Information processing system, method, and program

Abstract

An information processing system according to the present disclosure is provided with: an age estimation means for estimating the age of a customer from a customer image; an accepting means for accepting input of identification information of a product; and a display control means that, upon the input of identification information of an age-restricted product, causes a display of a first age confirmation screen requesting the customer to express his / her age if the estimated age of the customer meets a predetermined condition, and that, if the estimated age of the customer does not meet the predetermined condition, causes a display of a second age confirmation screen requesting the customer to prove his / her age.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In a store, a store clerk checks whether a customer who purchases an age-restricted product such as tobacco meets the age condition. Also, in some cases, a touch display directed at the customer may receive a selection from the customer as to whether the customer meets the age condition.

[0003] As a technology related to the present disclosure, Patent Document 1 discloses a billing apparatus that analyzes an image of a customer taken when identification information of an age-restricted product is input and determines whether the age condition is met.

[0004] Also, Patent Document 2 discloses an age identification control system for a vending machine that performs face authentication when it is unknown whether the age of a customer estimated from a face image meets the age condition.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not disclose a technique for receiving an indication regarding age from a customer when the estimated age of the customer meets the sales condition.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing system and the like that can easily request age confirmation of a customer who purchases an age-restricted product.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The information processing system according to the present disclosure includes an age estimation means for estimating the age of a customer from a customer image, a reception means for receiving an input of identification information of a product, and when the identification information of an age-restricted product is input, if the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, a first age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to indicate their age is displayed, and if the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a second age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to prove their age is displayed, and a display control means.

[0009] The information processing method according to the present disclosure estimates the age of a customer from a customer image, receives an input of identification information of a product, and when the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, in response to the input of the identification information of an age-restricted product, a first age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to indicate their age is displayed, and when the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition, in response to the input of the identification information of an age-restricted product, a second age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to prove their age is displayed.

[0010] The program according to the present disclosure estimates the age of a customer from a customer image, receives an input of identification information of a product, and when the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, in response to the input of the identification information of an age-restricted product, causes a computer to execute a process of displaying a first age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to indicate their age, and when the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition, in response to the input of the identification information of an age-restricted product, causes a computer to execute a process of displaying a second age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to prove their age. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily request age confirmation of a customer who purchases an age-restricted product.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of an information processing system, an information processing method, a program, and a non-transitory recording medium for recording the program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. These embodiments do not limit the disclosed technology.

[0014] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing system 100 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system 100 includes an age estimation unit 101, a reception unit 102, and a display control unit 103.

[0015] The information processing system 100 according to one embodiment is used to confirm the age of a customer who purchases age-restricted products. An age-restricted product is a product with an age restriction for purchase. For example, a lower limit of the purchasable age is provided for age-restricted products. Products with a lower limit include, for example, tobacco and alcohol. Note that an age-restricted product may be a product with an upper limit of the purchasable age.

[0016] The information processing system 100 operates as, for example, a function of a POS (Point of Sales) terminal that performs product registration. The information processing system 100 is realized by, for example, a software program installed in the POS terminal. However, the implementation form of the information processing system 100 is not particularly limited. For example, the information processing system 100 may be realized by a physically separate device communicably connected to an existing POS terminal. The case where the information processing system 100 and the POS terminal are not communicably connected will be described later.

[0017] The age estimation unit 101 estimates the age of a customer from a customer image. The age estimation unit 101 estimates the age of a customer from, for example, a customer image captured by a camera installed near the POS terminal. The customer image is an image captured by a camera installed near the POS terminal. According to such a camera, a customer performing product registration can be imaged. Note that the operation of product registration may be performed by the customer or by a store clerk. The customer pays for the registered products.

[0018] Any method including known methods can be used as the age estimation method. The customer image is, for example, a face image including the face of the customer. For example, the age estimation unit 101 may estimate the age of the customer based on the relationship between the face features and the age from the face image. Further, the customer image may be a body image including the body of the customer. The age estimation unit 101 may estimate the age of the customer based on the height and body shape of the customer estimated from the body image.

