Store systems and control devices

Abstract

To shorten a time required for authentication required to start up a terminal by using biometric authentication, while reliably preventing fraud by a third party.SOLUTION: A terminal control device acquires user identification information. The terminal control device acquires user biometric information read by a biometric information reading device provided on a trolley. The terminal control device detects registered biometric information stored in association with the acquired identification information from first storage means that stores the registered biometric information which is associated with identification information of a plurality of users and is registered as biometric information of the users identified by the identification information; and the terminal control device compares the detected registered biometric information with the acquired biometric information. If the biometric information matches the registered biometric information as a result of verification, the terminal control device activates a terminal for the user to input information on a product to be loaded onto the trolley.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a store system, a terminal control device used in the system, and a program for causing a computer to function as the terminal control device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a store system known as a cart POS (Point of Sales) system has been developed for use in supermarkets and other retail stores. A cart POS system uses a shopping cart, a trolley on which customers load their purchases. The shopping cart is equipped with a terminal equipped with a scanner and other devices. The terminal accepts login authentication operations. When the login is approved, the terminal starts up, allowing customers to enter information about the products they wish to purchase, for example.

[0003] For terminal login authentication, authentication using user ID (Identification) using membership cards, smartphones, etc. is generally used. However, authentication using user ID does not reliably prevent impersonation by a third party. Therefore, biometric authentication using fingerprints, irises, etc. is being considered for terminal login authentication.

[0004] When biometric authentication is applied to terminal login authentication, the biometric information acquired from a customer using a shopping cart must be compared with the biometric information of all customers registered in a database. This means that the biometric information matching process takes time, which can cause terminal startup delays and cause inconvenience to customers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-272535 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a terminal control device and a store system that can shorten the time required for authentication required to start up a terminal while reliably preventing impersonation by third parties by using biometric authentication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, The store system includes a terminal for inputting product information and a terminal control device. The terminal control device includes an identification information acquisition means, a first biometric information acquisition means, a first verification means, and a start-up means. The identification information acquisition means acquires the identification information of the user. The first biometric information acquisition means is raw The first verification means acquires the user's biometric information read by the biometric information reading device. Ha, Yu The activation means detects the registered biometric information stored in association with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means from a first storage means that stores registered biometric information associated with the identification information of a user and registered as biometric information of the user identified by the identification information, and compares the detected registered biometric information with the biometric information acquired by the first biometric information acquisition means. On the edge Start the terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a store system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an information terminal included in the store system. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart on which the information terminal is provided. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a checkout machine included in the store system. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a store server included in the store system. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a member data record written in a member database held by the store server. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a shopping file created by the store server. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the store server. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the store server. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the store server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a terminal control device and a store system that can reduce the time required for authentication required for starting up a terminal while reliably preventing impersonation by a third party by using biometric authentication will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the biometric authentication is fingerprint authentication.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a store system 1 according to this embodiment. The store system 1 includes a store server 10, a checkout machine 20, and an information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 is provided in a shopping cart C (hereinafter abbreviated as cart C). Each of the multiple carts C is provided with an information terminal 30. The cart C is an example of a dolly that is used to load and transport products purchased by a customer who is the user of the cart C.

[0011] The store server 10 and the payment machine 20 are connected to a network 40 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). An access point 50 is also connected to the network 40. The information terminal 30 is equipped with a wireless unit. The information terminal 30 communicates wirelessly with the access point 50. The access point 50 relays communications between each device connected to the network 40, i.e., the store server 10 and the payment machine 20, and the information terminal 30. Although only one access point 50 is shown in FIG. 1, there may be two or more depending on the size of the store, etc.

[0012] The information terminal 30 is a device that allows customers to input information about the products they wish to purchase themselves. The payment machine 20 is a device that allows customers to pay for the products they wish to purchase themselves. In other words, the store system 1 is a self-service store system in which customers themselves perform all steps from inputting information about the products they wish to purchase to paying for the products.

[0013] A single store may be equipped with multiple payment machines 20. Figure 1 shows a store system 1 in which three payment machines 20 are installed in one store.

[0014] The store server 10 controls the activation of each information terminal 30. The store server 10 creates list data of products to be purchased by the customer from product information entered on the activated information terminal 30. The store server 10 identifies the customer using the payment machine 20 and transmits list data of products purchased by that customer to that payment machine 20. The store server 10 functions as a terminal control device that controls the information terminal 30.

