Adjustment system, adjustment method, program, and adjustment device

Abstract

To sell an age-restricted commodity also with a device (self-checkout machine) operated by a customer himself / herself.SOLUTION: An adjustment system enables a customer to perform adjustment processing by himself / herself and includes: an image pickup unit that picks up an image of the customer to generate a face image of the customer; an adjustment unit that performs adjustment processing for a commodity; a commodity registration unit that when an instruction for starting the adjustment processing is input after registration of at least one commodity made by the customer is accepted, determines whether or not an age-restricted commodity is included in the registered commodity; and a determination unit that in a case where it is determined that the age-restricted commodity is included, determines whether or not the age of the customer satisfies an age condition based on the face image. In a case where it is determined that the age-restricted commodity is not included, the adjustment unit performs the adjustment processing for the commodity registered by the commodity registration unit without the determination processing performed by the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a settlement system, a settlement method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a device (cash register) that, when a product that imposes an age restriction on purchase (age-restricted product) is registered as a checkout item, analyzes an image of the customer to determine whether or not the customer meets the age requirements, and if it is determined that the customer does not meet the requirements, outputs a warning urging the customer to verify their age. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-181013 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device described in Patent Document 1 is designed to be operated primarily by store clerks, and although it is stated that it may also be applied to devices operated by customers themselves (self-registers), the specific mechanism is not disclosed.

[0005] The present invention aims to sell age-restricted products at a device (self-register) operated by the customer himself. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, implemented by one or more devices or computers, an imaging means for capturing an image of a customer to generate a facial image of the customer; a product registration means for accepting product registration by the customer and detecting the registration of age-restricted products; a checkout means for performing checkout processing for the products; a determination means for determining whether the age of the customer satisfies an age requirement based on the facial image when the age-restricted product is registered; and a response means for, when it is determined that the customer does not satisfy the age condition, sending a notification to a terminal operated by a store clerk that a customer who does not satisfy the age condition is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product; the handling means, after transmitting the notification to the terminal operated by the store clerk, receives an input of a response from the customer as to whether or not the item is available for sale; If the received response is available for sale or if it is determined that the age requirement is met, the settlement means performs a settlement process for the registered products including the age-restricted product, If the received response is that the product cannot be sold, the response means removes the registered age-restricted product from the items to be checked out, and a checkout system is provided that allows customers to process the checkout themselves.

[0007] Further, according to the present invention, One or more computers taking an image of the customer using an imaging means to generate a facial image of the customer; Accepting product registration by the customer and detecting registration of age-restricted products; When the age-restricted product is registered, it is determined whether the age of the customer satisfies an age condition based on the facial image; If it is determined that the customer does not satisfy the age requirement, a notification is sent to a terminal operated by a store clerk to the effect that a customer who does not satisfy the age requirement is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product; If it is determined that the age requirement is met, a payment process for the registered products including the age-restricted products is performed. After transmitting the notification to the terminal operated by the store clerk, an answer as to whether or not the product is available for sale is received from the customer; If the received response is available for sale or if it is determined that the age requirement is met, a payment process is carried out for the registered products, including the age-restricted products, If the received response indicates that the product cannot be sold, the registered age-restricted product is removed from the checkout. A payment method is provided that allows customers to process their own payments.

[0008] Further, according to the present invention, A computer used in a device that allows customers to process their own payments, an imaging means for photographing the customer and generating a facial image of the customer; a product registration means for accepting product registration by the customer and detecting the registration of age-restricted products; a checkout means for processing the checkout of the goods; a determination means for determining whether the age of the customer satisfies an age requirement based on the facial image when the age-restricted product is registered; a means for transmitting a notification to a terminal operated by a store clerk when it is determined that the customer does not satisfy the age requirement, that the customer does not satisfy the age requirement and is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product; It functions as the handling means, after transmitting the notification to the terminal operated by the store clerk, receives an input of a response from the customer as to whether or not the item is available for sale; If the received response is available for sale or if it is determined that the age requirement is met, the settlement means performs a settlement process for the registered products including the age-restricted product, If the received response indicates that the product cannot be sold, the handling means deletes the registered age-restricted product from the items to be checked out. Further, according to the present invention, a product registration means for accepting product registrations by customers and detecting the registration of age-restricted products; a checkout means for performing checkout processing for the products; a determination means for determining whether the age of the customer satisfies an age requirement based on a facial image of the customer that is generated by photographing the customer using an imaging means when the age-restricted product is registered; and a response means for, when it is determined that the customer does not satisfy the age condition, sending a notification to a terminal operated by a store clerk that a customer who does not satisfy the age condition is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product; the handling means, after transmitting the notification to the terminal operated by the store clerk, receives an input of a response from the customer as to whether or not the item is available for sale; If the received response is available for sale or if it is determined that the age requirement is met, the settlement means performs a settlement process for the registered products including the age-restricted product, If the received response indicates that the product cannot be sold, the handling means removes the registered age-restricted product from the items to be checked out. To provide a payment device that enables customers to process payments themselves. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to sell age-restricted products even at devices (self-registers) that are operated by customers themselves. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the processing of the settlement system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a functional block diagram of the settlement system of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by the settlement system of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the settlement system of this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the processing of the settlement system of this embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the settlement system of this embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the settlement system of this embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the settlement system of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] First Embodiment First, an overview of the checkout system of this embodiment will be described. The checkout system of this embodiment is a system (self-register) operated by customers themselves. In other words, customers operate the checkout system themselves to register the products to be checked out and perform the checkout process (payment).

[0012] When a product that imposes an age restriction on purchase (age-restricted product) is registered as a transaction item, the payment system of this embodiment estimates the customer's age based on the customer's facial image and performs processing according to the estimation result, thereby reducing the inconvenience of selling age-restricted products to customers who do not meet the age restriction.

[0013] However, the accuracy rate of age estimation based on image analysis is not 100%. To compensate for this, the payment system of this embodiment performs a unique process when the customer's age estimated by image analysis does not meet the age condition (X years or older). An overview of this unique process will be explained using Figure 1.

[0014] The checkout system 10 is a system that customers operate themselves to register products to be checked out and to process the checkout (payment). The external device 20 is a device operated by a store staff member (a store clerk, employee, etc.), and may be, for example, a cash register designed to be operated by a store clerk, a mobile terminal (a smartphone, a tablet, etc.), a computer installed in the store's backroom (a place other than the sales floor), or a computer installed in an office away from the store. The checkout system 10 and the external device 20 are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0015] The settlement system 10 has a means for taking a picture of the face of a customer operating the system and estimating the age of the customer based on the face image of the customer.

