Store system, store server, and store system processing method

Abstract

This shop system: acquires customer-identifying information that has been inputted to a lock control device (50) for controlling a lock of a locked shelf showcasing an age-restricted product; determines whether a customer identified with the customer-identifying information has already executed an age confirmation process and whether the customer meets a purchase condition for the age-restricted product; and transmits a release instruction to release the lock of the locked shelf to the lock control device (50) if the customer has already executed the age confirmation process and meets the purchase condition.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a store system, a store server, and a processing method for the store system. [Background technology]

[0002] Technologies related to the present invention are disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine system that checks the age of a customer and sells products if the customer satisfies certain conditions. Patent Document 2 discloses a system that performs authentication based on a face image and unlocks product shelves if authentication is successful. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-206232 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-9231 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, unmanned / reduced-staff stores have come under widespread consideration, and it will be necessary to devise ways to sell age-restricted products such as alcohol and tobacco.

[0005] The present invention aims to reduce the inconvenience of selling age-restricted products to customers who do not meet the purchase conditions in unmanned / reduced-staff stores. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, a take-out acquisition means for acquiring customer identification information input to a lock control device that controls the lock of a lockable shelf on which age-restricted products are displayed; a take-out time determination means for determining whether or not a customer identified by the customer identification information has undergone age verification processing and whether or not the customer satisfies a purchase condition for the age-restricted product; a lock control means for transmitting an unlock instruction to the lock control device to unlock the lockable shelf when the customer has completed the age verification process and has satisfied the purchase conditions; A store system having the above configuration is provided.

[0007] Further, according to the present invention, A transaction time acquisition means for acquiring customer specific information inputted to the transaction device; a checkout time determination means for determining, when an age-restricted product is registered as a checkout item in the checkout device, whether or not a customer identified by the customer identification information has completed age verification processing and whether or not the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product; a transaction control means for transmitting a sales authorization to the transaction device if the customer has completed the age verification process and has satisfied the purchase conditions; A store system having the above configuration is provided.

[0008] Further, according to the present invention, The store system Acquire customer identification information inputted into a lock control device that controls the lock of a lockable shelf on which age-restricted products are displayed; determining whether the customer identified by the customer identification information has completed age verification processing and whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product; There is provided a processing method for a store system, which transmits an unlocking instruction to the lock control device to unlock the lockable shelf if the customer has completed the age verification process and meets the purchase conditions.

[0009] Further, according to the present invention, The store system Acquire customer identification information entered into the accounting device; When an age-restricted product is registered as a purchase item in the transaction device, determining whether or not a customer identified by the customer identification information has completed age verification processing and whether or not a purchase condition for the age-restricted product is met; A method is provided for a store system that transmits a sales authorization to the accounting device if the customer has completed the age verification process and meets the purchase conditions.

[0010] Further, according to the present invention, A registration means for registering customer identification information acquired from a customer in a customer list; a purchase condition determination means for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product based on age verification information acquired from the customer when the customer enters the store or when the customer removes the age-restricted product from the locked shelf, and for registering the result of the determination in the customer list by linking it to the customer identification information; A transaction time acquisition means for acquiring the customer specific information inputted to the transaction device; a checkout time determination means for, when the age-restricted product is registered in the checkout device as a checkout item, referencing the customer list and linking it to the customer identification information input to the checkout device to determine whether the product is registered as satisfying the purchase conditions; a transaction control means for transmitting to the transaction device a determination instruction to execute a process for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions if the customer specific information input to the transaction device is not registered as satisfying the purchase conditions; and A store server having the above configuration is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of selling age-restricted products to customers who do not meet the purchase conditions in unmanned / reduced-staff stores. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of a store system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2]2 is an example of a layout of a store in which the store system of the present embodiment is installed. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an example of a functional block diagram of a store server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by a store server according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processed by a store server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of a store server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of a store server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of a store server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a store server according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] An example of a functional block diagram of a store system 1 according to this embodiment is shown in Figure 1. As shown in the figure, the store system 1 has a store server 10, an accounting device 30, an entrance / exit device 40, and a lock control device 50. The accounting device 30, the entrance / exit device 40, and the lock control device 50 are each configured to be able to communicate with the store server 10. The store server 10 is also configured to be able to communicate with a center server 20.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a store layout. The entrance / exit device 40 is installed at the entrance / exit of the store. The lock control device 50 is installed near the locked shelves. Age-restricted products are displayed on the locked shelves. Age-restricted products are products that cannot be sold to customers whose age does not meet the purchasing conditions, and examples of such products include alcohol and tobacco. The accounting device 30 is installed at any position within the store. Although not shown, the store server 10 is installed, for example, in the back yard of the store.

[0015] Next, an overview of the store system 1 of this embodiment will be described based on the flow of a customer visiting the store purchasing an age-restricted product.

[0016] First, a customer who comes to the store inputs customer identification information to the entrance / exit device 40 to identify the customer. The entrance door or gate may be configured to open in response to the input of the customer identification information to the entrance / exit device 40. For example, the customer may register as a member in advance and input his / her member identification information to the entrance / exit device 40 as the customer identification information. Alternatively, the customer may have a camera provided in the entrance / exit device 40 take an image of his / her face, and input the image of his / her face to the entrance / exit device 40 as the customer identification information. The entrance / exit device 40 transmits the input customer identification information to the store server 10. The store server 10 registers the acquired customer identification information in a customer list.

[0017] The customer may carry out age verification processing when registering as a member in advance. Then, the fact that the customer has carried out the age verification processing and the result of the determination as to whether or not the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product may be registered in the center server 20 as member information.

[0018] When member identification information is input to the entrance / exit device 40 as customer specific information, the store server 10 obtains member information linked to the member identification information from the center server 20 and registers the member information in a customer list.

[0019] Furthermore, when entering the store, the customer may operate the entrance / exit device 40 to carry out age verification processing. In this case, the store server 10 registers in the customer list that the customer has undergone age verification processing and the result of the determination as to whether or not the purchase conditions are met.

