product among the specified products has been purchased in the purchase judgment data and sends it to the server.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned commodity registration device, a discount service can be provided as a celebration only when a member who is at least a predetermined age purchases a predetermined commodity for the first time.

[0024] In the above-mentioned commodity registration device, the commodity registration unit registers the commodity without referring to the purchase determination data when the commodity with the input commodity code is a predetermined commodity and the determination result of the determination unit is that the person is under a predetermined age.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned commodity registration device, when it is determined that a member under the prescribed age has read the commodity code of a prescribed commodity, the prescribed commodity can be registered without providing a discount service.

[0026] The storage medium of another aspect of the present invention stores programs for causing a computer to execute the following functions: an acquisition function for acquiring member information based on the member's member identification information; a determination function for determining whether the member's age is above a specified age based on the member information; and a product registration determination function for performing processing according to the determination result of the determination function based on whether the specified product has been registered.

[0027] According to the above-mentioned commodity registration device, a function can be provided to a computer, and the operation of age confirmation when registering a predetermined commodity can be made more efficient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a store system according to the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a server according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a POS terminal according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a display example of the POS terminal according to the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a display example of the POS terminal according to the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing in the store system according to the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the first process performed by the processing circuit of the POS terminal according to the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the second process performed by the processing circuit of the POS terminal according to the embodiment.

[0036] Description of Reference Numerals 1 Server 2 POS terminal 11 Processing circuit 12 Main memory 13 Auxiliary storage device 14 Communication interface 20 Processing circuit 21 Main memory 22 Auxiliary storage device 23 Change machine interface 24 Communication interface 25 Scanner 26 Input devices 27 Display devices 28 Printing devices 29 Reader 30 Voice output device 110 Acquisition unit (server acquisition unit) 111 Output unit 130 Member information storage area 201 Acquisition unit 202 Determination unit 203 Product registration unit 204 Display processing unit 205 Output unit 206 Settlement unit 221 Product master file storage area Aa Transaction details display area Ab Total amount display area Ara~Arb Notification display area Ima~Imb Product Registration Image NA Network S Store System X Store DETAILED DESCRIPTION Example

[0037] Below, the embodiment is described using the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each of the drawings used in the description of the following embodiment, the scale of each part can be appropriately changed. In addition, in each of the drawings used in the description of the following embodiment, for the convenience of explanation, there are cases where structures are omitted and shown.

[0038] Below, we will use a store that sells goods as an example. Assume the store is a physical store. Goods include not only tangible goods but also services, tickets, and other goods that are different from tangible goods. Services are services provided to customers. A store can be a store that primarily sells tangible goods or a store that primarily sells services. For example, a store that primarily sells tangible goods is a supermarket or a home improvement center, but is not limited to these. For example, a store that primarily sells services is a restaurant or a gym, but is not limited to these.

[0039] A commodity transaction occurs when a store sells goods and the customer pays the store a fee. From the store's perspective, a transaction means selling goods. From the customer's perspective, a transaction means purchasing goods.

[0040] For example, a store is operated by an operator. Operators can be of any type. For example, an operator may operate multiple stores. The term "operator" refers not only to the operator itself but also to a group of operators. A group of operators is a group that operates stores that are recognizable as a chain. For example, a group of operators is a group that operates stores under the same name. A group of operators can include franchisees in which the operator acts as a distributor. An operator is an example of an organization.

[0041] (Structure example) Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a store system S.

[0042] The store system S is a system used in the store X.

[0043] The store system S includes a server 1 and a POS terminal 2. The server 1 and the POS terminal 2 are connected to each other via a network NA for communication. For example, the network NA may be composed of one or more networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a local area network (LAN). The one or more networks may include both wireless networks and wired networks.

[0044] Figure 1 Although the example in which the store system S includes one POS terminal 2 is shown, the store system S may include a plurality of POS terminals including the POS terminal 2. The configurations of the plurality of POS terminals may be the same as that of the POS terminal 2.

[0045] Server 1 is a device capable of communicating with POS terminal 2 via network NA. Server 1 stores various types of information. For example, server 1 can communicate with devices installed in store X. Server 1 can also communicate with devices installed in store X and multiple other stores. Server 1 is an example of an information processing device. An example configuration of server 1 will be described later. Server 1 can also be a server used in a cloud service.

[0046] Server 1 is a device that stores information required for transactions at Store X. Server 1 is a device that stores information required for transactions at Store X and multiple other stores. For example, Server 1 stores user information for customers of Store X. Server 1 can also store user information for customers of multiple other stores. User information represents a customer's membership information. Member information includes data such as a member ID and attribute data. A member ID can be, for example, a code that uniquely identifies a customer as a member of a store. A member ID is also called a member code. A member code is an example of member identification information. In the following description, a customer can be understood as a user, consumer, or member.

[0047] POS terminal 2 is a device that processes transactions in store X. For example, POS terminal 2 has a product registration function. POS terminal 2 processes the registration of one or more products that are the subject of a transaction through the product registration function. Hereinafter, the registration of products is also referred to as product registration. The products that are the subject of a transaction are also referred to as transaction products. Product registration is the process of registering products as transaction products. For example, product registration includes the process of appending data related to transaction products to data related to the transaction. Data related to transaction products is also referred to as transaction product data. Transaction-related data can include transaction product data for each transaction product for a single transaction. Transaction-related data is also referred to as transaction data. POS terminal 2 can be operated by a user of POS terminal 2. Users of POS terminal 2 are mainly customers. POS terminal 2 is an example of a product registration device.

[0048] Transaction item data is detailed data regarding transaction items. This data may include the item code of the transaction item. The item code is identification information that uniquely identifies the transaction item. This data may also include the price of the transaction item. The price of a transaction item is the price per transaction item. This data may also include the number of transaction items. The number of transaction items refers to the number of transaction items included in a transaction.