[0016] If the estimated age of the customer who has registered the age-restricted product satisfies the age condition (○ years or older), the settlement system 10 continues the product registration process and settlement process without performing any special processing, while keeping the age-restricted product registered as a payment item.

[0017] On the other hand, if the estimated age of a customer who has registered an age-restricted product does not meet the age requirement (X years or older), as shown in the figure, the checkout system 10 transmits customer information for determining the customer's age (e.g., information from which age can be determined, such as the customer's facial image, ID card, or passport) to the external device 20. The external device 20 displays the received information on a display and accepts input from the user (a person at the store) as to whether or not the product can be sold. The external device 20 then notifies the checkout system 10 of the input content ("Available for sale" or "Not available for sale").

[0018] If the response received from the external device 20 is "available for sale," the settlement system 10 continues the product registration process and settlement process while keeping the age-restricted product registered as a product to be purchased.

[0019] On the other hand, if the response received from the external device 20 is "sale not permitted," the settlement system 10 restricts the sale of the age-restricted product to the customer.

[0020] This checkout system 10 can reduce the inconvenience of selling age-restricted products to customers who do not meet the age limit, and can also reduce the inconvenience of mistakenly restricting the sale of age-restricted products to customers who meet the age limit.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the settlement system 10 will be described in detail. Figure 2 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the settlement system 10. As shown in the figure, the settlement system 10 has an imaging unit 11, an estimation unit 12, a product registration unit 13, a determination unit 14, a correspondence unit 15, and a settlement unit 16.

[0022] The checkout system 10 may be realized by multiple physically and / or logically separated devices, or may be realized by a single physically and / or logically separated device. When realized by multiple physically and / or logically separated devices, the multiple devices are configured to be able to communicate with each other via wired and / or wireless connections. For example, the imaging unit 11, product registration unit 13, response unit 15, and checkout unit 16 may be realized by a first device (a terminal operated by a customer), and the estimation unit 12 and determination unit 14 may be realized by a second device (a store server).

[0023] These functional parts of the settlement system 10 are realized by any combination of hardware and software, centered on the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of any computer, memory, programs loaded into the memory, a storage unit such as a hard disk that stores the programs (this can store programs that are pre-loaded when the device is shipped, as well as programs downloaded from storage media such as CDs (Compact Discs) or servers on the Internet), and a network connection interface.Those skilled in the art will understand that there are many variations in the methods and devices for realizing this.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the settlement system 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the settlement system 10 has a processor 1A, a memory 2A, an input / output interface 3A, a peripheral circuit 4A, and a bus 5A. The peripheral circuit 4A includes various modules. The peripheral circuit 4A does not have to be included. Note that when the settlement system 10 is realized by multiple devices that are physically and / or logically separated, each device can have the hardware configuration.

[0025] The bus 5A is a data transmission path for the processor 1A, memory 2A, peripheral circuit 4A, and input / output interface 3A to transmit and receive data to and from each other. The processor 1A is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The memory 2A is a memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output interface 3A includes interfaces for acquiring information from input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, etc.), external devices, external servers, external sensors, etc., and interfaces for outputting information to output devices (e.g., display, speaker, printer, mailer, etc.), external devices, external servers, etc. The processor 1A can issue commands to each module and perform calculations based on the results of those calculations.

[0026] Returning to FIG. 2, the functional configuration of each functional unit will be described.

[0027] The product registration unit 13 accepts product registrations by customers and detects the registration of age-restricted products.

[0028] First, the product registration unit 13 accepts input of information identifying the product to be processed. For example, the product registration unit 13 may accept input of information identifying the product to be processed via a reader that reads codes such as barcodes. When the barcode (which indicates product identification information) attached to the product to be processed is held over the reader, the reader analyzes the barcode (converts the pattern into information) and recognizes the product identification information indicated by the barcode.

[0029] Additionally, the product registration unit 13 may accept input of information identifying the product to be checked out via an input device such as a touch panel display or physical buttons. Virtual buttons displayed on the touch panel display or physical buttons provided on the checkout system 10 are associated with specific products. By operating the button (tapping, pressing, etc.), information identifying the product corresponding to the button is input.

[0030] Alternatively, information identifying the products to be checked out may be input by taking a photograph of the products with a camera included in the checkout system 10. In this case, the external characteristics of each of multiple products are registered in advance, and the products included in the image are recognized by image analysis (pattern matching, etc.) using this information.

[0031] When the product registration unit 13 receives input of information identifying the product to be processed, it obtains the product information (price, product name, etc.) of the product from the product master and registers the product as a part of the process.

[0032] Furthermore, the product registration unit 13 determines whether a registered product is an age-restricted product based on a list showing age-restricted products as shown in Fig. 4. In the list of Fig. 4, product classifications of age-restricted products are registered, but identification information of each product may also be registered.

[0033] The imaging unit 11 generates a facial image of a customer. The imaging unit 11 includes a camera. The camera is attached to the payment system 10 or its vicinity in a manner (position, orientation, etc.) that allows it to capture a facial image of a customer operating the payment system 10.

[0034] The imaging unit 11 may generate moving images or still images. The imaging unit 11 may capture an image of a customer and generate one or more still images in response to the product registration unit 13 determining that the first age-restricted product has been registered. Alternatively, the imaging unit 11 may generate moving images for a predetermined period of time in response to the product registration unit 13 determining that the first age-restricted product has been registered. Alternatively, the imaging unit 11 may generate facial images of all customers at any timing, regardless of the registration of age-restricted products.

[0035] The estimation unit 12 estimates the age of the customer based on the face image generated by the imaging unit 11. The details of the means for estimating a person's age by image analysis are not particularly limited, but an example will be described below.

[0036] For example, an estimation model for estimating age from facial features may be generated by any machine learning based on training data that associates facial features (e.g., positional relationships of facial parts such as eyes, nose, and mouth, contours, wrinkles, etc.) of each of a plurality of people with their ages. Then, facial features extracted from face images generated by the imaging unit 11 may be input to the estimation model to obtain an estimated age of a person included in the image.

[0037] When the product registration unit 13 detects that an age-restricted product is registered, the determination unit 14 determines whether the age condition is met based on the customer's age estimated by the estimation unit 12. The age condition is "M years or older."