[0019] The age estimation unit 101 does not necessarily estimate a specific age of the customer, and the age estimation unit 101 may estimate the age group of the customer as the age of the customer. Further, the age estimation unit 101 may estimate the age of the customer to such an extent that it can be determined whether the customer satisfies a predetermined age condition. For example, the age estimation unit 101 may estimate whether the customer is 20 years old or older. Further, the age estimation unit 101 may estimate whether the customer is under 20 years old or is a minor.

[0020] The reception unit 102 receives the input of the identification information of the product. The identification information of the product is the product name or the product code. The identification information is input, for example, by reading the barcode attached to the product. Note that the input method of the identification information is not particularly limited. For example, the identification information may be input by selecting the product displayed on an arbitrary display. The product for which the identification information is input is registered, for example, by a POS terminal.

[0021] If the reception unit 102 can receive the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product, the identification information to be received is not particularly limited. The reception unit 102 may receive the identification information of the product regardless of whether the product is an age-restricted product. Alternatively, the identification information received by the reception unit 102 may be limited to the identification information of the age-restricted product. For example, in a store that sells only age-restricted products, the received identification information is limited to the identification information of the age-restricted products. The reception unit 102 may notify the display control unit 103 of the reception of the identification information of the age-restricted product.

[0022] When the identification information of the age-restricted product is input, the display control unit 103 displays an age confirmation screen according to the estimated age. The age confirmation screen is a screen for confirming whether the customer is of an age at which they can purchase the age-restricted product. In one embodiment, there are two types of age confirmation screens. When the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, the display control unit 103 causes the first age confirmation screen that requests the customer to indicate their age to be displayed. When the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the display control unit 103 causes the second age confirmation screen that requests proof of age to be displayed.

[0023] Indicating one's age means that the customer shows their age without the need to present evidence. Proving one's age means that the customer shows their age together with evidence. The age confirmation screen that requests the customer to indicate their age is also referred to as the first screen. The age confirmation screen that requests proof of age is also referred to as the second screen.

[0024] The predetermined condition regarding the estimated age is set as, for example, "the estimated age is the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased (meeting the sales conditions)". When the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased is 20 years or older, if the customer is estimated to be 20 years or older, the estimated age meets the predetermined condition. Therefore, the first screen is displayed to the customer. When the customer is estimated to be under 20 years old, the estimated age does not meet the predetermined condition. Therefore, the second screen is displayed to the customer.

[0025] Alternatively, the predetermined condition regarding the estimated age may be set as "the estimated age is a certain number of years greater than the lower limit of the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased". That is, the predetermined condition may be set to be satisfied when the estimated age surely exceeds the lower limit of the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased. For example, when the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased is 20 years or older, the predetermined condition may be set as the customer's estimated age being 30 years or older.

[0026] The first screen may, for example, be for making the customer press a button in order to indicate that the customer has reached the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased. When the display control unit 103 displays the first screen on the touch display, the button is, for example, displayed on the first screen. Alternatively, the button may be realized by another device connected to the POS terminal. For example, when the customer presses the button corresponding to the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased for the first screen, the age confirmation is completed.

[0027] The first screen may be a screen that requests the customer to point to the age written on paper. For age confirmation, it is being done that the store clerk requests the customer to point to the age written on paper. The store clerk looks at the age pointed to by the customer and completes the age confirmation of the customer. That is, even when such an operation is performed, the information processing system 100 is applicable.

[0028] The second screen is, for example, a screen that requests a customer to present age certification documents. The presented age certification documents are confirmed by a store clerk or a document reader. For example, when a customer presents a document that proves the age at which they can purchase age-restricted goods to the second screen, the age confirmation is completed.

[0029] The document reader is a device that reads age certification documents. The type of document to be read is not particularly limited. The document reader reads documents such as an adult identification IC card, a driver's license, a passport, and a health insurance card, for example. The adult identification IC card is held by a customer who has reached the adult age. Therefore, when the adult identification IC card is read, it is proven that the customer is an adult.

[0030] The document reader may read information such as an individual identifier, age, or date of birth from the document. The method by which the document reader reads the information is not particularly limited. For example, the document reader may read a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code on the document or may read the characters on the document by character recognition. Also, the document reader may be a magnetic reader or an IC card reader. Furthermore, the document reader may read the document using any wireless communication means.

