Store system, entry restriction method, program, display shelf, and settlement terminal

Abstract

To suppress the purchase of restricted products by customers who do not satisfy purchase conditions.SOLUTION: A store system 1 comprises: an entry / exit gate 10 that restricts entry of customers into a first area A1 in which restricted products provided in a store are displayed; a reading device 20 that acquires customer information being information regarding a customer attempting to enter the first area A1; and a control unit that controls the entry / exit gate 10 so as to permit entry of the customer into the first area A1 when an attribute of the customer specified from the customer information satisfies purchase conditions of the restricted products.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a store system, an entrance control method, a program, a display shelf, and a checkout terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a store system that acquires customer identification information input into a lock control device that controls the locking of locked shelves on which age-restricted products are displayed, determines whether the customer identified by the customer identification information has undergone age verification processing and whether they meet the purchase conditions for the age-restricted products, and sends an unlocking instruction to the lock control device to unlock the locked shelves if the customer has undergone age verification processing and meets the purchase conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 066000 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a store that sells restricted products that can be purchased if a customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions, if customers are allowed to freely enter the area where the restricted products are displayed, customers who do not meet the purchase conditions will be more likely to pick up the restricted products. In this case, the possibility that customers who do not meet the purchase conditions will purchase the restricted products increases, which is undesirable. The present invention aims to prevent customers who do not meet the purchase conditions from purchasing restricted products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention, which was completed with the above objective in mind, is a store system comprising a restriction unit that restricts customers from entering an area in a store where restricted products are displayed, an acquisition unit that acquires customer information, which is information about customers attempting to enter the area, and a control unit that controls the restriction unit to allow the customer to enter the area if the customer attributes identified from the customer information meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products. Here, the control unit may control a display shelf installed in the area, on which the restricted products are displayed, that has a locking function that restricts customers from touching the restricted products, so that the locking function is released when the customer meets the purchase conditions. In addition, the control unit may control a payment terminal installed in the area that processes payment for products so that payment for the restricted products is possible when the customer satisfies the purchase conditions. In addition, multiple settlement terminals may be installed in the area, and the control unit may control each of the settlement terminals so that settlement for the restricted product is possible when the customer meets the purchase conditions. In addition, after controlling the restriction unit to allow customers to enter the area, if there are no more customers staying in the area, the control unit may control the display shelf on which the restricted products are displayed so that a lock function that restricts customers from touching the restricted products is locked, or may control the payment terminal that processes the payment for the products so that payment for the restricted products cannot be made. The system may further include a notification unit that, if a customer commits an unauthorized act when entering the area, notifies other devices that can control the restriction unit of the fact that the unauthorized act has been committed, and the control unit may, based on instructions from the other devices that have received the notification, control the lock function that restricts customers from touching the restricted products on the display shelves on which the restricted products are displayed to be released, or may control the payment terminal that processes the payment for the products to enable the payment for the restricted products. In addition, the control unit may control the restriction unit to continue restricting customer entry into the area when the number of customers staying in the area exceeds a predetermined value, even if the customers meet the purchase conditions. Also, from another perspective, the present invention is an entry restriction method in an entry restriction system, which acquires customer information, which is information about a customer who is attempting to enter an area in a store where restricted products are displayed, and, if the customer attributes identified from the customer information satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted products, releases the restriction imposed by the restriction unit that restricts the customer's entry into the area. From another perspective, the present invention is a program that enables a computer to acquire customer information, which is information about a customer who is attempting to enter an area in a store where restricted products are displayed, and to lift the restriction imposed by a restriction unit that restricts customers from entering the area if the customer attributes identified from the customer information meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products. Also, from another perspective, the present invention is a display shelf installed in an area of ​​a store where restricted products are displayed, comprising a display section in which the restricted products are displayed, and a restriction section that restricts customers from touching the restricted products displayed in the display section and, when the restriction imposed by the restriction section that restricts customers from entering the area is lifted, lifts the restriction on customers from touching the restricted products. From another perspective, the present invention is a checkout terminal that is installed in an area of ​​a store where restricted products are displayed, and is equipped with a checkout unit that processes the checkout for the products, and restricts the checkout processing for the restricted products by the checkout unit, and when the restriction by the restriction unit that restricts customers from entering the area is lifted, the checkout terminal makes it possible for the checkout unit to process the checkout for the restricted products. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent customers who do not satisfy the purchase conditions from purchasing restricted products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales floor in a store where a store system to which the present embodiment is applied is used. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a store system to which the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a store server. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an entrance restriction process performed by a control unit. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales floor in a store where a store system to which the present embodiment is applied is used. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a store system to which the present embodiment is applied. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 shows an example of a receipt produced by a printing unit of the receipt producing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a store server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Embodiment 1> (Overall configuration of store system) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales floor in a store S in which a store system 1 to which this embodiment is applied is used. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a store system 1 to which this embodiment is applied. The store system 1 of this embodiment is a system for restricting customers who do not meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products from entering a first area A1 in a store S where the restricted products are displayed. A restricted product is a product that can only be purchased by customers who have a predetermined attribute. Examples of such restricted products include age-restricted products that can only be purchased by customers whose age meets a predetermined age condition, gender-restricted products that can only be purchased by customers of a predetermined gender, and purchase qualification-restricted products that can only be purchased by customers who have a predetermined purchase qualification. Age-restricted products are not particularly limited, but examples include tobacco, alcohol, and the like that can only be purchased by customers over a predetermined age. Furthermore, gender-restricted products include products that can only be purchased by men or women. Furthermore, purchase qualification-restricted products include products that can only be purchased by members who have registered with store S or shareholders of store S. In the description of this embodiment, the conditions of the attributes of customers who can purchase restricted products may be referred to as the purchase conditions for restricted products.

