System, transaction information management device, and program

Abstract

To prevent injustice of purchasing an age confirmation commodity by using an authentication medium of another person.SOLUTION: A system includes an information processing device and a transaction information management device. The information processing device performs a transaction of a commodity. The transaction information management device monitors the information processing device. The transaction information management device includes acquisition means, restriction acceptance means, and control means. The acquisition means acquires from the information processing device transaction information indicating that there is a transaction of an age confirmation commodity. The restriction acceptance means accepts input of restricting transaction processing in response to acquisition of the transaction information. The control means issues an instruction to the information processing device to restrict the transaction processing in response to the restriction acceptance means accepting the input. The information processing device includes restriction means for restricting the transaction processing in response to the instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a transaction information management device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, stores and the like have handled products such as alcohol and tobacco whose sales are regulated depending on the age of the customer (age verification products). When purchasing an age verification product, age verification is performed. A related technology is a Point of Sales (POS) terminal that prompts customers to select whether they are in their 20s or 30s or older, and only those who press the "20s" button are required to present an age verification document (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In recent years, product sales data processing devices that read information from authentication media such as driver's licenses to verify ages are also becoming more common. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5559252 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology has a problem in that there is a risk of fraud in which someone uses another person's authentication medium to purchase an age-verification product.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can prevent fraudulent purchases of age-verification products using another person's authentication medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a system that is one aspect of the present invention is a system including an information processing device that performs product transactions, and a transaction information management device that manages the information processing device, wherein the transaction information management device is equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating that an age verification product has been traded from the information processing device, a restriction acceptance means for accepting an input to restrict transaction processing in response to the acquisition of the transaction information, and a control means for instructing the information processing device to restrict the transaction processing in response to the restriction acceptance means accepting the input, and wherein the information processing device is equipped with a restriction means for restricting the transaction processing in response to the instruction.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a transaction information management device that is characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating that a transaction of an age verification product has occurred from an information processing device that performs a product transaction; a restriction acceptance means for accepting an input to restrict transaction processing in response to the acquisition of the transaction information; and a control means for instructing the information processing device to restrict the transaction processing in response to the restriction acceptance means accepting the input.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a transaction information management device in a system including an information processing device which registers and trades products, and a transaction information management device which manages the information processing device, to function as a first computer, and causing the information processing device to function as a second computer, the program causing the first computer to function as an acquisition means for acquiring transaction information from the information processing device indicating that a transaction of an age verification product has occurred, a restriction receiving means for accepting an input to restrict transaction processing in response to the acquisition of the transaction information, and a control means for issuing an instruction to the information processing device to restrict the transaction processing in response to the restriction receiving means accepting the input, and causing the second computer to function as a restriction means for restricting the transaction processing in response to the instruction.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer of a transaction information management device to function as an acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating that a transaction of an age verification product has occurred from an information processing device that performs the product transaction, a restriction acceptance means for accepting an input to restrict the transaction processing in response to the transaction information being acquired, and a control means for instructing the information processing device to restrict the transaction processing in response to the restriction acceptance means accepting the input. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration of a product sales data processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front oblique view of the registration settlement device 10. [Diagram 3] 1 is a front view of the registration settlement device 10. FIG. [Figure 4A] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the registration settlement device 10. FIG. [Figure 4B] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a transaction status management device 30. FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of processing performed by a product sales data processing system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5B] 1 is a sequence diagram showing an overview of the settlement restriction performed by the product sales data processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 5C] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a product sales data processing system 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the transaction status management device 30. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition during a normal transaction in which no settlement restrictions are imposed. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition during a normal transaction in which no settlement restrictions are imposed. [Figure 9]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition during a normal transaction in which no settlement restrictions are imposed. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition when a settlement restriction is applied. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition when a settlement restriction is applied. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a settlement limit button display process performed by the transaction status management device 30 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of product sales data processing performed by the registration and settlement device 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of product sales data processing performed by the registration and settlement device 10 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of product sales data processing performed by the registration and settlement device 10 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration of a product sales data processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The product sales data processing system 1 is an example of a system. The product sales data processing system 1 is introduced in various stores. The various stores are, for example, supermarkets, home improvement stores, convenience stores, restaurants, various supply stores, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the product sales data processing system 1 includes a store controller 20, a transaction status management device 30, and a plurality of registration settlement devices 10.

[0012] The devices are connected by wire or wirelessly via a network 50 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Each device is a computer device equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a communication unit, etc.

[0013] (Registration settlement device 10) The registration settlement device 10 is an example of an information processing device. The registration settlement device 10 carries out merchandise transactions. The registration settlement device 10 is a so-called fully self-service register. A fully self-service register allows a customer to register and settle merchandise. The registration settlement device 10 includes a registration unit and a settlement unit. The registration unit executes a registration process for registering merchandise. In the registration process, registration information for merchandise purchased by a customer is generated. The settlement unit executes a settlement process based on the registration information generated in the registration process. There are n registration settlement devices 10 (n≧1) installed. In this embodiment, the number of registration settlement devices 10 is, for example, four.

[0014] The registration process is started by, for example, accepting an operation to start registration while on standby (waiting for a customer). The operation is, for example, pressing a registration start button arranged on a standby screen displayed while on standby. When the registration process is started, a registration screen is displayed.

[0015] The start of the checkout process is, for example, accepting an operation to start checkout (to finish product registration) during the registration process. This operation is pressing a checkout start button (or a registration completion button) located on the registration screen. When the checkout process is started, a screen for accepting the selection of a payment type is displayed, and payment is made according to the accepted payment type.

[0016] (Store Controller 20) The store controller 20 stores various information necessary for transactions. The various information includes a product master. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (e.g., JAN (Japanese Article Number) code), product name, and sales price for each product. The product master also includes product identification information for products that require weighing (products to be weighed), product names, and unit prices of the products to be weighed. In addition to the product master, the store controller 20 also stores various information such as inventory status, sales history, and deposit and withdrawal records. The store controller 20 may also store membership information for member customers.

[0017] (Transaction status management device 30) The transaction status management device 30 is an example of a transaction information processing device. The transaction status management device 30 manages the registration and settlement device 10. The transaction status management device 30 displays the processing status of the registration and settlement device 10 on a display unit (assist monitor) and controls the registration and settlement device 10. A store clerk is stationed at the transaction status management device 30 and monitors the registration and settlement device 10.

[0018] The product sales data processing system 1 (inside the store) may include devices other than those described above. The other devices include, for example, a conventional cash register that registers products based on the operation of a store clerk and settles the account based on the operation of the store clerk. The other devices also include a group of semi-self-service devices (registration device, settlement device) that registers products based on the operation of a store clerk and settles the account based on the operation of a customer. The other devices further include a store clerk terminal carried by the store clerk. The store clerk terminal may display, for example, a screen similar to that of the transaction status management device 30. The store clerk terminal may also notify the store clerk when a customer calls the store clerk at the registration and settlement device 10 or when fraud by a customer is detected.

[0019] The product sales data processing system 1 may include a higher-level device (e.g., an external server). The higher-level device may be connected to each of the registration settlement device 10, the store controller 20, and the transaction status management device 30, and may store information received from each of the devices and send instructions to each of the devices. The higher-level device may also include an input device and an output device, receive operations from an operator, and output (display or send) various information based on the results of the reception.

[0020] (Example of configuration of registration settlement device 10) Next, a configuration example of the registration and settlement device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the registration and settlement device 10. FIG. Fig. 3 is a front view of the registration and settlement device 10. Specifically, Fig. 3(A) is a front view of the registration and settlement device 10. Fig. 3(B) is a rear view of the registration and settlement device 10. Note that in Fig. 3, reference numerals are omitted as appropriate.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, the registration and settlement device 10 includes a main body unit 11, an upstream counter 12, and a downstream counter 13. A cash settlement unit (change machine) 106 is provided in the lower part of the main body unit 11. A printing unit 108, a scanner unit 104, a display unit 103, a non-cash settlement unit 105, an authentication medium reading unit 115, an imaging unit (camera) 110, and a support pole unit 111 are provided in the upper part of the main body unit 11. A light emitting unit 112, a monitoring display unit 113, and a sensor installation unit 120 are provided on the support pole unit 111 in this order from the top.

[0022] The upstream counter 12 is a counter located upstream of the main body 11 on the customer flow line. For example, products that have not yet been registered and shopping baskets containing products that have not yet been registered are placed on the upstream counter 12. The downstream counter 13 is a counter located downstream of the main body 11 on the customer flow line. For example, products that have been registered and shopping bags (my bags, paid plastic bags, etc.) containing products that have been registered are placed on the downstream counter 13. A work support rack 14 is attached to the downstream counter 13 to support the bagging of registered products.

[0023] In addition, a scale 15 is placed on the downstream counter 13. The scale 15 detects the weight of the registered product. A scale pan (not shown) is placed on the scale 15. The scale 15 measures the weight excluding the weight of the scale pan and the work support rack 14. In addition, when a shopping bag is hung on the work support rack 14 or a shopping basket is placed on the scale pan, the scale 15 measures the weight excluding these. When the registration and settlement device 10 registers a product, it obtains the weight of the product that has been registered in advance, and by comparing the obtained weight with the weight measured by the scale 15, it is possible to detect whether or not there has been any fraud.

[0024] A plurality of (for example, three) sensor units 114 (114a, 114b, and 114c in FIG. 3A) are installed in the sensor installation unit 120. The sensor units 114 are provided at a position higher than the upper end of the display unit 103.

[0025] The light-emitting unit 112 is provided at the upper end of the support pole unit 111. The monitoring display unit 113 is provided at a position lower than the light-emitting unit 112 on the support pole unit 111. The sensor installation unit 120 is provided at a position lower than the monitoring display unit 113 on the support pole unit 111. As shown in FIG. 2 etc., the sensor installation unit 120 (and the sensor unit 114) is provided at a position slightly higher than the imaging unit 110.

[0026] (An example of the hardware configuration of the registration settlement device 10) Fig. 4A is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the registration settlement device 10. In Fig. 4A, the same components as those in Figs. 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 4A, the registration settlement device 10 includes a CPU 101, a memory unit 102, a display unit 103, a scanner unit 104, a non-cash settlement unit 105, a cash settlement unit 106, a communication unit 107, a printing unit 108, a voice output unit 109, an imaging unit 110, a light emitting unit 112, a monitoring display unit 113, a sensor unit 114, and an authentication medium reading unit 115. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0027] The CPU 101 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the registration and settlement device 10 by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 102. The various programs include a product sales data processing program according to this embodiment.

[0028] The storage unit 102 stores various information (for example, information referred to or generated by the CPU 101, information acquired from the outside, etc.). The storage unit 102 is a collective term for one or more various storage members (for example, memory or storage, such as a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, or an SSD (Solid State Drive)).

[0029] The display unit 103 is, for example, a touch panel display. Specifically, the display unit 103 displays various information to the operator (for example, a screen for registration processing, a screen for settlement processing) and also accepts operations by the operator. Note that the screen of the display unit 103 is vertically long, but the aspect ratio is not particularly limited, and the screen of the display unit 103 may be horizontally long.

[0030] The scanner unit 104 optically reads various information. For example, the scanner unit 104 scans a code attached to a product and reads the product code (for example, a JAN code, etc.).

[0031] The non-cash payment unit 105 is a non-cash payment mechanism. The payment is, for example, credit card payment, electronic money payment, or barcode payment. The non-cash payment unit 105 has at least a reading unit that reads information in a card such as a credit card or a device such as a smartphone. The non-cash payment unit 105 may be a payment terminal separate from the registration and settlement apparatus 10. The non-cash payment unit 105 has, for example, a reading unit, a communication unit, an operation unit, and a display unit. The communication unit communicates with the registration and settlement apparatus 10 and an external server such as a credit server that executes credit card payment.

[0032] The cash settlement unit 106 is a mechanism for settlement using cash. The cash settlement unit 106 has an insertion slot for banknotes and coins, and an ejection slot for banknotes and coins, and calculates the amount inserted into the insertion slot. The cash settlement unit 106 also calculates the amount of change, which is the difference between the inserted amount and the purchase amount, and ejects the change from the ejection slot. The insertion of banknotes and coins and the removal of change may be detected by a sensor.

[0033] The communication unit 107 transmits and receives information to and from other devices. The other devices are, for example, the store controller 20 and the transaction status management device 30. The printing unit 108 prints various media, including receipts and coupons. Removal of the media may be detected by a sensor. The audio output unit 109 outputs sounds. The sounds include, for example, confirmation sounds, warning sounds, and audio guidance.

[0034] The imaging unit 110 captures an image of the operator and the operator's actions (operations). For example, the imaging unit 110 captures an image of the operator's face or hands (near the insertion slot or ejection slot of the cash payment unit 106). The image captured by the imaging unit 110 may be a still image or a moving image.

[0035] The light emitting unit 112 notifies various pieces of information by emitting light. The light emitting unit 112 includes a plurality of light emitting members (for example, LEDs) and can emit light in a plurality of different colors. The light emitting modes of the light emitting unit 112 are listed below. Lights up in green: The light emitting unit 112 lights up in green during a normal transaction. More specifically, the light emitting unit 112 lights up in green during the registration process and flashes in green during payment. - Flashes yellow: Flashes yellow when the transaction time (time elapsed from the start of the registration process) of a transaction has exceeded the specified time.

[0036] Flashing in three colors: red, green, and yellow: The light emitting unit 112 flashes in three colors: red, green, and yellow while a store clerk is being called. Lights up in yellow: The light emitting unit 112 lights up in yellow while a store clerk is performing maintenance (when a screen for store clerks only is displayed). Lights up in red: The light-emitting unit 112 lights up in red when the authentication medium reading unit 115 is verifying the age. It may also be blinking red. When calling a store clerk to verify the age, the light may be in a different lighting mode from the normal lighting mode (blinking three colors: red, green, and yellow) used when calling a store clerk.