[0031] The age certification documents may be held in a customer-owned mobile terminal such as a smartphone. For example, the document reader may read the document displayed on the mobile terminal. Also, the document reader may receive the content of the document from the mobile terminal by wireless communication.

[0032] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the information processing system 100. The information processing system 100 may start the operation of Figure 2, for example, in response to the start of receiving product registration for a new transaction at a POS terminal.

[0033] The age estimation unit 101 estimates the customer's age from the customer image (step S11). The age estimation unit 101 notifies the display control unit 103 of the estimated age.

[0034] The reception unit 102 receives the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product (step S12). The reception unit 102 notifies the display control unit 103 that the identification information of the age-restricted product has been input.

[0035] When the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition (step S13: Yes), the display control unit 103 causes a first age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to declare their age to be displayed (step S14). When the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition (step S13: No), the display control unit 103 causes a second age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to prove their age to be displayed (step S15).

[0036] The information processing system 100 ends its operation as described above. Step S11 regarding the estimation by the age estimation unit 101 may be executed after step S12. The timing at which the age estimation unit 101 starts the estimation will be described later in the modified example.

[0037] According to the first embodiment, when the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, the display control unit 103 causes a first age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to declare their age to be displayed, and when the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the display control unit 103 causes a second age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to prove their age to be displayed. Therefore, it is possible to easily request age confirmation for customers who purchase age-restricted products.

[0038] Furthermore, the determination of whether to request age proof can be mechanized. Therefore, it is possible to assist store clerks who cannot distinguish the ages of customers.

[0039] Also, since the age of customers who appear to satisfy the predetermined condition is confirmed, the store can fulfill its responsibility of confirming the age. For customers who appear to satisfy the predetermined condition, no proof is required, so the trouble of proving their age is reduced.

[0040] In addition, when the estimated age of the customer does not meet the predetermined conditions, the display control unit 103 displays a second age confirmation screen requesting age proof. The display control unit 103 does not display the first age confirmation screen to the customer who is to display the second age confirmation screen. Therefore, a customer presenting documents does not have to press the button indicating their age. Thus, for a customer who is required to prove their age, the trouble of indicating their age is reduced.

[0041] [Application Example] Next, an example of the information processing system 100 being used in a store will be described.

[0042] The information processing system 100 may display an age confirmation screen on a display installed near the POS terminal. The display may be a customer display facing the customer or a staff display facing the staff. Also, by changing the orientation of the display, one display may be configured as both a customer display and a staff display.

[0043] First, the case where the display control unit 103 displays the age confirmation screen on the customer display will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an installation example of the POS terminal 20 operated by the customer C1. Such a POS terminal 20 is also called a self-checkout.

[0044] The POS terminal 20 in FIG. 3 is used for the customer C1 to register products. The customer C1 reads the barcode attached to the product using, for example, a scanner connected to the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 registers the read product.

[0045] A camera 11 may be attached to the POS terminal 20. The camera 11 captures an image of the customer. The customer image is transmitted to the age estimation unit 101 of the information processing system 100. Note that the installation location of the camera 11 is not particularly limited. The camera 11 may be installed at any location around the POS terminal 20.

[0046] The age estimation unit 101 of the information processing system 100 may activate the camera 11. As an example of the operation of the information processing system 100, the age estimation unit 101 may stop the camera and activate the camera in response to the start of reception of product registration regarding a new transaction.

[0047] In FIG. 3, the POS terminal 20 includes a customer display 12. However, the customer display 12 may be realized by a device separate from the POS terminal 20. The registered products read by the scanner are displayed on the customer display 12, for example.

[0048] The display control unit 103 of the information processing system 100 controls the customer display 12 to display an age confirmation screen.

[0049] The customer display 12, as an age confirmation screen, displays a first screen including age selection buttons. The age selection buttons may be, for example, those labeled "I am 20 years old or older". Note that the customer display 12 may further display a button for the customer to select that they are under 20 years old. Also, the age selection buttons may be buttons that allow the customer to select the age group that applies to them from a plurality of options. The customer selects their age by pressing a button.