[0020] After entering the store, a customer who wishes to purchase an age-restricted product inputs their own customer identification information into the lock control device 50. The lock control device 50 transmits the input customer identification information to the store server 10. The store server 10 refers to the customer list, links it to the input customer identification information, and verifies that age verification processing has been performed and that registration has been made to satisfy the purchase conditions. If age verification processing has been performed and registration has been made to satisfy the purchase conditions, the store server 10 transmits an unlock instruction to the lock control device 50 to release the lock. In response to the unlock instruction, the lock control device 50 unlocks the locked shelf.

[0021] On the other hand, if it is not registered that the age verification process has been performed, the store server 10 transmits a judgment instruction to the lock control device 50 to execute a process to determine whether the customer meets the purchase conditions. In response to the judgment instruction, the lock control device 50 accepts the age verification process from the customer. If the customer meets the purchase conditions, the store server 10 transmits an unlock instruction to the lock control device 50 to release the lock. The store server 10 also registers in the customer list that the customer has performed the age verification process and the result of the judgment as to whether the customer meets the purchase conditions. In response to the unlock instruction, the lock control device 50 unlocks the locked shelf. On the other hand, if the customer does not meet the purchase conditions, the store server 10 causes the lock control device 50 to execute error processing. In this case, the lock control device 50 does not unlock the locked shelf.

[0022] The customer then operates the accounting device 30 to carry out the transaction. When an age-restricted product is registered in the accounting device 30 as a transaction item, the store server 10 refers to the customer list, links it to the customer identification information entered in the accounting device, and verifies whether the customer has completed age verification processing and whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions.

[0023] If the age verification process has been completed and the purchase conditions have been registered as being met, the store server 10 sends sales permission to the checkout device 30. In this case, the checkout device 30 continues the checkout process.

[0024] On the other hand, if it is not registered that the age verification process has been completed, the store server 10 sends a judgment instruction to the accounting device 30 to execute a process to determine whether the customer meets the purchase conditions. The accounting device 30 accepts the age verification process from the customer in response to the judgment instruction. Then, if the customer meets the purchase conditions, the store server 10 sends a sales permission to the accounting device 30. In this case, the accounting device 30 continues the transaction process as is. On the other hand, if the customer does not meet the purchase conditions, the store server 10 causes the accounting device 30 to execute error processing.

[0025] In this way, the store server 10 of this embodiment checks whether the customer meets the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product both when removing the age-restricted product from the locked shelf and when making the payment. Therefore, even if a customer who does not meet the purchase conditions commits a fraudulent act such as removing an age-restricted product from the locked shelf while another customer unlocks the locked shelf, the customer cannot perform the payment process normally. This reduces the inconvenience of selling age-restricted products to customers who do not meet the purchase conditions.

[0026] Furthermore, in the case of the store server 10 of this embodiment, if age verification processing is performed at the time of advance membership registration, at the time of entering the store, or at the time of removing an age-restricted product from a locked shelf, that fact and the result of the judgment are registered in the store server 10. Then, after the registration, the store server 10 checks whether the customer meets the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product based on the registered information. Therefore, as described above, the store server 10 checks whether the customer meets the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product twice: when removing an age-restricted product from a locked shelf and at the time of payment, but the customer only needs to perform the age verification processing once, and it is possible to avoid performing the processing multiple times. This increases convenience.

[0027] Next, a detailed description will be given of the functional configuration of the store server 10. During the description of the functional configuration of the store server 10, the functional configurations of the center server 20, the accounting device 30, the entrance / exit device 40, and the lock control device 50 will also be described as appropriate.

[0028] 3 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the store server 10. As shown in the figure, the store server 10 has a memory unit 11, a registration unit 12, a purchase condition determination unit 13, a transaction time acquisition unit 14, a transaction time determination unit 15, a transaction control unit 16, a removal time acquisition unit 17, a removal time determination unit 18, and a lock control unit 19. It should be noted that the store server 10 does not need to have the memory unit 11. In this case, an external device configured to be able to communicate with the store server 10 has the memory unit 11.

[0029] The registration unit 12 registers the customer identification information acquired from the customer in the customer list. For example, the registration unit 12 acquires the customer identification information that the customer inputs into the entrance / exit device 40 when entering the store. If the customer identification information is not registered in the customer list, the registration unit 12 registers the customer identification information in the customer list. The registration unit 12 also acquires the customer identification information that the customer inputs into the lock control device 50 when removing an age-restricted product from a locked shelf. If the customer identification information is not registered in the customer list, the registration unit 12 registers the customer identification information in the customer list.

[0030] The customer identification information is member identification information or a facial image. For example, the entrance / exit device 40 and the lock control device 50 may read the member identification information from a storage device (such as an IC card, a smartphone, a smart watch, or a mobile phone) that stores the member identification information via a reader by means of short-range wireless communication or the like. The entrance / exit device 40 and the lock control device 50 may also accept input of the member identification information via an input device such as a touch panel or physical buttons. The entrance / exit device 40 and the lock control device 50 may also capture a facial image of the customer with a camera.

[0031] The customer list may be a list of customers present in the store, a list of customers who have visited the store, a list of customers who have visited the store within a specified period of time, or some other list.

[0032] The storage unit 11 stores a customer list. An example of the customer list is shown in FIG. 4. In the illustrated customer list, a serial number, customer identification information, execution information indicating whether or not age verification processing has been performed, and a purchase condition result indicating whether or not the purchase condition is satisfied are linked to each other. The customer list may further include other information.

[0033] Returning to Figure 3, the purchase condition judgment unit 13 judges whether the customer meets the purchase conditions for age-restricted products based on the age verification information obtained from the customer when entering the store or when removing age-restricted products from locked shelves, and registers in a customer list that the age verification process has been carried out and the judgment result, linking it to the customer identification information.

[0034] For example, the purchase condition determination unit 13 acquires age verification information from the entrance / exit device 40 or the lock control device 50. For example, the entrance / exit device 40 and the lock control device 50 may photograph an object (e.g., a driver's license, a health insurance card, a My Number card, etc.) that includes information that can verify the identity and age, and acquire the image as the age verification information. In this case, the purchase condition determination unit 13 may recognize the age verification information included in the image using an image analysis technique or a character recognition technique, and determine whether the age of the customer identified by the recognized age verification information satisfies the purchase condition (e.g., 20 years or older). In addition, when the acquired image includes a face image, the purchase condition determination unit 13 may determine whether the face image included in the acquired image and the face image acquired by the registration unit 12 as the customer identification information are the face images of the same person. Then, being determined to be the same person may be one of the conditions for determining that the purchase condition is satisfied.