[0015] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a wireless unit 34, a touch panel 35, a scanner 36, a reader 37, a first fingerprint sensor 38a, a second fingerprint sensor 38b, and a system transmission path 39. The system transmission path 39 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. In the information terminal 30, the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, the wireless unit 34, the touch panel 35, the scanner 36, the reader 37, the first fingerprint sensor 38a, and the second fingerprint sensor 38b are connected to the system transmission path 39. In the information terminal 30, the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, and the system transmission path 39 connecting them together constitute a computer.

[0016] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the information terminal 30 in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0017] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 31 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 31. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application programs described above.

[0019] The wireless unit 34 controls wireless communication with the access point 50 in accordance with a wireless communication protocol.

[0020] The touch panel 35 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device for the information terminal 30. The touch panel 35 detects a touch position on a displayed image and outputs the touch position information to the processor 31.

[0021] The scanner 36 reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes attached to products. The scanner 36 outputs data of the read code symbols to the processor 31. The scanner 36 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0022] The reader 37 reads data recorded on the recording medium and outputs the read data to the processor 31. The reader 37 is a magnetic card reader if the recording medium is a magnetic card, and is an IC card reader if the recording medium is a contact IC card. In the case of a contactless IC card or a recording medium using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) such as a smartphone, an RFID reader is used as the reader 37.

[0023] The recording medium includes a membership card. In this embodiment, customers who use the store system 1 are required to register as members in advance. Registered customers are assigned a unique user ID as their identification information, and are issued a membership card on which the user ID is recorded. The reader 37 is capable of reading the user ID recorded on the membership card. In other words, the reader 37 functions as an identification information reading device for reading the identification information of the customer operating the cart C, that is, the user ID. The user ID may be recorded on the membership card as electronic data, or may be recorded on the membership card in the form of a printed code symbol such as a barcode.

[0024] The first fingerprint sensor 38a and the second fingerprint sensor 38b read a person's fingerprint using, for example, a capacitance method and output the read fingerprint data to the processor 31. Specifically, the first fingerprint sensor 38a and the second fingerprint sensor 38b detect the unevenness of a finger placed on the sensor unit by the rate of charge accumulated in the electrodes of the sensor unit, convert the amount of charge into a fingerprint image and output it to the processor 31. The first fingerprint sensor 38a and the second fingerprint sensor 38b are not limited to a capacitance method. For example, an optical type, a field intensity measurement type, a pressure-sensitive type, or a heat-sensitive type fingerprint sensor may be used as the first fingerprint sensor 38a and the second fingerprint sensor 38b.

[0025] In the information terminal 30 having the circuit components described above, the processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, wireless unit 34, and touch panel 35 are configured as a tablet terminal TM. The information terminal 30 is configured by electrically connecting the scanner 36, reader 37, first fingerprint sensor 38a, and second fingerprint sensor 38b to this tablet terminal TM.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a cart C equipped with an information terminal 30. The cart C includes caster members C1 for movement, a handle frame member C2, and a basket holder C3. The caster members C1 have four wheels for smooth movement on the floor. The handle frame member C2 includes a pair of vertical frames C21, C21 erected on the rear wheel side of the caster members C1, and a handle bar C22 connecting the upper ends of these vertical frames C21, C21. The basket holder C3 is located forward from the midpoint of the handle frame member C2. A shopping basket BA for storing merchandise can be placed on the basket holder C3 and caster members C1 of the cart C.

[0027] The scanner 36 is located midway along the handlebar C22. The scanner 36 is attached to the handlebar C22 so that the reading window is located on the near side, where a customer standing while holding the handlebar C22 and pushing the cart C stands.

[0028] A pole C4 is attached to one of the vertical frames C21. The tip of the pole C4 is positioned higher than the handlebars C22. The tablet terminal TM is attached to the tip of the pole C4 with the screen of the touch panel 35 facing forward. The reader 37 is attached to the tablet terminal TM so that the card slot is positioned on the forward side. In FIG. 3, the reader 37 is a magnetic card reader. A battery BT is attached to the lower end side of the handle frame portion C2, spanning the vertical frames C21, C21. The battery BT provides power for driving the tablet terminal TM and the scanner 36.

[0029] Grips G1 and G2 are attached to the handlebar C22, covering the outer periphery of the left and right bars with the scanner 36 in between. The grips G1 and G2 are gripped by customers to move the cart C. Customers grip the grips G1 and G2 to move the cart C. The grips G1 and G2 are provided with a first fingerprint sensor 38a and a second fingerprint sensor 38b. Specifically, the surface of the grip G1 serves as a protective film for the sensor unit, and electrodes of the sensor unit are arranged on the back side of this protective film, thereby forming the first fingerprint sensor 38a for reading the fingerprint of the left hand of a customer holding the grip G1. Similarly, the surface of the grip G2 serves as a protective film for the sensor unit, and electrodes of the sensor unit are arranged on the back side of this protective film, thereby forming the second fingerprint sensor 38b for reading the fingerprint of the right hand of a customer holding the grip G2. Here, the first fingerprint sensor 38a and the second fingerprint sensor 38b function as biometric information reading devices for reading fingerprints, which are a type of biometric information of a user operating the cart C. The user is typically a customer who loads the products to be purchased into the cart C and transports them. In other words, the first fingerprint sensor 38a and the second fingerprint sensor 38b are capable of reading the fingerprint of the customer from the action of the customer in moving the cart C.