[0038] The content of the age condition (the value of M) can be determined based on the content of the age restriction stipulated in a rule (such as a law) that restricts the purchase of age-restricted products. For example, if the content of the age restriction is "20 years old and above allowed to purchase," the age condition may be "20 years old and above." In other words, the content of the age restriction and the content of the age condition may match. However, the content of the age restriction and the content of the age condition do not have to match. For example, if the content of the age restriction is "20 years old and above allowed to purchase," the age condition may be "25 years old and above," "30 years old and above," etc., with some leeway. This takes into account the fact that the accuracy rate of age estimation based on image analysis is not 100%. By setting the content of the age condition stricter than the content of the age restriction, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of accidentally selling age-restricted products to customers under the restricted age.

[0039] If the age requirement is stricter than the age limit, it is likely that a customer who meets the age limit will be deemed not to meet the age requirement. However, in this embodiment, as explained in the overview above, sales are not restricted based solely on the results of image analysis. If the image analysis determines that the age requirement is not met, a human in the store will make a judgment, and if that judgment also determines that the product is "unsaleable," sales will be restricted. Therefore, even if the age requirement is stricter than the age limit, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience of restricting sales to customers who meet the age limit and losing sales opportunities.

[0040] The content of the age condition (the value of M) can be determined for each product or each product category. This takes into consideration that the content of the age restriction determined by a predetermined rule (such as a law) may differ for each product or each product category (e.g., product A can be purchased by those 20 years of age or older, product B can be purchased by those 15 years of age or older, etc.). In this case, when the product registration unit 13 detects the registration of an age-restricted product, the determination unit 14 identifies the age condition of the age-restricted product by referring to the pre-generated "registration information indicating the age condition for each age-restricted product," and determines whether the identified age condition is met based on the customer's age estimated by the estimation unit 12.

[0041] When the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is not met, the response unit 15 transmits customer information for determining the customer's age to another device (external device 20). For example, the response unit 15 transmits the customer's facial image (customer information) generated by the imaging unit 11 to the other device (external device 20). Alternatively, when the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is not met, the response unit 15 may output information via a display or the like that prompts the customer to capture (read) information from which the customer's age can be determined, such as an identification card or passport. Then, the response unit 15 may transmit information (e.g., an image) captured (read) in accordance with the information to the other device (external device 20). Alternatively, when the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is not met, the response unit 15 may transmit the customer's facial image generated by the imaging unit 11 and the information captured (read) in accordance with the instruction to the other device (external device 20). After transmitting the above information (face image, etc.) to the external device 20, the response unit 15 receives a response from the external device 20 as to whether or not the product can be sold to the customer. When information that can determine the customer's age, such as an ID or passport, is transmitted to the external device 20, the store clerk or the like can accurately determine whether or not the product with an age restriction can be sold to the customer.

[0042] If the response received from the external device 20 is “unavailable for sale,” the response unit 15 may delete the age-restricted product from the list of products subject to transaction registered by the product registration unit 13.

[0043] The response unit 15 may also notify the customer operating the checkout system 10 of an error. For example, the response unit 15 may notify the customer of an error such as, "Product A is an age-restricted product. Therefore, product A cannot be sold."

[0044] Additionally, the checkout system 10 may transmit information such as, "A customer who does not meet the age limit is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product at register number X" to a terminal operated by a store clerk. Upon receiving this notification, the store clerk can proceed to that register and perform a prescribed process (collecting the age-restricted product, providing an explanation, or otherwise assisting the customer). In this case, the store clerk may perform age verification processing (inputting whether or not the product is available for sale, etc.) on the checkout system 10. Alternatively, if the other device (external device 20) is a mobile terminal carried by the store clerk, the store clerk may perform age verification processing on the mobile terminal.

[0045] The settlement unit 16 settles the payment for the products. The settlement system 10 calculates the total payment amount based on the information registered by the product registration unit 13 and displays it on a display or the like. The settlement unit 16 accepts payment for the total payment amount. For example, the settlement unit 16 may accept the input of cash through an insertion slot provided in the settlement system 10. The settlement unit 16 may then output change and issue receipts. Additionally, the settlement unit 16 may accept the insertion of a credit card. The settlement unit 16 may then communicate with a credit card company's system and perform payment processing based on information obtained from the credit card.

[0046] Next, an example of the processing flow of the settlement system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0047] In S10, the product registration unit 13 accepts product registration. The customer inputs information identifying the product to be registered into the checkout system 10, for example, by having a code reader included in the checkout system 10 read a code, by operating a button included in the checkout system 10, or by taking a picture of the product to be registered with a camera included in the checkout system 10. The product registration unit 13 identifies the product based on the input information, and then obtains the product information (price, product name, etc.) of the product from the product master and registers it as a product to be registered.

[0048] In S11, the product registration unit 13 determines whether the registered product is an age-restricted product, for example, based on a list such as that shown in Fig. 4. If the product registered in S10 is not an age-restricted product ("No" in S11), the process proceeds to S17. On the other hand, if the product registered in S10 is an age-restricted product ("Yes" in S11), the determination unit 14 determines whether the customer's age estimated by the estimation unit 12 satisfies the age condition (S12).

[0049] In addition, in response to detection in S11 that an age-restricted product has been registered, the imaging unit 11 may generate a facial image of the customer, the estimation unit 12 may estimate the age of the customer based on the facial image, and the judgment unit 14 may make the above judgment based on the estimation result by the estimation unit 12.

[0050] Alternatively, the imaging unit 11 may generate a facial image of the customer at any timing different from the above, the estimation unit 12 may estimate the age of the customer based on the facial image, and the result may be stored.The determination unit 14 may then read out the stored information and make the above determination.

[0051] If it is determined in S12 that the age condition is met ("Yes" in S12), the process proceeds to S17. On the other hand, if it is determined in S12 that the age condition is not met ("No" in S12), the handling unit 15 transmits a facial image of the customer to the external device 20 (S13). Then, the handling unit 15 receives a response from the external device 20 as to whether or not the product can be sold to the customer (S14).

[0052] Between the sending of the facial image (S13) and the receiving of the response (S14), the settlement system 10 may be in a waiting state in which it does not accept other inputs (new product registration, input of instructions to start settlement, etc.). Alternatively, between the sending of the facial image (S13) and the receiving of the response (S14), the settlement system 10 may be in a partially suspended state in which it accepts new product registrations but does not accept input of instructions to start settlement. If it receives input of instructions to start settlement in this partially suspended state, the settlement system 10 may display a message on the display such as "We are currently checking whether age-restricted products can be sold. Please wait a moment."