[0035] As another example, when information for verifying the identity and age is stored in a storage device (IC card, smartphone, smart watch, mobile phone, etc.), the entrance / exit device 40 and the lock control device 50 may read the information for verifying the identity and age from the storage device by means of short-range wireless communication or the like. When biometric information (e.g., fingerprint, voiceprint, iris, etc.) is stored in the storage device, the entrance / exit device 40 and the lock control device 50 may further read the biometric information from the storage device. The entrance / exit device 40 and the lock control device 50 may further receive input of biometric information from a customer who visits the store. The purchase condition determination unit 13 may then determine whether the biometric information read from the storage device and the biometric information input by the customer who visits the store are of the same person (whether they match). Being determined to be the same person may be one of the conditions for determining that the purchase condition is met.

[0036] As another example, the entrance / exit device 40 and the lock control device 50 may output a question such as "Are you over 20 years old?" via an output device such as a display, and may accept an answer to the question ("Yes" or "No"). The purchase condition determination unit 13 may then acquire the answer as age verification information. In this case, the purchase condition determination unit 13 determines that the customer's age meets the purchase condition if the answer is "Yes", and determines that the customer's age does not meet the purchase condition if the answer is "No".

[0037] Furthermore, when the registration unit 12 acquires member identification information as customer identification information, and execution information indicating whether or not age verification processing has been performed and a purchase condition result indicating whether or not the purchase condition of an age-restricted product is met are registered in a pre-generated member database, the purchase condition determination unit 13 may link the information to the customer identification information and register it in the customer list. The member database is a database generated by the above-mentioned pre-registration of members, and is stored in the center server 20.

[0038] An example of a member database is shown in FIG. 5. In the example shown, member identification information, name, address, telephone number, execution information indicating whether or not age verification processing has been performed, and purchase condition results indicating whether or not the purchase conditions are met are linked to each other. The member database may further include other information. Advance member registration is realized, for example, via an app or a web page.

[0039] As described above, a customer can carry out age verification processing when registering as a member in advance. As described above, age verification processing may involve, but is not limited to, the presentation of information that can verify identity and age, or an answer ("yes" or "no") to the question "Are you over 20 years old?" When age verification processing is carried out at the time of registering as a member in advance, the center server 20 carries out processing similar to that of the purchase condition determination unit 13 described above, and determines whether the customer's age meets the purchase conditions. The center server 20 then registers in the member database that the age verification processing has been carried out and the result of the determination, linking it to the member identification information of the customer.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 3, the take-out acquisition unit 17 acquires customer identification information input to a lock control device 50 that controls the locks on the lockable shelves on which age-restricted products are displayed.

[0041] The take-out determination unit 18 determines whether the customer identified by the customer identification information has undergone age verification processing and whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product. Specifically, the take-out determination unit 18 refers to the customer list stored in the memory unit 11, links it to the customer identification information input to the lock control device 50, and determines whether it is registered that the age verification processing has been performed and that the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product.

[0042] The lock control unit 19 links the customer identification information input to the lock control device 50 in the customer list stored in the memory unit 11, and when it is registered that the age verification process has been performed and that the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product are met, sends an unlocking instruction to the lock control device 50 to unlock the locked shelves. The lock control device 50 unlocks the locked shelves in response to the unlocking instruction. Note that the configuration of the lock on the locking shelves and the mechanism for unlocking based on the unlocking instruction (electrical signal) are design matters, and the details are not particularly limited.

[0043] In addition, if the customer list stored in the memory unit 11 does not register that age verification processing has been performed in association with the customer identification information input to the lock control device 50, and if the customer identification information input to the lock control device 50 is not registered in the customer list, the purchase condition judgment unit 13 sends a judgment instruction to the lock control device 50 to execute processing to judge whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions.

[0044] In this embodiment, customers are required to input customer identification information into the entrance / exit device 40 when entering the store. However, it is expected that some customers will enter the store without complying with this. Even if the entrance door or gate is opened in response to the input of customer identification information into the entrance / exit device 40, it is expected that some customers will enter the store while another customer has the entrance door or gate open. For this reason, a situation may arise in which the customer identification information input into the lock control device 50 is not registered in the customer list.

[0045] The lock control device 50 accepts age verification processing from the customer in response to the judgment instruction sent from the store server 10. As described above, the age verification processing includes, but is not limited to, the presentation of information that can verify the customer's identity and age, or an answer ("yes" or "no") to the question "Are you over 20 years old?"

[0046] The purchase condition determination unit 13 acquires age verification information from the lock control device 50 and determines whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions based on the acquired age verification information. Then, the purchase condition determination unit 13 registers in the customer list that the age verification process has been executed and the determination result, linking it to the customer identification information. The details of this determination are as described above. If this determination result indicates that the customer satisfies the purchase conditions, the lock control unit 19 transmits an unlock instruction to the lock control device 50.

[0047] Furthermore, if the determination result indicates that the customer does not satisfy the purchase conditions, or if the customer is registered in the customer list as not satisfying the purchase conditions in association with the customer identification information entered into the lock control device 50, the lock control unit 19 does not send an unlock instruction to the lock control device 50, and causes error processing to be executed. As error processing, the lock control device 50 may output a message such as "The locked shelf cannot be unlocked because we were unable to confirm that your age satisfies the purchase conditions" via an output device such as a display or speaker.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 3, the transaction acquisition unit 14 acquires customer identification information entered into the transaction device 30. The transaction device 30 may output guidance to all customers urging them to enter customer identification information, and may accept the input of customer identification information from all customers. Alternatively, the transaction device 30 may output guidance to only customers who have registered age-restricted products as transaction items, and may accept the input of customer identification information only from customers who have registered age-restricted products as transaction items. The transaction device 30, like the entrance / exit device 40, acquires member identification information and facial images of customers as customer identification information via a reader or camera.

[0049] The accounting device 30 is a device that is intended to be operated by a customer, and executes registration and settlement processes.