[0009] The store S in which the store system 1 is used is not particularly limited, but examples include convenience stores, supermarkets, drug stores, etc. that sell various products including restricted products. The first area A1 in which restricted products are displayed is set up in a portion of the sales floor of the store S. In addition, the sales floor of the store S includes the first area A1 in which restricted products are displayed and a second area A2 in which restricted products are not displayed and only products other than the restricted products are displayed. Note that the first area A1 may display products other than the restricted products in addition to the restricted products.

[0010] In the store S shown in Fig. 1, the first area A1 and the second area A2 are separated by a wall, shelves on which products are displayed, an entrance / exit gate 10 (described later), etc. This makes it difficult for customers in the second area A2 to see restricted products displayed on locked shelves 30 (described later) in the first area A1.

[0011] The store system 1 includes an entrance / exit gate 10, a reading device 20, a lockable shelf 30, a first accounting device 40, a second accounting device 50, a display device 60, and a photographing device 70. The store system 1 also includes a store server 100 that controls the operation of the entrance / exit gate 10, reading device 20, lockable shelf 30, first accounting device 40, second accounting device 50, display device 60, and photographing device 70. In this example, the store server 100 is located in the back office of store S. The store system 1 is also provided with a center server 200 that is installed outside the store S and controls the operation of the entrance / exit gate 10, reading device 20, lockable shelf 30, first accounting device 40, second accounting device 50, display device 60, and photographing device 70 via the store server 100. In this example, the center server 200 is installed at a head office or the like that manages multiple stores, including store S.

[0012] The store server 100 is connected to the entrance / exit gate 10, the reading device 20, the lockable shelf 30, the first accounting device 40, the second accounting device 50, and the display device 60 via a network 91. The store server 100 is also connected to the center server 200 via a network 92. The networks 91 and 92 are not particularly limited as long as they are communication networks used for data communication between devices, and may be, for example, LANs (Local Area Networks). The communication lines used for data communication may be wired or wireless, or a combination of both may be used. Examples of wireless LANs include WiFi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). In addition, the center server 200, the entry / exit gate 10, the reading device 20, the locked shelf 30, the first accounting device 40, the second accounting device 50 and the display device 60 may be connected directly via a network not shown, without going through the store server 100.

[0013] (Entry / Exit Gate 10) The entrance / exit gate 10 restricts the entry of customers into the first area A1 where restricted products are displayed. The entrance / exit gate 10 is an example of a restricting unit that restricts the entry of customers into the first area A1. In the description of this embodiment, a customer moving from the second area A2 to the first area A1 may be referred to as entering the first area A1, and a customer moving from the first area A1 to the second area A2 may be referred to as exiting the first area A1.

[0014] The entrance / exit gate 10 is provided at the entrance / exit between the first area A1 and the second area A2. In the store S of this embodiment, there is only one entrance / exit between the first area A1 and the second area A2, where the entrance / exit gate 10 is provided. Therefore, in the store S, customers cannot enter the first area A1 from the second area A2 without passing through the entrance / exit gate 10.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 1, the entrance / exit gate 10 has a plate-shaped flap 11 that is rotatable around an axis provided on the main body of the entrance / exit gate 10. The operation of the flap 11 of the entrance / exit gate 10 is controlled by the store server 100. In addition, the entrance / exit gate 10 is switched by the store server 100 between a restricted state in which the flap 11 is controlled not to rotate toward the first area A1, restricting customers from entering the first area A1, and an allowed state in which the flap 11 is controlled to rotate toward the first area A1, allowing customers to enter the first area A1.

[0016] Specifically, when a customer does not satisfy the purchase conditions for a restricted product, the store server 100 switches the entrance / exit gate 10 to a restrictive state in which the flap 11 does not rotate toward the first area A1, thereby restricting the customer from entering the first area A1. Also, when a customer satisfies the purchase conditions for a restricted product, the store server 100 switches the entrance / exit gate 10 to an allowable state in which the flap 11 can rotate toward the first area A1, thereby allowing the customer to enter the first area A1.

[0017] On the other hand, in the entrance / exit gate 10 of this embodiment, the rotation of the flap 11 toward the second area A2 is not restricted. Therefore, customers who enter the first area A1 can freely exit from the first area A1 to the second area A2.

[0018] In addition, the entrance / exit gate 10 may have a function to count the number of customers entering the first area A1 from the second area A2 and the number of customers exiting from the first area A1 to the second area A2 based on the operation of the flap 11, etc.

[0019] (Reader 20) The reader 20 is installed near the entrance / exit gate 10 in the second area A2. The reading device 20 is an example of an acquisition unit and acquires customer information, which is information about a customer attempting to enter the first area A1. Specifically, the reading device 20 reads data from a certificate presented by a customer attempting to enter the first area A1, which certificate certifies the customer's attributes. Examples of the certificate include, but are not limited to, a driver's license, a health insurance card, and a My Number card, which contain information that can identify the customer's attributes. Examples of the certificate include a membership card or credit card of the store S, which do not contain information that can identify the customer's attributes but can identify the customer's attributes by associating it with information stored in the store server 100, the center server 200, or the like. The certificate may be an actual license or membership card, or an image of the license or membership card displayed on a display screen of a mobile information terminal or the like carried by the customer. In this embodiment, when the reading device 20 acquires data such as a driver's license or My Number card containing a customer's facial photograph as a certificate, the store server 100 may verify the customer's identity by comparing the data of the customer's facial photograph acquired by the reading device 20 with the image of the customer's face captured by the photographing device 70.

[0020] The reading device 20 then outputs the read certificate data to the store server 100. As will be described in detail later, the store server 100 determines, based on the certificate data received from the reading device 20, whether the attributes of the customer attempting to enter the first area A1 satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product.

[0021] (30 lockable shelves) The locking shelf 30 is an example of a display shelf, on which restricted products are displayed and which has a locking function that restricts customers from accessing the restricted products. The locking shelf 30 is installed in the first area A1. As shown in Figure 2, multiple (two in this example) locking shelves 30 are installed in the first area A1. The lockable shelf 30 has a display section 31 where restricted products are displayed, and a door 32 that restricts customers from accessing the restricted products displayed in the display section 31. The lockable shelf 30 has a locking function provided on the door 32. The locking function of the door 32 of the lockable shelf 30 is controlled by the store server 100, and the lockable shelf 30 is switched between a locked state in which the opening and closing of the door 32 by customers is restricted, and an unlocked state in which the opening and closing of the door 32 by customers is permitted. The unlocked state of the lockable shelf 30 is an example of a release state of the lock function.