[0050] Also, the customer display 12, as an age confirmation screen, displays a second screen that instructs customer C1 to present documents, for example. The customer display 12 displays, for example, a second screen that instructs customer C1 to read the documents by the document reader 13.

[0051] A document reader 13 may be connected to the POS terminal 20 by wire or wirelessly. The document reader 13 reads age certification documents. Based on the read information, for example, the POS terminal 20 determines whether the customer is of an age at which they can purchase age-restricted products.

[0052] When the confirmation that the customer's age is the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased is completed, the POS terminal 20 permits the sale of age-restricted products. When the confirmation that the customer's age is the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased fails, the POS terminal 20, for example, suspends the sale of age-restricted products.

[0053] In such an application example, when the identification information of an age-restricted product is input, the display control unit 103 displays an age confirmation screen. Then, the customer responds to the age confirmation. Therefore, the self-checkout operated by the customer can also enable the sale of age-restricted products.

[0054] Even when the POS terminal 20 is a terminal for a store clerk to perform product registration operations, the display control unit 103 may display both the first and second age confirmation screens on the customer display 12. Since the processing when the POS terminal 20 in FIG. 3 is a terminal operated by a store clerk is the same as when it is a terminal operated by a customer, a detailed description is omitted.

[0055] Next, the case where the display control unit 103 controls which of the customer display or the store clerk display to display the age confirmation screen will be described.

[0056] When the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, the display control unit 103 displays the first age confirmation screen on the customer display. And when the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the said predetermined condition, the display control unit 103 displays the second age confirmation screen on the store clerk display.

[0057] By displaying the second age confirmation screen on the store clerk display, the information processing system 100 can cause the store clerk to perform age confirmation. Therefore, the store can fulfill the responsibility of confirming the age when selling age-restricted products.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an installation example of the POS terminal 20 operated by the store clerk C2. The POS terminal 20 in FIG. 4 is basically the same as the configuration of the POS terminal 20 in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 represents a merchandise registration counter where the POS terminal 20 is installed as seen from the customer C1 side.

[0059] The customer display 12 displays a first screen to the customer C1. In FIG. 4, the POS terminal 20 is realized by a device physically separate from the customer display 12. However, the POS terminal 20 may be realized by the same device as the customer display 12 and integrally formed.

[0060] FIG. 5 represents the merchandise registration counter of FIG. 4 as seen from the store clerk C2 side. In FIG. 5, the POS terminal 20 includes a store clerk display 21. However, the store clerk display 21 may be realized by a device different from the POS terminal 20.

[0061] The store clerk display 21 displays a second screen to the store clerk C2. Based on the display of the second screen, the store clerk C2 requests the customer C1 to present a document. If the document can be confirmed, the store clerk C2 presses the "OK" button on the store clerk display 21. Pressing the "OK" button completes the age confirmation.

[0062] Note that a "Cancel" button may be displayed on the store clerk display 21 in case the age confirmation fails. If the customer does not present a document or the proven age does not meet the sales conditions of the product, the store clerk presses the "Cancel" button to cancel the registration and sale of age-restricted products.

[0063] Note that the display control unit 103 may also display the second screen on the customer display 12 in addition to the store clerk display 21.

[0064] [Modification Example] Next, as a modification example, a case where the information processing system 100 and the POS terminal are not communicably connected will be described. In this case, the information processing system 100 realized by a device different from the POS terminal receives the product identification information, and further, the product identification information is also received at the POS terminal.

[0065] Such an operation is applied, for example, when the information processing system 100 is a device for a customer to specify an age-restricted product that they wish to purchase. For example, the device for specification lights up the lamp at the position where the specified product is stored among the lamps provided in the furniture. By using such a device, the customer does not need to verbally inform the store clerk of the product they wish to purchase. The store clerk takes out the product from the furniture relying on the lighting of the lamp. Then the store clerk reads the barcode of the product using the POS terminal. The customer makes a payment for the product read by the POS terminal.