[0050] In the registration process, the accounting device 30 accepts input of identification information of the product to be processed via, for example, an input device such as a code reader that reads a code indicating the identification information of the product, a touch panel display, physical buttons, or a microphone, or an input system including a camera that photographs the appearance of the product and an image analysis device.The accounting device 30 then obtains product information (such as unit price) associated with the input identification information of the product from a product master previously stored in a storage device of the store system 1, and registers the product as a transaction object in its own storage device.

[0051] In the settlement process, the accounting device 30 calculates the amount of the transaction based on the product information registered as the transaction object, and accepts payment for that amount. The accounting device 30 can accept payment using cash, credit card, points, etc.

[0052] When an age-restricted product is registered in the accounting device 30 as a transaction target, the transaction time determination unit 15 determines whether the customer identified by the customer identification information has undergone age verification processing and whether the customer meets the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product. Specifically, the transaction time determination unit 15 refers to the customer list stored in the memory unit 11, links it to the customer identification information input to the accounting device 30, and determines whether the customer has undergone age verification processing and is registered as meeting the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product. For example, when an age-restricted product is registered as a transaction target, the accounting device 30 may notify the store server 10 of this fact. Furthermore, the entered customer identification information may be sent to the store server 10 at the time of this notification.

[0053] If it is not registered that age verification processing has been performed in association with the customer identifying information input to the accounting device 30, or if the customer identifying information input to the accounting device 30 is not registered in the customer list, the accounting control unit 16 sends a determination instruction to the accounting device 30 to execute processing to determine whether the customer meets the purchase conditions.

[0054] In this embodiment, a customer is required to input customer identification information into the entrance / exit device 40 when entering the store. However, it is expected that some customers will enter the store without complying with this. Even if the entrance door or gate is opened in response to the input of customer identification information into the entrance / exit device 40, it is expected that some customers will enter the store while another customer has the entrance door or gate open. In this embodiment, it is necessary to input customer identification information into the lock control device 50 when taking out an age-restricted product from a locked shelf. However, it is expected that some customers will take out an age-restricted product from a locked shelf while another customer has unlocked the locked shelf. For this reason, a situation may occur in which the customer identification information input into the accounting device 30 is not registered in the customer list.

[0055] The accounting device 30 accepts age verification processing from the customer in response to the judgment instruction received from the store server 10. As described above, the age verification processing includes, but is not limited to, the presentation of information that can verify the customer's identity and age, or an answer ("yes" or "no") to the question "Are you over 20 years old?"

[0056] The transaction control unit 16 obtains age verification information from the transaction device 30, and determines whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions based on the obtained age verification information. The details of this determination are the same as the processing by the purchase condition determination unit 13 described above.

[0057] If the transaction control unit 16 determines that the customer meets the purchase conditions, it sends a sales permission to the transaction device 30. In this case, the transaction device 30 then carries out the registration process and payment process described above.

[0058] On the other hand, if the transaction control unit 16 determines that the customer does not meet the purchase conditions, or if the customer is registered in the customer list as not meeting the purchase conditions linked to the customer identification information entered into the transaction device 30, it does not send sales permission to the transaction device 30 and causes the transaction device 30 to execute error processing. As error processing, the transaction device 30 may output a message such as "We cannot sell you XX (name of age-restricted product) because we were unable to confirm that your age meets the purchase conditions" via an output device such as a display or speaker.

[0059] Next, an example of the flow of processing by the store server 10 will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart.

[0060] First, an example of the flow of processing performed by the store server 10 when a customer enters a store will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0061] First, a customer who comes to the store inputs customer identification information that identifies the customer to the entrance / exit device 40. The customer identification information is member identification information or a face image. For example, the customer brings a storage device (IC card, smartphone, smart watch, mobile phone, etc.) that stores the customer's member identification information into a state in which it can communicate with a reader of the entrance / exit device 40 (for example, by bringing it close to the reader). In response, the entrance / exit device 40 reads the member identification information from the storage device via the reader. Alternatively, the customer follows the guidance output by the entrance / exit device 40 and has the entrance / exit device 40 take a picture of the customer's face (customer identification information). The entrance / exit device 40 transmits the acquired customer identification information to the store server 10.

[0062] When the registration unit 12 acquires customer identification information from the entrance / exit device 40 (Yes in S10), it registers the acquired customer identification information in a customer list (see FIG. 4) (S11). Note that the registration unit 12 may check whether the acquired customer identification information is registered in the customer list, and if not, register the customer identification information in the customer list.

[0063] Thereafter, if the registered customer identification information is member identification information ("member identification information" in S12), the purchase condition determination unit 13 requests and acquires member information (see FIG. 5) linked to the member identification information from the center server 20 (S13). The purchase condition determination unit 13 then performs a process of updating the customer list based on the acquired member information (S14). For example, if the acquired member information includes information that age verification processing has been performed and a determination result as to whether or not the purchase conditions are met, the purchase condition determination unit 13 registers the information in the customer list.

[0064] On the other hand, if the registered customer identifying information is a face image ("face image" in S12), the processes of S13 and S14 are not executed.

[0065] Although not shown, the entrance / exit device 40 may receive age verification processing from the customer. For example, the entrance / exit device 40 may output a question such as "Customers who plan to purchase age-restricted products can have their age verified here. Would you like to verify your age?" and may receive an answer to the question. If the answer is "Yes", the entrance / exit device 40 may then receive age verification processing from the customer. The purchase condition determination unit 13 may then obtain age verification information from the entrance / exit device 40, determine whether the purchase conditions are met, and update the customer list. Details of these processes are as described above.

[0066] Next, an example of the flow of processing performed by the store server 10 when a customer takes out an age-restricted product from a locked shelf will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0067] After entering the store, a customer who purchases an age-restricted product inputs his / her customer identification information to the lock control device 50. The customer identification information is member identification information or a facial image. For example, the customer makes a storage device (such as an IC card, smartphone, smart watch, or mobile phone) that stores his / her member identification information communicable with a reader of the lock control device 50. In response, the lock control device 50 reads the member identification information from the storage device via the reader. Alternatively, the customer follows the instructions output by the lock control device 50 to have the lock control device 50 take a photograph of his / her face (customer identification information). The lock control device 50 transmits the acquired customer identification information to the store server 10.