[0049] Transaction item data may include information indicating the item type. The item type indicates the type of the item being notified. The item type is also referred to as the notification item type. Information indicating the item type includes information indicating whether the item is a notification item. A notification indicates that the notification item has been registered. A notification may include information indicating the type of the notification item. A notification is also referred to as a clerk call notification. A clerk call notification is used to notify the user of the POS terminal 2 that a clerk is being called. A notification may indicate that a clerk's response is required.

[0050] Notification-targeted products are products that require notification to store staff. Notification-targeted products are products that are the subject of a store staff call. Notification-targeted products are products that require a store staff response. Types of notification-targeted products include, for example, age-restricted products. Age-restricted products are products that have age restrictions on the customers who can purchase them. Age-restricted products include, for example, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes. Age-restricted products are also called products that require age verification (age verification products). A store staff's response to age-restricted products is to verify the customer's age, for example. "Response" can also be understood as "confirmation."

[0051] For example, transaction data is stored in a transaction management server that manages each transaction. The transaction management server may be the server 1 or a different server.

[0052] For example, POS terminal 2 has a settlement function. Using this function, POS terminal 2 processes transaction settlement based on transaction data. Settlement is payment for a transaction. Settlement means closing an account. Completion of settlement by POS terminal 2 signifies the transaction is complete. POS terminal 2 is an example of a settlement device with a settlement function.

[0053] Settlement methods used for transaction settlement include offline and online settlement. Offline settlement is settlement that does not require the POS terminal 2 to interact with other devices via the network NA. For example, offline settlement involves using cash, gift certificates, etc. Online settlement is settlement performed by the POS terminal 2 in conjunction with other devices via the network NA. For example, online payment settlement includes credit card settlement, electronic money settlement, debit card settlement, and code settlement.

[0054] A configuration example of the server 1 will be described.

[0055] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the server 1 .

[0056] The server 1 is a device including a processing circuit 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, and a communication interface 14. The components constituting the server 1 are connected to each other so that input and output signals are possible. Figure 2 In the , the interface is recorded as "I / F".

[0057] The processing circuit 11 is equivalent to the core part of the server 1. The processing circuit 11 is an element of the computer that constitutes the server 1. The processing circuit 11 includes one or more circuits that perform multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit is a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited to these. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited to these. The processing circuit 11 loads a program pre-stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that enables the processing circuit 11 to perform processes based on the various parts described later. The processing circuit 11 can perform various processes by executing the program loaded in the main memory 12.

[0058] The main memory 12 includes elements equivalent to the main storage portion of the server 1. It is a component of the computer of the POS terminal 2. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile storage area and a volatile storage area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system and programs in the nonvolatile storage area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile storage area as a workspace where data can be rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as the nonvolatile storage area and RAM (Random Access Memory) as the volatile storage area.

[0059] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 includes one or more storage devices. Examples of storage devices include, but are not limited to, EEPROM (registered trademark), Hard Disc Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), and flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the aforementioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 11 for various processes, and data generated by the processing circuit 11.

[0060] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a member information storage area 130. The member information storage area 130 stores member information. Specifically, the member information storage area 130 stores member attribute data (member information) associated with a member's membership code. The member information storage area 130 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting member information. Member information can be updated as appropriate. For example, age data can be automatically updated based on date of birth data. The member information storage area 130 is an example of the storage unit of the server 1.

[0061] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that connect the server 1 to other devices via the network NA in a communicable manner according to a predetermined communication protocol.

[0062] The hardware configuration of the server 1 is not limited to the above configuration. The server 1 can appropriately omit or modify the above components and can also add new components.

[0063] Each unit implemented by the processing circuit 11 will be described.

[0064] Processing circuit 11 implements acquisition unit 110 (server acquisition unit) and output unit 111. Each unit implemented by processing circuit 11 can also be referred to as a function. Each unit implemented by processing circuit 20 can also be implemented by a control unit including processing circuit 11 and main memory 12.

[0065] The acquisition unit 110 (server acquisition unit) acquires a member's attribute data. Attribute data may include name, date of birth, address, gender, and age. The acquisition unit 110 acquires attribute data via the communication interface 14 based on input data entered by, for example, a user terminal used by the customer. Examples of user terminals include smartphones and tablets. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 110 can acquire attribute data via the communication interface 14 based on images containing personal information captured by the user terminal. Attribute data is an example of member information. The acquisition unit 110 stores attribute data as member information in the member information storage area 130, corresponding to a member code, which serves as member identification information. The acquisition unit 110 updates member information based on the acquisition, update, and deletion of attribute data. The member information storage area 130 can store purchase determination data, used to determine whether age-verification products have been purchased in the past, as attribute data. The purchase determination data stores a flag of "1" to indicate past purchase of a particular age-verification product, and a flag of "0" to indicate no past purchase of an age-verification product.

[0066] The output unit 111 outputs the member information to the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. For example, the output unit 111 may output the member information in response to a request from the POS terminal 2.

[0067] An example configuration of the POS terminal 2 will be described.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the POS terminal 2 .

[0069] The POS terminal 2 includes a processing circuit 20, a main memory 21, an auxiliary storage device 22, a change machine interface 23, a communication interface 24, a scanner 25, an input device 26, a display device 27, a printer 28, a reader 29, and a voice output device 30. The main memory 21, the auxiliary storage device 22, the change machine interface 23, the communication interface 24, the scanner 25, the input device 26, the display device 27, the printer 28, the reader 29, and the voice output device 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. Figure 3 In the , the interface is recorded as "I / F".

[0070] The processing circuit 20 is the core component of the POS terminal 2. It is a component of the computer that constitutes the POS terminal 2. The processing circuit 20 has the same hardware configuration as the processing circuit 11 described above. The processing circuit 20 executes programs pre-stored in the main memory 21 or the auxiliary storage device 22 to perform various processes.

[0071] The main memory 21 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the POS terminal 2. The main memory 21 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned main memory 12. The main memory 21 stores programs.