[0053] If the response received in S14 is "Available for Sale" ("Available for Sale" in S15), the process proceeds to S17. On the other hand, if the response received in S14 is "Not Available for Sale" ("Not Available for Sale" in S15), the response unit 15 performs error processing (S16). For example, the response unit 15 may delete age-restricted products from the list of products to be checked out registered by the product registration unit 13. The response unit 15 may also notify the customer operating the checkout system 10 of the error. For example, the response unit 15 may notify the customer that "Product A is an age-restricted product. Therefore, Product A cannot be sold." Alternatively, the checkout system 10 may send information such as "A customer who does not meet the age limit is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product at register number X" to a terminal operated by a store clerk.

[0054] After the error processing in S16, the process proceeds to S17. If there is no instruction to start the settlement process ("No" in S17), the same process is repeated. On the other hand, if there is an instruction to start the settlement process ("Yes" in S17), the settlement unit 16 performs the settlement process (S18). For example, the settlement unit 16 may accept the insertion of cash as payment for the total payment amount calculated based on the products registered up to that point, and may output change and a receipt as necessary. The settlement unit 16 may also accept the insertion of a credit card, communicate with the credit company's system, and perform the payment process.

[0055] Here, a modified example of the processing flow will be explained. In S11, it was determined whether or not the product is an age-restricted product, but it may also be determined whether or not it is the first age-restricted product. The "first age-restricted product" refers to the first age-restricted product registered by the customer. This does not apply to the second or subsequent age-restricted products registered by the customer. If the second or subsequent age-restricted products are registered as items to be checked out, processing may be performed in accordance with the processing for the first age-restricted product.

[0056] For example, if the first age-restricted product is "Yes" in S12 or "Available for Sale" in S15 and the error processing in S16 is not executed, the error processing in S16 is not executed for the second or subsequent age-restricted products either, and the age-restricted products remain registered as items for checkout and processing (product registration processing, settlement processing, etc.) continues. On the other hand, if the first age-restricted product is "No" in S12 and "Not Available for Sale" in S15 and the error processing in S16 is executed, the error processing in S16 is also executed for the second or subsequent age-restricted products. In this modified example, when the second or subsequent age-restricted products are registered, it is possible to omit processing such as determining whether the age conditions are met, sending a facial image, and receiving a response. As a result, the processing burden on the computer is reduced.

[0057] Here, another variation of the processing flow will be described. This assumes that the content of the age condition (the value of M) is set for each product or product category. In S11, the determination was made as to whether the product is an age-restricted product, but it may also be made as to whether the product is an age-restricted product and whether the age conditions are stricter than those of previously registered age-restricted products (whether M is smaller or not). The result is No if the product is not an age-restricted product, or if the product is an age-restricted product but has lenient or the same age conditions as previously registered age-restricted products (M is larger or equal). On the other hand, the result is Yes if the product is an age-restricted product and has stricter age conditions than previously registered age-restricted products (M is smaller), or if the product is an age-restricted product and there are no previously registered age-restricted products. This variation also avoids the inconvenience of unnecessary processes such as determining whether the age conditions are met, sending a facial image, and receiving a response. As a result, the processing load on the computer is reduced.

[0058] As another variation, if the result of S12 is "Yes" (if the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is met), or if the result of S15 is "Available for sale" (if the store clerk determines that the item is available for sale), the checkout system 10 may notify the customer who operates the checkout system 10 of this fact.

[0059] For example, the response unit 15 may display a message such as "Product A is an age-restricted product, but we have determined that you are XX years of age or older" on the display. Alternatively, the response unit 15 may display a message such as "Is the determination result incorrect?" and further accept input of "Yes" or "No." In this way, when the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is met, or when the store clerk determines that the product can be sold, the response unit 15 may notify the customer of this, and when the determination result is incorrect, may notify the customer of this, and may also notify the customer of a message prompting them to input an input to that effect.

[0060] In addition, when an age-restricted product is registered ("Yes" in S11), regardless of the judgment result in S12 (whether "Yes" or "No" in S12), the settlement system 10 may display a message such as "Product A is an age-restricted product, are you over XX years old?" and further accept input of "Yes" or "No."

[0061] As another variation, in S13, instead of the facial image of the customer, information (e.g., an image) from which the age can be determined, such as an ID card or passport, may be transmitted to the external device 20. Alternatively, in S13, the facial image of the customer and information (e.g., an image) from which the age can be determined, such as an ID card or passport, may be transmitted to the external device 20. For example, after it is determined in S12 that the age condition is not met, the response unit 15 can output information via a display or the like that prompts the customer to capture (read) information from which the age can be determined, such as an ID card or passport. Then, the response unit 15 can transmit the information (e.g., an image) captured (read) in accordance with the information to another device (external device 20) in S13.

[0062] Here, another example of the processing flow of the settlement system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0063] In S40, the product registration unit 13 accepts product registration. The customer inputs information identifying the product to be processed into the checkout system 10, for example, by having a code reader in the checkout system 10 read a code, by pressing a button in the checkout system 10, or by taking a picture of the product with a camera in the checkout system 10. The product registration unit 13 identifies the product based on the input information, then obtains the product information (price, product name, etc.) of the product from the product master and registers it as a product to be processed. Product registration is repeated until an instruction to start the checkout process is input ("No" in S41).

[0064] When an instruction to start the checkout process is input ("Yes" in S41), the product registration unit 13 determines whether the registered products include age-restricted products based on a list such as that shown in FIG. 4 (S42).

[0065] If no age-restricted products are included ("No" in S42), the settlement unit 16 performs settlement processing (S48). For example, the settlement unit 16 may accept insertion of cash as payment for the total payment amount calculated based on the products registered up to that point, and may output change and a receipt as necessary. The settlement unit 16 may also accept insertion of a credit card, communicate with the credit card company's system, and perform settlement processing.

[0066] On the other hand, if an age-restricted product is included ("Yes" in S42), the determination unit 14 determines whether the customer's age estimated by the estimation unit 12 satisfies the age condition (S43).