[0022] (First accounting device 40, second accounting device 50) The first accounting device 40 is a self-checkout register that is operated by the customer themselves. The first accounting device 40 is installed in the first area A1. As shown in FIG. 2, multiple first accounting devices 40 (two in this example) are installed in the first area A1. The first accounting device 40 comprises a device main body 41 which registers products and settles the purchase price of registered products, and a display unit 42 which displays various information to customers using the first accounting device 40.

[0023] The first accounting device 40 registers the products by reading the barcodes attached to the products using a scanner (not shown) or a hand scanner (not shown) attached to the device main body 41. The first accounting device 40 also calculates the purchase price of the registered products and completes the transaction by settling the calculated purchase price. The purchase price can be settled by payment card or cash. In the description of this embodiment, the processes performed by the first accounting device 40, such as product registration and payment of the purchase amount, may be collectively referred to as product settlement processing.

[0024] The first accounting device 40 is controlled by the store server 100 and can be switched between a checkout enabled state in which the customer can process the checkout for the restricted product, and a checkout restricted state in which the customer cannot process the checkout for the restricted product. In the checkout enabled state, the first checkout device 40 is capable of processing checkout for restricted items and items other than restricted items. In addition, in the checkout restricted state, the first checkout device 40 is unable to process checkout for restricted items, but is capable of processing checkout for items other than restricted items. Note that in the checkout restricted state, the first checkout device 40 may be unable to process checkout for both restricted items and items other than restricted items.

[0025] An example of a method for disabling the settlement process for restricted items when the first checkout device 40 is in a checkout restricted state is to prevent the device main body 41 from accepting registration of restricted items. Another example is to allow the device main body 41 to accept registration of restricted items, but prevent payment of the purchase price for the restricted items. Another example is to restrict the operation of the first checkout device 40 itself, such as by putting the first checkout device 40 into a sleep state that consumes less power. When the first accounting device 40 is in a checkout restricted state, the display unit 42 may display information indicating that checkout processing for restricted products is not possible.

[0026] The second accounting device 50 is a self-checkout register operated by the customer himself, similar to the first accounting device 40. The second accounting device 50 is installed in the second area A2. As shown in FIG. 2, multiple second accounting devices 50 (two in this example) are installed in the second area A2. Similar to the first checkout device 40, the second checkout device 50 comprises a device main body 51 that processes the payment for products, and a display unit 52 that displays various information to customers using the second checkout device 50.

[0027] Unlike the first accounting device 40, the second accounting device 50 is controlled by the store server 100 to a state in which it is unable to process payments for restricted items. In addition, the second accounting device 50 is in a state in which it is unable to process payments for restricted items by not accepting registration of restricted items using the device main body 51, or by accepting registration of restricted items but not being able to settle the purchase amount of the restricted items. The second checkout device 50 may display information on the display unit 52 indicating that payment for restricted items is not possible. Additionally, the second checkout device 50 may display information on the display unit 52 indicating that payment for only items other than restricted items is possible.

[0028] Furthermore, when a customer attempts to register a restricted product using the second accounting device 50, the second accounting device 50 may display information on the display unit 52 encouraging the customer to complete the payment process at the first accounting device 40. At this time, the second accounting device 50 may also display information on the display unit 52, such as how to enter the first area A1 where the first accounting device 40 is located. Furthermore, if it is determined that a customer meets the conditions for purchasing a restricted item based on an image of the customer taken by a camera (not shown) or the like installed on the second accounting device 50, the store server 100 may switch the second accounting device 50 to a state where payment processing for the restricted item is possible.

[0029] (Display device 60) The display device 60 is installed in the second area A2 near the entrance / exit gate 10 and the reading device 20. Examples of the display device 60 include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display device 60 displays information under the control of the store server 100 or the center server 200. Examples of information displayed by the display device 60 include information on how to use the reading device 20. Furthermore, the display device 60 may provide remote online customer service via networks 91 and 92 under the control of the store server 100 or the center server 200.

[0030] (photography device 70) The photographing device 70 photographs the first area A1 and customers who enter the first area A1 to acquire photographed images. The photographed images acquired by the photographing device 70 may be video or still images acquired at predetermined time intervals. The photographing device 70 then outputs the acquired photographed images to the store server 100. An example of the image capturing device 70 is a small camera such as a CCD camera. In this example, the image capturing device 70 is installed on the wall of the first area A1.

[0031] (Center server 200) The center server 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores a control program executed by the CPU. The CPU reads the control program stored in the ROM and executes the control program using the RAM as a working area. When the control program is executed by the CPU, each part of the center server 200 is controlled. The center server 200 can be exemplified as a computer operated by an operator or other person who operates a plurality of stores including store S. The center server 200 may be a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a tablet terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a multi-function mobile phone (a so-called "smartphone").

[0032] (Store server 100) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the store server 100. As shown in FIG. The store server 100 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is equipped with a control unit 110 that controls the store server 100 as a whole.

[0033] The store server 100 also includes a storage unit 120 that stores various programs such as an OS and applications, input data for the various programs, output data from the various programs, etc. The storage unit 120 can be exemplified by a storage device such as a HDD or semiconductor memory. The storage unit 120 may store, for example, a customer list that associates information that identifies customers who use the store S with information that can confirm the attributes of the customers. Examples of information that identifies customers include the number of a membership card for the store S and the number of a credit card used by the customer.

[0034] The store server 100 also includes a communication unit 130 that communicates with other devices that make up the store system 1. The communication unit 130 can be exemplified as a communication interface. The store server 100 can be exemplified as a computer having the function of transmitting and receiving information to and from other devices constituting the store system 1. Like the center server 200, the store server 100 may be a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a tablet terminal, a personal digital assistant, or a multi-function mobile phone.