[0030] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment machine 20. The payment machine 20 comprises a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a communication unit 24, a touch panel 25, a printer 26, a reader / writer 27, a fingerprint sensor 28, a human presence sensor 29, a change dispenser 210, and a system transmission path 211. The system transmission path 211 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. In the payment machine 20, the processor 21, the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, the communication unit 24, the touch panel 25, the printer 26, the reader 37, the fingerprint sensor 28, and the human presence sensor 29 are connected to the system transmission path 211. In the payment machine 20, the processor 21, the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, and the system transmission path 211 that connects them form a computer.

[0031] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the accounting machine 20 in accordance with an operating system or application programs. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU.

[0032] The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 22 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 22 may store data required for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 22 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 21 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0033] The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 23. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 21. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store the application programs described above.

[0034] The communication unit 24 controls data communication with the store server 10 connected via the network 40 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0035] The touch panel 25 is a device that serves as both an input device and a display device for the payment machine 20. The touch panel 25 detects the touch position on the displayed image, and outputs the touch position information to the processor 21.

[0036] The printer 26 issues receipts by printing various characters or images on receipt paper. This type of printer 26 may be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer.

[0037] The reader / writer 27 has a function of reading data recorded on a recording medium and a function of writing data to the recording medium. The reader / writer 27 may be a contact reader / writer or a contactless reader / writer. The recording medium is a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, or a prepaid card. A wireless communication device such as a smartphone having the same function as a payment card may also be used as the recording medium.

[0038] Fingerprint sensor 28 reads a person's fingerprint using, for example, a capacitance method. Specifically, fingerprint sensor 28 detects the unevenness of a finger placed on the sensor unit by the rate of charge accumulated in the electrodes of the sensor unit, converts the amount of charge into a fingerprint image, and outputs it to processor 21. Fingerprint sensor 28 is not limited to a capacitance method. For example, an optical type, a field intensity measurement type, a pressure-sensitive type, or a heat-sensitive type fingerprint sensor may also be used as fingerprint sensor 28.

[0039] The human presence sensor 29 uses, for example, infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, etc. to detect the presence of a person standing in front of the payment machine 20. When the presence of a person is detected, the human presence sensor 29 turns on.

[0040] The change machine 210 receives coins and bills that are inserted, and also dispenses coins and bills as change.

[0041] Each of the multiple payment machines 20 equipped with the circuit components described above is assigned a payment machine ID to identify the individual payment machine 20. The payment machine ID is stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage device 23.

[0042] 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server 10. The store server 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a communication unit 14, and a system transmission path 15. The system transmission path 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. In the store server 10, the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the communication unit 14 are connected to the system transmission path 15. In the store server 10, the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 15 that connects them together constitute a computer.

[0043] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the store server 10 in accordance with an operating system or application programs. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU.

[0044] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 11 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0045] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application programs described above.

[0046] The communication unit 14 controls data communication between the payment machine 20 or the information terminal 30 connected via the network 40 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0047] In the store server 10 equipped with the circuit components described above, the auxiliary storage device 13 stores a product database 61 and a member database 62. In addition, an area for storing multiple shopping files 63 is formed in the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0048] The product database 61 contains product data records created for each product sold in the store. The product data records include items such as product ID, product name, and price. The product ID is a unique code assigned to each product to identify each product individually. The product name and price are the name of the product identified by the product ID and the selling price per unit.

[0049] The member database 62 stores a member data record 62R created for each customer who has registered as a member to use the store system 1.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the member data record 62R. As shown in FIG. 6, the member data record 62R includes a user ID and registered biometric information. The registered biometric information is fingerprint data of a user identified by the user ID, i.e., a customer who has registered as a member. A customer who has registered as a member registers their fingerprint in the store system 1 before using the system. While it is optional which finger's fingerprint to register, it is preferable that the fingerprint be at least the fingerprint of the finger detected by the first fingerprint sensor 38a or the second fingerprint sensor 38b when the customer grasps the grips G1 and G2 of the cart C. Herein, the member database 62 constitutes a first storage means that stores identification information of multiple users, i.e., registered biometric information associated with a user ID and registered as biometric information of the user identified by the user ID. Hereinafter, the fingerprint data recorded as registered biometric information in the member data record 62R will be referred to as registered fingerprint data. The registered fingerprint data is an example of registered biometric information.