[0066] Note that the specified product may be an operation where it is taken out from the furniture by the customer. Also, after the customer specifies the product, they may operate the POS terminal by themselves to read the barcode of the product.

[0067] Thus, the device for specifying the product is provided, for example, on the product registration counter or in front of the furniture. However, the installation location of the device for specification is not particularly limited. Alternatively, the device for specification may be realized by the customer's mobile terminal.

[0068] For example, the customer inputs the identification information of the product to specify an age-restricted product that they wish to purchase. The reception unit 102 receives the input of the product identification information from the customer. Similar to the first embodiment, the product identification information received by the reception unit 102 is not particularly limited. The identification information may be input by selecting a product displayed on an arbitrary display. Also, the identification information may be input, for example, by reading the barcode attached to the product.

[0069] For example, a barcode reader may be connected to a device for specifying a product that has the functions of the information processing system 100. For example, when a customer wishes to purchase cigarettes of the same brand as the cigarettes they usually buy, the customer reads the barcode attached to the empty cigarette pack they have. The reception unit 102 receives the read barcode information as identification information of the product.

[0070] For example, a camera that captures an image of a customer who wishes to take out and purchase age-restricted products is installed in or near the device for specifying a product. The age estimation unit 101 estimates the customer's age from the customer's image. Then, as described in the first embodiment, when the identification information of the age-restricted product is received, the display control unit 103 displays an age confirmation screen according to the estimated age of the customer.

[0071] The above describes the case where the information processing system is not communicably connected to the POS terminal. However, the device for specifying a product can also be used when it is communicably connected to the POS terminal.

[0072] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing system 100 according to the second embodiment. The information processing system 100 according to the second embodiment is different from the information processing system according to the first embodiment in that it includes an age reception unit 104 and a mode switching unit 105. Regarding the configurations of the age estimation unit 101, the reception unit 102, and the display control unit 103 according to the second embodiment, detailed descriptions of the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are omitted.

[0073] The age reception unit 104 receives an input from a store clerk as to whether or not the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition can be set in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The store clerk inputs the result of estimating the customer's age from the customer's appearance.

[0074] The mode switching unit 105 performs switching between the automatic estimation mode and the store clerk estimation mode. The automatic estimation mode is a mode in which the age is estimated by the age estimation unit 101 as described in the first embodiment. The store clerk estimation mode is a mode in which the estimation by the age estimation unit 101 is stopped and the estimated age is received by the age reception unit 104.

[0075] The mode switching unit 105 may perform mode switching in response to an input related to mode selection by a store clerk. For example, in a POS terminal operated by a store clerk, if the store clerk has the skill to distinguish the age of a customer, the store clerk operates the information processing system 100 in the store clerk estimation mode. If the store clerk's skill cannot distinguish the age of the customer, the store clerk may operate the information processing system 100 in the automatic estimation mode.

[0076] Even when the customer does not consent to the taking of the customer image by the camera, the store clerk may select the store clerk estimation mode. When the customer consents to the taking, the store clerk selects the automatic estimation mode. The mode switching unit 105 may perform mode switching in response to an input related to mode selection by the customer.

[0077] Alternatively, the mode switching unit 105 may switch the mode according to whether the identification information of the age-restricted product is input by the customer or by the store clerk. The mode switching unit 105 may recognize how the identification information is input. For example, when the identification information is input by the customer, it switches to the automatic estimation mode. Also, when the identification information is input by the store clerk, the mode switching unit 105 switches to the store clerk estimation mode. According to such a configuration, when a store clerk is present, the store clerk can estimate the age, and when no store clerk is present, the age is automatically estimated.

[0078] In the automatic estimation mode, the display control unit 103 causes an age confirmation screen corresponding to the estimation result by the age estimation unit 101 to be displayed. In the store clerk estimation mode, the display control unit 103 displays an age confirmation screen corresponding to the result that the store clerk estimated and input the customer's age received by the age reception unit 104. Similar to the first embodiment, when the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, the display control unit 103 causes a first age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to declare their age to be displayed. Also, when the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the display control unit 103 causes a second age confirmation screen for requesting proof of age to be displayed.