[0072] The auxiliary storage device 22 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 22 has the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 22 stores the aforementioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 20 for various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 20.

[0073] The auxiliary storage device 22 includes a product master file storage area 221. The product master file storage area 221 stores product master files. Data in the product master file storage area 221 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting product master files. The product master file data includes information related to each product, such as the product code, price, and product name. The product master file data may also include information indicating the type of each product. The type can be set for each product, for each product type, or for each department. The product master file storage area 221 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 2.

[0074] The change dispenser interface 23 exchanges data signals with the automatic change dispenser. For example, the change dispenser interface 23 receives deposited amount data from the automatic change dispenser. The change dispenser interface 23 outputs the change amount data to the automatic change dispenser. The automatic change dispenser then dispenses banknotes or coins corresponding to the change amount based on the change amount data.

[0075] The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that connect the POS terminal 2 to other devices via the network NA in a communicable manner according to a predetermined communication protocol.

[0076] The scanner 25 is a device that reads various code symbols and obtains information from them. For example, the code symbol may be a barcode symbol or a QR code symbol. Code symbols may include product code symbols that store product codes. Product code symbols are images attached to products. Code symbols may also include code symbols that store membership codes. Membership codes are identification information that uniquely identifies a member. Code symbols that store membership codes may be images attached to cards or displayed on the customer's terminal. Code symbols may also include code symbols used for payment processing.

[0077] The input device 26 is a device capable of inputting information to the POS terminal 2. For example, the input device 26 may include a keyboard. The input device 26 may constitute a touch screen together with the display device 27.

[0078] Display device 27 is a device that can display various images under the control of processing circuit 20. Display device 27 is a customer-use display device primarily used for visual recognition by customers. For example, display device 27 may be a liquid crystal display or an EL (electroluminescence) display. Display device 27 is an example of a display unit.

[0079] Printing device 28 is a device that prints transaction details onto a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, printing device 28 is a thermal printer or inkjet printer. The transaction details are a medium that displays the transaction details. Although described as a receipt, the transaction details may also be a receipt with a field for the recipient.

[0080] For example, transaction details include information related to the store where the transaction took place, information related to the date and time of the transaction, and all or part of the transaction-related information. Transaction details may include information other than this information. For example, information related to the store where the transaction took place includes the store's name. Information related to the store where the transaction took place may include information other than this information. For example, information related to the date and time of the transaction includes the date and time of the transaction. Information related to the date and time of the transaction may include information other than this information.

[0081] For example, transaction-related information includes information related to each transaction item. This information includes all or part of the item code, item name, item price, number of items, item amount, and item type. Information related to the transaction item also includes information other than this information.

[0082] The transaction-related information may include the total transaction amount. The transaction-related information may include the payment amount. The payment amount is the payment amount for the transaction paid using the settlement method selected by the customer.

[0083] Reader 29 is a device that reads card data stored on a card medium. Reader 29 may be a contact reader that reads card data stored on the card medium's magnetic stripe. Reader 29 may also include a contactless reader that reads card data stored on an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag on the card medium. An IC tag includes an IC chip and an antenna.

[0084] The voice output device 30 is a device that can output various voices under the control of the processing circuit 20. For example, the voice output device 30 is a speaker.

[0085] The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2 is not limited to the configuration described above, and the POS terminal 2 can appropriately omit or modify the above-described components, or add new components.

[0086] Each unit implemented by the processing circuit 20 will be described.

[0087] The processing circuit 20 implements an acquisition unit 201, a determination unit 202, a product registration unit 203, a display processing unit 204, an output unit 205, and a settlement unit 206. Each unit implemented by the processing circuit 20 may also be referred to as a unit or a function. Each unit implemented by the processing circuit 20 may also be implemented by a control unit including the processing circuit 20 and the main memory 21.

[0088] The acquisition unit 201 acquires a product code based on the product code symbol. The acquisition unit 201 can acquire product-related information from a server that manages product information based on the product code. The acquisition unit 201 acquires a customer's membership code (this refers to the case where the product code is input). For example, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the membership code stored in the code symbol based on the code symbol read by a scanner 25 or the like. Based on the membership code, the acquisition unit 201 acquires the customer's membership information corresponding to the membership code from the server 1 via the communication interface 14.

[0089] The determination unit 202 determines whether the customer's age is above the prescribed age based on the member information. The prescribed age indicates, for example, the age at which age-verified products can be purchased. For example, the prescribed age is 20 years old. The prescribed age can be pre-set by the administrator of the store system S, etc. The prescribed age can be updated by the administrator of the store system S, etc. The determination unit 202 can determine whether the customer's age is above the prescribed age based on the information indicating the age included in the member information. The determination unit 202 can determine whether the customer's age is above the prescribed age based on the information indicating the date of birth included in the member information. The determination unit 202 can save the determination result in the auxiliary storage device 22. The determination unit 202 can save the determination result as transaction data. The determination result includes the case where the age is above the prescribed age or the case where the age is below the prescribed age. The determination unit 202 can save the determination result as a determination flag. For example, when the age is above the prescribed age, the determination flag can be set to "1", and when the age is below the prescribed age, the determination flag can be set to "0".

[0090] The product registration unit 203 processes the registration of one or more transaction products. Based on the data in the product master file stored in the product master file storage area 221, the product registration unit 203 determines whether the product with the input product code is a specified product. If the product with the input product code is a specified product, the specified service is provided to the eligible customer. Specified products include age verification products. The product registration unit 203 performs processing based on the determination result of the determination unit 202, based on whether the specified product is registered.