[0051] The fingerprint registration method is not particularly limited. Existing registration methods for fingerprint authentication can be applied. It is also possible to register a fingerprint using the information terminal 30. That is, a fingerprint registration mode is provided as an operating mode of the information terminal 30. When the fingerprint registration mode is set in the information terminal 30, the processor 31 accepts a user ID. When the user ID is read via the reader 37, the processor 31 accepts fingerprint data. When a fingerprint is read by at least one of the first fingerprint sensor 38a or the second fingerprint sensor 38b, the processor 31 controls the store server 10 to transmit the user ID and fingerprint data along with information indicating the fingerprint registration mode. When the processor 11 of the store server 10 receives data including information indicating the fingerprint registration mode, the processor 11 records the received fingerprint data together with the user ID in the member data record 62R in which the user ID included in the data is recorded. With this configuration, a user's fingerprint can be registered in the member database 62 using the information terminal 30.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the shopping file 63. The shopping file 63 contains a user ID, biometric information, purchased product information, and a status. In the figure, the status is represented as "ST." The biometric information is fingerprint data of a customer identified by the user ID. The fingerprint data is registered fingerprint data registered in the membership database 62. The fingerprint data may be fingerprint data read via the first fingerprint sensor 38a or the second fingerprint sensor 38b. The purchased product information is information about products purchased by a customer identified by the user ID. The purchased product information includes the product ID, product name, price, etc. The status is information that represents the status of a customer identified by the user ID. A customer's status can be shopping, waiting to check out, or completed checkout. In this embodiment, the status when shopping is set to "0," the status when waiting to check out is set to "1," and the status when checkout is completed is set to "2."

[0053] Next, the operations performed by a customer using the store system 1, from inputting information about the products they wish to purchase to paying, will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 8 to 10. FIGS. 8 to 10 are flowcharts showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor 11 of the store server 10. Note that the operations shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 and described below are merely examples. There are no particular limitations on the processing steps and content as long as similar results can be obtained.

[0054] First, when a customer arrives at the store, he or she secures an unused cart C. The customer then has the reader 37 attached to the cart C read the data on his or her membership card. When the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 detects that the reader 37 has read the data on the membership card, it controls the wireless unit 34 to transmit the data to the store server 10. This control causes the wireless unit 34 to wirelessly transmit the membership card data. The wirelessly transmitted membership card data is received by the access point 50 and sent to the store server 10 via the network 40. The membership card data includes a user ID, which is identification information for the customer who owns the cart C.

[0055] In Act 1 of Fig. 8, the processor 11 of the store server 10 waits to receive a user ID. When the processor 11 confirms that the data received via the communication unit 14 is membership card data, the processor 11 determines YES in Act 1 and proceeds to Act 2. In Act 2, the processor 11 writes the user ID included in the membership card data in the work area of ​​the main memory 12. Then, the processor 11 searches the membership database 62 using the user ID as a search key. In Act 3, the processor 11 determines whether or not there is a member data record 62R in which the user ID, which is the search key, is written.

[0056] If processor 11 confirms that a corresponding member data record 62R exists, it determines YES in Act 3 and proceeds to Act 4. In Act 4, processor 11 detects registered fingerprint data, which is registered biometric information, from that member data record 62R and writes this registered fingerprint data in the work area of ​​main memory 12. In Act 5, processor 11 controls communication unit 14 to send a biometric information request command to information terminal 30, which is the source of the membership card data. By this control, the biometric information request command is sent from communication unit 14 to information terminal 30, which is the source of the data. The biometric information request command is sent to access point 50 via network 40 and wirelessly transmitted from access point 50. The wirelessly transmitted biometric information request command is received by wireless unit 34 of information terminal 30.

[0057] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30, which has received the biometric information request command addressed to itself via the wireless unit 34, displays guidance for requesting biometric information from the customer on the touch panel 35. For example, the processor 31 displays guidance such as "Please hold the grip to move the cart. Fingerprint authentication will be performed" on the touch panel 35. At this time, the same guidance may be output as voice using a voice synthesis function of the tablet terminal TM.