[0079] Next, an operation example of age confirmation of the information processing system 100 according to the second embodiment, including the operation related to product registration of the POS terminal, will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a POS terminal including the information processing system 100 as one function.

[0080] The reception unit 102 receives the input of the identification information of the product (step S21). Next, the mode switching unit 105 receives a mode selection (step S22). Note that the mode selection may be executed before the reception unit 102 receives the identification information.

[0081] When the automatic estimation mode is selected, the age estimation unit 101 estimates the customer's age from the customer image (step S23). When the store clerk estimation mode is selected, the age reception unit 104 receives an input from the store clerk as to whether the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0082] When the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition (step S25: Yes), the display control unit 103 displays the first screen (step S26). When the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy a predetermined condition (step S25: No), the display control unit 103 displays the second screen (step S30).

[0083] After the display of the first screen, if the customer presses the button regarding the age that meets the sales conditions (Step S27: Yes), the POS terminal permits the registration of age-restricted products (Step S28). If the customer does not press the button regarding the age that meets the sales conditions (Step S27: No), the POS terminal aborts the registration of age-restricted products (Step S32).

[0084] After the display of the second screen, if the age of the age certificate presented by the customer meets the sales conditions (Step S31: Yes), the POS terminal permits the registration of age-restricted products (Step S28). If the documents presented by the customer do not meet the sales conditions (Step S31: No), the POS terminal aborts the registration of age-restricted products (Step S32).

[0085] Thus, the POS terminal finishes the processes related to age confirmation and product registration. After that, the POS terminal may execute the process regarding the payment for the product.

[0086] In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to easily request age confirmation for a customer who purchases age-restricted products.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the mode switching unit 105 executes switching between the automatic estimation mode and the clerk estimation mode. In the clerk estimation mode, the age reception unit 104 receives from the clerk an input as to whether or not the estimated age of the customer meets the predetermined conditions. Therefore, it is possible to switch between age estimation by the information processing system 100 and age estimation by the clerk.

[0088] [Modification Example] The modification example according to the first embodiment is also applicable to the second embodiment.

[0089] Also, in the first and second embodiments, it is assumed that after the age estimation unit 101 estimates the age, the reception unit 102 receives the identification information of the product. The timing at which the age estimation unit 101 starts age estimation can be modified as follows.

[0090] For example, the age estimation unit 101 may start estimating the age in response to the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product by the reception unit 102. That is, for example, the age estimation unit 101 estimates the age only when the barcode of the age-restricted product is scanned. Therefore, when the age-restricted product is not scanned, the age estimation based on the customer image is not performed. Thus, the privacy of customers who do not purchase age-restricted products can be protected.

[0091] In addition, the age estimation unit 101 may start estimating the age in response to the input of the identification information of the product by the reception unit 102. That is, the age estimation unit 101 starts estimating the age when the product is scanned regardless of whether the age-restricted product is scanned. Therefore, compared with the case where the estimation is started after the age-restricted product is scanned, the estimation result can be obtained faster. If the estimation result is obtained before the identification information of the age-restricted product is input, the display control unit 103 can immediately display the age confirmation screen after the identification information of the age-restricted product is input.

[0092] Note that the age estimation unit 101 may start estimating the age before the acceptance of product registration is started at the POS terminal. For example, the age estimation unit 101 may start estimating the age in response to the recognition of the presence of a person in front of the POS terminal by a camera.

[0093] In addition, the age estimation unit 101 may estimate the age from the customer image of a customer entering the store, a customer during shopping, or a customer standing in line at the POS terminal. In this case, the age estimation unit 101 authenticates in an arbitrary manner that the customer whose age is estimated and the customer receiving product registration are the same person.

[0094] If the age estimation unit 101 starts estimating the age before the input of the identification information of the product by the reception unit 102, there is a margin of time for the estimation compared to the case where the age is estimated after the input of the identification information of the product. Therefore, it is assumed that if the age estimation unit 101 starts the estimation before the input of the identification information of the product, the customer's age can be estimated more accurately.