[0067] In addition, in response to a determination in S42 that the product contains an age-restricted product, the imaging unit 11 may generate a facial image of the customer, the estimation unit 12 may estimate the age of the customer based on the facial image, and the judgment unit 14 may make the above judgment based on the estimation result by the estimation unit 12.

[0068] Alternatively, the imaging unit 11 may generate a facial image of the customer at any timing different from the above, the estimation unit 12 may estimate the age of the customer based on the facial image, and the result may be stored.The determination unit 14 may then read out the stored information and make the above determination.

[0069] If it is determined in S43 that the age condition is met ("Yes" in S43), the settlement unit 16 performs settlement processing (S48).

[0070] On the other hand, if it is determined in S43 that the age condition is not met ("No" in S43), the handling unit 15 transmits a facial image of the customer to the external device 20 (S44). Then, the handling unit 15 receives a response from the external device 20 as to whether or not a sale to the customer is possible (S45).

[0071] If the response received in S45 is "Available for Sale" ("Available for Sale" in S46), the checkout unit 16 performs checkout processing (S48). On the other hand, if the response received in S45 is "Not Available for Sale" ("Not Available for Sale" in S46), the handling unit 15 performs error processing (S47). For example, the handling unit 15 may notify the customer operating the checkout system 10 of an error. For example, the handling unit 15 may notify the customer of information such as, "Product A is an age-restricted product. Therefore, Product A cannot be sold." The handling unit 15 may also delete the age-restricted product from the list of products to be checked out registered by the product registration unit 13. Alternatively, the checkout system 10 may transmit information such as, "A customer who does not meet the age limit is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product at register number X" to a terminal operated by a store clerk. After the error processing described above in S47, the checkout unit 16 performs checkout processing (S48).

[0072] Here, a modified example of the processing flow will be described. If the result in S43 is "Yes" (if the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is met), or if the result in S46 is "Available for sale" (if the store clerk determines that the item is available for sale), the checkout system 10 may notify the customer who operates the checkout system 10 of this fact.

[0073] For example, the response unit 15 may display a message such as "Product A is an age-restricted product, but we have determined that you are XX years of age or older" on the display. Alternatively, the response unit 15 may display a message such as "Is the determination result incorrect?" and further accept input of "Yes" or "No." In this way, when the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is met, or when the store clerk determines that the product can be sold, the response unit 15 may notify the customer of this, and when the determination result is incorrect, may notify the customer of this, and may also notify the customer of a message prompting them to input an input to that effect.

[0074] In addition, if an age-restricted product is included in the transaction ("Yes" in S42), regardless of the judgment result in S43 (whether "Yes" or "No" in S43), the settlement system 10 may display a message such as "Product A is an age-restricted product, are you over XX years old?" and further accept input of "Yes" or "No."

[0075] As another variation, in S44, instead of the facial image of the customer, information (e.g., an image) from which the age can be determined, such as an ID card or passport, may be transmitted to the external device 20. Alternatively, in S44, the facial image of the customer and information (e.g., an image) from which the age can be determined, such as an ID card or passport, may be transmitted to the external device 20. For example, after it is determined in S43 that the age condition is not met, the response unit 15 can output information via a display or the like that prompts the customer to capture (read) information from which the age can be determined, such as an ID card or passport. Then, the response unit 15 can transmit the information (e.g., an image) captured (read) in accordance with the information to another device (external device 20) in S44.

[0076] According to the checkout system 10 of the present embodiment described above, the age of a customer can be estimated by image analysis, and based on the estimation result, it can be determined whether or not it is permissible to sell an age-restricted product to a customer who is attempting to purchase the product. Then, based on the determination result, it can impose restrictions on sales to the customer. This prevents the inconvenience of selling age-restricted products to customers who do not meet the age limit.

[0077] Furthermore, sales are not restricted solely based on the results of image analysis (unavailable for sale). If image analysis determines that the age requirement is not met, a human judgement is made by the store staff, and if that judgement is also "unavailable for sale," sales are restricted. This reduces the inconvenience of losing sales opportunities due to the uncertainty of image analysis. Furthermore, because this processing is included, the age requirement criteria determined by image analysis can be stricter than the actual age restriction criteria. As a result, the inconvenience of selling age-restricted products to customers who do not meet the age requirement can be sufficiently reduced.

[0078] Furthermore, with the payment system 10 of this embodiment, the store does not need to determine whether or not age-restricted products can be sold to all customers who are trying to purchase them, but only needs to make the determination for some customers (customers who are determined not to meet the age requirements through image analysis). This reduces the burden on the store.

[0079] <Second embodiment> The checkout system 10 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the processing performed when an age-restricted product is registered as the item to be checked out and image analysis determines that the age requirement is not met. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. The processing performed by the checkout system 10 of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 6.

[0080] The settlement system 10 is a system that customers operate themselves to register products to be paid for and to process payments (payments). The clerk settlement device 30 is a device that is operated by a clerk to process payments (payments). The clerk settlement device 30 may also be capable of registering products to be paid for. The settlement system 10 and the clerk settlement device 30 are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0081] If the payment system 10 determines through image analysis that the age condition is not met, it does not execute the payment process and sends registration information indicating the products and the like registered as items to be paid for to the store clerk payment device 30. In other words, if the payment system 10 determines through image analysis that the age condition is not met, it does not accept the payment process.

[0082] In this case, the customer moves to the clerk's checkout device 30 and the checkout process is carried out there. The clerk operating the clerk's checkout device 30 determines whether the customer meets the age limit based on their appearance, and if necessary, requests the customer to present identification or other documents to verify their age. If the clerk determines that the customer meets the age limit, the clerk can carry out the checkout process while keeping the age-restricted item in the list of items to be checked out. On the other hand, if the clerk determines that the customer does not meet the age limit, the clerk can remove the age-restricted item from the list of items to be checked out and carry out the checkout process for the remaining items.

[0083] This checkout system 10 can reduce the inconvenience of selling age-restricted products to customers who do not meet the age limit, and can also reduce the inconvenience of mistakenly restricting the sale of age-restricted products to customers who meet the age limit.

[0084] The following describes in detail the configuration of the settlement system 10. An example of the hardware configuration of the settlement system 10 is shown in FIG. 3, similar to the first embodiment.