[0035] (control unit 110) The control unit 110 includes an acquisition unit 111 that acquires customer information acquired by the reading device 20 and images captured by the photographing device 70, and a purchase condition determination unit 112 that determines whether a customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for a restricted product based on the customer information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. The control unit 110 also includes a number-of-customers identification unit 113 that recognizes the number of customers staying in the first area A1. The control unit 110 also includes a gate control unit 114 that controls the operation of the entrance / exit gate 10, a lock control unit 115 that controls the operation of the lockable shelf 30, and a checkout control unit 116 that controls the operation of the first checkout device 40. The control unit 110 also includes a fraudulent behavior determination unit 117 that determines whether a customer has committed fraudulent behavior when entering the first area A1, a notification unit 118 that notifies the center server 200 of information that a customer has committed fraudulent behavior, and a reception unit 119 that receives instructions from the center server 200.

[0036] The acquisition unit 111 acquires customer information, which is information about a customer who is about to enter the first area A1, such as certificate data read by the reading device 20. The acquisition unit 111 also acquires images captured by the imaging device 70. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 111 outputs the acquired customer information, photographed images, and the like to the center server 200.

[0037] The purchase condition determination unit 112 determines, based on the customer information acquired by the acquisition unit 111, whether or not the attributes of the customer attempting to enter the first area A1 satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product. If the customer information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is certificate data including information that can verify the customer's attributes, such as a driver's license, the purchase condition determination unit 112 identifies the attributes of the customer attempting to enter the first area A1 based on the certificate data. For example, if the restricted product is an age-restricted product, the purchase condition determination unit 112 applies known image analysis technology or character recognition technology to the certificate data to recognize information that can verify the customer's age, such as the date of birth, included in the certificate. The purchase condition determination unit 112 then identifies the customer's age from the recognized information that can verify the customer's age.

[0038] Furthermore, if the customer information acquired by acquisition unit 111 is certificate data that does not include information that can identify the customer's attributes, purchase condition determination unit 112 applies image analysis technology or character recognition technology to this certificate data to recognize information that identifies the customer included in the certificate. Then, purchase condition determination unit 112 identifies the customer's attributes based on the information that identifies this customer and information that can identify the customer's attributes included in the customer list stored in storage unit 120.

[0039] In addition, the purchase condition determination unit 112 may identify customer attributes such as age and gender based on the customer's biometric information such as an image of the customer taken by the photographing device 70 or a camera (not shown) installed near the entrance / exit gate 10, or the customer's voice.

[0040] Then, the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines whether the attributes of the identified customer satisfy the purchase conditions of the restricted product. For example, if the restricted product is an age-restricted product, the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines whether the identified customer's age is 20 years or older, which is an example of a purchase condition for an age-restricted product.

[0041] In addition, the purchase condition determination unit 112 may display information on the display device 60 to confirm whether the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product, and determine whether the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product based on the customer's response to this information. For example, if the restricted product is an age-restricted product, the purchase condition determination unit 112 may display the information "Are you over 20 years old?" on the display device 60 and accept an answer (yes or no) to this information. If the customer answers yes, the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's age meets the purchase condition for the restricted product, and if the customer answers no, the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's age does not meet the purchase condition for the restricted product.

[0042] The number of people specifying unit 113 specifies the number of customers staying in the first area A1 based on the operation of the entrance / exit gate 10 and the captured images acquired by the acquisition unit 111. The number of people specifying unit 113 then determines whether the specified number of customers staying in the first area A1 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The number of people specifying unit 113 also determines whether there are no more customers staying in the first area A1.

[0043] For example, the number of customers identifying unit 113 recognizes the number of customers who entered the first area A1 from the second area A2 based on the number of times the flap 11 of the entrance / exit gate 10 rotates toward the first area A1. The number of customers identifying unit 113 also recognizes the number of customers who exited from the first area A1 to the second area A2 based on the number of times the flap 11 of the entrance / exit gate 10 rotates toward the second area A2. The number of customers identifying unit 113 then identifies the number of customers staying in the first area A1 from the number of customers who entered the first area A1 and the number of customers who exited from the first area A1. In addition, the number of people determination unit 113 determines the number of customers staying in the first area A1 by analyzing the captured images acquired by the acquisition unit 111, more specifically, the captured images taken by the photography device 70 within the first area A1.

[0044] When the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product, the gate control unit 114 controls the entrance / exit gate 10 to allow the customer to enter the first area A1. Specifically, when the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product, the gate control unit 114 switches the entrance / exit gate 10 from a restricted state in which the flap 11 does not rotate toward the first area A1 to an allowed state in which the flap 11 can rotate toward the first area A1. This allows the customer to enter the first area A1 from the second area A2 through the entrance / exit gate 10.

[0045] Furthermore, if the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes do not satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product, the gate control unit 114 maintains the entrance / exit gate 10 in a restricted state. In this case, the flap 11 of the entrance / exit gate 10 is controlled so as not to rotate toward the first area A1, and the customer cannot enter the first area A1 from the second area A2 through the entrance / exit gate 10. This prevents customers who do not satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product from entering the first area A1 where the restricted product is displayed.

[0046] Furthermore, even if the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product, if the number of customers staying in the first area A1 identified by the number-of-customers identification unit 113 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the gate control unit 114 may maintain the entrance / exit gate 10 in a restricted state. This prevents an excessive number of customers from entering the first area A1, restricting customer behavior within the first area A1 and preventing the purchase of the restricted product from taking a long time. The gate control unit 114 then switches the entrance / exit gate 10 from a restricted state to an allowed state when the number of customers staying in the first area A1 identified by the number-of-customers identification unit 113 falls below a threshold.