[0091] The processing according to the determination result includes a case where the age confirmation process is skipped when the customer is over the specified age. The case where the age confirmation process is skipped includes a case where the age confirmation process is not required. The case where the age confirmation process is skipped includes a case where the age confirmation process is omitted. The case where the age confirmation process is skipped may include a case where the age confirmation process is set to be completed. The case where the age confirmation process is set to be completed includes, for example, a case where the age confirmation product is set to have completed age confirmation. The case where the age confirmation is set to have completed age confirmation may include, for example, a case where an age confirmation flag is set. For example, the age confirmation flag is set to "1" when age confirmation is completed and is set to "0" when age confirmation is required. The case where age confirmation is completed or the case where age confirmation is completed corresponds to the case where age confirmation is not required.

[0092] Processing based on the determination result includes performing age verification processing if the customer is under a specified age. The age verification processing includes outputting a staff call notification. The staff call notification includes a message indicating that a staff call is in progress. The message may be a text message such as "Staff is on their way." Outputting the staff call notification includes outputting a staff call notification display instruction. The staff call notification display instruction is an instruction for displaying the staff call notification on the display device 27. The staff call notification display instruction may include information indicating the type of product.

[0093] Furthermore, processing based on the determination result may include setting a process for a customer's first purchase (registration) of an age-verified product. Specifically, whether a customer is registering for an age-verified product for the first time is determined based on purchase determination data from customers who have already completed age verification and do not need to undergo age verification by a store employee. A "0" is stored in the purchase determination data, indicating the customer is registering for an age-verified product for the first time. When an age-verified product is registered for the first time, a "1" is stored in the purchase determination data corresponding to the customer's membership code in member information storage area 130, indicating that the age-verified product has been purchased. Furthermore, to celebrate reaching the age at which age-verified products can be purchased, age-verified products registered for the first time are registered at a discount. The discount rate is, for example, 10%.

[0094] Outputting the employee call notification includes outputting the employee call notification to an attendant terminal (not shown). The attendant terminal is, for example, a device used by an employee at store X. The attendant terminal is a device capable of communicating with the POS terminal 2 via a network. For example, the network is a LAN (Local Area Network). The attendant terminal can be a tablet terminal, smartphone, or PC, but may also be a dedicated device.

[0095] The age verification process includes a process for restricting operations on the POS terminal 2. This process of restricting operations is also called operation restriction. Examples of operation restrictions include processes such as screen locks that restrict touch inputs and other operations performed by customers via input devices. Operation restrictions also include processes that restrict product registration and payment operations performed by customers.

[0096] The product registration unit 203 removes operational restrictions based on the employee's operation. This includes removing the employee's call notification. This includes hiding the employee's call notification. This includes enabling touch input and other operations by the customer. This includes enabling customer product registration and checkout. The product registration unit 203 can enable registration of additional products based on the employee's operation removing the operational restrictions. For example, the product registration unit 203 can complete age verification based on the employee's operation.

[0097] The product registration unit 203 cancels the product registration based on the removal of the operation restriction by the store clerk. Cancellation includes deleting the registered product. Cancellation includes deleting the transaction product data of the corresponding product from the transaction data.

[0098] Based on the determination result of the determination unit 202, the display processing unit 204 displays a product registration image including a notification based on the determination result on the display device 27. The product registration image is an image used for product registration. The notification based on the determination result includes a message indicating whether the customer's age is above a specified age. The message may be a text message such as "Age Verification Completed," "Age Verification Not Required," "Under 20 Years Old," or "Age Verification Required."

[0099] The display processing unit 204 displays the store clerk call notification on the display device 27. The display processing unit 204 may display the store clerk call notification as a pop-up display on the display device 27. In addition to or instead of the text message, the display processing unit 204 may also output the store clerk call notification as a voice output via the voice output device 30. In addition to or instead of the text message, the display processing unit 204 may light or flash a warning light connected to the POS terminal 2.

[0100] The output unit 205 outputs the membership code to the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The output unit 205 can also output a store clerk call notification to the waiter terminal via the communication interface 24. The output unit 205 can also output transaction data to the server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0101] The Settlement Department 206 processes the settlement of transactions and issues bills.

[0102] (Display example) The image displayed on the display device 27 of the POS terminal 2 will be described.

[0103] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a display example of the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment.

[0104] Figure 4 This figure shows a product registration image Ima displayed on the display device 27. The product registration image Ima is an example of an image for customers over a specified age. The product registration image Ima is displayed when the membership code is read by the POS terminal 2 before product registration and the customer is over a specified age. The product registration image Ima includes a notification display area Ara, a transaction detail display area Aa, and a total amount display area Ab.

[0105] The notification display area Ara is an area where notification based on age is displayed. The notification based on age is a notification based on the determination result of the determination unit 202. Figure 4 In this example, assume that the POS terminal 2 determines that the customer's age is above a specified age. The notification display area Ara includes a message indicating "Age Verification Completed." The display device 27 can temporarily display the age-based notification or display it before completing product registration. Furthermore, the age-based notification is not limited to a text message and can also be an icon, mark, symbol, or other form. The age-based notification can also be a video.

[0106] The transaction details display area Aa is an area for displaying information related to transaction details.

[0107] The total amount display area Ab is an area for displaying the total amount of the registered commodities.

[0108] According to this example, the processing circuit 20 can notify the customer of the result of determining the customer's age based on the membership information. Therefore, the customer can recognize that the age has been confirmed. As a result, the store system S can improve the convenience of customers in registering goods.

[0109] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a display example of the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment.

[0110] Figure 5 This figure shows a product registration image Imb displayed on the display device 27. The product registration image Imb is an example of an image for those under the specified age. The product registration image Imb is displayed when the membership code is read by the POS terminal 2 before product registration and the customer is under the specified age. The product registration image Imb includes a notification display area Arb, a transaction details display area Aa, and a total amount display area Ab.

[0111] The notification display area Arb is an area showing notification based on age. The notification based on age is a notification based on the determination result of the determination unit 202. Figure 5 In this example, assume that POS terminal 2 determines that the customer's age is under the specified age. The notification display area Arb includes a message stating "Under 20 years old, age verification required." Display device 27 can temporarily display the age-related notification or display it before completing product registration. Furthermore, the age-related notification is not limited to text messages; it can also be an icon, mark, symbol, or other form. The age-related notification can also be a video.