[0037] Illuminates in white: If fraudulent activity has occurred, the light-emitting unit 112 emits in white. Three examples of fraudulent activity are listed below. Putting items into a shopping bag without scanning them (or pretending to scan items and then putting them into a shopping bag). -Left towards the exit without paying. Scanning errors (for example, an error when a proximity sensor built into the scanner unit 104 detects the presence of an object in front of the scanner unit 104 for a predetermined period of time, or when a barcode cannot be recognized).

[0038] The monitoring display unit 113 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information to the surroundings (the operator, other customers, and store clerks). For example, the monitoring display unit 113 displays the number of the device during standby. Also, the monitoring display unit 113 displays the captured image of the imaging unit 110 during processing (during registration processing and settlement processing). When the device cannot be used by the customer (for example, during maintenance), the monitoring display unit 113 may display the number of the device, or may not display the number of the device (for example, may display a single-color background image). Note that the screen of the monitoring display unit 113 is vertically long, but the aspect ratio is not particularly limited, and the screen of the monitoring display unit 113 may be horizontally long. Also, the number of the device is displayed on both sides and the back of the monitoring display unit 113. Note that the number of the device may be printed on both sides and the back, or a card holder may be provided on both sides and the back to hold a number card showing the number of the device.

[0039] Each of the sensor units 114 is a sensor that passively detects infrared rays, and may be, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor. Sensor unit 114 is installed so as to detect a person in front of upstream counter 12 or downstream counter 13. Sensor unit 114 is installed so as not to detect the presence of a person in front of upstream counter 12 but away from upstream counter 12, or a person in front of downstream counter 13 but away from downstream counter 13.

[0040] (Regarding the authentication medium reading unit 115) The authentication medium reading unit 115 reads the age information stored in the authentication medium presented by the customer. The authentication medium is a driver's license or a My Number card. The authentication medium may be an insurance card or a membership card instead of or in addition to the driver's license or My Number card. The age information may be information indicating the age itself or information indicating the date of birth. The method of reading the age information by the authentication medium reading unit 115 is an insertion type in which a card is inserted, but is not limited to this and may be a non-insertion type. The age information read by the authentication medium reading unit 115 is used to determine the age. The authentication medium reading unit 115 outputs the read age information to the age determination unit 503 (FIG. 5C).

[0041] The authentication medium reading unit 115 includes a medium detection unit (e.g., a sensor). Based on the detection result of the medium detection unit, the authentication medium reading unit 115 distinguishes between an inserted state in which the authentication medium 500 is inserted into a card insertion unit included in the authentication medium reading unit 115 and a removed state in which the authentication medium 500 is not inserted. The inserted state is a state in which the authentication medium 500 is inserted into an insertion port included in the authentication medium reading unit 115, then ejected, and further removed from the insertion port.

[0042] When the authentication medium 500 is inserted, the authentication medium reading unit 115 reads the age information stored in the authentication medium 500. When a predetermined condition is met, the authentication medium reading unit 115 ejects the inserted authentication medium 500. The predetermined condition may be, for example, reading the age information, the insertion direction being incorrect, or the expiration date having passed. The authentication medium 500 remains in the insertion port even after being ejected, that is, it maintains the inserted state. When the authentication medium 500 remaining in the insertion port is removed, the authentication medium reading unit 115 determines that it is in the removed state. When the authentication medium reading unit 115 determines that the inserted state has changed to the removed state, it outputs removal information.

[0043] The removal information is not limited to being determined by the authentication medium reading unit 115, but may be determined by the registration settlement device 10. In this case, the registration settlement device 10 may acquire the detection result of the medium detection unit, and determine whether the inserted state or the removed state is based on the detection result.

[0044] (Regarding the non-insertable authentication medium reading unit 115) In the case of the authentication medium reading unit 115 that reads the non-insertable authentication medium 500, the authentication medium reading unit 115 reads the age information of the authentication medium 500 placed on (or close to) a reading unit (e.g., a reader / writer unit) provided in the authentication medium reading unit 115. The medium detection unit detects a placed state (or close to) where the authentication medium 500 is placed on (or close to) the reading unit, and a removed state where the authentication medium 500 is not placed on (or close to) the reading unit. The placed state (or close to) is the state from when the authentication medium 500 is placed on (or close to) the reading unit until when the authentication medium 500 is separated from the reading unit.

[0045] When the authentication medium 500 is placed (or brought close), the authentication medium reading unit 115 reads the age information stored in the authentication medium 500. The authentication medium reading unit 115 notifies the reading result. The reading result includes whether the age information was read, whether the age information was not read (error), or a timeout. When the authentication medium 500 close to the reading unit is removed (or moved away), the authentication medium reading unit 115 detects the removed state. When the medium detection unit detects that the state has changed from the placed state (or close state) to the removed state, the authentication medium reading unit 115 outputs removal information.

[0046] (Regarding the location of the authentication medium reading unit 115) Generally, a customer uses his / her right hand to have the authentication medium 500 read by the authentication medium reading unit 115. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the authentication medium reading unit 115 is disposed near the upstream counter 12 (to the right) of the main body unit 11, that is, on the right side as viewed from the customer operating the registered settlement device 10. This improves operability when having the authentication medium 500 read by the authentication medium reading unit 115.

[0047] Furthermore, customer operations during registration and settlement include scanning products using the scanner unit 104, inserting cash into the cash settlement unit 106, and removing receipts from the printing unit 108. For this reason, if the authentication medium reading unit 115 is located within the range of these operations, it may interfere with these operations. In this embodiment, the authentication medium reading unit 115 is located in a position that does not interfere with these operations. Specifically, the authentication medium reading unit 115 is located near (directly below) the non-cash settlement unit 105. For this reason, it is possible to avoid interfering with each operation.

[0048] In addition, each device that reads cards (authentication medium reading unit 115 and non-cash payment unit 105) is arranged together at the same height. This allows customers to easily find the insertion position of each card when reading the authentication medium 500 or various cards such as credit cards, improving operability.

[0049] Since the matters written on the authentication medium 500 are personal information, it is preferable that they are not imaged by the imaging unit 110. In other words, it is preferable that the authentication medium reading unit 115 is disposed so that the authentication medium 500 is not imaged during a series of operations related to reading the authentication medium 500.

[0050] In Fig. 2, the customer flow is from right to left, but depending on the location of the registration settlement device 10, it may be from left to right. In this case, the upstream counter 12 and the downstream counter 13 are switched. In this case, the authentication medium reading unit 115 may be placed closer to the counter on the left side of the main body unit 11 (to the left). This makes it possible to secure space on the right side (space above the counter on the right side) and therefore not interfere with the work of putting registered products into shopping bags, etc. on the counter on the right side.

[0051] Furthermore, age verification is not limited to using the authentication medium 500, but may be performed using biometric authentication such as face authentication or vein authentication.

[0052] (An example of the hardware configuration of the transaction status management device 30) Fig. 4B is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the transaction status management device 30. In Fig. 4B, the transaction status management device 30 includes a CPU 201, a storage unit 202, a display unit 203, a scanner unit 204, a communication unit 205, a printing unit 206, and an audio output unit 207. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0053] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the transaction status management device 30 by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 202. The various programs include a product sales data processing program according to this embodiment.

[0054] The storage unit 202 stores various information (for example, information referred to or generated by the CPU 201, information acquired from the outside, etc.). The storage unit 202 is a collective term for one or more various storage members (for example, memory or storage, such as a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, or an SSD (Solid State Drive)).

[0055] The display unit 203 is, for example, a touch panel display. Specifically, the display unit 203 displays various information to the operator (for example, a screen for the registration process and a screen for the settlement process in each registered settlement device 10) and also accepts operations by the store clerk. Note that the screen of the display unit 203 is vertically long, but the aspect ratio is not particularly limited, and the screen of the display unit 203 may be horizontally long.

[0056] The scanner unit 204 optically reads various information. For example, the scanner unit 204 scans a code attached to a product, reads a store clerk code (e.g., store clerk information such as a store clerk ID), and enables the store clerk to log in to the transaction status management device 30.

[0057] The communication unit 205 transmits and receives information to and from other devices. The other devices are, for example, the registered settlement device 10 and the store controller 20. The printing unit 206 prints various media, including receipts and coupons. Removal of the media may be detected by a sensor. The audio output unit 207 outputs sounds, including, for example, confirmation sounds, warning sounds, and audio guidance.

[0058] (Overview of this embodiment) Here, there is a risk that someone may use another person's authentication medium to purchase an age verification product. In this embodiment, such fraud is prevented. Hereinafter, an overview of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5A. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an overview of the process performed by the product sales data processing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0059] Step S501: The registration settlement device 10 registers an age verification product. Step S502: The registration settlement apparatus 10 accepts the insertion of the authentication medium 500. Step S503: The registration and settlement apparatus 10 performs age verification using the authentication medium reading unit 115 (hereinafter referred to as "automatic age verification").

[0060] Step S504: The registration settlement device 10 performs age determination in the automatic age verification, and if it is not determined that the customer is of adult age or older, the purchase of age verification products is not permitted. In other words, the restriction unit 504, which will be described later, restricts the transaction processing. Step S505: On the other hand, if the age discrimination in the automatic age verification determines that the customer is of adult age or above, the registration and settlement device 10 allows the purchase of age-verification products in principle.

[0061] Step S506: When an age verification product is registered in the registered settlement device 10, the transaction status management device 30 receives information indicating that the age verification product has been registered from the registered settlement device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "annual confirmation product registration information"). The annual confirmation product registration information is an example of transaction information indicating that a transaction for an age verification product has occurred. The transaction status management device 30 displays a settlement restriction button that accepts restriction on the start of settlement processing in the registered settlement device 10.

[0062] Step S507: If the store clerk visually checks the customer's appearance and determines that the customer is likely to be a minor, he or she presses the payment restriction button. This causes the transaction status management device 30 to send an instruction to the registered payment device 10 to restrict the payment process (hereinafter referred to as a "payment restriction instruction"). Step S508: When the registered settlement device 10 receives the settlement limit instruction from the transaction status management device 30, it displays a screen indicating that a store clerk is being called, and the store clerk confirms the customer's age (hereinafter referred to as "store clerk age confirmation").

[0063] Step S509: If the store clerk confirms that the customer is under the age of majority, the customer is not allowed to purchase the age-verification item. Step S510: On the other hand, if the store clerk confirms that the customer is over the age of majority, the customer is allowed to purchase age-verified products.

[0064] The checkout restriction button displayed in step S506 may be displayed regardless of whether or not the age-confirmed product registration information has been received. This allows a store clerk monitoring customers via the display unit 203 to restrict the start of checkout processing by pressing the checkout restriction button when, for example, a customer who is presumed to be a minor is about to purchase an age-confirmed product (e.g., an alcoholic beverage) or before the product is registered regardless of whether the customer will purchase the product or not.

[0065] (Sequence showing summary of settlement restrictions) FIG. 5B is a sequence diagram showing an overview of the settlement restriction performed by the product sales data processing system 1. As shown in FIG. Step S511: When an age verification product is registered, the registration settlement device 10 transmits “age verification product registration information” to the transaction status management device 30. Step S512: When the transaction status management device 30 receives the annual settlement product registration information from the registered settlement device 10, it displays a settlement restriction button.

[0066] Step S513: If the store clerk visually checks the customer's appearance and determines that the customer is likely to be a minor, the store clerk presses the payment restriction button. This causes the transaction status management device 30 to transmit a payment restriction instruction to the registered payment device 10 in question. Step S514: When the registered settlement device 10 receives the settlement restriction instruction from the transaction status management device 30, the registered settlement device 10 turns on the settlement restriction flag indicating that the settlement process is to be restricted.

[0067] Step S515: The registered settlement device 10 accepts pressing of the settlement start button in response to an operation by the customer. Step S516: The registration and settlement apparatus 10 reads the age information stored in the authentication medium 500 by inserting the authentication medium into the authentication medium reading unit 115 in response to an operation by the customer. Step S517: When the settlement restriction flag is ON, the registered settlement device 10 restricts the authentication medium 500 from being discharged from the authentication medium reading unit 115 and restricts settlement. On the other hand, when the settlement restriction flag is not ON, the registered settlement device 10 discharges the authentication medium 500 and performs settlement according to the result of the age determination.

[0068] Step S518: When the settlement restriction flag is ON, the registered settlement device 10 displays a screen indicating that a store clerk is being called and calls the store clerk. That is, the registered settlement device 10 does not allow the settlement process to proceed. Step S519: A store clerk goes to the registered settlement device 10 and has the scanner unit 104 read the store clerk code, whereby the registered settlement device 10 accepts the store clerk information. Note that the acceptance of the store clerk information is not limited to being performed by reading the store clerk code, and may be performed by accepting a predetermined operation. The predetermined operation may be, for example, a hidden button displayed on the display unit 103 and the button pressed. Step S520: Upon receiving the store clerk information, the registered settlement device 10 ejects the authentication medium 500.

[0069] Step S521: If the store clerk checks the customer's age and verifies that the customer is an adult (or the customer himself / herself), the customer can purchase an age-verification product according to the store clerk's operation. On the other hand, if the store clerk checks the customer's age and verifies that the customer is not an adult (or the customer himself / herself), the customer can cancel the registration of the age-verification product according to the store clerk's operation.

[0070] (Functional configuration of product sales data processing system 1) Next, the functional configuration of the product sales data processing system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5C. 5C is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the product sales data processing system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0071] The registration and settlement device 10 includes the following functional units: a registration unit 501, a settlement unit 502, an age determination unit 503, a restriction unit 504, a store clerk information reception unit 505, a confirmation result reception unit 506, a display control unit 507, and a notification unit 508. Each functional unit is realized by the CPU 101. That is, the CPU 101 realizes each functional unit by executing a product sales data processing program stored in the storage unit 102.