[0085] An example of a functional block diagram of the settlement system 10 is shown in FIG. 2, similar to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the settlement system 10 has an imaging unit 11, an estimation unit 12, a product registration unit 13, a determination unit 14, a correspondence unit 15, and a settlement unit 16. The configurations of the imaging unit 11, the estimation unit 12, the product registration unit 13, the determination unit 14, and the settlement unit 16 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0086] If the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is not met, the response unit 15 transmits the registration information of the product registered by the product registration unit 13 to another device (the store clerk checkout device 30). The registration information includes information identifying the registered product (product code, product name, etc.), the number of units sold, the sales price, etc.

[0087] The response unit 15 may display on the display (notify the customer) information indicating that the registration information has been sent to the clerk settlement device 30, or that the clerk settlement device 30 will accept the settlement process. If there are multiple clerk settlement devices 30, the response unit 15 may display on the display (notify the customer) information identifying the clerk settlement device 30 that sent the registration information.

[0088] Furthermore, the clerk settlement device 30 to which the registration information is sent may issue a serial number for the received registration information and send it to the settlement system 10. Then, the handling unit 15 may display the serial number on a display (notify the customer).

[0089] For example, the response unit 15 may display information such as "Please go to cash register No. XX to process the payment. Please state your number as XX (serial number)." on the display.

[0090] Upon receiving the notification, the customer moves to a designated clerk settlement device 30 and notifies the clerk of the serial number. The clerk settlement device 30 stores the registration information received from the settlement system 10 in association with the serial number. When the clerk inputs the serial number into the clerk settlement device 30, the clerk settlement device 30 reads out the registration information corresponding to the input serial number and becomes ready to process the payment.

[0091] The store clerk operating the store clerk settlement device 30 determines whether the customer meets the age limit based on their appearance, and if necessary, requests the customer to present identification or other documents to verify their age. If the store clerk determines that the customer meets the age limit, the store clerk can proceed with the settlement process while keeping the age-restricted item in the list of items to be checked out. On the other hand, if the store clerk determines that the customer does not meet the age limit, the store clerk can remove the age-restricted item from the list of items to be checked out and proceed with the settlement process for the remaining items.

[0092] Next, an example of the processing flow of the settlement system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0093] In S20, the product registration unit 13 accepts product registration. The customer inputs information identifying the product to be processed into the checkout system 10, for example, by having a code reader in the checkout system 10 read a code, by pressing a button in the checkout system 10, or by taking a picture of the product with a camera in the checkout system 10. The product registration unit 13 identifies the product based on the input information, then obtains the product information (price, product name, etc.) of the product from the product master and registers it as a product to be processed. Product registration is repeated until an instruction to start the checkout process is input ("No" in S21).

[0094] When an instruction to start the checkout process is input ("Yes" in S21), the product registration unit 13 determines whether the registered products include age-restricted products based on a list such as that shown in FIG. 4 (S22).

[0095] If no age-restricted products are included ("No" in S22), the settlement unit 16 performs settlement processing (S25). For example, the settlement unit 16 may accept insertion of cash as payment for the total payment amount calculated based on the products registered up to that point, and may output change and a receipt as necessary. The settlement unit 16 may also accept insertion of a credit card, communicate with the credit card company's system, and perform settlement processing.

[0096] On the other hand, if an age-restricted product is included ("Yes" in S22), the determination unit 14 determines whether the customer's age estimated by the estimation unit 12 satisfies the age condition (S23).

[0097] In addition, in response to a determination in S22 that the product contains an age-restricted product, the imaging unit 11 may generate a facial image of the customer, the estimation unit 12 may estimate the age of the customer based on the facial image, and the judgment unit 14 may make the above judgment based on the estimation result by the estimation unit 12.

[0098] Alternatively, the imaging unit 11 may generate a facial image of the customer at any timing different from the above, the estimation unit 12 may estimate the age of the customer based on the facial image, and the result may be stored.The determination unit 14 may then read out the stored information and make the above determination.

[0099] If it is determined in S23 that the age condition is met ("Yes" in S23), the settlement unit 16 performs settlement processing (S25).

[0100] On the other hand, if it is determined in S23 that the age condition is not met ("No" in S23), the handling unit 15 transmits the registration information to the clerk settlement device 30 and notifies the customer accordingly (S24).

[0101] Upon receiving this notification, the customer moves to a designated clerk checkout device 30 and performs the checkout process there. The clerk operating the clerk checkout device 30 may, for example, determine whether the customer meets the age limit based on their appearance, and may request the customer to present identification or other documents to verify their age if necessary. If the clerk determines that the customer meets the age limit, the clerk can perform the checkout process while keeping the age-restricted item in the list of items to be checked out. On the other hand, if the clerk determines that the customer does not meet the age limit, the clerk can remove the age-restricted item from the list of items to be checked out and perform the checkout process for the remaining items.

[0102] Here, a modified example of the processing flow will be described. If the result in S23 is "Yes" (if the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is met), the checkout system 10 may notify the customer operating the checkout system 10 of this fact. For example, the response unit 15 may display a message such as "Product A is an age-restricted product, but we have determined that you are XX years of age or older" on the display. Alternatively, the response unit 15 may display a message such as "Is the determination result incorrect?" and further accept input of "Yes" or "No." In this way, if the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is met, the response unit 15 may notify the customer that the determination was made and, if the determination result was incorrect, may notify the customer of the determination that the age condition is met, and, if the determination result was incorrect, may notify the customer of the determination and prompt the customer to input an input to that effect.

[0103] Another variation of the processing flow will be described. This assumes that the content of the age condition (the value of M) is defined for each product or each product category. If the result of the determination in S22 indicates that multiple age-restricted products are included, in S23 the determination unit 14 can identify the age condition for each of the multiple products and determine whether each is met. In this case, if it is determined that the age conditions of all age-restricted products are met, the process can proceed to Yes, and if it is determined that the age condition of at least one age-restricted product is not met, the process can proceed to No.

[0104] Next, an example of the processing flow of the settlement system 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0105] In S30, the product registration unit 13 accepts product registration. The customer inputs information identifying the product to be registered into the checkout system 10, for example, by having a code reader included in the checkout system 10 read a code, by operating a button included in the checkout system 10, or by taking a picture of the product to be registered with a camera included in the checkout system 10. The product registration unit 13 identifies the product based on the input information, and then obtains the product information (price, product name, etc.) of the product from the product master and registers it as a product to be registered.

[0106] In S31, the product registration unit 13 determines whether the registered product is the first age-restricted product, for example, based on a list such as that shown in Fig. 4. The "first age-restricted product" refers to the first age-restricted product registered by the customer. This does not apply to the second or subsequent age-restricted products registered by the customer.