[0112] The transaction details display area Aa is an area for displaying information related to transaction details.

[0113] The total amount display area Ab is an area for displaying the total amount of the registered commodities.

[0114] In this example, the processing circuit 20 can notify customers of the results of their age determination based on their membership information. This allows customers to recognize the need for age verification when purchasing age-verified products. This improves the convenience of product registration for customers in the store system S.

[0115] (Action example) The processing of the store system S will be described.

[0116] In the following description, the server 1 is mainly used as the main component, and the server 1 can be understood as the processing circuit 11. Similarly, in the description, the POS terminal 2 is mainly used as the main component, and the POS terminal 2 can be understood as the processing circuit 20.

[0117] The processing steps described below are merely examples, and each process can be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, regarding the processing steps described below, steps can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate according to the embodiment.

[0118] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing in the store system S according to the embodiment.

[0119] In the following process, it is assumed that the user (customer) of the POS terminal 2 is shopping at store X and registering products at the POS terminal 2. In the following process, it is assumed that the specified age is 20. It is assumed that the specified product is an age-verified product.

[0120] For example, when registering a product, the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 displays a membership code request message on the display device 27, requesting the customer's membership code. The membership code request message may include, for example, a message such as "Please scan your membership card." The membership code request message may include at least one of text data, image data, voice data, or video data. Furthermore, the processing circuit 20 may read the customer's membership code via a camera, etc. The customer causes the membership code to be read based on the membership code request message.

[0121] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 obtains a membership code (ACT 1). ACT 1 may be performed by the obtaining unit 201 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, in ACT 1, the processing circuit 20 obtains the membership code based on a code symbol containing the membership code, read by the scanner 25. The processing circuit 20 outputs the membership code to the server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0122] The processing circuit 11 of the server 1 obtains the membership code from the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 14. This process may be performed by the obtaining unit 110 (server obtaining unit) implemented by the processing circuit 11. The processing circuit 11 obtains the membership information stored in the member information storage area 130 based on the membership code.

[0123] Processing circuit 11 outputs the membership code, along with the membership information associated with the membership code, to POS terminal 2 via communication interface 14 (ACT 11). The processing in ACT 11 may be performed by output unit 111 implemented by processing circuit 11. Alternatively, processing circuit 11 may output only the data required for age determination, along with the membership code, to POS terminal 2. The data required for age determination may include, for example, date of birth data or age data from attribute data. Furthermore, purchase determination data may be output.

[0124] The processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 obtains member information based on the member code (ACT 2). ACT 2 may be performed by the acquisition unit 201 implemented by the processing circuit 20. In ACT 2, for example, the processing circuit 20 obtains member information associated with the member code from the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The processing circuit 20 stores the obtained member code and member information in the auxiliary storage device 22. The stored member information includes the obtained date of birth data or age data, as well as purchase determination data.

[0125] The processing circuit 20 determines whether the customer's age is above a prescribed age based on the membership information (ACT 3). The processing in ACT 3 may be performed by the determination unit 202 implemented by the processing circuit 20. In ACT 3, for example, the processing circuit 20 determines whether the customer's age is above a prescribed age based on age information included in the membership information. Alternatively, the processing circuit 20 may determine whether the customer's age is above a prescribed age based on information indicating their date of birth.

[0126] If the customer's age is above the prescribed age (ACT3: YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4.

[0127] The processing circuit 20 executes a first process (ACT 4 ) based on the fact that the customer is older than a specified age. The first process is a process related to product registration when the customer is older than a specified age. An example of the first process will be described later.

[0128] If the customer is under the prescribed age (ACT3: No), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT5.

[0129] The processing circuit 20 executes the second process (ACT 5 ) based on the fact that the customer is under a prescribed age. The second process is a process related to product registration when the customer is under a prescribed age. An example of the second process will be described later.

[0130] Based on the receipt of the settlement instruction, the processing circuit 20 performs settlement processing (ACT 6). ACT 6 may be performed by the settlement unit 206 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, in ACT 6, the processing circuit 20 performs settlement processing for the transaction based on the settlement method and terminates the process. The processing circuit 20 may also issue a receipt.

[0131] In this example, POS terminal 2 retrieves membership information from server 1 based on the customer's membership code, determines whether the customer is over 20 years old based on the membership information, and then takes action based on the determination result, depending on whether an age-verification product is registered. Therefore, POS terminal 2 can perform different actions depending on whether an age-verification product is registered. For example, POS terminal 2 can skip the age verification process if the customer is over 20 years old, even if an age-verification product is registered. If the customer is over 20 years old, the clerk does not need to confirm the customer's personal information. This allows POS terminal 2 to streamline the process when age-verification products are registered. In this way, POS terminal 2 can facilitate the verification of personal information.

[0132] Furthermore, when a customer aged 20 or over registers for age-verification products, customers who have not previously registered for age-verification products can receive a discount on the products and register them. This allows stores to celebrate customers reaching the age at which they can purchase age-verification products. Prescribed services can be provided to customers registering for age-verification products for the first time. These prescribed services are only performed once. No discount will be provided the second time the customer registers for age-verification products. The prescribed services will also not be provided after the second registration. This allows stores to provide prescribed services related to age-verification products.

[0133] In addition, services including discounts on regular products related to birthdays can be provided arbitrarily through other channels.

[0134] An example of the first process in ACT 4 described above will be described.

[0135] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an example of the first process of the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment.

[0136] The processing circuit 20 displays an image for those over the specified age on the display device 27 (ACT 41). The image for those over the specified age is an example of a product registration image that includes a notification based on the determination result. ACT 41 may be performed by the display processing unit 204 implemented by the processing circuit 20. In ACT 41, for example, the processing circuit 20 generates a product registration image that includes a notification based on the determination result, based on the determination result of "above the specified age." The notification based on the determination result includes a message indicating that the customer's age is over the specified age. For example, the message may be "Age verification completed" or "Age verification not required."