[0072] The transaction status management device 30 includes the following functional units: an acquisition unit 511, a restriction acceptance unit 512, and a control unit 513. Each functional unit is realized by the CPU 201. That is, the CPU 201 executes a product sales data processing program stored in the storage unit 202 to realize each functional unit.

[0073] (Regarding registration unit 501) The registration unit 501 performs a product registration process. Specifically, the registration unit 501 registers a product (product information) corresponding to a product code read by the scanner unit 104, or a product selected from a preset key. Products registered by the registration unit 501 include food products, general goods, and age verification products. Age verification products include products whose sales are restricted depending on the age of the customer, such as alcohol and tobacco, and products that require authentication of sales permission conditions, such as medicines. When purchasing an age verification product, age verification is performed. Age verification is performed by a store clerk visually checking the authentication medium 500, or by having the authentication medium reading unit 115 read the authentication medium 500.

[0074] (Regarding the settlement section 502) The settlement unit 502 performs a settlement process based on the product information registered in the registration unit 501. The settlement process is performed after the settlement start button is pressed. An example of the procedure of the settlement process is shown below as settlement procedures (1) to (6). (1) Payment type selection process. Payment types include credit card payment, electronic money payment, cash payment, and code payment. In the payment type selection process, the selection of the payment type is accepted from the customer. (2) Member selection process: This process includes a process of displaying a screen that allows the customer to select whether or not they are a member (member customer), and, if being a member is selected, a process of reading the member card (member information) to grant benefits such as points after the settlement is completed. (3) A payment operation acceptance process that accepts operations according to the selected payment type (such as depositing a deposit in the case of cash payment, or inputting necessary information and reading a medium, etc. in the case of credit card payment). (4) Payment processing (processing to determine the amount. In the case of cash payment, collection of the deposit. In the case of credit card payment, sending of instructions to execute payment to an external server such as a credit server). (5) When payment is made in cash and change is due, the change is dispensed. (6) Receipt issuance process. The settlement process includes the period from when the settlement start button is pressed to settlement procedures (1) to (6). The settlement process may also include the period up to when the receipt is removed. The settlement process may also include settlement procedures (1) to (5), excluding settlement procedure (6).

[0075] (About age discrimination unit 503) The age discrimination unit 503 performs age discrimination based on the age information stored in the authentication medium 500. The age discrimination unit 503 performs age discrimination when an age verification product is registered or registered thereafter. The age discrimination unit 503 acquires the age information read by the authentication medium reading unit 115. The age discrimination is a discrimination as to whether or not the age indicated by the age information is equal to or above the age at which the product to be purchased can be purchased (for example, the age of adulthood). If the age discrimination determines that the age is equal to or above the age of adulthood, the purchase of the age verification product is possible. On the other hand, if the age discrimination determines that the age is not equal to or above the age of adulthood, the purchase of the age verification product is impossible. Note that if the age information is information indicating the date of birth, the age discrimination unit 503 may calculate the current age based on the date of birth indicated by the information and the current date.

[0076] The case where the person is not determined to be the adult age or above includes the case where the person is determined to be under the adult age or the case where the reading of the age information fails. The reading failure occurs, for example, when the direction of inserting the authentication medium 500 is incorrect, when the authentication medium 500 is not properly read, or when the authentication medium 500 has expired. The age determination unit 503 may also perform the age determination based on the expiration date of the authentication medium 500. For example, even if the age information indicates the adult age or above, the age determination unit 503 may not determine that the person is the adult age or above if the authentication medium 500 has expired.

[0077] (Example of a screen displayed on the transaction status management device 30) Here, each functional unit of the transaction status management device 30 shown in FIG. 5C will be described with reference to an example screen shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the transaction status management device 30. FIG. 6(A) shows a split screen 610 displayed on the display unit 203 of the transaction status management device 30. The split screen 610 includes four transaction status screens 611a to 611d corresponding to the four registered settlement devices 10. Each transaction status screen 611 includes a captured image 612 captured by the imaging unit 110 of the registered settlement device 10, a transaction status 613, a magnifying button 614, and a store clerk call display 615. The captured image 612 is an image of the customer's face and an image of the customer's hands when registering and settling. The transaction status 613 shows the status of a process being executed in each registered settlement device 10 (registering, settling, settlement completed, waiting, etc.) and information related to each process (registered product information, cancellation history, quantity change history, payment type, deposit amount, etc.). The facial image displayed on the authentication medium 500 may be displayed on the split screen 610. This allows the store clerk to confirm whether or not the customer is the owner (principal) of the authentication medium by comparing the facial image displayed on the authentication medium 500 with the captured image 612. The enlargement button 614 accepts an enlarged display of the captured image 612. The store clerk call display 615 is a notification image whose display mode changes depending on whether or not a store clerk call is being made at the corresponding registered settlement device 10.

[0078] For example, the registered settlement device 10 corresponding to the transaction status screen 611a is operated by a juvenile (minor) customer. In this case, the captured image 612 of the transaction status screen 611a displays an image of the juvenile. Furthermore, the registered settlement device 10 corresponding to the other transaction status screens 611b to 611d is operated by an adult customer. In this case, the captured image 612 of the transaction status screens 611b to 611d displays images of the corresponding adult customers, respectively.

[0079] (Regarding the acquisition unit 511) The acquisition unit 511 acquires annually confirmed product registration information transmitted from the registered settlement device 10 when an age verification product is registered in the registered settlement device 10. When the acquisition unit 511 acquires the annually confirmed product registration information, the screen transitions from the split screen 610 in FIG. 6(A) to the split screen 620 in FIG. 6(B). In the split screen 620, the transaction status 613 in the transaction status screen 611a indicates that an age verification product (XX beer) has been registered. In addition, in the transaction status screen 611b, the transaction status 613 indicates that an age verification product (XX wine) has been registered. The age verification product is displayed with "!", that is, it is displayed in a different display mode from normal products.

[0080] (Regarding the restriction receiving unit 512) The limit acceptance unit 512 accepts an input to restrict a transaction process in response to the acquisition unit 511 acquiring the annual fixed product registration information. The transaction process is, for example, a settlement process, but includes a registration process. The limit acceptance unit 512 accepts an input to restrict a settlement process (hereinafter referred to as a "settlement limit input"). Specifically, as shown in the split screen 620, a settlement limit button 621 is displayed on the transaction status screens 611a and 611b. The settlement limit button 621 is a button for accepting a settlement limit input. The limit acceptance unit 512 accepts a settlement limit input by pressing the settlement limit button 621. Note that the display mode of the settlement limit button 621 is not limited to the wording "settlement limit" and may be other wording, or may be a symbol or mark. In addition, the settlement limit button 621 may be displayed from the beginning in correspondence with each registered settlement device 10, regardless of the acquisition of the annual fixed product registration information.

[0081] (Regarding control unit 513) Here, it is assumed that the store clerk judges that the customer is highly likely to be a minor from the captured image 612 on the transaction status screen 611a. Alternatively, it is assumed that the store clerk judges that the customer is highly likely to be a minor by visually checking the customer from his / her own position (the position of the transaction status management device 30). In this case, if the customer uses another person's authentication medium to perform automatic age verification, it becomes possible to sell age-verified products to the customer. Therefore, in this embodiment, a settlement limit button 621 is displayed, and by accepting pressing of the button by the store clerk, the settlement process in the registered settlement device 10 corresponding to the button is restricted. Specifically, the control unit 513 transmits a settlement limit instruction to the corresponding registered settlement device 10 in response to the restriction acceptance unit 512 accepting the settlement limit input.

[0082] The functional unit of the transaction status management device 30 may be provided in, for example, an external device that is remotely connected. The external device is installed, for example, outside the sales floor of the store. Outside the sales floor may be a backyard in the store or outside the store. The external device displays the captured image 612 and displays a payment restriction button 621 when an age verification product is registered. An observer monitors the captured image 612 displayed on the external device. The observer presses the payment restriction button 621 when the observer determines that the customer shown in the captured image 612 is likely to be a minor. When the payment restriction button 621 is pressed, the external device transmits a payment restriction instruction to the registered settlement device 10. This makes it possible to restrict the settlement from the external device that is remotely connected to the registered settlement device 10.

[0083] (Example of a screen displayed on the registration settlement device 10) Here, each functional unit of the registered settlement device 10 shown in Fig. 5C will be described with reference to screen examples shown in Fig. 7 to Fig. 10. First, screen examples in a normal transaction in which settlement restrictions are not imposed will be described with reference to Fig. 7 to Fig. 9.

[0084] 7, 8, and 9 are diagrams showing an example of screen transitions in a normal transaction where no settlement restrictions are applied. Fig. 7(A) shows a product registration screen 710. The product registration screen 710 includes a total information display area 711, a registration information display area 712, a settlement start button 713, preset keys 714, a store clerk call button 715, and a language change button 716 (716a, 716b, 716c). The total information display area 711 is an area for displaying total information (total number of items purchased and total price) of registered products. The registration information display area 712 is an area for displaying the registration information of each product. In the figure, the registration information display area 712 shows that normal products other than age verification products are registered. The checkout start button 713 is a button for completing product registration and accepting the start of checkout processing (accounting). The preset keys 714 show a plurality of buttons corresponding to product types. When the preset key 714 is pressed, buttons of products belonging to the accepted type are displayed. When the button is selected, the selected product is registered. The store clerk call button 715 is a button for accepting a call to a store clerk. The language change button 716 is a button for accepting a change of the language being displayed. When "XX beer", which is an age verification product, is registered on the product registration screen 710, the screen transitions to a product registration screen 720 shown in FIG. 7(B).

[0085] FIG. 7(B) shows a product registration screen 720. In the product registration screen 720, the registration information display area 712 shows that the age verification product "XX beer" has been registered. The product registration screen 720 also includes a preparation notification 721. The preparation notification 721 shows a notification that prompts the user to prepare for insertion of the authentication medium 500, since the authentication medium 500 is required at the start of payment. That is, the notification unit 508 issues the preparation notification 721 when an age verification product is registered. The preparation notification 721 is displayed until the payment start button 713 is pressed. When the payment start button 713 is pressed on the product registration screen 720, the screen transitions to an age verification selection screen 730 shown in FIG. 7(C).

[0086] 7(C) shows an age verification selection screen 730. The age verification selection screen 730 is a screen that accepts the selection of either store clerk age verification or automatic age verification. To be more specific, the age verification selection screen 730 includes a small screen 731. The small screen 731 includes a message 732, an automatic verification button 733, a store clerk verification button 734, and a back button 735. Message 732 indicates a notification that prompts the selection (designation) of an age verification method. The same content as message 732 is also output from audio output unit 109. Note that for other messages described below, the same content as the displayed content is also output from audio output unit 109. The automatic confirmation button 733 is a button for accepting the request to have the authentication medium reading unit 115 read the authentication medium 500 and perform age confirmation (automatic age confirmation). The store clerk confirmation button 734 is a button for accepting age confirmation by a store clerk by visually checking the authentication medium 500 or the like (store clerk age confirmation). The back button 735 is a button for accepting returning to the product registration screen 720 (display in FIG. 7(B)). When the automatic confirmation button 733 is pressed on the age confirmation selection screen 730, the screen transitions to an insertion prompt screen 810 shown in FIG. 8(A).

[0087] 8A shows an insertion prompt screen 810. The insertion prompt screen 810 includes a small screen 811. The small screen 811 includes a message 812, an insertion image 813, and a back button 814. The message 812 is a notification prompting the user to insert the authentication medium 500 (driver's license, My Number card) into the authentication medium reading unit 115 . The insertion image 813 is an image (animation, etc.) that prompts the customer to insert the authentication medium 500 into the authentication medium reading unit 115. The insertion image 813 is displayed in a manner that allows the customer to recognize the position of the authentication medium reading unit 115 in the registered settlement apparatus 10. This allows the customer to easily grasp the position of the authentication medium reading unit 115. The message 812 and the insertion image 813 are an example of the insertion notification. That is, the notification unit 508 performs the insertion notification when the registration of the product including the age verification product is completed. The back button 814 is a button for accepting returning to the age verification selection screen 730 (FIG. 7(C)).

[0088] On the insertion prompt screen 810, when the authentication medium 500 is inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115 and it is determined that the user is over the purchase age (age of majority), the screen transitions to a first removal prompt screen 820 (FIG. 8(B)). On the other hand, when the authentication medium 500 is inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115 and it is not determined that the user is over the age of majority, the screen transitions to a second removal prompt screen 910 (FIG. 9(A)). Note that when a timeout occurs on the insertion prompt screen 810, specifically when the authentication medium 500 is not inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115 and a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed, the screen returns to the age confirmation selection screen 730 (FIG. 7(C)).

[0089] FIG. 8(B) shows the first removal prompt screen 820. The first removal prompt screen 820 includes a message 821. The message 821 includes an authentication result (determined to be over the age of adulthood) and a notification to remove the authentication medium 500 (removal notification). Note that the authentication medium reading unit 115 immediately ejects the authentication medium 500 after reading the age information, from the viewpoint of preventing the authentication medium 500 from being forgotten to be removed. When the authentication medium 500 is removed on the first removal prompt screen 820, that is, when removal information is obtained from the authentication medium reading unit 115, the registered settlement device 10 transitions to a payment type selection screen 830 shown in FIG. 8(C).

[0090] 8(C) shows a payment type selection screen 830. The payment type selection screen 830 includes a payment type selection button 831. The payment type selection button 831 shows a number of buttons corresponding to payment types (cash, credit card, etc.). When one of the buttons is pressed, the payment is settled with the payment type indicated by the pressed button.