[0047] When the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product, the lock control unit 115 controls the lockable shelf 30 so that the lock function is released. Specifically, when the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product, the lock control unit 115 switches the lockable shelf 30 from a locked state in which the customer's ability to open and close the door 32 to an unlocked state in which the customer's ability to open and close the door 32 is permitted. This allows customers who satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product to open the door 32 of the lockable shelf 30 and pick up the restricted product displayed in the display unit 31.

[0048] In this embodiment, multiple lockable shelves 30 are installed in the first area A1. When the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product, the lock control unit 115 controls each of the multiple lockable shelves 30 so that the lock function is released. This allows customers who meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product to purchase the restricted product displayed on all lockable shelves 30. In this case, compared to when the lock control unit 115 controls only some of the lockable shelves 30 to have the lock function released, the occurrence of a situation in which a customer is unable to purchase the desired restricted product is reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, when the number of customers remaining in the first area A1 is determined to be zero based on the result of the number-of-customers determination unit 113, the lock control unit 115 switches the locked shelves 30 from the unlocked state back to the locked state. This prevents the customer who does not meet the purchase conditions from picking up the restricted products displayed on the locked shelves 30, for example, when a customer who does not meet the purchase conditions enters the first area A1 through fraudulent behavior or the like after all customers who meet the purchase conditions have left the first area A1.

[0050] Furthermore, when the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes do not satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product, the lock control unit 115 keeps the lockable shelf 30 in a locked state in which the customer is restricted from opening and closing the door 32. In this case, the customer cannot pick up the restricted product displayed on the lockable shelf 30.

[0051] Furthermore, even if the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes do not satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product, when the receiving unit 119 receives an instruction from the center server 200 to release the lock function of the lockable shelf 30, as will be described later, the lockable shelf 30 is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. This allows the customer to open the door 32 of the lockable shelf 30 and pick up the restricted product displayed in the display unit 31.

[0052] When the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product, the transaction control unit 116 controls the first transaction device 40 to enable payment processing for the restricted product. Specifically, when the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product, the transaction control unit 116 switches the first transaction device 40 from a payment restricted state, in which the customer cannot pay for the restricted product, to a payment enabled state, in which the customer can pay for the restricted product.

[0053] In this embodiment, multiple first accounting devices 40 are installed in the first area A1. The accounting control unit 116 controls each of the multiple first accounting devices 40 so that payment for the restricted item can be processed when the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted item. This makes it possible to process payment for the restricted item regardless of which first accounting device 40 a customer who meets the purchase conditions for the restricted item uses.

[0054] Furthermore, if the number of customers identified by the number-of-people identification unit 113 indicates that there are no more customers in the first area A1, the transaction control unit 116 switches the first transaction device 40 back from the transaction-enabled state to the transaction-restricted state. This prevents customers who do not meet the purchase conditions from using the first transaction device 40 to process transactions for restricted items, for example, if all customers who meet the purchase conditions have left the first area A1 and a customer who does not meet the purchase conditions enters the first area A1 through fraudulent behavior or the like.

[0055] Furthermore, if the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes do not meet the purchase conditions for the restricted item, the transaction control unit 116 will keep the first transaction device 40 in a transaction restriction state in which transaction processing for the restricted item is not possible. In this case, the customer cannot use the first transaction device 40 to process transaction processing for the restricted item. Generally, the act of taking restricted items out of store S without paying for them (so-called "shoplifting") poses a greater risk to customers than the act of purchasing restricted items by falsifying customer attributes. For this reason, even if payment for restricted items cannot be processed using first accounting device 40, customers are unlikely to take restricted items out of store S without paying for them. In this embodiment, if a customer's attributes do not meet the purchase conditions for restricted items, the first accounting device 40 is controlled to a state in which payment for the restricted items cannot be processed, thereby more appropriately preventing customers who do not meet the purchase conditions from purchasing restricted items.

[0056] Furthermore, even if the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes do not satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product, if the receiving unit 119 receives an instruction from the center server 200 to make the first accounting device 40 ready to process payment for the restricted product, as described below, the first accounting device 40 will be switched from a checkout restricted state to a checkout enabled state. This allows the customer to use the first accounting device 40 to process payment for the restricted product.

[0057] The fraudulent behavior determination unit 117 determines whether a customer has performed a fraudulent behavior when entering the first area A1 from the second area A2, based on the customer information and captured images acquired by the acquisition unit 111. An example of a fraudulent behavior by a customer is entering the first area A1 from the second area A2 by passing over the flap 11, even though the entrance / exit gate 10 has not been switched to an allowable state.

[0058] When the fraudulent behavior determination unit 117 determines that a fraudulent behavior has been performed by a customer, the notification unit 118 notifies the center server 200 of information that a fraudulent behavior has been performed. In the store system 1 of this embodiment, when the center server 200 is notified of information that a fraudulent operation has been performed, the center server 200 acquires, from the store server 100, images of the first area A1 captured by the photographing device 70, etc. Then, an operator operating the center server 200 determines, based on the captured images, etc., whether the customer who entered the first area A1 through fraudulent operation meets the purchase conditions for the restricted product. If the operator of the center server 200 determines that a customer who entered the first area A1 through fraudulent behavior meets the purchase conditions for a restricted product, the operator outputs an instruction from the center server 200 to the store server 100 to release the lock function of the locked shelf 30. Furthermore, if the center server 200 determines that a customer who entered the first area A1 through fraudulent behavior meets the purchase conditions, it outputs an instruction to put the first accounting device 40 into a state where it can process the payment for the restricted product.

[0059] The receiving unit 119 receives instructions output from the center server 200 to set the lock function of the locked shelf 30 to an unlocked state, and instructions to set the first accounting device 40 to a state where payment processing for restricted items is possible.

[0060] (Admission restriction processing) Next, the process of restricting customer entry into the first area A1, which is performed by the control unit 110 of the store server 100, will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the entrance restriction process performed by the control unit 110. Before the entry restriction process shown in Figure 4 is performed, the gate control unit 114 of the control unit 110 controls the entrance / exit gate 10 to a restricted state, restricting customer entry into the first area A1. Similarly, the lock control unit 115 of the control unit 110 controls the lockable shelf 30 to a locked state, restricting customers from opening and closing the door 32. Furthermore, the accounting control unit 116 of the control unit 110 controls the first accounting device 40 to a restricted accounting state, preventing customers from paying for restricted items.