[0137] The processing circuit 20 determines whether the customer has input a checkout instruction (ACT 42). ACT 42 may be processed by the settlement unit 206 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, in ACT 42, the processing circuit 20 determines whether a checkout instruction has been received based on the customer's operation. For example, the user's operation may be the pressing of a checkout button. If a checkout instruction has been received (ACT 42: Yes), the process ends. If no checkout instruction has been received (ACT 42: No), the process transitions from ACT 42 to ACT 43.

[0138] The processing circuit 20 performs product registration (ACT 43). ACT 43 may be performed by the product registration unit 203 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, in ACT 43, the processing circuit 20 registers the product based on a product registration operation performed by a user at the POS terminal 2. For example, the product registration operation may include scanning a code symbol attached to the product using the scanner 25. The product registration operation may also include selecting a product registration button on the product registration image through touch input or other means. The processing circuit 20 obtains the product code stored in the code symbol (inputs the product code). The processing circuit 20 references the product master file stored in the product master file storage area 221 and obtains transaction product data for the product corresponding to the product code. The transaction product data includes data such as the product code, product name, product price, and product quantity. The transaction product data may include information indicating the type of the product to be notified. The product corresponding to the product code is also referred to as the transaction product. Alternatively, the processing circuit 20 may reference the product master file stored in the server 1 to obtain transaction product data for the product corresponding to the product code.

[0139] The processing circuit 20 determines whether the transaction product is a specified product (ACT 44). ACT 44 may be performed by the product registration unit 203 implemented by the processing circuit 20. In ACT 44, for example, the processing circuit 20 determines whether the transaction product is a specified product based on information indicating the product type. If the transaction product is a specified product (ACT 44: Yes), the process transitions from ACT 44 to ACT 45. If the transaction product is not a specified product (ACT 44: No), the process returns from ACT 44 to ACT 42.

[0140] The processing circuit 20 sets the age verification completed for the transaction item (ACT 45). ACT 45 may be performed by the item registration unit 203 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, in ACT 45, if the transaction item is a specified item, the processing circuit 20 may skip the age verification process based on the customer's age being above the specified age. For example, if the transaction item is a specified item, the processing circuit 20 may refer to the determination result stored in the auxiliary storage device. The processing circuit 20 skips the age verification process for the transaction item based on the determination result indicating that the customer's age is above the specified age. In one example, the processing circuit 20 skips the age verification process for the transaction item. For example, the processing circuit 20 does not perform age verification on the transaction item. In another example, the processing circuit 20 sets the age verification completed for the transaction item. The processing circuit 20 may set the age verification completed in the transaction item data of the transaction item. For example, the processing circuit 20 may set an age verification flag in the transaction item data.

[0141] According to this example, the POS terminal 2 displays a product registration image including a notification based on the determination result, depending on the determination result. The POS terminal 2 can display different displays based on the determination result. For example, if the determination result is "20 years or older," the POS terminal 2 displays a product registration image including a notification indicating that age verification has been completed on the display device 27. This allows customers to easily recognize that age verification has been completed. The POS terminal 2 can improve customer convenience. Furthermore, the POS terminal 2 skips the age verification process for age-verification products based on the determination result of "20 years or older." Therefore, the POS terminal 2 can skip the age verification process based on the fact that the age-verification product has already been registered. Even if the age-verification product has already been registered, the POS terminal 2 does not issue a staff call notification. Customers do not need to wait for the staff to verify their age. Staff do not need to verify personal information if the customer is 20 years or older. The POS terminal 2 can simplify the process of registering age-verification products. This makes the process of registering age-verification products more efficient. In this way, the POS terminal 2 can facilitate the process of verifying personal information.

[0142] Furthermore, before registering a product, the following processing can be performed to register the product. This is the processing in ACT 43. When a product code is entered, the product registration unit 203 determines whether the product with the entered product code is an age-verification product. If the product with the entered product code is an age-verification product and the determination unit 202 determines "20 years or older," the purchase determination data stored in the auxiliary storage device is referenced. If the purchase determination data does not contain data "1" indicating that the customer has previously purchased a certain age-verification product (which may be a different age-verification product from the product with the entered product code), this indicates that the customer is purchasing an age-verification product for the first time. When purchasing an age-verification product for the first time, a prescribed service is provided. Specifically, a prescribed discount is applied to the entered age-verification product and the product is registered. Furthermore, the age-verification product determined to have been purchased in the past does not necessarily have to be the same age-verification product as the entered age-verification product. Furthermore, "1" is stored in the purchase determination data. The customer's membership code and the purchase determination data containing data "1" indicating that the customer has purchased the age-verification product are then transmitted to the server 1. Upon receiving the membership code and purchase determination data, server 1 stores "1" in the purchase determination data corresponding to the customer's membership code in member information storage area 130, indicating that the customer has purchased a certain age-verification product. This allows the customer to receive the specified service the first time they register (purchase) the age-verification product. Since the purchase determination data is "1," the customer will be charged the normal price for age-verification products from the second and subsequent times.

[0143] After this registration, execute ACT 44.

[0144] An example of the second process in the above-mentioned ACT 5 will be described.

[0145] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the second process performed by the processing circuit 20 of the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment.

[0146] The processing circuit 20 displays an image indicating that the customer is under the specified age on the display device 27 (ACT 51). The image indicating that the customer is under the specified age is an example of a product registration image that includes a notification based on the determination result. ACT 51 may be performed by the display processing unit 204 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, in ACT 51, the processing circuit 20 generates a product registration image that includes a notification based on the determination result, based on the determination result being "under the specified age." The notification based on the determination result includes a message indicating that the customer is under the specified age. For example, the message may be something like "Under 20 years old, age verification required."