[0068] When the removal time judgment unit 18 acquires customer identification information from the lock control device 50 (Yes in S20), it refers to the customer list stored in the memory unit 11 (S21) and checks whether the acquired customer identification information is registered in the customer list (S22). If the customer identification information is registered (Yes in S22), the removal time judgment unit 18 links the customer identification information to the customer identification information, and checks whether it is registered that the age verification process has been performed and that the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product are met (S23).

[0069] If the age verification process has been completed and it has been registered that the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product are met (first case in S23), the lock control unit 19 transmits an unlocking instruction to the lock control device 50 to unlock the locked shelf (S24). The lock control device 50 unlocks the locked shelf in response to the unlocking instruction.

[0070] On the other hand, if it is not registered that the age verification process has been performed (the second case of S23), the purchase condition determination unit 13 transmits a determination instruction to the lock control device 50 to execute a process for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions. The lock control device 50 accepts the age verification process from the customer in response to the determination instruction, and transmits the input age verification information to the store server 10.

[0071] When the purchase condition determination unit 13 acquires the age verification information from the lock control device 50 (S26), it determines whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions based on the age verification information (S27), and updates the customer list (S28). Specifically, the purchase condition determination unit 13 registers the fact that the age verification process has been executed and the result of the determination, in association with the customer identification information of the customer.

[0072] Next, if the customer satisfies the purchase conditions (Yes in S29), the lock control unit 19 transmits an unlocking instruction to the lock control device 50 to unlock the locking shelf (S24). In response to the unlocking instruction, the lock control device 50 unlocks the locking shelf.

[0073] On the other hand, if the customer does not satisfy the purchase conditions (No in S29), the lock control unit 19 causes the lock control device 50 to execute error processing (S30). As error processing, the lock control device 50 may output a message such as "We cannot unlock the lockable shelf because we have not been able to confirm that your age satisfies the purchase conditions" via an output device such as a display or speaker. In this case, the lock control unit 19 does not send an unlocking instruction to the lock control device 50 to unlock the lockable shelf. The lock control device 50 does not unlock the lockable shelf.

[0074] Furthermore, if the age verification process has been performed and it has been registered that the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product are not met (third case in S23), the lock control unit 19 causes the lock control device 50 to execute error processing (S31). As error processing, the lock control device 50 may output a message such as "We were unable to confirm that your age meets the purchase conditions, so we cannot unlock the locked shelf" via an output device such as a display or speaker. In this case, the lock control unit 19 does not send an unlocking instruction to the lock control device 50 to unlock the locked shelf. And the lock control device 50 does not unlock the locked shelf.

[0075] If the customer identification information is not registered in the customer list (No in S22), the registration unit 12 registers the customer identification information in the customer list (see FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 11 (S25). Then, the process from S26 onwards is executed. The process from S26 onwards is as described above.

[0076] Next, an example of the flow of processing performed by the store server 10 when a customer performs a transaction will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0077] When the customer has finished picking up the items to be purchased, they operate the accounting device 30 to carry out the accounting process. First, the customer performs a registration process to register the identification information of the item to be processed through an input device such as a code reader that reads a code indicating the identification information of the item, a touch panel display, physical buttons, or a microphone, or an input system including a camera that photographs the appearance of the item and an image analysis device. When the accounting device 30 accepts the input of the identification information of the item, it retrieves the item information (unit price, etc.) associated with the input identification information of the item from the item master stored in advance in the store server 10, etc., and registers the item in the device's storage device as an item to be processed.

[0078] The checkout device 30 also monitors whether an age-restricted product has been registered as a checkout item based on "information indicating whether each product is an age-restricted product" that is prestored in the device. When an age-restricted product is registered as a checkout item, the checkout device 30 notifies the store server 10. Based on the notification, the store server 10 detects that an age-restricted product has been registered as a checkout item (S40).

[0079] Then, when an age-restricted product is registered as a transaction item (Yes in S40), the store server 10 obtains from the transaction item 30 the customer identification information entered into the transaction item 30 (S41). The transaction item 30 may output a message to all customers urging them to enter customer identification information, and may accept the input of customer identification information from all customers. Alternatively, the transaction item 30 may output a message to only customers who have registered an age-restricted product as a transaction item urging them to enter customer identification information, and may accept the input of customer identification information only from customers who have registered an age-restricted product as a transaction item.

[0080] When the checkout determination unit 15 acquires customer identification information from the checkout device 30 (S41), it references the customer list stored in the memory unit 11 (S42) and checks whether the acquired customer identification information is registered in the customer list (S43). If the customer identification information is registered (Yes in S43), the checkout determination unit 15 checks whether age verification processing has been performed in association with that customer identification information, and whether it is registered that the customer satisfies the purchasing conditions for age-restricted products (S44).

[0081] If age verification has been completed and the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product are registered as being met (first case in S44), the transaction control unit 16 sends a sales permission to the transaction device 30 (S45). In this case, the transaction device 30 continues the transaction process as is.

[0082] On the other hand, if it is not registered that the age verification process has been completed (second case of S44), the transaction control unit 16 sends a determination instruction to the transaction device 30 to execute a process to determine whether the customer meets the purchase conditions. The transaction device 30 accepts the age verification process from the customer in response to the determination instruction, and sends the entered age verification information to the store server 10.

[0083] When the transaction control unit 16 receives age verification information from the transaction device 30 (S46), it determines whether the customer meets the purchase conditions based on the age verification information (S47). Next, if the customer meets the purchase conditions (Yes in S48), the transaction control unit 16 sends a sales permission to the transaction device 30 (S45). In this case, the transaction device 30 continues the transaction process as is.

[0084] On the other hand, if the customer does not meet the purchase conditions (No in S48), the transaction control unit 16 sends a sales denial to the transaction device 30 (S49). In this case, the store server 10 may cause the transaction device 30 to execute error processing. As part of the error processing, the transaction device 30 may output a message such as "We are unable to confirm that your age meets the purchase conditions, so we are unable to sell you XX (name of age-restricted product)" via an output device such as a display or speaker. The transaction device 30 may also delete an age-restricted product that was registered as a transaction object from the transaction objects.

[0085] Furthermore, if the age verification process has been performed and it has been registered that the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product are not met (third case of S44), the transaction control unit 16 will send a sales denial to the transaction device 30 (S50). In this case, the store server 10 may cause the transaction device 30 to execute error processing. As part of the error processing, the transaction device 30 may output a message such as "We were unable to confirm that your age meets the purchase conditions, so we are unable to sell you XX (name of the age-restricted product)" via an output device such as a display or speaker. Additionally, the transaction device 30 may delete an age-restricted product that was registered as a transaction object from the transaction objects.