[0061] A customer who enters the store S and intends to enter the first area A1 presents a certificate to the reading device 20. The reading device 20 reads the certificate presented by the customer. In the control unit 110, the acquisition unit 111 acquires customer information such as the certificate data read by the reading device 20 (step 101).

[0062] Next, the control unit 110 causes the purchase condition determination unit 112 to determine whether or not the customer attributes satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product based on the customer information acquired in step 101 (step 102). If the customer's attributes do not satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product (NO in step 102), the control unit 110 terminates the entrance restriction process. In this case, the entrance / exit gate 10 remains in the restricted state, and customers who do not satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product cannot enter the first area A1.

[0063] On the other hand, if the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product (YES in step 102), the control unit 110 causes the number of people identification unit 113 to determine whether the number of customers staying in the first area A1 exceeds a predetermined threshold (step 103). If the number of customers staying in the first area A1 exceeds the predetermined threshold (YES in step 103), the control unit 110 continues the process of step 103 until the number of customers staying in the first area A1 falls below the threshold. In this case, the entrance / exit gate 10 remains in the restricted state until the number of customers staying in the first area A1 falls below the threshold.

[0064] On the other hand, if the number of customers in the first area A1 is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold (NO in step 103), the control unit 110 causes the gate control unit 114 to switch the entrance / exit gate 10 from a restricted state to an allowed state that allows customers to enter the first area A1 (step 104). As a result, customers who meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product can enter the first area A1 from the second area A2 through the entrance / exit gate 10.

[0065] Next, the control unit 110 causes the gate control unit 114 to determine whether or not the customer has passed through the entrance / exit gate 10 and entered the first area A1 from the second area A2 (step 105). If the customer has not entered the first area A1 (NO in step 105), the gate control unit 114 continues processing step 105 while maintaining the entrance / exit gate 10 in an open state until the customer enters the first area A1.

[0066] On the other hand, if the customer enters the first area A1 (YES in step 105), the gate control unit 114 switches the entrance / exit gate 10 from the permissive state to the restricted state (step 106). This prevents customers other than the customer who meets the purchase conditions for the restricted product from entering the first area A1 from the second area A2 through the entrance / exit gate 10.

[0067] Next, the control unit 110 causes the lock control unit 115 to switch the lockable shelves 30 from a locked state to an unlocked state in which the customer is allowed to open and close the door 32 (step 107). In addition, if multiple lockable shelves 30 are installed in the first area A1, the lock control unit 115 switches all of the lockable shelves 30 from a locked state to an unlocked state. This allows customers who meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products to open the door 32 of the lockable shelf 30 and pick up the restricted products displayed in the display section 31.

[0068] Next, the control unit 110 causes the transaction control unit 116 to switch the first transaction device 40 from the transaction restricted state to a transaction enabled state, in which the customer can process the transaction for the restricted item (step 108). Additionally, if multiple first transaction devices 40 are installed in the first area A1, the transaction control unit 116 switches all of the first transaction devices 40 from the transaction restricted state to the transaction enabled state. This allows customers who meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product to use the first accounting device 40 to complete the payment process for the restricted product.

[0069] Note that, although FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which control unit 110 sequentially performs the processes of steps 104 to 106, the process of step 107, and the process of step 108 in this order, control unit 110 may also perform these processes in parallel.

[0070] Next, the control unit 110 causes the number-of-people specifying unit 113 to determine whether or not there are customers staying in the first area A1 (step 109). If there are customers staying in the first area A1 (YES in step 109), the lock control unit 115 keeps the locked shelf 30 unlocked, and the accounting control unit 116 keeps the first accounting device 40 in a state where it can be settled, and continues processing step 109 until there are no more customers staying in the first area A1.

[0071] On the other hand, if there are no customers staying in the first area A1 (NO in step 109), the lock control unit 115 switches the lockable shelf 30 from the unlocked state to the locked state (step 110). Furthermore, the transaction control unit 116 switches the first transaction device 40 from a transaction-enabled state to a transaction-restricted state (step 111). Note that the control unit 110 may perform step 111 in parallel with step 110. With the above, control unit 110 ends a series of entrance restriction processes.

[0072] As described above, the store system 1 includes an entrance / exit gate 10 (an example of a restriction unit) that restricts entry to the first area A1 where restricted products are displayed in the store S, a reading device 20 (an example of an acquisition unit) that acquires customer information, which is information about a customer attempting to enter the first area A1, and a control unit 110 (an example of a control unit) of the store server 100 that controls the entrance / exit gate 10 to allow the customer to enter the first area A1 if the customer attributes identified from the customer information meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product. This allows customers who meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products to enter the first area A1, making it possible to prevent customers who do not meet the purchase conditions from purchasing the restricted products.

[0073] In addition, in the store system 1, a locked shelf 30 (an example of a display shelf) installed in the first area A1 where restricted products are displayed is equipped with a display section 31 where the restricted products are displayed, and a door 32 (an example of a restriction section) that restricts customer contact with the restricted products displayed in the display section 31 and lifts the restriction on customer contact with the restricted products when the restriction by the entrance / exit gate 10 that restricts customer entry into the first area A1 is lifted. In addition, the locking function of the locked shelf 30 is released when the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product and the entrance / exit gate 10 is controlled to allow the customer to enter the first area A1. This eliminates the need for the customer to determine again whether they meet the purchase conditions for the restricted item in order to release the lock function of the locking shelf 30, reducing the burden on the customer of having to present the certificate again when removing the restricted item from the locking shelf 30. It also eliminates the need to install a device near the locking shelf 30 to acquire customer information such as certificate data, simplifying the configuration of the store system 1 and the processing on the store server 100.