[0147] The processing circuit 20 determines whether the customer has input a checkout instruction in the same manner as in ACT 42 (ACT 52). ACT 52 may be performed by the settlement unit 206 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, in ACT 52, the processing circuit 20 determines whether a checkout instruction has been received based on the customer's operation. If a checkout instruction has been received (ACT 52: Yes), the process ends. If no checkout instruction has been received (ACT 52: No), the process transitions from ACT 52 to ACT 53.

[0148] The processing circuit 20 performs a commodity registration process (ACT 53 ) in the same manner as ACT 43 . ACT 53 may be a process performed by the commodity registration unit 203 implemented by the processing circuit 20 .

[0149] The processing circuit 20 determines whether the transaction product is a specified product in the same manner as in ACT 44 (ACT 54). ACT 54 may be performed by the product registration unit 203 implemented by the processing circuit 20. In ACT 54, for example, the processing circuit 20 determines whether the transaction product is a specified product based on information indicating the product type. If the transaction product is a specified product (ACT 54: Yes), the process transitions from ACT 54 to ACT 55. If the transaction product is not a specified product (ACT 54: No), the process returns from ACT 54 to ACT 52.

[0150] The processing circuit 20 displays a staff call notification related to the transaction item on the display device 27 (ACT 55). ACT 55 may be performed by the display processing unit 204 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, in ACT 55, if the transaction item is a specified item, the processing circuit 20 displays the staff call notification on the display device 27 based on the customer's age being under the specified age. The customer cannot cancel the staff call notification displayed on the display device 27. The staff can cancel the notification by an action of the staff. Alternatively, the processing circuit 20 may output the staff call notification to the attendant terminal. This process may be performed by the output unit 205 implemented by the processing circuit 20. The attendant terminal may display the staff call notification on the display device.

[0151] Furthermore, for example, in ACT 55, the processing circuit 20 may perform a process for restricting operations in the POS terminal 2. The process for restricting operations may be performed by the product registration unit 203 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, if the customer is under a specified age, the processing circuit 20 may restrict the customer's operations based on the fact that a specified product has been registered.

[0152] The processing circuit 20 performs processing (ACT 56) based on the clerk's operation. The processing in ACT 56 may be processing performed by the product registration unit 203 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, in ACT 56, the processing circuit 20 performs processing to remove the operation restriction based on the clerk's operation. The processing circuit 20 hides the clerk call notification. For example, the clerk reads the clerk code via the scanner 25 or the reader 29 in the POS terminal 2 that displays the clerk call notification. The clerk code is, for example, a code symbol representing identification information for identifying the clerk. The POS terminal 2 can accept the clerk's operation based on the reading of the clerk code. The POS terminal 2 accepts an instruction to remove the notification based on the clerk's operation. The POS terminal 2 hides the clerk call notification based on the removal instruction. In addition, the POS terminal 2 can also enable the customer to perform operations such as touch input based on the removal instruction.

[0153] Furthermore, for example, in ACT 56, the processing circuit 20 may enable registration of other transaction items based on the fact that operational restrictions have been lifted by a store clerk's operation. These other transaction items are items that the customer registers after the specified item. This processing may be performed by the item registration unit 203 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, the processing circuit 20 may determine registration of the specified item based on the store clerk's operation. For example, if the store clerk determines that the sale of age-verified items is permitted, the processing circuit 20 may enable registration of other transaction items based on the store clerk's operation. For example, if the customer's age differs from the age based on the member information, or if the age of the customer's companion is above the specified age, the store clerk may perform age verification and permit the sale of age-verified items. In this case, the processing circuit 20 may register the other transaction items based on the store clerk's operation. Furthermore, the processing circuit 20 may remove operational restrictions through the store clerk's operation and determine registration of the specified item based on the fact that a confirmation instruction to register has been received.

[0154] In addition, the following processing can be performed before registering the product. This is the processing of ACT53. When the product code is input, the product registration unit 203 determines whether the product with the input product code is an age-verified product. If the product with the input product code is an age-verified product and the determination result of the determination unit 202 is "under 20 years old", registration is performed without determining whether a certain age-verified product has been purchased in the past based on the purchase determination data. In other words, registration is performed without determining whether the age-verified product is registered for the first time. Although the clerk allows the sale of age-verified products, because the age data corresponding to the member code cannot correctly determine whether the customer is of the age that can register for age-verified products, the prescribed celebration service is not provided to the customer. Accordingly, the input of correct age data can be promoted. After this, ACT54 is executed.

[0155] Furthermore, for example, in ACT 56, the processing circuit 20 may cancel the registration of a transaction item in response to a store clerk's operation. This process may be performed by the product registration unit 203 implemented by the processing circuit 20. For example, the processing circuit 20 may delete a registered predetermined product based on the removal of operational restrictions in response to a store clerk's operation. For example, if a store clerk determines that the sale of an age-verified product is not permitted, the processing circuit 20 may delete the transaction item data for the transaction item in response to the store clerk's operation.

[0156] According to this example, the POS terminal 2 displays a product registration image including a notification based on the determination result according to the determination result. The POS terminal 2 can display differently based on the determination result. For example, when the determination result is "under 20 years old", the POS terminal 2 displays a product registration image including a notification indicating that age confirmation is required on the display device 27. Therefore, customers can easily recognize that age confirmation is required when registering age-confirmed products. The POS terminal 2 can improve customer convenience. In addition, the POS terminal 2 performs age confirmation processing based on the determination result being "under 20 years old". Therefore, the POS terminal 2 can issue a clerk call notification based on the fact that an age-confirmed product has been registered by a customer under 20 years old. The POS terminal 2 can reliably perform age confirmation processing for customers under 20 years old.

[0157] Furthermore, if the customer is under 20 years old, the POS terminal 2 restricts the customer's operations based on the fact that age-verified products are registered. However, the restrictions are lifted based on the employee's operation, allowing the registration of other transaction items. Therefore, even if the customer's membership information determines that they are under the specified age, if the employee's age confirmation permits the sale of age-verified products, the processing circuit 20 can register other transaction items based on the employee's operation. This improves the convenience of customers purchasing age-verified products.