[0058] After confirming the guidance, the customer grasps the grips G1 and G2 to move the cart C. At this time, the customer may grasp the grips G1 and G2 with both hands, or may grasp either the grip G1 or the grip G2 with one hand. When the customer grasps the grips G1 and G2, the fingerprint of at least one finger is read by the first fingerprint sensor 38a or the second fingerprint sensor 38b. Once the fingerprint has been read, the processor 31 controls the wireless unit 34 to transmit fingerprint data representing an image of the fingerprint to the store server 10. This control causes the fingerprint data to be wirelessly transmitted from the wireless unit 34. The wirelessly transmitted fingerprint data is received by the access point 50 and sent to the store server 10 via the network 40.

[0059] After controlling the transmission of the biometric information request command in Act 5, processor 11 waits for biometric information to be transmitted from the information terminal 30 to which the command was sent in Act 6. When processor 11 detects that fingerprint data has been received by communication unit 14 from the information terminal 30 to which the command was sent within a certain time period after sending the biometric information request command, processor 11 determines YES in Act 6 and proceeds to Act 7. In Act 7, processor 11 compares the fingerprint data with the registered fingerprint data stored in main memory 12. Then, processor 11 checks whether the fingerprint data matches at least one of the registered fingerprint data in Act 8.

[0060] If the result of the check shows that the fingerprint data received from the information terminal 30 matches at least one fingerprint data among the registered fingerprint data, the processor 11 determines YES in Act 8 and proceeds to Act 9. In Act 9, the processor 11 controls the communication unit 14 to transmit a response signal of a login permission notification to the information terminal 30 that has transmitted the fingerprint data. By this control, the response signal of the login permission notification is transmitted from the communication unit 14 to the information terminal 30 that has transmitted the fingerprint data. The response signal is transmitted to the access point 50 via the network 40 and wirelessly transmitted from the access point 50. The wirelessly transmitted response signal is received by the wireless unit 34 of the information terminal 30.

[0061] When the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 receives a response signal for the login permission notification addressed to the information terminal 30 via the wireless unit 34, the processor 31 enters a standby state for input of product information. The processor 31 then displays guidance on the touch panel 35 to notify the user that the information terminal 30 has started up. For example, the processor 31 displays guidance such as "Login authentication has been successful. Please start shopping" on the touch panel 35. At this time, the same guidance may be output as voice using a voice synthesis function of the tablet terminal TM.

[0062] If the result of the check is that the fingerprint data received from the information terminal 30 does not match the registered fingerprint data, the processor 11 determines NO in Act 8 and proceeds to Act 10. In Act 10, the processor 11 controls the communication unit 14 to transmit a response signal of a login denial notice to the information terminal 30 that has transmitted the fingerprint data. By this control, the response signal of the login denial notice is transmitted from the communication unit 14 to the information terminal 30 that has transmitted the fingerprint data. The response signal is transmitted to the access point 50 via the network 40 and wirelessly transmitted from the access point 50. The wirelessly transmitted response signal is received by the wireless unit 34 of the information terminal 30.

[0063] When the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 receives the response signal of the login denial notification addressed to the information terminal 30 via the wireless unit 34, the processor 31 does not enter a standby state for input of product information. The processor 31 displays guidance on the touch panel 35 to notify the user that the information terminal 30 did not start up. For example, the processor 31 displays guidance such as "Login authentication failed. Please log in again" on the touch panel 35. At this time, the same guidance may be output as voice using a voice synthesis function of the tablet terminal TM.

[0064] Here, the computer mainly including the processor 11 of the store server 10 functions as an identification information acquisition means by executing the process of Act 1 in cooperation with the communication unit 14. The computer also functions as a first biometric information acquisition means by executing the processes of Act 5 and Act 6 in cooperation with the communication unit 14. The computer also functions as a first verification means by executing the processes of Act 2 to Act 4 and Act 7 in cooperation with the auxiliary storage device 13. The computer also functions as a startup means by executing the process of Act 9 in cooperation with the communication unit 14.

[0065] If the processor 11 searches the member database 62 but is unable to confirm the existence of the corresponding member data record 62R, it determines NO in Act 3 and proceeds to Act 10. Similarly, if the processor 11 does not receive fingerprint data within a certain time period after sending the biometric information request command, it determines NO in Act 6 and proceeds to Act 10. That is, in Act 10, the processor 11 controls the communication unit 14 to send a response signal for a login denial notification to the information terminal 30 that sent the fingerprint data.

[0066] In Act 9, the processor 11 performs control to transmit a response signal for the login permission notification, and in Act 11, the processor 11 creates a shopping file 63 in the auxiliary storage device 13. Then, in Act 12, the processor 11 writes the user ID and registered biometric information written in the work area of ​​the main memory 12 into the shopping file 63. In Act 13, the processor 11 sets the status of the shopping file 63 to "0", i.e., the shopping status. Thereafter, the processor 11 proceeds to Act 21 in FIG. 9.