[0074] In addition, in the store system 1, the first accounting device 40 (an example of a settlement terminal) installed in the first area A1 where restricted products are displayed has a device main body 41 (an example of a settlement section) that processes the settlement of products, and restricts the settlement processing of restricted products by the device main body 41, and when the restriction by the entrance / exit gate 10 that restricts customer entry into the first area A1 is lifted, the device main body 41 becomes able to process the settlement of restricted products. Additionally, the first accounting device 40 cancels the settlement process for the restricted item when the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted item and the entrance / exit gate 10 is controlled to allow the customer to enter the first area A1. This eliminates the need for the customer to re-determine whether they meet the purchase conditions for the restricted item in order to set the first accounting device 40 to a state where it is possible to process the payment for the restricted item, reducing the burden on the customer of having to re-present the certificate when processing the payment for the restricted item. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to provide the first accounting device 40 with a function for acquiring customer information such as certificate data, simplifying the configuration of the store system 1 and processing on the store server 100.

[0075] In this embodiment, an example has been given in which an entrance / exit gate 10 is provided at the entrance / exit between the first area A1 and the second area A2, and the entrance of customers to the first area A1 is restricted by controlling the rotational movement of the flap 11 of the entrance / exit gate 10, but the method of restricting the entrance of customers to the first area A1 is not particularly limited. For example, if a customer who does not meet the purchase conditions for a restricted product attempts to enter the first area A1 from the second area A2, the customer's entrance to the first area A1 may be restricted by issuing a warning using a warning sound or warning light, etc.

[0076] In addition, in the present embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which a lockable shelf 30 having a door 32 is used as the display shelf on which restricted products are displayed, and the locking function restricts the opening and closing of the door 32 to restrict customers who do not meet the purchase conditions from accessing the restricted products, but this is not limited to this. The display shelf on which restricted products are displayed may also be an open display shelf without a door 32. In this case, the display shelf may restrict access to the restricted products by issuing a warning, such as an alarm sound or a warning light, when a customer who does not meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products attempts to pick up the restricted products. Furthermore, the displayed restricted products may be made unable to be removed from the display shelf, thereby restricting customers who do not meet the purchase conditions from picking up the restricted products.

[0077] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales floor in a store S in which a store system 1 to which this embodiment is applied is used. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a store system 1 to which this embodiment is applied. The store system 1 of the second embodiment differs from the store system 1 of the first embodiment in that it has a receipt issuing device 80 and a receipt reading device 90 instead of the reading device 20.

[0078] (Receipt issuing device 80) The receipt issuing device 80 is installed near the entrance / exit gate 10 in the second area A2. The receipt issuing device 80 is equipped with a reading unit 81 that acquires customer information, which is information about a customer attempting to enter the first area A1. The reading unit 81 reads data from a certificate presented by a customer attempting to enter the first area A1, which certificate certifies the customer's age. The receipt issuing device 80 also has a printing unit 82 that, if it is determined that the customer meets the purchase conditions for a restricted product based on the certificate data read by the reading unit 81, issues a receipt R on which an image is printed certifying that the customer meets the purchase conditions.

[0079] FIG. 7 shows an example of a receipt R issued by the printing unit 82 of the receipt issuing device 80. 7, a barcode BC, which is an example of an image that certifies that the customer meets the purchase conditions, is printed on receipt R. Note that the image that is printed on receipt R to certify that the customer meets the purchase conditions is not limited to the barcode BC, and may be a code in another format, such as a two-dimensional code.

[0080] The receipt reader 90 is installed near the entrance / exit gate 10 in the second area A2. The receipt reader 90 reads the barcode BC on the receipt R issued by the receipt issuing device 80 and presented by the customer. The receipt reader 90 then outputs information about the read barcode BC to the store server 100.

[0081] (Store Server 100) FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the store server 100. As shown in FIG. The store server 100 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is equipped with a control unit 150 that controls the store server 100 as a whole. The store server 100 also includes a memory unit 120 that stores various programs such as an OS and applications, input data for the various programs, and output data from the various programs, and a communication unit 130 that communicates with other devices that make up the store system 1. The storage unit 120 stores information about the barcode BC that the printing unit 82 of the receipt issuing device 80 prints on the receipt R.

[0082] (control unit 150) The control unit 150 includes an acquisition unit 151 that acquires customer information and information related to the barcode BC, and a purchase condition determination unit 152 that determines whether the customer meets the purchase conditions for the restricted product based on the customer information acquired by the acquisition unit 151. The control unit 150 also includes an issuance control unit 153 that controls the operation of the receipt issuing device 80. The control unit 150 also includes a barcode determination unit 154 that performs determination of the barcode BC. The control unit 150 also includes a gate control unit 155 that controls the operation of the entrance / exit gate 10, a lock control unit 156 that controls the operation of the lockable shelf 30, and a transaction control unit 157 that controls the operation of the first transaction device 40. In the control unit 150 of the second embodiment, the same components as those in the control unit 110 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0083] The acquisition unit 151 acquires customer information such as certificate data read by the reading unit 81 of the receipt issuing device 80. The acquisition unit 151 also acquires information related to barcodes read by the receipt reading device 90. The acquisition unit 151 also acquires information related to barcodes read by a scanner or hand scanner provided on the device main body 41 of the first accounting device 40.

[0084] The purchase condition determination unit 152 determines whether the attributes of a customer attempting to enter the first area A1 satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product, based on the customer information read by the reading unit 81 of the receipt issuing device 80 and acquired by the acquisition unit 151. The purchase condition determination unit 152 can determine whether the purchase conditions are satisfied in the same way as the purchase condition determination unit 112 in the first embodiment.

[0085] When the purchase condition determination unit 152 determines that the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product, the issuance control unit 153 instructs the printing unit 82 of the receipt issuing device 80 to issue a receipt R on which a barcode BC is printed. The issuance control unit 153 also stores in the storage unit 120 information about the barcode BC that the receipt issuing device 80 prints on the receipt R.