[0086] If the customer identification information is not registered in the customer list (No in S43), the process from S46 onward is executed. The process from S46 onward is as described above.

[0087] Here, a modified example of this embodiment will be described. For example, an operation terminal (a device different from the accounting device 30, the entrance / exit device 40, and the lock control device 50) that accepts input of customer identification information and age verification information may be installed at any location in the store. Then, the customer may input the customer identification information and age verification information into the operation terminal at any timing after entering the store and before the accounting process, and age verification processing may be performed. The store server 10 obtains the customer identification information and age verification information from the operation terminal, performs the same processing as when this information is obtained from the entrance / exit device 40 or the lock control device 50, and updates the customer list.

[0088] The take-out acquisition unit 17, the take-out determination unit 18, and the lock control unit 19 may be provided in the lock control device 50 instead of the store server 10. In this case, the lock control device 50 acquires the customer list from the store server 10 and stores it in a storage device of the lock control device.

[0089] Furthermore, the transaction acquisition unit 14, transaction determination unit 15, and transaction control unit 16 may be provided in the transaction device 30, rather than in the store server 10. In this case, the transaction device 30 obtains the customer list from the store server 10 and stores it in its own storage device.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above example, member identification information is used as customer identification information, but instead of or in addition to this, biometric information such as a fingerprint, voiceprint, or iris may be used. For example, a customer may register his or her own biometric information when registering as a member in advance. This causes the biometric information to be registered as member information in the center server 20. In this case, the customer can input the biometric information as customer identification information to the accounting device 30, the entrance / exit device 40, the lock control device 50, etc.

[0091] In the above example, a face image is used as customer identification information, but other biometric information such as a fingerprint, voiceprint, iris, etc. may be used instead of or in addition to this. In this case, the customer can input other biometric information such as a fingerprint, voiceprint, iris, etc. as customer identification information to the accounting device 30, the entrance / exit device 40, the lock control device 50, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, the lock control device 50 may be required to accept the input of a face image or other biometric information as customer identification information. In other words, the lock control device 50 does not need to accept the input of member identification information as customer identification information. In this way, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of the locking shelves being unlocked by impersonation using another person's member identification information.

[0093] In addition, in the example described using the flowchart in Figure 7, if the age verification process has already been performed and it has been registered that the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product are not met (third case of S23), error processing is immediately performed (S31), but instead, the same processing (S26 to S30) as in the "second case of S23" may be performed in the "third case of S23".

[0094] In the example described using the flowchart in FIG. 8, if the age verification process has already been performed and it has been registered that the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product are not met (third case of S44), a message indicating that the product is not available for sale is output (S50). However, instead, in the case of the "third case of S443", the same processes (S46 to S49) as in the "second case of S44" may be performed.

[0095] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the device of this embodiment (store server 10, center server 20, accounting device 30, entrance / exit device 40, and lock control device 50) will be described. The functional parts of the device of this embodiment are realized by any combination of hardware and software, centering 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 (in addition to programs that are stored before the device is shipped, it can also store 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 various variations in the methods of realizing the devices and the devices.

[0096] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the device of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the device of this embodiment 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 may not be included. Each of the devices of this embodiment may be configured as one device that is physically and / or logically integrated, or may be configured as multiple devices that are physically and / or logically separated. When configured as multiple devices that are physically and / or logically separated, each of the multiple devices may have the above hardware configuration.

[0097] 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 each other. The processor 1A is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU 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 an interface for acquiring information from an input device, an external device, an external server, an external sensor, a camera, etc., and an interface for outputting information to an output device, an external device, an external server, etc. Examples of the input device include a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a touch panel, a physical button, a camera, etc. Examples of the output device include a display, a speaker, a printer, a mailer, etc. The processor 1A can issue commands to each module and perform calculations based on the results of those calculations.

[0098] In this specification, "acquisition" may include "a device going to retrieve data stored in another device or storage medium (active acquisition)" based on user input or program instructions, such as receiving data by making a request or inquiry to another device, or accessing and reading out another device or storage medium. Also, "acquisition" may include "inputting data output from another device to the device (passive acquisition)" based on user input or program instructions, such as receiving data that is distributed (or transmitted, push notification, etc.). Also, "acquisition" may include selecting and acquiring data or information received, and "editing data (converting data to text, rearranging data, extracting part of data, changing file format, etc.) to generate new data and acquiring the new data."

[0099] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0100] The store server 10 of this embodiment checks whether a customer meets the purchase conditions for age-restricted products both when removing an age-restricted product from a locked shelf and when making a payment. Therefore, even if a customer who does not meet the purchase conditions commits a fraudulent act such as removing an age-restricted product from a locked shelf while another customer unlocks the locked shelf, the customer cannot make a payment normally. This reduces the inconvenience of selling age-restricted products to customers who do not meet the purchase conditions.

[0101] Furthermore, in the case of the store server 10 of this embodiment, if age verification processing is performed at the time of advance membership registration, at the time of entering the store, or at the time of removing an age-restricted product from a locked shelf, that fact and the result of the judgment are registered in the store server 10. Then, after the registration, the store server 10 checks whether the customer meets the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product based on the registered information. Therefore, as described above, the store server 10 checks whether the customer meets the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product twice: when removing an age-restricted product from a locked shelf and at the time of payment, but the customer only needs to perform the age verification processing once, and it is possible to avoid performing the processing multiple times. This increases convenience.

[0102] In this embodiment, customers are required to input customer identification information into the entrance / exit device 40 when entering the store. However, it is expected that some customers will enter the store without complying with this. Even if the entrance door or gate is opened in response to the input of customer identification information into the entrance / exit device 40, it is expected that some customers will enter the store while another customer has the entrance door or gate open. For this reason, a situation may arise in which the customer identification information input into the lock control device 50 is not registered in the customer list.