[0067] Here, the computer mainly consisting of the processor 11 of the store server 10 works in cooperation with the auxiliary storage device 13 to execute the processes of Act 11 and Act 12, thereby functioning as a second storage means.

[0068] After confirming that the information terminal 30 has been started, the customer begins shopping. When the customer finds a product to purchase in the sales area, the customer inputs the product ID of the product into the information terminal 30. For example, if the product has a code symbol such as a barcode, the customer inputs the product ID by having the scanner 36 read the code symbol. For fresh food or other products without a code symbol, the customer inputs the product ID by touching a product button displayed on the touch panel 35. When the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 detects that the product ID has been input, it controls the wireless unit 34 to transmit the product ID to the store server 10. This control causes data including the product ID to be wirelessly transmitted from the wireless unit 34. This data includes, in addition to the product ID, the user ID entered during login authentication. The wirelessly transmitted data including the product ID and user ID is received by the access point 50 and sent to the store server 10 via the network 40. Hereinafter, the data including the product ID and user ID will be referred to as product registration data.

[0069] 9, the processor 11 waits to receive product registration data. When the processor 11 confirms that the data received via the communication unit 14 is product registration data, the processor 11 determines YES in Act 21 and proceeds to Act 22. In Act 22, the processor 11 writes the product ID and user ID included in the product registration data in the work area of ​​the main memory 12. Then, the processor 11 searches the product database 61 using the product ID written in the work area as a search key. In Act 23, the processor 11 obtains from the product database 61 a product data record in which the product ID, which is the search key, is written.

[0070] In Act 24, processor 11 generates purchase product information based on the product ID, product name, price, etc. described in the product data record. In Act 25, processor 11 detects from auxiliary storage device 13 a shopping file 63 including the user ID described in the work area, and writes the purchase product information to this shopping file 63.

[0071] The processor 11 controls the communication unit 14 to transmit the purchased product information in Act 26. This control causes the communication unit 14 to transmit the purchased product information to the information terminal 30, which is the sender of the product registration data. The purchased product information is sent to the access point 50 via the network 40 and wirelessly transmitted from the access point 50. The wirelessly transmitted response signal is received by the wireless unit 34 of the information terminal 30.

[0072] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30 receives the purchased product information via the wireless unit 34 and displays the product name, price, etc. included in the purchased product information on the touch panel 35.

[0073] After confirming that the product name, price, etc. of the product to be purchased are displayed on the touch panel 35, the customer continues shopping. When the customer finds the product to be purchased, the customer inputs the product ID of that product into the information terminal 30. When the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 detects that the product ID has been input, it controls the wireless unit 34 to transmit the product ID to the store server 10 in the same manner as described above. This control causes the wireless unit 34 to wirelessly transmit the product registration data.

[0074] Each time a customer finds an item they wish to purchase, they repeatedly input the item's product ID into the information terminal 30. When they have finished shopping in the sales area, they touch the image of the checkout button displayed on the touch panel 35. When the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 detects that the image of the checkout button has been touched, it controls the wireless unit 34 to send a checkout instruction command to the store server 10. This control causes the wireless unit 34 to wirelessly transmit the checkout instruction command. The checkout instruction command includes the user ID entered during login authentication.

[0075] When the processor 11 of the store server 10 finishes processing in Act 26, it proceeds to Act 27. In Act 27, the processor 11 checks whether product registration data has been received. If product registration data has not been received (NO in Act 27), the processor 11 determines NO in Act 27 and proceeds to Act 28. In Act 28, the processor 11 checks whether a checkout instruction command has been received. If a checkout instruction command has not been received, the processor 11 determines NO in Act 28 and returns to Act 27. Here, the processor 11 waits in Act 27 and Act 28 to receive product registration data or a checkout instruction command.

[0076] In this standby state, when the processor 11 detects that it has received product registration data, it determines YES in Act 27 and returns to Act 22. Then, the processor 11 executes the processes of Act 22 to Act 26 in the same manner as described above. After that, the processor 11 enters the standby state of Act 27 and Act 28.

[0077] In this standby state, when processor 11 detects that a checkout instruction command has been received, it determines YES in Act 28 and proceeds to Act 29. In Act 29, processor 11 updates the status of the shopping file 63, in which the user ID included in the checkout instruction command is set, from "0" to "1," i.e., waiting for checkout. With this, processor 11 ends the information processing derived from receiving the user ID in Act 1.