[0091] FIG. 9(A) shows the second removal prompt screen 910. The second removal prompt screen 910 includes a message 911. The message 911 includes an authentication result (not being determined to be over the age of adulthood) and a notice to remove the authentication medium 500 (removal notice). When the authentication medium 500 is removed on the second removal prompt screen 910, that is, when removal information is acquired from the authentication medium reading unit 115, the registration settlement apparatus 10 returns to the age confirmation selection screen 730 (FIG. 9(B)). Note that, if the insertion direction is incorrect (insertion error), a screen to correct the insertion direction may be displayed without returning to the age confirmation selection screen 730. This makes it possible to eliminate the need to press the automatic confirmation button 733 again, that is, to omit the operation procedure.

[0092] In the case of automatic age verification, if the authentication medium 500 cannot be read properly or an expired card is inserted, the customer is to press the store clerk verification button 734 on the age verification selection screen 730 (FIG. 9(B)). This causes the screen to transition to a store clerk calling screen 930 shown in FIG. 9(C).

[0093] 9(C) shows a store clerk calling screen 930. The store clerk calling screen 930 includes a message 931. The message 931 is a notification that a store clerk is being called. On the store clerk calling screen 930, the store clerk information receiving unit 505 receives store clerk information from the store clerk. The store clerk code is received by reading the store clerk code with the scanner unit 104 or by manually inputting the store clerk code with the display unit 103. Then, the store clerk age verification is performed, and it becomes possible to purchase an age verification product.

[0094] (Other insertion timings for authentication medium 500) The timing of inserting the authentication medium 500 is not limited to the timing after the settlement start button 713 is pressed, but may be the timing before the settlement start button 713 is pressed. For example, the timing of inserting the authentication medium 500 may be the timing after the age verification product is registered. Specifically, the timing of inserting the authentication medium 500 may be the timing after the preparation notice 721 shown on the product registration screen 720 (FIG. 7(B)) is given. In this case, the registration settlement device 10 may erase the preparation notice 721 when the authentication medium 500 is inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115.

[0095] Furthermore, if the authentication medium 500 is inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115 before the settlement start button 713 is pressed, the registration settlement device 10 can skip the age verification selection screen 730 (FIG. 7(C)) since it is clear that the customer desires automatic age verification. Furthermore, since the authentication medium 500 has already been inserted, the registration settlement device 10 can also skip the insertion prompt screen 810 (FIG. 8(A)). In other words, if the authentication medium 500 is inserted before the settlement start button 713 is pressed, the registration settlement device 10 can transition from the product registration screen 720 (FIG. 7(B)) to the first removal prompt screen 820 (FIG. 8(B)) or the second removal prompt screen 910 (FIG. 9(A)) depending on the authentication result.

[0096] (Screen example when payment restrictions are in place) 10 and 11 are diagrams showing an example of a screen transition when a settlement restriction is applied. Fig. 10(A) shows a screen similar to the insertion prompt screen 810 shown in Fig. 8(A). It is assumed that the authentication medium 500 is inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115 on the insertion prompt screen 810, and it is determined that the purchaser is of legal age (age of majority) or above. It is also assumed that the transaction status management device 30 has issued a settlement restriction instruction to the registered settlement device 10 (the settlement restriction flag is ON). In this case, the insertion prompt screen 810 transitions to a store clerk calling screen 1020 shown in Fig. 10(B).

[0097] (Regarding the limiting section 504) The restriction unit 504 restricts transaction processing according to the reading result of the authentication medium reading unit 115. Specifically, the restriction unit 504 performs age determination in automatic age verification, and restricts transaction processing (registration processing or settlement processing) for age verification products if it is not determined that the person is of adult age or older. In other words, the restriction unit 504 makes it impossible to purchase age verification products.

[0098] When the limiting unit 504 limits the settlement process of the age verification product, the registration settlement device 10 may issue a notification to the store clerk to prompt the store clerk to collect the age verification product, in order to have the store clerk collect the age verification product. The notification is made by displaying a message on the display of the transaction status management device 30 or by making the light emitting unit 112 emit light in a predetermined lighting mode. In addition, when the transaction process is limited by the limiting unit 504, the restriction may be lifted by accepting a process to lift the restriction by the store clerk. The lifting process is performed by reading a store clerk code or accepting a predetermined lifting operation by the store clerk. Note that, in this embodiment, the restriction of the settlement process is described as a restriction on the transaction process by the limiting unit 504, but the registration process may also be restricted.

[0099] The limiting unit 504 limits the settlement process in response to a settlement limit instruction from the transaction status management device 30. The limiting unit 504 restricts the settlement process, for example, by not starting the settlement process (prohibiting the settlement process). In other words, the limiting unit 504 prevents the process of the above-mentioned settlement procedure (1) (payment type selection process) from starting. For example, the limiting unit 504 prevents the transition to the payment type selection screen 830 (FIG. 8(C)). However, the limiting unit 504 may also cause the transition to the payment type selection screen 830 but not accept the selection of the payment type (invalidate the operation). When restricting the settlement, the limiting unit 504 displays the store clerk calling screen 1020 (FIG. 10).

[0100] In addition to restricting the settlement process, the restriction unit 504 restricts the ejection of the authentication medium 500 inserted in the authentication medium reading unit 115 in response to a settlement restriction instruction. Restricting ejection means that the customer cannot remove the authentication medium 500 from the authentication medium reading unit 115. Specifically, restricting ejection means that the authentication medium 500 inserted in the card insertion unit is not ejected.

[0101] 10(B) shows a store clerk calling screen 1020. The store clerk calling screen 1020 includes messages 1021 and 1022. The message 1021 is a notification that a store clerk is being called. The message 1022 is a notification that an error has occurred. The message 1022 is a dummy error since no actual error has occurred.

[0102] Note that message 1022 is not limited to an error notification, and may also be a notification that a store clerk's confirmation is required. Specifically, message 1022 may be a notification that a store clerk is being called because the customer may be under the age of majority. However, if such a message is displayed even though the customer is over the age of majority, the customer may feel uncomfortable. For this reason, it is preferable that message 1022 be a notification indicating another reason, such as the occurrence of an error.

[0103] On the store clerk calling screen 1020, the store clerk information receiving unit 505 receives the store clerk information from the store clerk. When the registered settlement apparatus 10 receives the store clerk information, it ejects the authentication medium 500. When the store clerk arrives and receives the store clerk information, the screen transitions to a third removal prompting screen 1030 shown in FIG. 10(C).

[0104] Fig. 10(C) shows a third removal prompt screen 1030. The third removal prompt screen 1030 includes a message 1031. The message 1031 is a removal notification to remove the authentication medium 500. When the authentication medium 500 is removed by a store clerk or a customer on the third removal prompt screen 1030, that is, when removal information is obtained from the authentication medium reading unit 115, the registration settlement device 10 transitions to an age confirmation screen 1110 shown in Fig. 11(A).

[0105] 11(A) shows an age confirmation screen 1110. The age confirmation screen 1110 includes a message 1111, a Yes button 1112, and a No button 1113. The message 1111 is a notification that prompts the store clerk to confirm the age. The store clerk performs visual age confirmation. Visual age confirmation involves visually checking the contents written on the authentication medium 500 and the customer's appearance. The Yes button 1112 is a button for accepting the customer's purchase when the store clerk confirms that the customer is of adult age or older. The No button 1113 is a button for accepting the customer's purchase when the store clerk verifies that the customer is not over the age of majority. That is, the confirmation result receiving unit 506 receives, via a Yes button 1112 or a No button 1113, a confirmation result indicating whether the customer is of adult age or above (age sufficient to purchase an age confirmation product) from the store clerk.

[0106] When the Yes button 1112 is pressed, the screen transitions to the payment type selection screen 830 shown in Fig. 8(C), and the settlement can be started. That is, when the confirmation result receiving unit 506 receives a confirmation result indicating that the user is of adult age or older, the limiting unit 504 releases the restriction on the settlement process.

[0107] On the other hand, if the No button 1113 is pressed, the screen transitions to a confirmation screen 1120 (FIG. 11(B)) for deleting the age verification product.

[0108] 11B shows a confirmation screen 1120. The confirmation screen 1120 includes a message 1121, a Yes button 1122, and a No button 1123. The Yes button 1112 is a button for accepting the deletion of the age verification product. When the Yes button 1112 is pressed, the screen transitions to a product deletion screen 1130 (FIG. 11(C)). The No button 1113 is a button for accepting not deleting the age verification product. When the No button 1113 is pressed, for example, the screen returns to the age verification screen 1110 (FIG. 11(A)).

[0109] When the No button 1113 is pressed, the display control unit 507 may skip the confirmation screen 1120 and switch to a product deletion screen 1130 (FIG. 11C) in which the age verification product (XX beer) has been deleted.

[0110] Fig. 11(C) shows a product deletion screen 1130. On the product deletion screen 1130, the registration information display area 712 shows that the age verification product "XX beer" has been cancelled. If there are multiple age verification products, all of the age verification products are cancelled. When the payment start button 713 is pressed on the product deletion screen 1130, the screen transitions to the payment type selection screen 830 shown in Fig. 8(C).

[0111] In the case of a non-insertable authentication medium 500, if the automatic age verification determines that the user is over the age of majority and the store clerk presses the settlement limit button, the registration settlement device 10 switches from the insertion prompt screen 810 to the store clerk calling screen 1020 after reading the authentication medium 500, as described above. However, in this case, when the registration settlement device 10 accepts store clerk information from the store clerk on the store clerk calling screen 1020, it transitions to the age verification screen 1110 (FIG. 11(A)) without displaying the third removal prompt screen 1030 (FIG. 10(C)).

[0112] (About canceling payment restrictions) The transaction status management device 30 may accept cancellation of the settlement limit instruction by pressing the settlement limit button 621 again. That is, the control unit 513 may transmit information indicating cancellation of the settlement limit instruction to the corresponding registered settlement device 10 by pressing the settlement limit button 621 again. For example, when the registered settlement device 10 is displaying the store clerk calling screen 1020 (FIG. 10(B)), if information indicating cancellation is received, the store clerk calling screen 1020 may be closed and transition may be made to the first removal prompting screen 820 (FIG. 8(B)).

[0113] (About the sound of messages 821, 911, and 1031 on the removal prompt screen) The following is a supplementary explanation regarding the audio of message 821 on first removal prompt screen 820 (FIG. 8(B)), message 911 on second removal prompt screen 910 (FIG. 9(A)), and message 1031 on third removal prompt screen 1030 (FIG. 10(C)). The same contents as messages 821, 911, and 1031 (authentication result and removal notification) are also output from audio output unit 109. The audio is repeatedly output until authentication medium 500 is removed. Note that it is also possible to configure so that other messages related to the settlement process (e.g., message 732 in FIG. 7(C)) are not repeatedly output, and only messages 821, 911, and 1031 are repeatedly output.

[0114] Furthermore, the audio of messages 821, 911, and 1031 may be output in a different manner from other messages (e.g., message 732 in FIG. 7(C)). The different output manner may be, for example, a louder volume or a warning sound. Furthermore, the audio output of messages 821 and 911 may not include the authentication result. Furthermore, the volume of the removal notification may be louder than the authentication result. Furthermore, messages 821 and 911 may not output (as a display or audio output) the authentication result, i.e., only the removal notification may be output.

[0115] (When the authentication medium 500 is not removed) If the above removal prompt screen is displayed but the authentication medium 500 is forgotten to be removed, that is, if the customer leaves the registered settlement device 10, the registered settlement device 10 transmits information indicating that to the transaction status management device 30. The transaction status management device 30 notifies the registered settlement device 10 that the authentication medium 500 has been forgotten to be removed. This causes a store clerk to remove the authentication medium 500 from the registered settlement device 10. Since the authentication medium 500 is personal information, it requires careful management. For this reason, it is collected, for example, in a specified collection box. The collection box may be provided in the registered settlement device 10 or in the transaction status management device 30. The collection box may be provided individually for each registered settlement device 10, or may be provided so that the mediums can be collected collectively.

[0116] (An example of a settlement limit button display process performed by the transaction status management device 30 according to this embodiment) Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a settlement limit button display process performed by the transaction status management device 30 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 12, the transaction status management device 30 judges whether or not annually confirmed product registration information has been received by registering an age verification product in the registered settlement device 10 (step S1201). The transaction status management device 30 waits until annually confirmed product registration information is received (step S1201: NO). When the transaction status management device 30 receives annually confirmed product registration information (step S1201: YES), it displays the settlement limit button 621 (Fig. 6) in the display area of ​​the corresponding registered settlement device 10 (step S1202).

[0117] Then, the transaction status management device 30 judges whether the settlement limit button 621 has been pressed (step S1203). If the settlement limit button 621 has not been pressed (step S1203: NO), the transaction status management device 30 proceeds to step S1205. If the settlement limit button 621 has been pressed (step S1203: YES), the transaction status management device 30 transmits a settlement limit instruction to the registered settlement device 10 that is the sender of the annual fixed product registration information (step S1204).

[0118] Next, the transaction status management device 30 judges whether or not a settlement completion notice has been received from the registered settlement device 10 (step S1205). If a settlement completion notice has not been received (step S1205: NO), the transaction status management device 30 returns to step S1203. On the other hand, if a settlement completion notice has been received (step S1205: YES), the transaction status management device 30 hides the settlement limit button 621 corresponding to the registered settlement device 10 (step S1206), and ends the series of processes. Note that the timing for hiding the settlement limit button 621 is not limited to the timing when the settlement completion notice is received, and may be the timing when the settlement process is started.

[0119] (An example of product sales data processing performed by the registration settlement device 10 according to the present embodiment) 13, 14, and 15 are flowcharts showing an example of product sales data processing performed by the registration and settlement device 10 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 13, the registration and settlement device 10 determines whether registration has started by accepting pressing of the registration start button on the standby screen (step S1301). The registration and settlement device 10 waits until registration has started (step S1301: NO).