[0107] If the product registered in S30 is not the first age-restricted product ("No" in S31), the process proceeds to S34. On the other hand, if the product registered in S30 is the first age-restricted product ("Yes" in S31), the determination unit 14 determines whether the customer's age estimated by the estimation unit 12 satisfies the age condition (S32).

[0108] In addition, in response to detecting that the first age-restricted product has been registered in S31, the imaging unit 11 may generate a facial image of the customer, the estimation unit 12 may estimate the age of the customer based on the facial image, and the judgment unit 14 may make the above judgment based on the estimation result by the estimation unit 12.

[0109] Alternatively, the imaging unit 11 may generate a facial image of the customer at any timing different from the above, the estimation unit 12 may estimate the age of the customer based on the facial image, and the result may be stored.The determination unit 14 may then read out the stored information and make the above determination.

[0110] If it is determined in S32 that the age condition is met ("Yes" in S32), the process proceeds to S34. On the other hand, if it is determined in S32 that the age condition is not met ("No" in S32), the handling unit 15 sets a flag indicating that settlement is not possible (S33). Then, the process proceeds to S34.

[0111] If there is no instruction to start the settlement process ("No" in S34), the same process is repeated. On the other hand, if there is an instruction to start the settlement process ("Yes" in S34), the state of the settlement impossible flag is checked (S35).

[0112] If the settlement-impossible flag is not set ("No" in S35), the settlement unit 16 performs settlement processing (S37). For example, the settlement unit 16 may accept insertion of cash as payment for the total payment amount calculated based on the products registered up to that point, and may output change and a receipt as necessary. The settlement unit 16 may also accept insertion of a credit card, communicate with the credit card company's system, and perform settlement processing.

[0113] On the other hand, if the settlement unacceptable flag is set ("Yes" in S35), the handling unit 15 transmits the registration information to the clerk settlement device 30 and notifies the customer accordingly (S36).

[0114] Upon receiving this notification, the customer moves to a designated clerk checkout device 30 and performs the checkout process there. The clerk operating the clerk checkout device 30 may, for example, determine whether the customer meets the age limit based on their appearance, and may request the customer to present identification or other documents to verify their age if necessary. If the clerk determines that the customer meets the age limit, the clerk can perform the checkout process while keeping the age-restricted item in the list of items to be checked out. On the other hand, if the clerk determines that the customer does not meet the age limit, the clerk can remove the age-restricted item from the list of items to be checked out and perform the checkout process for the remaining items.

[0115] Here, a modified example of the processing flow will be explained. In S31, it is determined whether or not it is the first age-restricted product, but the restriction of "first" may be removed and it may be determined whether or not it is an age-restricted product. In other words, the processing of S32 and S33 may be performed each time an age-restricted product is registered. Note that performing these steps only when the first age-restricted product is registered reduces the processing load on the computer.

[0116] Here, another variation of the processing flow will be described. This assumes that the content of the age condition (the value of M) is set for each product or product category. In S31, the determination was made as to whether or not the product is the first age-restricted product. However, it may also be determined whether or not the product is an age-restricted product and whether the age conditions are stricter than those of previously registered age-restricted products (whether M is smaller or not). The result is No if the product is not an age-restricted product, or if the product is an age-restricted product but has lenient or the same age conditions as previously registered age-restricted products (M is larger or equal). On the other hand, the result is Yes if the product is an age-restricted product and has stricter age conditions than previously registered age-restricted products (M is smaller), or if the product is an age-restricted product and there are no previously registered age-restricted products. This variation also avoids the inconvenience of unnecessary processes such as determining whether the age conditions are met, sending a facial image, and receiving a response. As a result, the processing load on the computer is reduced.

[0117] As another variation, if the result of S32 is "Yes" (if the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is met), the customer operating the checkout system 10 may be notified of this fact. For example, the response unit 15 may display a message such as "Product A is an age-restricted product, but we have determined that you are XX years of age or older" on the display. Alternatively, the response unit 15 may display a message such as "Is the determination result incorrect?" and further accept input of "Yes" or "No." In this way, if the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is met, the response unit 15 may notify the customer that the determination has been made that the age condition is met, and if the determination result is incorrect, may notify the customer of the determination ....

[0118] According to the settlement system 10 of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the settlement system 10 of the first embodiment using a method different from that of the settlement system 10 of the first embodiment. As a result, the range of design is expanded.

[0119] Here, a modified example that combines the processes of the first and second embodiments will be described. First, the payment system 10 accepts an input from the customer indicating whether or not to allow a facial image to be taken. For example, when an age-restricted product is registered as a payment item, the payment system 10 may output information prompting the customer to enter the input and accept the input. Note that the payment system 10 may also accept the input at other times.

[0120] When an age-restricted product is registered as a transaction target and an input permitting photographing of a face image is received, the estimation unit 12 estimates the age of the customer based on the face image of the customer generated by the imaging unit 11. Next, the determination unit 14 determines whether the age condition is met based on the customer's age estimated by the estimation unit 12.

[0121] If the determination unit 14 determines that the age condition is not met, the response unit 15 receives from the customer "input as to whether or not to permit the transmission of customer information (e.g., a facial image, an ID image, etc.) for determining the customer's age." If the response unit 15 receives input permitting the transmission, it transmits the customer information to another device (external device 20). The process of transmitting customer information to another device (external device 20) is as described in the first embodiment. On the other hand, if the response unit 15 receives input disallowing the transmission, it transmits the product registration information to the clerk checkout device 30. The process of transmitting the product registration information to the clerk checkout device 30 is as described in the second embodiment.

[0122] Furthermore, when an age-restricted product is registered as a payment target and an input is received that does not permit capturing of a face image, the response unit 15 transmits the product registration information to the store clerk settlement device 30. The process of transmitting the product registration information to the store clerk settlement device 30 is as described in the second embodiment.

[0123] The decision as to whether or not to take a facial image and whether or not to send information for determining age can be made at any time before product registration begins, when registering an age verification product, or after all products have been registered and before payment is made.

[0124] This modification also achieves the same effects as the first and second embodiments, and also allows processing to be performed in accordance with customer requests.