[0086] The barcode determination unit 154 determines whether the barcode read by the receipt reading device 90 or the first checkout device 40 matches the barcode BC issued by the receipt issuing device 80, based on the information about the barcode BC stored in the memory unit 120. As described above, the receipt issuing device 80 issues a receipt R with the barcode BC printed on it only if the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product. Therefore, the barcode BC proves that the customer meets the purchase conditions for the restricted product.

[0087] The gate control unit 155 controls the entrance / exit gate 10 to allow the customer to enter the first area A1 when the barcode determination unit 154 determines that the barcode read by the receipt reading device 90 matches the barcode BC issued by the receipt issuing device 80. This allows customers who meet the purchase conditions for restricted products to enter the first area A1 from the second area A2 through the entrance / exit gate 10.

[0088] Furthermore, if the barcode determination unit 154 determines that the barcode read by the receipt reading device 90 does not match the barcode BC issued by the receipt issuing device 80, the gate control unit 155 maintains the entrance / exit gate 10 in the restricted state. This prevents customers who do not meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products from entering the first area A1 where the restricted products are displayed.

[0089] The lock control unit 156 controls the lockable shelf 30 to release the lock function when the barcode determination unit 154 determines that the barcode read by the receipt reading device 90 matches the barcode BC issued by the receipt issuing device 80. This allows customers who meet the purchase conditions for the restricted product to open the door 32 of the lockable shelf 30 and pick up the restricted product displayed in the display unit 31.

[0090] Furthermore, if the barcode determination unit 154 determines that the barcode read by the receipt reading device 90 does not match the barcode BC issued by the receipt issuing device 80, the lock control unit 156 keeps the lockable shelf 30 locked using the lock function. This prevents customers who do not meet the purchase conditions for restricted products from picking up restricted products displayed in the display unit 31.

[0091] When the barcode determination unit 154 determines that the barcode read by the first accounting device 40 matches the barcode BC issued by the receipt issuing device 80, the accounting control unit 157 controls the first accounting device 40 to enable settlement processing for restricted items. This means that, for example, a customer who enters the first area A1 can complete the payment process for restricted items simply by having the first accounting device 40 read the barcode BC on the receipt R, eliminating the need to present a certificate again during the payment process.

[0092] Furthermore, if the barcode determination unit 154 determines that the barcode read by the first transaction device 40 does not match the barcode BC issued by the receipt issuing device 80, the transaction control unit 157 will keep the first transaction device 40 in a state where it is unable to process payments for restricted items. This prevents customers who do not meet the purchase conditions for restricted items from processing payments for restricted items.

[0093] In this embodiment, the receipt reading device 90 is installed in the second area A2, but the receipt reading device 90 may also be installed in the first area A1. In this case, for example, if a customer forgets to pick up a receipt R issued by the receipt issuing device 80, it is possible to prevent another customer from having the receipt reading device 90 read that receipt R and using it fraudulently. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1...store system, 10...entrance / exit gate, 20...reading device, 30...locked shelf, 40...first accounting device, 50...second accounting device, 60...display device, 70...photographing device, 80...receipt issuing device, 90...receipt reading device, 100...store server, 110, 150...control unit, 200...center server

Claims

1. a restriction unit that restricts customers from entering an area in the store where restricted products are displayed; an acquisition unit that acquires customer information that is information about a customer who is about to enter the area; a control unit that controls the restriction unit to allow the customer to enter the area when the customer attributes identified from the customer information satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product; A store system equipped with:

2. The store system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls a display shelf installed in the area, on which the restricted products are displayed, and which has a locking function that restricts customer contact with the restricted products, so that the locking function is released when the customer meets the purchase conditions.

3. The store system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls a payment terminal installed in the area that processes payment for products so that payment for the restricted products is possible when the customer satisfies the purchase conditions.

4. A plurality of the settlement terminals are installed in the area, The store system according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit controls each of the payment terminals so that payment for the restricted product is possible when the customer satisfies the purchase conditions.

5. The store system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit controls the restriction unit to allow customers to enter the area, and then, when there are no customers remaining in the area, controls the display shelf on which the restricted products are displayed so that a lock function that restricts customers from touching the restricted products on the display shelf is locked, or controls the payment terminal that processes product payment so that payment for the restricted products cannot be made.

6. a notification unit that notifies other devices that can control the restriction unit of information that the customer has committed an unauthorized act when entering the area; The store system described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit controls the lock function that restricts customers from touching the restricted product on the display shelf on which the restricted product is displayed to be released based on instructions from the other device that received the notification, or controls the payment terminal that processes product payment to enable payment for the restricted product.

7. 2. The store system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the restriction unit to continue restricting customer entry into the area when the number of customers staying in the area exceeds a predetermined value, even if the customers satisfy the purchase conditions.

8. An admission control method in an admission control system, Acquire customer information, which is information about customers who are entering an area in the store where restricted products are displayed; The entrance restriction method releases the restriction imposed by the restriction unit that restricts the customer's entry into the area when the customer attributes identified from the customer information satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product.

9. For computers, A function of acquiring customer information, which is information about customers who are attempting to enter an area in the store where restricted products are displayed; a function of canceling the restriction imposed by the restriction unit that restricts the customer's entry into the area when the customer's attributes identified from the customer information satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product; A program to make this happen.

10. A display shelf installed in an area in a store where restricted products are displayed, a display section in which the restricted products are displayed; a restriction unit that restricts customers from touching the restricted products displayed in the display unit, and that, when a restriction imposed by a restriction unit that restricts customers from entering the area is lifted, lifts the restriction on customers from touching the restricted products; A display shelf equipped with:

11. A checkout terminal installed in an area of ​​a store where restricted products are displayed, A settlement unit that performs settlement processing for products is provided, A settlement terminal that restricts the settlement processing of the restricted products by the settlement unit, and when the restriction by the restriction unit that restricts customer entry to the area is lifted, enables the settlement processing of the restricted products by the settlement unit.

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