[0095] [Hardware Configuration] In each of the above-described embodiments, each component of the information processing system 100 represents a block of a functional unit. Some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by any combination of a computer 500 and a program.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer 500. Referring to FIG. 8, the computer 500 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a program 504, a storage device 505, a drive device 507, a communication interface 508, an input device 509, an input / output interface 511, and a bus 512.

[0097] The program 504 includes instructions for implementing each function of each device. The program 504 is stored in advance in the ROM 502, the RAM 503, or the storage device 505. The CPU 501 implements each function of each device by executing the instructions included in the program 504. For example, when the CPU 501 of the information processing system 100 executes the instructions included in the program 504, the functions of the information processing system 100 are implemented. Also, the RAM 503 may store data processed in each function of each device. For example, the customer image in the information processing system 100 may be stored in the RAM 503 of the computer 500.

[0098] The drive device 507 reads and writes the recording medium 506. The communication interface 508 provides an interface with the communication network. The input device 509 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, etc., and accepts input of information from a customer, a store clerk, etc. The output device 510 is, for example, a display, and outputs (displays) information to a customer, a store clerk, etc. The input / output interface 511 provides an interface with peripheral devices. The bus 512 connects these hardware components. Note that the program 504 may be supplied to the CPU 501 via the communication network, or may be stored in advance in the recording medium 506, read by the drive device 507, and supplied to the CPU 501.

[0099] Note that the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 8 is an example, and other components may be added, or some components may not be included.

[0100] There are various variations in the implementation methods of each device. For example, each device may be implemented by an arbitrary combination of different computers and programs for each component. Also, a plurality of components included in each device may be implemented by an arbitrary combination of one computer and a program.

[0101] Also, some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by a general-purpose or dedicated circuitry including a processor, etc., or a combination thereof. These circuits may be constituted by a single chip, or may be constituted by a plurality of chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by a combination of the above-described circuits, etc. and a program.

[0102] Also, when some or all of the components of each device are implemented by a plurality of computers, circuits, etc., the plurality of computers, circuits, etc. may be centrally arranged or may be distributedly arranged.

[0103] Further, at least a part of the information processing system 100 may be provided in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service). That is, at least a part of the functions for realizing the information processing system 100 may be executed by software executed via a network.

[0104] As described above, the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the configurations in each embodiment can be combined with each other as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0105] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0106] [Appendix 1] Age estimation means for estimating the age of a customer from a customer image, Receiving means for receiving an input of identification information of a product, When the identification information of an age-restricted product is input, If the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, a first age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to indicate their age is displayed, If the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a second age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to prove their age is displayed Display control means, and comprising An information processing system.

[0107] [Appendix 2] The display control means displays the first and second age confirmation screens on a display directed to the customer The information processing system according to Appendix 1.

[0108] [Appendix 3] The display control means, Displays the first age confirmation screen on a display directed to the customer, Cause the second age confirmation screen to be displayed on the display directed at the store clerk The information processing system according to Supplementary Note 1

[0109] [Supplementary Note 4] The display control means controls whether to display the second age confirmation screen on the display directed at the store clerk or on the display directed at the customer The information processing system according to Supplementary Note 1

[0110] [Supplementary Note 5] An age reception means for receiving an input from the store clerk as to whether the estimated age of the customer satisfies the predetermined condition, and A mode switching means for executing a switching between an automatic estimation mode for estimating the age by the age estimation means and a store clerk estimation mode for stopping the estimation by the age estimation means and receiving the estimated age by the age reception means The information processing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4

[0111] [Supplementary Note 6] The mode switching means Recognizes whether the identification information of the age-restricted product is input by the customer or by the store clerk, and When the identification information is input by the customer, switches to the automatic estimation mode, and When the identification information is input by the store clerk, switches to the store clerk estimation mode The information processing system according to Supplementary Note 5

[0112] [Supplementary Note 7] The age estimation means starts age estimation in response to the input of the identification information of the product by the reception means The information processing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6

[0113] [Supplementary Note 8] The age estimation means starts age estimation in response to the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product by the reception means The information processing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6.

[0114] [Supplementary Note 9] Operates as a function of a POS (Point of Sales) terminal for product registration The information processing system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8.