[0103] However, the store server 10 of this embodiment can use not only "the customer list not being registered as having executed age verification processing in association with the customer identification information input to the lock control device 50" but also "the customer list not being registered as having the customer identification information input to the lock control device 50" as conditions for sending a determination instruction to the lock control device 50 to execute processing for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions. Therefore, even if a customer enters the store without complying with the above-mentioned requirements, it is possible to normally sell age-restricted products.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when removing an age-restricted product from a locked shelf, it is necessary to input customer identification information into the lock control device 50. However, it is expected that there will be customers who remove age-restricted products from the locked shelf while another customer unlocks the locked shelf. For this reason, a situation may arise in which a customer does not input their own customer identification information when entering the store or when removing an age-restricted product from the locked shelf, and the customer identification information entered into the accounting device 30 at the time of payment is not registered in the customer list.

[0105] However, the store server 10 of this embodiment can use not only "the customer list not being registered as having undergone age verification processing linked to the customer identification information entered into the accounting device 30" but also "the customer list not being registered as having the customer identification information entered into the accounting device 30" as conditions for sending a judgment instruction to the accounting device 30 to execute processing to determine whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions. Therefore, even if a customer enters the store without complying with the above-mentioned request or a customer takes age-restricted products from a locked shelf while another customer unlocks the locked shelf, it is possible to sell age-restricted products normally.

[0106] Furthermore, in the case of the store server 10 of this embodiment, a customer can carry out age verification processing in the store when visiting the store. In this case, advance processing before visiting the store is not required, improving convenience for customers.

[0107] Furthermore, in the case of the store server 10 of this embodiment, certain restrictions are imposed not only at checkout but also when picking up age-restricted products from the shelves. Therefore, a customer who does not meet the purchase conditions cannot take the age-restricted product from the shelves unless another customer takes the age-restricted product from the locked shelves while unlocking the locked shelves. If restrictions are imposed only at checkout, the customer will be notified at checkout that the age-restricted product cannot be purchased. In this case, inconveniences such as the age-restricted product being left near the checkout device 30 may occur. By imposing restrictions also at the time of picking up age-restricted products from the shelves, such inconveniences can be alleviated.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the store server 10 can hold information (customer list) indicating whether or not each customer satisfies the purchase conditions. If an off-store server such as the center server 20 holds the information and the store server 10 queries the off-store server, inconveniences such as long communication times and waiting times for customers can occur. In this embodiment, where the store server 10 holds information (customer list) indicating whether or not each customer satisfies the purchase conditions, such inconveniences can be alleviated.

[0109] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as follows, but is not limited to the following. 1. A means for acquiring customer identification information input to a lock control device that controls the lock of a lockable shelf on which age-restricted products are displayed; a take-out time determination means for determining whether or not a customer identified by the customer identification information has undergone age verification processing and whether or not the customer satisfies a purchase condition for the age-restricted product; a lock control means for transmitting an unlock instruction to the lock control device to unlock the lockable shelf when the customer has completed the age verification process and has satisfied the purchase conditions; A store system with the above. 2. If the customer has not yet completed the age verification process, the lock control device accepts input of age verification information; a purchase condition determination means for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions based on the age verification information; 2. The store system according to claim 1, wherein the lock control means transmits the unlock instruction to the lock control device when the result of the judgment by the purchase condition judgment means is that the purchase condition is satisfied. 3. A store system according to 1 or 2, wherein the lock control device accepts input of biometric information as the customer identification information. 4. A store system described in any one of 1 to 3, wherein the removal time judgment means judges whether the customer has completed the age verification process and whether the purchase conditions are met based on a customer list linking the customer identification information, information indicating whether the age verification process has been completed, and information indicating whether the purchase conditions are met. 5. A transaction time acquisition means for acquiring customer specific information input to the transaction device; a checkout time determination means for determining, when an age-restricted product is registered as a checkout item in the checkout device, whether or not a customer identified by the customer identification information has completed age verification processing and whether or not the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product; a transaction control means for transmitting a sales authorization to the transaction device if the customer has completed the age verification process and has satisfied the purchase conditions; A store system with the above. 6. If the customer has not yet completed the age verification process, the accounting device accepts input of age verification information; The store system described in 5, wherein the transaction control means determines whether the customer meets the purchase conditions based on the age verification information, and if it determines that the customer meets the purchase conditions, transmits the sales permission to the transaction device. 7. A store system as described in 5 or 6, wherein the checkout judgment means judges whether the customer has completed the age verification process and whether the purchase conditions are met based on a customer list linking the customer identification information, information indicating whether the age verification process has been completed, and information indicating whether the purchase conditions are met. 8. A store system as described in 4 or 7, wherein the purchase condition determination means determines whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions based on age verification information inputted into the entrance / exit device or the lock control device, and registers the determination result in the customer list. 9. A store system as described in 4, 7 or 8, wherein the purchase condition judgment means obtains from a center server the judgment result as to whether the customer identified by the customer identification information inputted into the entrance / exit device or the lock control device satisfies the purchase conditions, and registers the result in the customer list. 10. The store system Acquire customer identification information inputted into a lock control device that controls the lock of a lockable shelf on which age-restricted products are displayed; determining whether the customer identified by the customer identification information has completed age verification processing and whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product; A processing method for a store system, comprising: transmitting, to the lock control device, an instruction to release the lock on the lockable shelf if the customer has completed the age verification process and satisfies the purchase conditions. 11. The store system Acquire customer identification information entered into the accounting device; When an age-restricted product is registered as a purchase item in the transaction device, determining whether or not a customer identified by the customer identification information has completed age verification processing and whether or not a purchase condition for the age-restricted product is met; A processing method of a store system that transmits a sales authorization to the accounting device if the customer has completed the age verification process and meets the purchase conditions. 12. A registration means for registering customer identification information acquired from a customer in a customer list; a purchase condition determination means for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product based on age verification information acquired from the customer when the customer enters the store or when the customer removes the age-restricted product from the locked shelf, and for registering the result of the determination in the customer list by linking it to the customer identification information; A transaction time acquisition means for acquiring the customer specific information inputted to the transaction device; a checkout time determination means for, when the age-restricted product is registered in the checkout device as a checkout item, referencing the customer list and linking it to the customer identification information input to the checkout device to determine whether the product is registered as satisfying the purchase conditions; a transaction control means for transmitting to the transaction device a determination instruction to execute a process for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions if the customer specific information input to the transaction device is not registered as satisfying the purchase conditions; and A store server having the above configuration. 13. The store server: Registering customer-specific information obtained from customers in a customer list, Based on age verification information obtained from the customer when entering the store or removing an age-restricted product from a locked shelf, a determination is made as to whether the customer satisfies a condition for purchasing the age-restricted product, and the determination result is linked to the customer identification information and registered in the customer list; Acquire the customer identification information inputted into the accounting device; When the age-restricted product is registered in the accounting device as a payment item, the customer list is referenced, and the customer identification information input to the accounting device is linked to the customer list, and it is determined whether the customer list is registered as satisfying the purchase conditions; A processing method of a store server which, if the customer identification information entered into the accounting device is not registered as satisfying the purchase conditions, sends a judgment instruction to the accounting device to execute processing to determine whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions. 14. Store server, A registration means for registering customer identification information acquired from a customer in a customer list; a purchase condition determination means for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product based on age verification information acquired from the customer when the customer enters the store or when the customer removes the age-restricted product from a locked shelf, and for registering the result of the determination in the customer list by linking it to the customer identification information; A transaction time acquisition means for acquiring the customer specific information inputted to the transaction device; a checkout time determination means for, when the age-restricted product is registered in the checkout device as a checkout item, referencing the customer list and linking it to the customer identification information inputted to the checkout device to determine whether the product is registered as satisfying the purchase conditions; a transaction control means for transmitting to the transaction device a determination instruction to execute a process for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions, if the customer specific information input to the transaction device is not registered as satisfying the purchase conditions; A program that functions as a