[0120] When registration starts (step S1301: YES), the registration settlement device 10 determines whether or not the product has been scanned by the scanner unit 104 (step S1302). If the product has not been scanned by the scanner unit 104 (step S1302: NO), the registration settlement device 10 proceeds to step S1309. On the other hand, if the product has been scanned by the scanner unit 104 (step S1302: YES), the registration settlement device 10 determines whether or not the scanned product is an age verification product (step S1303).

[0121] If the scanned product is not an age verification product (step S1303: NO), the registration settlement device 10 proceeds to step S1306. If the scanned product is an age verification product (step S1303: YES), the registration settlement device 10 transmits age verification product registration information indicating that the age verification product has been registered to the transaction status management device 30 (step S1304). Then, the registration settlement device 10 issues a preparation notification 721 (FIG. 7(B)) to prompt the user to prepare for the insertion of the authentication medium 500 (step S1305).

[0122] Next, the registration settlement device 10 registers the scanned product and displays it on the display unit 103 (step S1306). Then, the registration settlement device 10 judges whether or not a settlement limit instruction has been received from the transaction status management device 30 (step S1307). If a settlement limit instruction has not been received (step S1307: NO), the registration settlement device 10 proceeds to step S1309.

[0123] On the other hand, if a payment restriction instruction is received (step S1307: YES), the registered settlement device 10 turns ON a payment restriction flag indicating whether or not to perform a payment restriction (step S1308). Then, the registered settlement device 10 judges whether or not the payment start button 713 (FIG. 7) has been pressed (step S1309). If the payment start button has not been pressed (step S1309: NO), the registered settlement device 10 returns to step S1302. On the other hand, if the payment start button has been pressed (step S1309: YES), the registered settlement device 10 proceeds to FIG. 14 and judges whether or not the registered products include age verification products (step S1401).

[0124] If the registered products do not include an age verification product (step S1401: NO), the registration settlement device 10 proceeds to step S1516 (FIG. 15) and displays the payment type selection screen 830 (FIG. 8(C)). On the other hand, if the registered products include an age verification product (step S1401: YES), the registration settlement device 10 displays the age verification selection screen 730 (FIG. 7(C)) (step S1402).

[0125] Then, the registration and settlement apparatus 10 judges whether the store clerk confirmation button 734 has been pressed on the age verification selection screen 730 (step S1403). If the store clerk confirmation button 734 has been pressed (step S1403: YES), the registration and settlement apparatus 10 proceeds to step S1502 in Fig. 15 and displays the store clerk calling screen 1020 (Fig. 10(B)). On the other hand, if the store clerk confirmation button 734 has not been pressed on the age verification selection screen 730, the registration and settlement apparatus 10 judges whether the automatic confirmation button 733 has been pressed (step S1404).

[0126] If the automatic confirmation button 733 is not pressed (step S1404: NO), the registration settlement apparatus 10 returns to step S1403. Although omitted in this flowchart, when the back button 735 is pressed on the age verification selection screen 730, the screen returns to the product registration screen 720 (display in FIG. 7(B)).

[0127] In step S1404, when the automatic confirmation button 733 is pressed (step S1404: YES), the registration and settlement apparatus 10 displays the insertion prompt screen 810 (FIG. 8(A)) to notify the insertion of the authentication medium 500 (step S1405). Then, the registration and settlement apparatus 10 judges whether the authentication medium 500 is inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115 (step S1406). When the authentication medium 500 is not inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115 (step S1406: NO), the registration and settlement apparatus 10 judges whether a timeout (30 seconds have elapsed) has occurred since the insertion prompt screen 810 was displayed (step S1407). When a timeout has occurred (step S1407: YES), the registration and settlement apparatus 10 returns to step S1402 and displays the age confirmation selection screen 730 (FIG. 7(C)).

[0128] On the other hand, if the timeout has not occurred (step S1407: NO), the registration and settlement device 10 returns to step S1406. If the authentication medium 500 is inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115 in step S1406 (step S1406: YES), the registration and settlement device 10 judges whether or not it has determined that the person is over the age of adulthood (step S1408). If it has determined that the person is over the age of adulthood (step S1408: YES), the registration and settlement device 10 proceeds to the process of step S1501 in FIG. 15.

[0129] On the other hand, if it is not determined that the person is over the age of adulthood (step S1408: NO), that is, if it is determined that the person is under the age of adulthood or if reading of the age information fails, the registration and settlement apparatus 10 ejects the authentication medium 500 (step S1409). Next, the registration and settlement apparatus 10 displays the second removal prompt screen 910 (FIG. 9(A)) (step S1410). Then, the registration and settlement apparatus 10 determines on the second removal prompt screen 910 whether or not removal information has been acquired from the authentication medium reading unit 115 (step S1411).

[0130] The registered settlement apparatus 10 waits until it acquires removal information on the second removal prompt screen 910 (step S1411: NO). That is, the registered settlement apparatus 10 displays the second removal prompt screen 910 until the authentication medium 500 is removed. On the other hand, when the registered settlement apparatus 10 acquires removal information on the second removal prompt screen 910 (step S1411: YES), that is, when the authentication medium 500 is removed, it returns to step S1402 and displays the age verification selection screen 730 (FIG. 7(C)).

[0131] In Fig. 15, the registered settlement device 10 judges whether the settlement limit flag is ON or not (step S1501). If the settlement limit flag is not ON (step S1501: NO), the registered settlement device 10 proceeds to step S1513. On the other hand, if the settlement limit flag is ON (step S1501: YES), the registered settlement device 10 displays the store clerk calling screen 1020 (Fig. 10(B)) (step S1502).

[0132] Next, the registered settlement device 10 determines whether or not the clerk information (clerk code) has been accepted (step S1503). The registered settlement device 10 waits until the clerk information is accepted (step S1503: NO). If the clerk information is accepted (step S1503: YES), the registered settlement device 10 determines whether or not the authentication medium 500 is being inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115 (step S1504). If the authentication medium 500 is not being inserted (step S1504: NO), that is, if the customer has proactively called a clerk to have their age verified, the registered settlement device 10 proceeds to step S1508.

[0133] On the other hand, if the authentication medium 500 is being inserted (step S1504: YES), in other words, if the settlement restriction is in effect, the registered settlement device 10 ejects the authentication medium 500 (step S1505) and displays the third removal prompt screen 1030 (Figure 10 (C)) (step S1506).

[0134] Then, the registered settlement apparatus 10 judges whether or not removal information has been acquired from the authentication medium reading unit 115 on the third removal prompting screen 1030 (step S1507). The registered settlement apparatus 10 waits until the removal information is acquired (step S1507: NO). That is, the registered settlement apparatus 10 displays the third removal prompting screen 1030 until the authentication medium 500 is removed. On the other hand, when the registered settlement apparatus 10 acquires the removal information on the third removal prompting screen 1030 (step S1507: YES), that is, when the authentication medium 500 is removed, it displays the age confirmation screen 1110 (FIG. 11(A)) (step S1508).

[0135] Then, the registration settlement apparatus 10 judges whether the Yes button 1112 or the No button 1113 has been pressed on the age confirmation screen 1110 (step S1509). If the Yes button 1112 has been pressed (step S1509: NO), the registration settlement apparatus 10 proceeds to step S1516 and displays the payment type selection screen 830 (FIG. 8(C)).

[0136] On the other hand, if the No button 1113 is pressed on the age verification screen 1110 (step S1509: YES), the age verification item is deleted (step S1510) in response to the store clerk's operation on the confirmation screen 1120 (FIG. 11(B)), and the item deletion screen 1130 (FIG. 11(C)) is displayed (step S1511). Then, if the settlement restriction flag is ON, the registered settlement device 10 turns the settlement restriction flag OFF (step S1512), and proceeds to step S1516.

[0137] In step S1501, if the settlement restriction flag is not ON (step S1501: NO), the registered settlement device 10 ejects the authentication medium 500 from the authentication medium reading unit 115 (step S1513) and displays the first removal prompt screen 820 (Figure 8 (B)) (step S1514).

[0138] Then, the registration settlement apparatus 10 determines whether or not removal information has been acquired from the authentication medium reading unit 115 on the first removal prompt screen 820 (step S1515). The registration settlement apparatus 10 waits until the removal information is acquired (step S1515: NO). That is, the registration settlement apparatus 10 displays the first removal prompt screen 820 until the authentication medium 500 is removed.

[0139] On the other hand, when the registered settlement device 10 acquires the removal information (step S1515: YES), that is, when the authentication medium 500 is removed, on the first removal prompt screen 820, it displays the payment type selection screen 830 (FIG. 8(C)) (step S1516). Then, it executes the settlement process (settlement procedures (1) to (6)) (step S1517). When the settlement is completed, it transmits a settlement completion notice to the transaction status management device 30 (step S1518), and ends the series of processes.

[0140] (Effects of this embodiment) As described above, in the product sales data processing system 1 according to this embodiment, when the transaction status management device 30 acquires annually confirmed product registration information from the registered settlement device 10, it displays the settlement restriction button 621 (FIG. 6(B)), and restricts the settlement process in the registered settlement device 10 in response to receiving a press of the button. This allows the store clerk to intentionally restrict settlement at his / her will and perform store clerk age verification. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0141] Furthermore, the registration and settlement device 10 according to this embodiment restricts transaction processing according to the reading result of the authentication medium reading unit 115. This allows for a double check of visual judgment by a store clerk in the transaction status management device 30 and authentication by the authentication medium reading unit 115. This further improves the deterrent effect of preventing fraud.

[0142] In this embodiment, the registration and settlement device 10 includes an authentication medium reading unit 115 that reads age information when an authentication medium 500 is inserted, and limits the settlement process and limits the ejection of the authentication medium 500 inserted in the authentication medium reading unit 115 in response to a settlement limit instruction. This makes it possible to prevent customers from removing an authentication medium 500 that has been used fraudulently. This further improves the deterrent effect against fraudulent acts.

[0143] In addition, in this embodiment, the registration settlement device 10 releases the discharge restriction on the authentication medium 500 in response to receiving the store clerk information. This allows the store clerk to remove the authentication medium 500, which can prevent fraud such as using someone else's authentication medium 500. Also, it can prevent the authentication medium 500 from being left behind.

[0144] In addition, in this embodiment, the registration settlement device 10 releases the restriction on the settlement process when it receives a confirmation result indicating that the customer is of adult age in the store clerk's age confirmation. This allows the settlement process to be performed after the store clerk visually confirms that the authentication medium 500 and the customer are of adult age. Therefore, customers who have not used the authentication medium 500 fraudulently can purchase age-verification products.

[0145] In addition, in this embodiment, when the registration and settlement device 10 receives a confirmation result indicating that the customer is of adult age in the store clerk's age confirmation, it displays a deletion screen for deleting the age verification product, and the restriction on the settlement process is lifted by deleting the age verification product on the deletion screen. This allows the age verification product to be canceled after the store clerk visually confirms that the authentication medium 500 and the customer are under adult age. This makes it possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0146] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an age verification product is registered, the registration and settlement device 10 issues a preparation notification 721 (FIG. 7(B)) to prompt the customer to prepare for insertion of the authentication medium 500, and when registration of products including the age verification product is complete, issues an insertion notification (message 812 and insertion image 813 in FIG. 8(A)). As a result, the customer can be prompted to prepare for insertion of the authentication medium 500 at the stage when the age verification product is registered, so the customer can quickly prepare the authentication medium 500. This can reduce the time required for each customer to settle the bill, which has the effect of preventing congestion at the register.

[0147] In this embodiment, the transaction status management device 30 displays a payment restriction button 621 (FIG. 6(B)) in response to acquiring registration information indicating that an age verification product has been registered from the registered settlement device 10, and issues a payment restriction instruction to the registered settlement device 10 in response to pressing the payment restriction button 621. This allows the store clerk to intentionally restrict payment at his / her discretion and perform store clerk age verification. This makes it possible to prevent fraud, such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0148] (Other Effects of This Embodiment) The registered settlement device 10 according to this embodiment permits settlement processing on the condition that the user is determined to be over the age of adulthood in the age determination and the authentication medium 500 is removed. In other words, if the user is determined to be over the age of adulthood, the settlement is prohibited from being completed until removal information is acquired, that is, until the authentication medium 500 is removed from the authentication medium reading unit 115. This allows the registered settlement device 10 to start settlement when the authentication medium 500 is removed from the authentication medium reading unit 115. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the authentication medium 500 from being forgotten to be removed from the authentication medium reading unit 115.

[0149] In addition, the registered settlement device 10 of this embodiment displays a prompting screen (first removal prompting screen 820 (Figure 8 (B)), second removal prompting screen 910 (Figure 9 (A)), or third removal prompting screen 1030 (Figure 10 (C))) urging the customer to remove the authentication medium 500 on the display unit 103 until removal information is obtained. This makes it possible to urge the customer to remove the authentication medium 500. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the customer from forgetting to remove the authentication medium 500.

[0150] Furthermore, when the registered settlement device 10 according to this embodiment is determined to be of adult age or above, upon acquiring removal information, i.e., upon removing the authentication medium 500 from the authentication medium reading unit 115, it switches from the first removal prompt screen 820 (FIG. 8(B)) to the payment type selection screen 830 (FIG. 8(C)). This allows settlement to begin on the condition that the authentication medium 500 is removed. In other words, the first removal prompt screen 820 can be maintained until the authentication medium 500 is removed. This effectively prevents the authentication medium 500 from being forgotten.

[0151] In addition, the registration and settlement apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment displays an age confirmation selection screen 730 (FIG. 7(C)) that accepts the selection of either age discrimination by the age discrimination unit 503 (automatic age confirmation) or age confirmation by a store clerk (store clerk age confirmation). Then, when automatic age confirmation is selected on the age confirmation selection screen 730 and the automatic age confirmation does not determine that the person is of adult age or above, the registration and settlement apparatus 10 switches from the second removal prompt screen 910 to the age confirmation selection screen 730 when removal information is acquired. This allows the original screen (age confirmation selection screen 730) to be redisplayed on the condition that the authentication medium 500 is removed when it is determined that the person is under adult age or when reading of the age information has failed. In other words, the second removal prompt screen 910 can be held until the authentication medium 500 is removed. Therefore, when it is not determined that the person is of adult age or above, it is possible to effectively prevent the authentication medium 500 from being left behind.