[0115] [Supplementary Note 10] When the confirmation that the customer's age is the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased is completed, the registration of age-restricted products is permitted, and when the confirmation that the customer's age is the age at which age-restricted products can be purchased fails, the product registration is aborted The information processing system according to Supplementary Note 9.

[0116] [Supplementary Note 11] Estimate the customer's age from the customer image, Accept the input of product identification information, When the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, in response to the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product, display a first age confirmation screen that requests the customer to indicate their age, When the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition, in response to the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product, display a second age confirmation screen that requests the customer to prove their age Information processing method.

[0117] [Supplementary Note 12] Estimate the customer's age from the customer image, Accept the input of product identification information, When the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, in response to the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product, display a first age confirmation screen that requests the customer to indicate their age, When the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition, in response to the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product, display a second age confirmation screen that requests the customer to prove their age A recording medium that non-temporarily records a program for causing a computer to execute processing.

Explanation of Signs

[0118] 100 Information Processing System 101 Age Estimation Unit 102 Reception Unit 103 Display Control Unit 104 Age Reception Unit 105 Mode Switching Unit 11 Camera 12 Customer Display 13 Certificate Reader 20 POS Terminal 21 Staff Display C1 Customer C2 Staff

Claims

1. An age estimation means for estimating the age of a customer from a customer profile, A reception means for receiving an input of identification information of a product, An age reception means for receiving an input from a store clerk as to whether the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, A mode switching means for executing a switch between an automatic estimation mode for estimating the age by the age estimation means and a store clerk estimation mode for receiving the input from the age reception means, When the identification information of the age-restricted product is input, in the automatic estimation mode, based on the age estimated by the age estimation means, and in the store clerk estimation mode, based on the input received by the age reception means, When the estimated age of the customer satisfies the predetermined condition, a first age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to indicate their age is displayed, When the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition, a second age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to prove their age is displayed And a display control means. An information processing system.

2. The display control means displays the first and second age confirmation screens on a display directed at the customer. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The display control means, Displays the first age confirmation screen on a display directed at the customer, And displays the second age confirmation screen on a display directed at the store clerk. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The display control means controls whether to display the second age confirmation screen on a display directed at the store clerk or on a display directed at the customer. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. In the store clerk estimation mode, stop the estimation by the age estimation means. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The mode switching means recognizes whether the identification information of the age-restricted product is input by the customer or by the store clerk, switches to the automatic estimation mode when the identification information is input by the customer, and switches to the store clerk estimation mode when the identification information is input by the store clerk. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The age estimation means starts age estimation in response to the input of the identification information of the product by the reception means. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The age estimation means starts age estimation in response to the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product by the reception means. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A computer executes switching between an automatic estimation mode for estimating the customer's age from a customer image and a store clerk estimation mode for receiving an input from the store clerk as to whether the estimated age of the customer satisfies a predetermined condition, in the automatic estimation mode, estimates the customer's age from the customer image, in the store clerk estimation mode, receives an input from the store clerk as to whether the estimated age of the customer satisfies the predetermined condition, in the automatic estimation mode, based on the age estimated from the customer image, and in the store clerk estimation mode, based on the received input, when the estimated age of the customer satisfies the predetermined condition, in response to the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product, displays a first age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to indicate their age, when the estimated age of the customer does not satisfy the predetermined condition, in response to the input of the identification information of the age-restricted product, displays a second age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to prove their age. Information processing method.

10. Execute switching between an automatic estimation mode for estimating the customer's age from the customer image and a store clerk estimation mode for receiving an input from the store clerk as to whether the estimated age of the customer meets a predetermined condition. In the automatic estimation mode, estimate the customer's age from the customer image. In the store clerk estimation mode, receive an input from the store clerk as to whether the estimated age of the customer meets the predetermined condition. In the automatic estimation mode, based on the age estimated from the customer image, and in the store clerk estimation mode, based on the received input. When the estimated age of the customer meets the predetermined condition, display a first age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to indicate their age in response to an input of identification information of age-restricted products. When the estimated age of the customer does not meet the predetermined condition, display a second age confirmation screen for requesting the customer to prove their age in response to an input of identification information of age-restricted products. A program for causing a computer to execute the processing.

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