[0110] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments (and examples). Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

[0111] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-178290, filed on September 30, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1A Processor 2A Memory 3A input / output I / F 4A Peripheral circuit 5A Bus 10 Store Server 11 Storage section 12 Registration Department 13 Purchase Condition Judgment Section 14 Accounting Department 15 Accounting Judgment Department 16 Accounting Control Section 17 Acquisition section when taking out 18 Removal judgment unit 19 Lock control section 20 Central Server 30 Accounting Equipment 40 Entrance / exit device 50 Lock control device

Claims

1. a take-out acquisition means for acquiring customer identification information input to a lock control device that controls the lock of a lockable shelf on which age-restricted products are displayed; a take-out time determination means for determining whether or not a customer identified by the customer identification information has undergone age verification processing and whether or not the customer satisfies a purchase condition for the age-restricted product; a lock control means for transmitting an unlock instruction to the lock control device to unlock the lockable shelf when the customer has completed the age verification process and has satisfied the purchase conditions; A store system with the above.

2. If the customer has not yet completed the age verification process, the lock control device accepts input of age verification information; a purchase condition determination means for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions based on the age verification information; 2. The store system according to claim 1, wherein the lock control means transmits the release instruction to the lock control device when the result of the determination by the purchase condition determination means is that the purchase condition is satisfied.

3. 3. The store system according to claim 1, wherein the lock control device receives input of biometric information as the customer identification information.

4. The store system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the removal time judgment means judges whether the customer has completed the age verification process and whether the purchase conditions are met based on a customer list linking the customer identification information, information indicating whether the age verification process has been completed, and information indicating whether the purchase conditions are met.

5. A transaction time acquisition means for acquiring the customer specific information inputted to the transaction device; a checkout time determination means for determining, when the age-restricted product is registered as a checkout item in the checkout device, whether or not a customer identified by the customer identification information input to the checkout device has completed the age verification process and whether or not the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product; a transaction control means for transmitting a sales authorization to the transaction device when the customer identified by the customer identification information input to the transaction device has completed the age verification process and meets the purchase conditions; The store system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

6. If the customer identified by the customer identification information input to the accounting device has not yet completed the age verification process, the accounting device accepts input of age verification information; The store system described in claim 5, wherein the accounting control means determines whether the customer identified by the customer identification information input to the accounting device based on the age verification information satisfies the purchase conditions, and if it determines that the customer satisfies the purchase conditions, transmits the sales permission to the accounting device.

7. The store system described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the checkout judgment means judges whether the customer identified by the customer identification information input to the checkout device has completed the age verification process and whether the purchase conditions are met based on a customer list linking the customer identification information, information indicating whether the age verification process has been completed, and information indicating whether the purchase conditions are met.

8. 3. A store system according to claim 2, wherein the purchase condition determination means determines whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions based on age verification information input to an entrance / exit device or the lock control device, and registers the determination result in a customer list.

9. The store system according to claim 2, wherein the purchase condition determination means obtains from a center server a determination result as to whether the customer identified by the customer identification information inputted to the entrance / exit device or the lock control device satisfies the purchase conditions, and registers the result in a customer list.

10. The store system Acquire customer identification information inputted into a lock control device that controls the lock of a lockable shelf on which age-restricted products are displayed; determining whether the customer identified by the customer identification information has completed age verification processing and whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions for the age-restricted product; A processing method for a store system, comprising: transmitting, to the lock control device, an instruction to release the lock on the lockable shelf if the customer has completed the age verification process and satisfies the purchase conditions.

11. a take-out acquisition means for acquiring customer identification information input to a lock control device that controls the lock of a lockable shelf on which age-restricted products are displayed; a take-out time determination means for determining whether or not a customer identified by the customer identification information has undergone age verification processing and whether or not the customer satisfies a purchase condition for the age-restricted product; a lock control means for transmitting an unlock instruction to the lock control device to unlock the lockable shelf when the customer has completed the age verification process and has satisfied the purchase conditions; A registration means for registering customer identification information acquired from a customer in a customer list; a purchase condition determination means for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase condition of the age-restricted product when entering the store or when removing the age-restricted product from the locked shelf, and registering the result of the determination in the customer list by linking the result to the customer identification information; A transaction time acquisition means for acquiring the customer specific information inputted to the transaction device; a checkout time determination means for, when the age-restricted product is registered in the checkout device as a checkout item, referencing the customer list and linking it to the customer identification information input to the checkout device to determine whether the product is registered as satisfying the purchase conditions; a transaction control means for transmitting to the transaction device a determination instruction to execute a process for determining whether the customer satisfies the purchase conditions if the customer specific information input to the transaction device is not registered as satisfying the purchase conditions; and A store server having the above configuration.

Images