[0152] (Modification of the embodiment) Next, modified examples of the embodiment will be described. In each of the following modified examples, the contents described in the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, each of the following modified examples and the above-mentioned embodiment can be combined with each other.

[0153] (Variation 1) First, a first modified example of this embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the age verification selection screen 730 (FIG. 7(C)) is displayed at the timing when the settlement start button 713 is pressed has been described. In the first modified example, examples (three examples) in which the age verification selection screen 730 is displayed at a timing different from this timing will be described.

[0154] (Variation 1-1: Timing before product registration begins) First, an example of displaying age verification selection screen 730 before product registration begins will be described. For example, when display control unit 507 accepts operation of the registration start button on the standby screen, it displays a selection screen (hereinafter referred to as "annual confirmation product selection screen") that allows the customer to select whether or not to purchase an age verification product ("purchased" or "not purchased"). On the annual confirmation product selection screen, the customer selects "purchased" or "not purchased."

[0155] When "Purchase made" is accepted on the annual confirmation product selection screen, the display control unit 507 displays the age verification selection screen 730. The registration settlement device 10 then performs age verification by automatic age verification or store clerk age verification, and then starts product registration. Note that even when "No purchase" is accepted on the annual confirmation product selection screen, if an age verification product is registered during product registration, the display control unit 507 may display the age verification selection screen 730 at another timing. The other timing may be the timing in the embodiment (the timing when the settlement start button 713 is pressed) or another timing described below.

[0156] (Variation 1-2: Timing when age verification product is registered) Next, an example of displaying the age verification selection screen 730 when an age verification product is registered will be described. Specifically, the display control unit 507 may display the age verification selection screen 730 when "XX beer", an age verification product shown in the product registration screen 720 (FIG. 7(B)), is registered. Note that once it is confirmed that the person is of adult age or above in one transaction, age verification will not be performed thereafter. In other words, even if another age verification product is registered thereafter, the display control unit 507 will not display the age verification selection screen 730 again.

[0157] (Variation 1-3: Timing after selection of payment type) Next, an example of displaying the age verification selection screen 730 after the selection of the payment type will be described. Specifically, the display control unit 507 may display the age verification selection screen 730 after the selection of the payment type on the payment type selection screen 830 (FIG. 8(C)).

[0158] Even when the age verification selection screen 730 is displayed at another timing according to the above-mentioned modified example 1, the transaction status management device 30 displays the payment restriction button 621 (FIG. 6(B)) in response to the registration of an age verification product in the registered settlement device 10, and restricts the payment process in the registered settlement device 10 by accepting the pressing of the button. This allows the store clerk to intentionally restrict the payment at his / her discretion and perform store clerk age verification. This makes it possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0159] Also, even when the age verification selection screen 730 is displayed at another timing according to the above-mentioned modified example 1, if automatic age verification is selected, the settlement process is restricted until the authentication medium 500 is removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the authentication medium 500 from being forgotten to be removed from the authentication medium reading unit 115.

[0160] (Variation 2) Next, a second modified example of this embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, the order of each process is "1. Product registration" → "2. Selection of payment type" → "3. Settlement." In the second modified example, an example will be described in which the order of each process is "2. Selection of payment type" → "1. Product registration" → "3. Settlement." In addition, in the second modified example, two examples will be given below of displaying the age verification selection screen 730 at a predetermined timing between each process.

[0161] (Variation 2-1: Timing before "Select payment type") When the display control unit 507 accepts operation of the registration start button on the standby screen, it displays the annual confirmed product selection screen. When "Purchase made" is accepted on the annual confirmed product selection screen, the display control unit 507 displays the age verification selection screen 730 (Fig. 7(C)). Then, the registration settlement device 10 performs automatic age verification or store clerk age verification, and then displays the payment type selection screen 830 (Fig. 8(C)). Furthermore, when a payment type is selected, the registration settlement device 10 starts registering the product.

[0162] (Variation 2-2: Timing after "Selection of payment type") When the display control unit 507 receives an operation of the registration start button on the standby screen, it displays an annual fixed product selection screen. When "Purchase" is received on the annual fixed product selection screen, the display control unit 507 displays a payment type selection screen 830 (Fig. 8(C)). Then, when a payment type is selected, the display control unit 507 displays an age verification selection screen 730 (Fig. 7(C)). Furthermore, the registration settlement device 10 starts registering the product after performing automatic age verification or store clerk age verification.

[0163] Even when the age verification selection screen 730 is displayed at a predetermined timing according to the above-mentioned modified example 1, the transaction status management device 30 displays the payment restriction button 621 (FIG. 6(B)) in response to the registration of an age verification product in the registered settlement device 10, and restricts the payment process in the registered settlement device 10 by accepting the pressing of the button. This allows the store clerk to intentionally restrict the payment at his / her discretion and perform store clerk age verification. This makes it possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0164] Also, even when the age verification selection screen 730 is displayed at a predetermined timing according to the second modification, if the automatic age verification is selected, the settlement process is restricted until the authentication medium 500 is removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the authentication medium 500 from being forgotten to be removed from the authentication medium reading unit 115.

[0165] (Variation 3) Next, Variation 3 of this embodiment will be described. Variation 2 described above has been an example in which the order of each process is "2. Selection of payment type" → "1. Product registration" → "3. Settlement". Variation 3 will be an example in which, in addition to each process of Variation 2, a membership card is read after the payment type is selected. That is, Variation 3 will be an example in which the order is "2. Selection of payment type" → "4. Member selection process" → "1. Product registration" → "3. Settlement".

[0166] Also, in variant 3, an example will be described in which age verification selection screen 730 (FIG. 7(C)) is displayed before or after "4. Member selection process." That is, in variant 3, age verification selection screen 730 is displayed after "2. Selection of payment type" in variant 2-2 described above is performed. Also, the steps leading up to "2. Selection of payment type" are "standby screen" → "operation of registration start button" → "year confirmation product selection screen" → "operation with purchase of age verification product" → "payment type selection screen 830 (FIG. 8(C))," as shown in variant 2-2.

[0167] (Variation 3-1: Displaying the age verification selection screen 730 before the "member selection process") When a payment type is selected on the payment type selection screen 830, the display control unit 507 displays the age verification selection screen 730 (FIG. 6(B)). Then, after automatic age verification or store clerk age verification has been performed, the display control unit 507 displays a screen (membership selection screen) that allows the customer to select whether or not they are a member. If being a member is selected on the member selection screen, the customer is prompted to read their membership card (membership information), and the membership information is read. Once the reading of the membership information has been completed, or if being a non-member is selected on the member selection screen, the registration and settlement device 10 begins registering the product.

[0168] (Variation 3-2: Displaying the age verification selection screen 730 after the "member selection process") When a payment type is selected on the payment type selection screen 830, the display control unit 507 displays a screen (member selection screen) that allows the customer to select whether or not they are a member. If being a member is selected on the member selection screen, the customer is prompted to read their membership card (member information), and the member information is read. Once the member information has been read, or if being a non-member is selected on the member selection screen, the display control unit 507 displays the age verification selection screen 730 (Figure 6 (B)). Then, the registration and settlement device 10 starts registering the product after performing automatic age verification or store clerk age verification.

[0169] Even when the age verification selection screen 730 is displayed at the timing related to the above-mentioned modified example 3, the transaction status management device 30 displays the payment restriction button 621 (FIG. 6(B)) in response to the registration of an age verification product in the registered settlement device 10, and restricts the payment process in the registered settlement device 10 by accepting the pressing of the button. This allows the store clerk to intentionally restrict the payment at his / her discretion and perform store clerk age verification. This makes it possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0170] Even when the age verification selection screen 730 is displayed at the timing according to the above-mentioned modified example 3, if automatic age verification is selected, the settlement process is restricted until the authentication medium 500 is removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the authentication medium 500 from being forgotten to be removed from the authentication medium reading unit 115.

[0171] (Variation 4) Next, a fourth modified example of this embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, an example in which the process of the settlement procedure (1) (payment type selection process) is not started when the settlement restriction flag is ON has been described. Instead of or in addition to this example, in the fourth modified example, an example in which other control is performed when the settlement restriction flag is ON will be described.

[0172] Six examples of other controls according to the fourth modification are listed below. Prohibited from the middle of settlement procedure (1) (payment type selection process). For example, the registered settlement device 10 accepts the selection of the payment type, but does not allow the user to proceed beyond that point. Note that the registered settlement device 10 may continue to display the prompt screen (first removal prompt screen 820 (FIG. 8(B)) or second removal prompt screen 910 (FIG. 9(A))). Prohibit settlement procedure (2) (member selection process). The registration settlement device 10 is allowed to carry out up to settlement procedure (1). For example, the registration settlement device 10 may not display the member selection screen (a screen that allows the user to select whether or not they are a member). In addition, the registration settlement device 10 may display the member selection screen and accept that the user is a member, but prohibit the reading of the member card. Prohibition of settlement procedure (3) (payment operation acceptance process). The registered settlement device 10 is allowed to carry out up to settlement procedure (2). For example, the registered settlement device 10 may prohibit the insertion of a deposit in the case of cash settlement. Also, the registered settlement device 10 may prohibit the input of necessary information or the operation of reading a medium, etc. in the case of credit card settlement. Prohibition of settlement procedure (4) (payment processing). The registered settlement device 10 is allowed to carry out up to settlement procedure (3). For example, in the case of cash payment, the registered settlement device 10 may prohibit the insertion of cash. Also, in the case of credit card payment, the registered settlement device 10 may prohibit the sending of instruction information to execute payment to the credit server. Prohibition of settlement procedure (5) (discharge process). The registered settlement device 10 is allowed to carry out up to settlement procedure (4). For example, the registered settlement device 10 may prohibit the dispensing of change in the case of cash settlement. Prohibition of settlement procedure (6) (receipt issuing process). The registered settlement device 10 is allowed to carry out up to settlement procedure (5). For example, the registered settlement device 10 may prohibit issuing a receipt.

[0173] For the other cash registers according to the above-mentioned modified example 4, the transaction status management device 30 displays a payment restriction button 621 (FIG. 6(B)) in response to the registration of an age verification product in the registered settlement device 10, and restricts the payment process in the registered settlement device 10 by accepting pressing of the button. This allows the store clerk to intentionally restrict the payment and perform store clerk age verification. This makes it possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500. Also, for the other cash registers according to modified example 4, the payment process is restricted until the authentication medium 500 is removed from the authentication medium reading unit 115, making it possible to prevent the authentication medium 500 from being left behind.

[0174] (Variation 5) Next, a fifth modified example of the present embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the product sales data processing device is applied to a fully self-service register will be described. In the fifth modified example, an example in which the product sales data processing device is applied to a register other than a fully self-service register will be described.

[0175] Three other aspects of the cash register related to variant example 5 are listed below. The first aspect of the fifth modification is a cash register aspect in which registration is performed by a store clerk and settlement (self-checkout) is performed by the customer. The customer may face the store clerk at the same cash register (registration and settlement device), or may use a settlement device (device dedicated to settlement) different from the registration device where the store clerk operates the registration. In other words, the product sales data processing device does not have to be equipped with a registration unit 501 where the customer registers products.

[0176] The second aspect of the fifth modification is a cash register that does not include the cash settlement unit 106. However, a cash register for cash settlement that includes the cash settlement unit 106 is provided separately in the store. When a customer wishes to pay in cash, the customer can send registration information from the cash register that he or she operates to the cash register for cash settlement, thereby making it possible for the cash settlement to be made at the cash register for cash settlement. Note that a cash register that does not include the cash settlement unit 106 is less expensive than a cash register that includes the cash settlement unit 106. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of introducing the product sales data processing system 1.

[0177] The third aspect of the fifth modification is a cash register that can switch between different operating modes and allows customers to settle their bill. The operating modes include, for example, a full self-service mode, a store clerk registration mode (a mode in which the customer settles their bill by meeting a store clerk), and a checkout-only mode (a mode in which the customer settles their bill by using another device).

[0178] For the other cash registers according to the above-mentioned modified example 5, the transaction status management device 30 displays a payment restriction button 621 (FIG. 6(B)) in response to the registration of an age verification product in the registered settlement device 10, and restricts the payment process in the registered settlement device 10 by accepting pressing of the button. This allows the store clerk to intentionally restrict the payment and perform store clerk age verification. This makes it possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500. Also, for the other cash registers according to modified example 5, the payment process is restricted until the authentication medium 500 is removed from the authentication medium reading unit 115, making it possible to prevent the authentication medium 500 from being left behind.

[0179] (Variation 6) Next, a sixth modified example of the present embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example (FIG. 5C) in which the age determination unit 503 is provided in the registration and settlement device 10 has been described. In the sixth modified example, an example in which the age determination unit 503 is provided in a higher-level device will be described.

[0180] In the sixth modification, when the authentication medium reading unit 115 reads the authentication information from the authentication medium 500, it transmits the read authentication information to the upper device. The age discrimination unit 503 included in the upper device performs age discrimination based on the authentication information transmitted from the authentication medium reading unit 115. The upper device then transmits the discrimination result of the age discrimination to the registration and settlement device 10. The registration and settlement device 10 according to the sixth modification includes a discrimination result acquisition unit (not shown) instead of the age discrimination unit 503 in FIG. 5C. The discrimination result acquisition unit acquires the discrimination result of the age discrimination from the upper device. The restriction unit 504 restricts the settlement process in response to pressing of the settlement restriction button 621 in the transaction status management device 30, even if the discrimination result acquired by the discrimination result acquisition unit is the age of adulthood or above.