[0078] Here, the computer mainly consisting of the processor 11 of the store server 10 functions as an update unit by executing the processes of Act 28 and Act 29 in cooperation with the communication unit 14 and the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0079] A customer who touches the image of the checkout button moves to the location of an available payment machine 20. When the customer moves to the location of the payment machine 20, the human presence sensor 29 of that payment machine 20 turns on. When the human presence sensor 29 turns on, the processor 21 of the payment machine 20 controls the communication unit 24 to send human presence sensor on data to the store server 10. This control outputs the human presence sensor on data from the communication unit 24. The human presence sensor on data includes the payment machine ID set for that payment machine 20. The human presence sensor on data output from the communication unit 24 is sent to the store server 10 via the network 40, and is received by the communication unit 14 of the store server 10.

[0080] In Act 31 of FIG. 10, the processor 11 of the store server 10 waits for human sensor on data. When it detects that it has received human sensor on data via the communication unit 14, the processor 11 detects the payment machine ID included in the human sensor on data in Act 32 and writes the payment machine ID to the work area of ​​the main memory 22. In Act 33, the processor 21 controls the communication unit 14 to send a biometric information request command to the payment machine 20 that sent the human sensor on data. As a result of this control, the biometric information request command is sent from the communication unit 14, addressed to the payment machine 20 that sent the human sensor on data. The biometric information request command is sent to the payment machine 20 via the network 40.

[0081] The processor 21 of the payment machine 20 receives the biometric information request command addressed to itself via the communication unit 24 and causes the touch panel 25 to display guidance for requesting biometric information from a customer who has come to the payment location. For example, the processor 21 may display guidance such as "Please place your finger on the fingerprint sensor." At this time, the payment machine 20 may output similar guidance by voice using its voice synthesis function.

[0082] After confirming the guidance, the customer places a finger on the fingerprint sensor 28 provided on the payment machine 20. At this time, it is up to the customer to decide which finger to place on the fingerprint sensor 28, but at least the finger whose fingerprint data is registered as registered biometric information should be placed. When the finger is placed on the fingerprint sensor 28, the fingerprint of that finger is read by the fingerprint sensor 28. Once the fingerprint has been read, the processor 21 controls the communication unit 24 to send fingerprint data representing an image of that fingerprint to the store server 10. As a result of this control, the fingerprint data is sent from the communication unit 24 to the store server 10 via the network 40.

[0083] After controlling the transmission of the biometric information request command in Act 33, processor 11 waits for biometric information to be transmitted from payment device 20, the command destination, in Act 34. If processor 11 detects that fingerprint data has been received by communication unit 14 within a certain time period after transmitting the biometric information request command, processor 11 determines YES in Act 34 and proceeds to Act 35. In Act 35, processor 11 extracts shopping files 63 with a status of "1," i.e., that are waiting for payment, from all shopping files stored in auxiliary storage device 13. In Act 36, processor 11 compares the fingerprint data received from payment device 20 with the biometric information described in the extracted shopping file 63. Then, in Act 8, processor 11 determines whether there is a shopping file 63 in which fingerprint data matching the fingerprint data received from payment device 20 is described as biometric information.

[0084] If processor 11 confirms that a corresponding shopping file 63 exists, it determines YES in Act 37 and proceeds to Act 38. In Act 38, processor 11 controls communication unit 14 to send a response signal for a payment authorization notice to the payment device 20 identified by the payment device ID written in the work area. In Act 39, processor 11 also controls communication unit 14 to send, in a lump, to that payment device 20, the purchase item information in the shopping file 63 in which fingerprint data matching the fingerprint data received from that payment device 20 is written as biometric information. Through these controls, the communication unit 14 sends the response signal for a payment authorization notice and the purchase item information addressed to the payment device 20 that sent the fingerprint data. This transmission data is then sent to payment device 20 via network 40.

[0085] The processor 21 of the payment machine 20 receives a response signal for the payment authorization notification addressed to itself via the communication unit 24, and then executes the payment process based on the purchased item information received following the response signal. For example, the processor 21 displays the total amount calculated based on the purchased item information on the touch panel 25 and waits for payment. After confirming that the total amount has been paid via the change dispenser 210, the processor 21 generates receipt data based on the purchased item information and operates the printer 26 to issue a receipt. This type of payment process is well-known and is performed by existing payment machines 20, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. When the processor 21 completes the payment process, it sends a payment completion command to the store server 10.

[0086] In Act 40, the processor 11 of the store server 10, which controlled the transmission of the purchased product information in Act 39, waits for a transaction completion command to be sent from the payment device 20 to which the purchased product information was sent. When the processor 11 detects that the transaction completion command has been received via the communication unit 14, it determines YES in Act 40 and proceeds to Act 41. In Act 41, the processor 11 updates the status of the shopping file 63, which contains fingerprint data that matches the fingerprint data received from the payment device 20, from "1" to "2," i.e., the transaction completion status. With this, the processor 11 ends the information processing derived from receiving the human sensor on data in Act 31.