[0125] Below, examples of reference forms are added. 1. An imaging means for generating a facial image of a customer; an estimation means for estimating the age of the customer based on the facial image; a product registration means for accepting product registration by the customer and detecting the registration of age-restricted products; a payment means for paying for the merchandise; a determination means for determining whether an age condition is met based on the age of the customer estimated by the estimation means when the product registration means detects registration of the age-restricted product; a response means for transmitting, when it is determined that the age condition is not met, product registration information registered by the product registration means or customer information for determining the age of the customer to another device; A settlement system that includes: 2. In the settlement system described in 1, The response means is a payment system that transmits the registration information to a payment device operated by a store clerk. 3. In the settlement system described in 2, The response means is a payment system that notifies the customer of information identifying the payment device that transmitted the registration information. 4. In the settlement system described in 1, The settlement system wherein the responding means transmits the customer information to the other device and then receives a response from the other device as to whether or not the product can be sold to the customer. 5. In the settlement system described in any one of 1 to 4, The response means is a payment system that notifies the customer when the determination means determines that the age condition is met. 6. In the settlement system described in any one of 1 to 5, The response means, when the determination means determines that the age condition is met, notifies the customer that the age condition is met, and if the age condition is incorrect, notifies the customer of a message prompting them to enter an input to that effect. 7. The computer an imaging step for generating a facial image of the customer; an estimation step of estimating the age of the customer based on the facial image; a product registration step of accepting product registration by the customer and detecting registration of age-restricted products; a checkout process for checking out the merchandise; a determination step of determining whether an age condition is met based on the customer's age estimated in the estimation step when registration of the age-restricted product is detected in the product registration step; a corresponding step of transmitting, when it is determined that the age condition is not satisfied, registration information of the product registered in the product registration step or customer information for determining the age of the customer to another device; The settlement method to be performed. 8. Computer imaging means for generating a facial image of the customer; an estimation means for estimating the age of the customer based on the facial image; a product registration means for accepting product registration by the customer and detecting the registration of age-restricted products; a payment means for performing payment for the merchandise; a determination means for determining whether an age condition is met based on the customer's age estimated by the estimation means when the product registration means detects registration of the age-restricted product; a response means for transmitting, when it is determined that the age condition is not satisfied, registration information of the product registered by the product registration means or customer information for determining the age of the customer to another device; A program that functions as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1A processor 2A Memory 3A input / output I / F 4A peripheral circuit 5A Bus 10. Payment System 11 Imaging unit 12 Estimation part 13 Product Registration Department 14 Judgment section 15. Correspondence Department 16 Settlement Department 20 External device 30 Settlement device for clerks

Claims

1. implemented by one or more devices or computers, an imaging means for capturing an image of a customer to generate a facial image of the customer; a product registration means for accepting product registration by the customer and detecting the registration of age-restricted products; a checkout means for performing checkout processing for the products; a determination means for determining whether the age of the customer satisfies an age requirement based on the facial image when the age-restricted product is registered; and a response means for, when it is determined that the customer does not satisfy the age condition, sending a notification to a terminal operated by a store clerk that a customer who does not satisfy the age condition is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product; the handling means, after transmitting the notification to the terminal operated by the store clerk, receives an input of a response from the customer as to whether or not the item is available for sale; If the received response is available for sale or if it is determined that the age requirement is met, the settlement means performs a settlement process for the registered products including the age-restricted product, If the received response is that the product cannot be sold, the response means removes the registered age-restricted product from the items subject to checkout. This is a payment system that allows customers to process their own payments.

2. The settlement system according to claim 1, The terminal operated by the store clerk is a mobile terminal. A payment system that allows customers to process their own payments.

3. In the settlement system according to claim 1 or 2, the settlement means performs a settlement process for the items to be checked out after the age-restricted items have been deleted. A payment system that allows customers to process their own payments.

4. The settlement system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, If the received response is available for sale, the settlement means performs settlement processing for the registered products including the age-restricted products. A payment system that allows customers to process their own payments.

5. One or more computers taking an image of the customer using an imaging means to generate a facial image of the customer; Accepting product registration by the customer and detecting registration of age-restricted products; When the age-restricted product is registered, it is determined whether the age of the customer satisfies an age condition based on the facial image; If it is determined that the customer does not satisfy the age requirement, a notice is sent to a terminal operated by a store clerk indicating that a customer who does not satisfy the age requirement is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product; If it is determined that the age requirement is met, a payment process for the registered products including the age-restricted products is performed. After transmitting the notification to the terminal operated by the store clerk, an answer as to whether or not the product is available for sale is received from the customer; If the received response is available for sale or if it is determined that the age requirement is met, a payment process is carried out for the registered products, including the age-restricted products, If the received response indicates that the product cannot be sold, the registered age-restricted product is removed from the checkout. A payment method that allows customers to process their own payments.

6. A computer used in a device that allows customers to process their own payments, an imaging means for photographing the customer and generating a facial image of the customer; a product registration means for accepting product registration by the customer and detecting the registration of age-restricted products; a checkout means for processing the checkout of the goods; a determination means for determining whether the age of the customer satisfies an age requirement based on the facial image when the age-restricted product is registered; a means for transmitting a notification to a terminal operated by a store clerk when it is determined that the customer does not satisfy the age requirement, that the customer does not satisfy the age requirement and is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product; It functions as the handling means, after transmitting the notification to the terminal operated by the store clerk, receives an input of a response from the customer as to whether or not the item is available for sale; If the received response is available for sale or if it is determined that the age requirement is met, the settlement means performs a settlement process for the registered products including the age-restricted product, If the received response indicates that the product cannot be sold, the response means removes the registered age-restricted product from the items subject to checkout.

7. a product registration means for accepting product registrations by customers and detecting the registration of age-restricted products; a checkout means for performing checkout processing for the products; a determination means for determining whether the age of the customer satisfies an age requirement based on a facial image of the customer that is generated by photographing the customer using an imaging means when the age-restricted product is registered; and a response means for, when it is determined that the customer does not satisfy the age condition, sending a notification to a terminal operated by a store clerk that a customer who does not satisfy the age condition is attempting to purchase an age-restricted product; the handling means, after transmitting the notification to the terminal operated by the store clerk, receives an input of a response from the customer as to whether or not the item is available for sale; If the received response is available for sale or if it is determined that the age requirement is met, the settlement means performs a settlement process for the registered products including the age-restricted product, If the received response indicates that the product cannot be sold, the handling means removes the registered age-restricted product from the items to be checked out. A payment device that allows customers to process their own payments.

Images