[0181] According to the above-mentioned modification 6, even if the registered settlement device 10 does not perform age discrimination, the result of age discrimination can be obtained from the upper device. As a result, even if the result of age discrimination indicates that the customer is over the age of adulthood, the settlement process can be restricted in response to pressing the settlement restriction button 621. Therefore, while the settlement process is restricted, the store clerk's age verification can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0182] (Variation 7) Next, a seventh modified example of this embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example (FIG. 5C) in which the age discrimination unit 503 is provided in the registration and settlement apparatus 10 will be described. In the seventh modified example, an example in which the age discrimination unit 503 is provided in the authentication medium reading unit 115 will be described.

[0183] In the seventh modification, the authentication medium reading unit 115 reads the authentication information from the authentication medium 500. The age discrimination unit 503 included in the authentication medium reading unit 115 performs age discrimination based on the read authentication information. The authentication medium reading unit 115 transmits the discrimination result of the age discrimination to the registration and settlement device 10. As in the sixth modification, the registration and settlement device 10 according to the seventh modification includes a discrimination result acquisition unit (not shown) instead of the age discrimination unit 503 in FIG. 5C. The discrimination result acquisition unit acquires the discrimination result of the age discrimination from the authentication medium reading unit 115. The restriction unit 504 restricts the settlement process in response to pressing of the settlement restriction button 621 in the transaction status management device 30, even if the discrimination result acquired by the discrimination result acquisition unit is the age of adulthood or above.

[0184] According to the above-mentioned modified example 7, even if the registered settlement device 10 does not perform age discrimination, the result of age discrimination can be obtained from the authentication medium reading unit 115. As a result, even if the result of age discrimination indicates that the customer is over the age of adulthood, the settlement process can be restricted in response to pressing the settlement restriction button 621. Therefore, while the settlement process is restricted, the store clerk can verify the age of the customer. This makes it possible to prevent fraud, such as purchasing an age-verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0185] (Variation 8) Next, an eighth modified example of the present embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the checkout limit button 621 is displayed when an age verification product is registered has been described. In the eighth modified example, an example in which the checkout limit button 621 is displayed when automatic age verification is selected will be described.

[0186] In the eighth modification, for example, when the automatic confirmation button 733 is pressed on the age verification selection screen 730 (FIG. 7(C)), the registration settlement device 10 transmits information indicating the pressing to the transaction status management device 30. When the transaction status management device 30 receives the information, it displays the settlement restriction button 621. The timing for transmitting the annual confirmation product registration information by the registration settlement device 10 may be the timing when the automatic confirmation button 733 is pressed, or may be the timing when the age verification product is registered, as in the embodiment.

[0187] In the split screen 620 (FIG. 6(B)) according to the eighth modification, the timing at which the age verification product (XX beer) is displayed differs from the timing at which the payment limit button 621 is displayed. Specifically, the payment limit button 621 is displayed at a later time than the timing at which the age verification product (XX beer) is displayed.

[0188] According to the eighth modification, the settlement limit button 621 can be displayed in the transaction status management device 30 at the timing when automatic age verification is selected in the registered settlement device 10. Therefore, the period during which the settlement limit button 621 is displayed can be reduced. Therefore, during the period during which the settlement limit button 621 is not displayed, other information, other buttons, etc. can be displayed on the split screen 620. Therefore, the display screen of the display unit 203 can be used effectively.

[0189] (Variation 9) Next, a ninth modified example of the present embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the checkout limit button 621 is displayed when an age verification product is registered has been described. In the ninth modified example, an example in which the checkout limit button 621 is displayed when the result of face authentication is different in addition to when an age verification product is registered will be described.

[0190] In the ninth modification, the product sales data processing system 1 includes a face authentication unit. A face photograph is displayed on the authentication medium 500. Therefore, the face authentication unit can acquire face image data from the authentication medium 500. The face authentication unit can also acquire face image data captured by the imaging unit 110. The face authentication unit compares the acquired face image data to determine whether or not the two are the same person. If the face authentication unit determines that the two are not the same person, it transmits information indicating that to the transaction status management device 30. When the transaction status management device 30 receives the information, it displays a settlement limit button 621.

[0191] The timing for displaying the settlement restriction button 621 is the timing after it has been determined that the two are not the same person, specifically, after the authentication medium 500 has been inserted into the authentication medium reading unit 115. The face authentication unit may be provided in the registered settlement device 10, the transaction status management device 30, or a device other than these.

[0192] Furthermore, the face authentication may be performed by AI (Artificial Intelligence) or by a store clerk. When the face authentication is performed by a store clerk, the transaction status management device 30 may display, for example, an operator that accepts that the person is not the same person, and when the operator is operated, the settlement limit button 621 may be displayed.

[0193] According to the ninth modification, the effect of deterring unauthorized use of the authentication medium 500 can be further improved.

[0194] (Variation 10) Next, a modified example 10 of this embodiment will be described. In the modified example 10, an example in which a store exit terminal is provided will be described. In the modified example 10, the product sales data processing system 1 is provided with a store exit terminal that manages the store exit of customers. Also, the product sales data processing system 1 according to the modified example 10 may not include the transaction status management device 30, that is, it may be introduced in a store where no staff is present (a so-called unmanned store).

[0195] The store exit terminal includes, for example, a gate. The store exit terminal reads an exit code that a customer presents when the customer leaves the store. The store exit code is printed, for example, on a receipt. The store exit code includes information on the purchased product as well as information on whether the authentication medium 500 has been removed. If the store exit terminal reads the store exit code and includes information that the authentication medium 500 has not been removed, it notifies the customer that the authentication medium 500 has been left behind. The notification may be, for example, by closing the gate, or by notifying the customer of this by voice or display.

[0196] According to the tenth modification, in a product sales data processing system 1 (unmanned store) equipped with a store exit terminal, it is possible to prevent the authentication medium 500 from being left behind in the authentication medium reading unit 115.

[0197] (Variation 11) Next, an eleventh variant of this embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the registered settlement device 10 turns on the settlement restriction flag when the settlement restriction button 621 (FIG. 6(B)) is pressed in the transaction status management device 30. Instead of or in addition to this configuration, in an eleventh variant, an example will be described in which the registered settlement device 10 turns on the settlement restriction flag when an age verification product is registered. In an eleventh variant, in a transaction with a customer who is suspected to be a minor, the registered settlement device 10 sets in advance a flag (minor flag) different from the settlement restriction flag, and turns on the settlement restriction flag when an age verification product is registered.

[0198] In the eleventh modification, it is assumed that a store clerk assigned to the transaction status management device 30 checks the captured image 612 on the display unit 203 and determines that the customer to whom the transaction is being made is clearly a minor. In this case, the store clerk presses a Minor Presumption button (a button indicating that the customer is presumed to be a minor) displayed on the transaction status management device 30. The Minor Presumption button may be displayed on the display unit 203 in advance, or may be displayed on the display unit 203 upon receipt of a predetermined operation from the store clerk. Upon receipt of the press of the Minor Presumption button, the transaction status management device 30 transmits an underage transaction instruction to the registered settlement device 10, indicating that the transaction is with a minor.

[0199] The determination as to whether or not the customer is a minor may be made by a specified authentication device instead of or in addition to being made by a store clerk. The specified authentication device may be provided in the registered settlement device 10 (e.g., the imaging unit 110) or may be an external device different from the registered settlement device 10. The specified authentication device performs image recognition on the imaging data of the imaging unit 110 and determines the age of the customer based on the result of the image recognition. If the specified authentication device determines that the customer is a minor, it only has to transmit an underage transaction instruction to the registered settlement device 10. Also, by having the store clerk and the specified authentication device determine whether or not the customer is a minor, it is possible to determine whether or not the customer is a minor at multiple times.

[0200] When the registration and settlement device 10 receives an underage transaction instruction, it turns on a minor flag, which indicates that the transaction is with a minor. When the minor flag is on and an age verification product is registered, the registration and settlement device 10 turns on a settlement restriction flag at that stage. In other words, the registration and settlement device 10 turns on the settlement restriction flag without requiring a store clerk to press the settlement restriction button 621 in the transaction status management device 30. This makes it possible to restrict settlement. The minor flag is set to OFF at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, the timing when the settlement restriction flag is turned on or the timing when product registration is completed (or settlement is completed) without an age verification product being registered.

[0201] According to the modification 11, since the minor flag is set in advance before the age verification product is registered, the payment restriction flag can be turned ON when the age verification product is registered. This makes it possible to automatically restrict payment when the age verification product is registered. Therefore, according to the modification 11, it is possible to more effectively prevent fraudulent use of the authentication medium 500.

[0202] (Variation 12) Next, a twelfth variant of this embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, an example in which registration and settlement are performed by one device (the registration and settlement device 10) has been described. In the twelfth variant, an example in which registration and settlement are performed by separate devices will be described. Below, an example in which a portable registration device is used and an example in which a stationary registration device is used will be described. In both examples, the settlement device is the stationary type.

[0203] (Example of a portable registration device being used) First, an example in which a portable registration device is used will be described. A product sales data processing system 1 according to this example includes a shopping server, a registration device, a settlement device, and a transaction status management device 30. The portable registration device is a mobile terminal device carried by a customer. The mobile terminal device is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone, or the like. A specific application software (hereinafter referred to as a "shopping app") is installed in the mobile terminal device. An example of an outline of the procedure for conducting a transaction using a shopping app is shown below.

[0204] 1. The mobile terminal device starts the camera by starting the shopping app. At this time, an app identification code is sent to a specific server (shopping server), and a dedicated transaction ID is generated in the shopping server. The transaction ID is, for example, cart identification information (cart ID) that identifies a virtual cart. The transaction ID is sent from the shopping server to the mobile terminal device. This starts the transaction. 2. The mobile terminal device acquires a transaction ID from the shopping server. The mobile terminal device uses a camera provided in the mobile terminal device to read product codes attached to products by operations of customers who shop around the store.

[0205] The mobile terminal device may obtain age information by reading the authentication medium 500 with a camera at the start of a transaction or during the transaction. The mobile terminal device may also perform age determination (e.g., automatic age confirmation by the authentication medium reading unit 115). In other words, the shopping app may include a notification function that prompts the user to read the authentication medium 500.

[0206] 3. When the mobile terminal device reads the product code, it transmits the read product code and the transaction ID to the shopping server. 4. When the shopping server receives the product code and transaction ID from the mobile terminal device, it identifies the virtual cart of the customer from the transaction ID and adds the product information indicated by the product code to the cart. This updates the registered product information (cart information). The shopping server then transmits update information indicating that the registered product information has been updated to the mobile terminal device.

[0207] 5. When the mobile terminal device receives the updated information from the shopping server, it updates the registration screen that is being displayed. In this manner, a series of product registrations is performed. 6. When product registration is completed (when payment is to begin), the mobile terminal device accepts pressing of a predetermined payment start button. 7. When the settlement start button is pressed, the mobile terminal device displays a settlement code including a transaction ID on the display.

[0208] 8. The settlement device (for example, the registered settlement device 10) reads the settlement code displayed on the mobile terminal device. 9. When the settlement device reads the settlement code, it makes a request to the shopping server to obtain registered product information corresponding to the transaction ID included in the settlement code. 10. The shopping server identifies the registered product information from the transaction ID and transmits the registered product information to the settlement device. 11. The settlement device performs settlement based on the registered product information acquired from the shopping server. During settlement, the settlement device displays a payment type selection screen and accepts the payment type from the customer. The settlement device then performs settlement using the accepted payment type and issues a receipt to complete the transaction.

[0209] Next, the settlement restrictions related to the modified example 12 will be described. When an age verification product is added to the registered product information, the shopping server sets a flag indicating that (annual confirmation product registration flag) to ON. Then, when the shopping server receives a request to obtain registered product information from the settlement device, it transmits the registered product information to the settlement device. When an age verification product is registered, the settlement device performs age determination (for example, automatic age verification by the authentication medium reading unit 115).

[0210] Furthermore, when the shopping server receives the above-mentioned acquisition request from the settlement device, it transmits the registered product information to the settlement device, and if the annual fixed product registration flag for the transaction is ON, it transmits the annual fixed product registration information to the transaction status management device 30. When the transaction status management device 30 receives the annual fixed product registration information, it displays a settlement limit button 621 on the transaction status screen 611 (FIG. 6) corresponding to the settlement device.

[0211] If the store clerk at the transaction status management device 30 judges from the captured image 612 on the transaction status screen 611 that the customer is likely to be a minor, he or she presses the settlement restriction button 621. This causes the transaction status management device 30 to send a settlement restriction instruction to the settlement device, and the settlement device restricts the settlement process. Therefore, even in transactions using a portable registration device, it is possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0212] (Example of using a stationary registration device) Next, an example in which a stationary registration device is used will be described. In self-registration, since registration is performed by the customer, it takes time to register the product, which may result in a decrease in customer traffic in the store. Therefore, by arranging many stationary registration devices in the store, it is possible to speed up self-registration. A product sales data processing system 1 equipped with a stationary registration device includes a registration device, a settlement device, and a transaction status management device 30.

[0213] For example, there are more registration devices installed than settlement devices. A stationary registration device is a registration device dedicated to self-registration by a customer. A registration device does not include, for example, a non-cash payment unit 105 or a cash payment unit 106. When a registration device receives a registration completion operation from a customer, it transmits registered product information to a specified settlement device. As a result, when a customer completes registration on the registration device, the customer moves to a settlement device and performs self-payment.

[0214] If the registered product information includes an age verification product, the registration device turns ON a flag indicating this (annual fixed product registration flag). If the annual fixed product registration flag is ON for the registered product information sent from the registration device, the settlement device transmits the annual fixed product registration information to the transaction status management device 30. As a result, the transaction status management device 30 displays a settlement limit button 621 on the transaction status screen 611 (FIG. 6) corresponding to the settlement device.