[0158] Furthermore, the POS terminal 2 can delete the registration of age-verified products through the store clerk's operation. Therefore, based on age verification, the POS terminal 2 can prevent the sale of age-verified products to customers under the age of 20. This allows the POS terminal 2 to assist in the process of verifying personal information.

[0159] (Other embodiments) The commodity registration device may be realized by a single device as described using the POS terminal 2 as an example, or may be realized by a plurality of devices with dispersed functions.

[0160] The above description uses the example of a POS terminal 2 that enables customers to complete everything from product registration to payment. However, this is not a limitation. The user of POS terminal 2 may be a store clerk. POS terminal 2 may be a shopping cart system with product registration functionality. POS terminal 2 may be a smartphone POS terminal that allows customers to register products using their own mobile devices. POS terminal 2 may also be a POS terminal where only store clerks perform product registration. In these cases, the functions of the settlement unit 206 can be implemented in the settlement device that performs the settlement processing.

[0161] When the server includes the functions of the POS terminal 2, the server may be a commodity registration device. In addition, the functions of the POS terminal 2 may be realized by a system of the server and a tablet terminal connected in a communicable manner.

[0162] The above embodiments can be applied to a method executed by a device, a program that can cause a computer of a device to execute various functions, or a storage medium that stores the program.

[0163] Each of the one or more circuits comprising the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a portion of the multiple processes. The portion of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or distributed across multiple devices.

[0164] The program can be transferred either stored in the device involved in the embodiments or not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program can be transferred either via a network or stored in a storage medium. A storage medium is a non-transitory, tangible medium. A storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any form of computer-readable medium, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its format is not limited.

[0165] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are intended to be within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0166] The above embodiment can be expressed as follows.

[0167] (1) A commodity registration device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires member information based on the member identification information of the member; a determination unit that determines whether the member is older than a predetermined age based on the member information; and The commodity registration unit performs processing according to the determination result of the determination unit based on the fact that a predetermined commodity is registered.

[0168] (2) The commodity registration device according to (1), further comprising: The display processing unit displays, based on the determination result of the determination unit, a product registration image including a notification based on the determination result.

[0169] (3) The commodity registration device according to (1), wherein: The processing performed when the determination result indicates that the age is above a predetermined age is to skip the processing of the age confirmation by the store clerk when the predetermined product is registered.

[0170] (4) The commodity registration device according to (1), wherein: The product registration unit, when the determination result indicates that the member is under a prescribed age, restricts operations performed by the member based on the fact that the prescribed product is registered. The product registration unit enables registration of other products based on the fact that the restriction on the operation by the member has been lifted by the operation of the store clerk.

[0171] (5) The commodity registration device according to (1), wherein: The product registration unit, when the determination result indicates that the member is under a prescribed age, restricts operations performed by the member based on the fact that the prescribed product is registered. The product registration unit deletes the registered predetermined product based on the fact that the restriction on the operation by the member has been released by an operation of a store clerk.

[0172] (6) An information processing program that enables a computer to perform any of the following functions: The acquisition function obtains member information based on the member's member identification information; a determination function for determining whether the member's age is above a prescribed age based on the member information; and The commodity registration determination function performs processing according to the determination result of the determination function based on the fact that a predetermined commodity is registered.

Claims

1. A commodity registration device, characterized in that: include: an acquisition unit that acquires member information based on the member identification information of the member; a determination unit that determines whether the age of the member is above a predetermined age based on the member information; as well as The commodity registration unit performs processing according to the determination result of the determination unit based on the fact that a predetermined commodity is registered.

2. The commodity registration device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: The display processing unit displays a product registration image including a notification based on the determination result according to the determination result of the determination unit.

3. The commodity registration device according to claim 1, wherein: The processing performed when the determination result indicates that the age is above a predetermined age is to skip the processing of the age confirmation by the store clerk when the predetermined product is registered.

4. The commodity registration device according to claim 1, wherein: The product registration unit, when the determination result indicates that the member is under a prescribed age, restricts operations performed by the member based on the fact that the prescribed product is registered. The product registration unit enables registration of other products based on the fact that the restriction on the operation by the member has been lifted by the operation of the store clerk.

5. The commodity registration device according to claim 1, wherein: The product registration unit, when the determination result indicates that the member is under a prescribed age, restricts operations performed by the member based on the fact that the prescribed product is registered. The product registration unit deletes the registered predetermined product based on the fact that the restriction on the operation by the member has been released by an operation of a store clerk.

6. The commodity registration device according to claim 2, wherein: The display processing unit displays a product registration image including a notification display area and a transaction detail display area. The notification display area displays a notification based on the determination result, and the transaction detail display area displays information related to transaction details.

7. The commodity registration device according to claim 4, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires a membership code from the code symbol read by the scanner, and acquires member information corresponding to the acquired membership code from the server via the communication interface.

8. The commodity registration device according to claim 7, wherein: The member information acquired by the acquisition unit includes purchase determination data for determining whether a certain product among predetermined products has been purchased in the past. The product registration unit, when the product with the input product code is a specified product and the determination result of the determination unit is above the specified age, refers to the purchase determination data, and if no data indicating that one of the specified products has been purchased in the past is stored, applies the discount to the specified product with the input product code and registers it, and stores the data indicating that one of the specified products has been purchased in the purchase determination data and sends it to the server.

9. The commodity registration device according to claim 8, wherein: The product registration unit registers the product without referring to the purchase determination data when the product of the input product code is a predetermined product and the determination result of the determination unit is that the user is under a predetermined age.

10. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform the following functions: The acquisition function obtains member information based on the member's member identification information; a determination function for determining whether the member's age is above a prescribed age based on the member information; and The commodity registration determination function performs processing according to the determination result of the determination function based on whether a predetermined commodity has been registered.

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