[0215] Furthermore, the settlement device performs age determination when the registered product information includes an age verification product. Note that if the age determination does not determine that the customer is over the age of majority, the purchase of the age verification product is not permitted. Note that age determination may be performed in the registration device. If the registration device does not determine that the customer is over the age of majority in the age determination, it may not send the registered product information to the settlement device. In this case, the registration device may not accept an operation to complete registration from the customer.

[0216] If the store clerk at the transaction status management device 30 judges from the captured image 612 on the transaction status screen 611 that the customer is likely to be a minor, he or she presses the settlement restriction button 621. This causes the transaction status management device 30 to send a settlement restriction instruction to the settlement device, which can restrict the settlement process and call a store clerk. Therefore, even in transactions using a stationary registration device, it is possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0217] It is also possible to set a payment limit in the registration device. The transaction status management device 30 sequentially receives registered product information from each registration device, and allows the user to view the registration status including the captured image data of the registered product and the customer in each registration device. For this reason, when an age verification product is registered in a registration device, the transaction status management device 30 may display a payment limit button 621 on the transaction status screen 611 (FIG. 6) corresponding to the registration device. When the store clerk of the transaction status management device 30 judges from the captured image 612 on the transaction status screen 611 that the customer of the registration device is likely to be a minor, he or she presses the payment limit button 621. Then, the transaction status management device 30 transmits a payment limit instruction to the registration device. When the registration device receives the payment limit instruction, the registration device turns on the payment limit flag of the registered product information.

[0218] When the registration device receives the registration completion operation, it transmits the registered product information to the settlement device. If the settlement restriction flag of the registered product information transmitted from the registration device is ON, the settlement device can restrict the settlement process and call a store clerk.

[0219] In the product sales data processing system 1 using a stationary registration device, the age determination based on the authentication medium 500 may be performed by either the registration device or the settlement device. For example, when the age determination is performed by the registration device, the timing of the age determination may be, for example, when the age verification product is registered or when the completion of registration is accepted. Also, when the age determination is performed by the settlement device, the timing of the age determination may be, for example, when settlement begins.

[0220] In addition, the device that receives the settlement limit instruction may be either a registration device or a settlement device. For example, if the registration device is configured to receive the settlement limit instruction, the registration device may limit (suspend) the registration process upon receiving the settlement limit instruction. The suspension may be released by the intervention of a store clerk.

[0221] In addition, in the 12th modification, the determination as to whether or not a customer is a minor is not limited to being made by a store clerk, but may be made by a predetermined authentication device (the authentication device described in the 11th modification). The predetermined authentication device determines the age of the customer, and if it determines that the customer is a minor, it transmits a payment restriction instruction to the registration device or the payment device.

[0222] In addition, in the twelfth modification, an example in which the registration device directly transmits the registered product information to the settlement device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transmission from the registration device to the settlement device may be performed via another device such as a higher-level device.

[0223] The embodiments will be summarized below. [Name of invention] System, transaction information management device, and program [Technical field] The present invention relates to a system, a transaction information management device, and a program. [Background technology] Conventionally, stores and the like have handled products such as alcohol and tobacco whose sales are regulated depending on the age of the customer (age verification products). When purchasing an age verification product, age verification is performed. A related technology is a Point of Sales (POS) terminal that prompts customers to select whether they are in their 20s or 30s or older, and only those who press the "20s" button are required to present an age verification document (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In recent years, product sales data processing devices that read information from authentication media such as driver's licenses to verify ages are also becoming more common. [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5559252 [Summary of the invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, the conventional technology has a problem in that there is a risk of fraud in which someone uses another person's authentication medium to purchase an age-verification product. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can prevent fraudulent purchases of age-verification products using another person's authentication medium.

[0224] [Means for solving the problem] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a system that is one aspect of the present invention is a system including an information processing device that performs a transaction of a product, and a transaction information management device that manages the information processing device, wherein the transaction information management device is equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring from the information processing device transaction information indicating that an age verification product has been traded, a restriction receiving means for receiving an input to restrict transaction processing in response to the acquisition of the transaction information, and a control means for instructing the information processing device to restrict the transaction processing in response to the restriction receiving means receiving the input, and wherein the information processing device is equipped with a restriction means for restricting the transaction processing in response to the instruction. According to the above configuration, the clerk can intentionally limit the payment and perform age verification by the clerk. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0225] (2) In the configuration of (1) above, the information processing device may include an authentication medium reading means for reading age information stored in an authentication medium carried by a customer by utilizing the authentication medium, and the control means may restrict the transaction processing depending on the reading result by the authentication medium reading means. According to the above-mentioned configuration, a double check can be performed by visually checking by a store clerk in the transaction status management device 30 and by authenticating by the authentication medium reading unit 115. Therefore, the deterrent effect of preventing fraud can be further improved.

[0226] (3) In the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the information processing device may include an authentication medium reading means for reading age information stored in an authentication medium held by a customer when the authentication medium is inserted, and the restriction means may be configured to restrict the ejection of the authentication medium inserted into the authentication medium reading means in response to the instruction, in addition to restricting the transaction processing. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent a customer from removing an authentication medium 500 that has been fraudulently used, thereby further improving the effect of deterring fraudulent acts.

[0227] (4) In the above configuration (3), the information processing device may include a clerk information receiving means for receiving clerk information from a clerk, and the restriction means may be configured to release the restriction on discharge in response to the clerk information receiving means receiving the clerk information. According to the above configuration, since the store clerk can remove the authentication medium 500, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as using another person's authentication medium 500. In addition, it is possible to prevent the authentication medium 500 from being left behind.

[0228] (5) In the configuration of (4) above, the information processing device may include a confirmation result receiving means for receiving from a store clerk a confirmation result indicating whether the customer's age is above the age at which the customer can purchase the age verification product, and the restriction means may be configured to lift the restriction on the transaction processing when the confirmation result receiving means receives a confirmation result indicating that the customer is above the age. According to the above configuration, the payment process can be performed after the store clerk visually confirms that the authentication medium 500 and the customer are of adult age. Therefore, customers who have not used the authentication medium 500 fraudulently can purchase age-verification products.

[0229] In addition, in the above configuration (4), when the confirmation result receiving means receives a confirmation result indicating that the age is not above the age, a display control means is provided for displaying a deletion screen for deleting the age verification item, and the restriction means may be configured to lift the restriction on the settlement process by deleting the age verification item on the deletion screen. According to the above configuration, the age verification product can be cancelled after the store clerk visually confirms that the authentication medium 500 and the customer are under the age of adulthood. This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0230] In addition, in the above configurations (2) to (5), the product sales data processing device may include a notification means for issuing an insertion notification to prompt the user to insert the authentication medium into the authentication medium reading means when registration of a product including the age verification product is completed, and the notification means may be configured to issue a preparation notification to prompt the user to prepare for insertion of the authentication medium when the age verification product is registered. According to the above configuration, when the age verification product is registered, the customer can be prompted to prepare to insert the authentication medium 500, so the customer can quickly prepare the authentication medium 500. This reduces the time required for each customer to pay, which can prevent congestion at the register.

[0231] (6) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a transaction information management device according to another aspect of the present invention is a transaction information management device comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating that a transaction of an age verification product has occurred from an information processing device which carries out a transaction of the product; a restriction accepting means for accepting an input to restrict transaction processing in response to the acquisition of the transaction information; and a control means for instructing the information processing device to restrict the transaction processing in response to the restriction accepting means accepting the input. According to the above configuration, the clerk can intentionally limit the payment and perform age verification by the clerk. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0232] (7) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a transaction information management device in a system including an information processing device which registers and trades products, and a transaction information management device which manages the information processing device, to function as a first computer and for causing the information processing device to function as a second computer, the program causing the first computer to function as an acquisition means for acquiring from the information processing device transaction information indicating that a transaction for an age verification product has occurred, a restriction receiving means for receiving an input to restrict transaction processing in response to the acquisition of the transaction information, and a control means for instructing the information processing device to restrict the transaction processing in response to the restriction receiving means receiving the input, and causing the second computer to function as a restriction means for restricting the transaction processing in response to the instruction. According to the above configuration, the clerk can intentionally limit the payment and perform age verification by the clerk. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0233] (8) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer of a transaction information management device to function as an acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating that a transaction of an age verification product has occurred from an information processing device that carries out the product transaction, a restriction acceptance means for accepting an input to restrict the transaction processing in response to the transaction information being acquired, and a control means for instructing the information processing device to restrict the transaction processing in response to the restriction acceptance means accepting the input. According to the above configuration, the clerk can intentionally limit the payment and perform age verification by the clerk. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud such as purchasing an age verification product using another person's authentication medium 500.

[0234] In addition, all or part of each function (input / output, memory, processing (including judgment)) of the registered settlement device 10 described above may be realized in a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the function.

[0235] Specifically, in the above description, the registration settlement device 10 includes the functional units of the registration unit 501, the settlement unit 502, the age discrimination unit 503, the restriction unit 504, the store clerk information reception unit 505, the confirmation result reception unit 506, the display control unit 507, and the notification unit 508, and the transaction status management device 30 includes the functional units of the acquisition unit 511, the restriction reception unit 512, and the control unit 513. All or a part of these functional units may be included in another computer device. For example, all or a part of these functional units may be included in the store controller 20, an external server device, or a computer device other than these. In addition, the computer device in which these functional units are included is not limited to being multiple, and may be one.

[0236] Specifically, for example, when the store controller 20 or an external server device, instead of the registered settlement device 10, acquires annually settled product registration information from the registered settlement device 10, it may display a settlement restriction button 621 (Figure 6 (B)) on the transaction status management device 30, and restrict the settlement processing at the registered settlement device 10 in response to pressing of the button.

[0237] In relation to the above, the registration and settlement device 10 may function as a so-called thin client specialized in the input / output interface portion with respect to product registration and settlement. In other words, the registration and settlement device 10 may accept various inputs (operation by an operator, detection by a device such as a scanner), transmit the input information (operation information, scan information, etc.) to a cloud server, receive the processing results of the cloud server based on the input information (update screen information, device control information, etc.), and perform various outputs (display on a display unit, control of a device).

[0238] The programs for implementing the above-described product sales data processing system 1, the registration and settlement device 10, and the transaction status management device 30 may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs may be read and executed by a computer system. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash memory, a solid state drive (SSD), a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to a storage device that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The above-mentioned program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. The "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for implementing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0239] 1...Product sales data processing system, 10...Registration settlement device, 20...Store controller, 101...CPU, 102...Memory unit, 103...Display unit, 104...Scanner unit, 105...Non-cash payment unit, 106...Cash payment unit, 107...Communication unit, 108...Printing unit, 109...Audio output unit, 110...Imaging unit, 112...Light emitting unit, 113...Monitoring display unit, 114...Sensor unit, 115...Authentication medium reading unit, 2 01...CPU, 202...storage unit, 203...display unit, 204...scanner unit, 205...communication unit, 206...printing unit, 207...audio output unit, 500...authentication medium, 501...registration unit, 502...payment unit, 503...age determination unit, 504...restriction unit, 505...store clerk information reception unit, 506...confirmation result reception unit, 507...display control unit, 508...notification unit, 511...acquisition unit, 512...restriction reception unit, 513...control unit

Claims

1. A system including an information processing device that performs product transactions and a transaction information management device that manages the information processing device, The transaction information management device includes: An acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating that a transaction for an age verification product has been made from the information processing device; a restriction receiving means for receiving an input for restricting transaction processing in response to the acquisition of the transaction information; a control means for instructing the information processing device to limit the transaction processing in response to the limit acceptance means accepting the input; Equipped with the information processing device includes a restriction means for restricting the transaction processing in response to the instruction; A system characterized by:

2. the information processing device includes an authentication medium reading means for reading age information stored in an authentication medium by using the authentication medium possessed by a customer; the control means restricts the transaction processing in accordance with the reading result by the authentication medium reading means.

2. The system of claim 1 .

3. the information processing device includes an authentication medium reading means for reading age information stored in an authentication medium held by a customer when the authentication medium is inserted; the restriction means restricts the transaction process and also restricts ejection of the authentication medium inserted into the authentication medium reading means in response to the instruction.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The information processing device includes a sales clerk information receiving means for receiving sales clerk information from a sales clerk, The limiting means releases the limit on the discharge in response to the store clerk information receiving means receiving the store clerk information.

4. The system of claim 3.

5. The information processing device includes a confirmation result receiving means for receiving, from a store clerk, a confirmation result indicating whether or not the customer's age is equal to or exceeds the age at which the customer can purchase the age verification product; the restriction means, when the confirmation result receiving means receives a confirmation result indicating that the person is above the age, removes the restriction on the transaction process.

5. The system of claim 4.

6. An acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating that a transaction for an age verification product has been made from an information processing device that carries out a product transaction; a restriction receiving means for receiving an input for restricting transaction processing in response to the acquisition of the transaction information; a control means for instructing the information processing device to limit the transaction processing in response to the limit acceptance means accepting the input; A transaction information management device comprising:

7. A program for causing a transaction information management device to function as a first computer and causing the information processing device to function as a second computer in a system including an information processing device that registers and trades products and a transaction information management device that manages the information processing device, comprising: The first computer, An acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating that a transaction for an age verification product has been made from the information processing device; a restriction receiving means for receiving an input for restricting transaction processing in response to the acquisition of the transaction information; a control means for instructing the information processing device to limit the transaction processing in response to the limit acceptance means accepting the input; Function as a a limiting means for limiting the transaction processing of the second computer in response to the instruction; To function as A program characterized by:

8. A computer of the transaction information management device, An acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating that a transaction for an age verification product has been made from an information processing device that carries out a product transaction; a restriction receiving means for receiving an input for restricting transaction processing in response to the acquisition of the transaction information; a control means for instructing the information processing device to limit the transaction processing in response to the limit acceptance means accepting the input; A program characterized by causing the program to function as a

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