[0087] Here, the computer mainly including the processor 11 of the store server 10 functions as a second biometric information acquiring means by executing the processes of Act 32 to Act 34 in cooperation with the communication unit 14. The computer also functions as a second verifying means by executing the processes of Act 35 and Act 36 in cooperation with the auxiliary storage device 13. The computer also functions as a transmitting means by executing the processes of Act 37 to Act 39 in cooperation with the communication unit 14.

[0088] If processor 11 does not receive fingerprint data within a certain period of time after sending the biometric information request command, it determines NO in Act 34 and proceeds to Act 42. If there is no shopping file 63 containing fingerprint data that matches the fingerprint data received from the payment device 20, processor 11 determines NO in Act 37 and proceeds to Act 42. In Act 42, processor 11 controls the communication unit 14 to send a transaction denial notice response signal to the payment device 20 that sent the human sensor on data or fingerprint data. This control causes the communication unit 14 to send a transaction denial notice response signal addressed to the payment device 20 that sent the human sensor on data or fingerprint data. This transmission data is sent to the payment device 20 via network 40.

[0089] When processor 21 of payment machine 20 receives the response signal of the transaction denial notification addressed to itself via communication unit 24, it displays guidance on touch panel 25 informing the customer that the transaction cannot be completed, such as "Fingerprint authentication failed. Please pay at a manned register." With this, processor 11 ends the information processing derived from receiving the human sensor on data in Act 31.

[0090] As described above, according to this embodiment, fingerprints, which are a type of biometric information, can be used for login authentication of the information terminal 30. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent impersonation by a third party. Furthermore, the registered fingerprint data used for fingerprint authentication is only the registered fingerprint data described in one member data record 62R identified by the user ID of the membership card read by the reader 37 of the cart C. Therefore, the processing time required for fingerprint authentication is extremely short. Therefore, there is no risk of the information terminal 30 slowing down and causing discomfort to customers.

[0091] In this embodiment, fingerprint authentication is performed by reading the fingerprint of a customer when the customer grasps the grips G1 and G2 to move the cart C. Therefore, since no special action is required to read the fingerprint, introducing fingerprint authentication does not increase the burden on customers.

[0092] When the store server 10 authorizes login of the information terminal 30 through fingerprint authentication, it creates a shopping file 63 that includes the user ID of the membership card read by the reader 37 of the information terminal 30. The store server 10 then writes purchase information of the products for which information was input on the information terminal 30 in the shopping file 63. The store server 10 also writes the registered fingerprint data used in the fingerprint authentication in the shopping file 63. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to store purchase information of the products for which information was input on the information terminal 30 for which login was authorized through fingerprint authentication, in association with the registered fingerprint data used in the fingerprint authentication.

[0093] The shopping file 63 contains a status. The status is "0", meaning shopping is in progress, until a checkout instruction is given on the information terminal 30, and once a checkout instruction is given, the status becomes "1", meaning waiting for checkout. The purchased product information written in the shopping file 63 is used for checkout processing on the checkout machine 20.

[0094] When fingerprint data is read by the fingerprint sensor 28 installed on the payment device 20, the store server 10 compares the fingerprint data with the registered fingerprint data stored in the shopping file 63 whose status is "1." The store server 10 then downloads the purchase information from the shopping file 63 containing registered fingerprint data that matches the fingerprint data to the payment device 20 that sent the fingerprint data. As a result, the payment device 20 processes the transaction based on the purchase information.

[0095] As described above, according to this embodiment, a customer can download their purchase information to the payment machine 320 simply by going to an available payment machine 20 and having their fingerprint scanned. This eliminates the need for special information processing in the store server 10 to guide the customer to the payment machine 20. As a result, the processing load on the store server 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, the only registered fingerprint data used for fingerprint authentication is the registered fingerprint data described in the shopping file 63 with a status of "1." Therefore, the processing time required for fingerprint authentication is short, so there is no risk of customers becoming dissatisfied with the increased time required to download purchase information due to the introduction of fingerprint authentication.

[0096] The above describes an embodiment of a terminal control device and a store system that can reduce the time required for authentication required to start up a terminal while reliably preventing impersonation by a third party by using biometric authentication, but such an embodiment is not limited to this.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the biometric authentication is fingerprint authentication, but the type of biometric authentication is not limited to fingerprint authentication. For example, iris authentication, vein authentication, voiceprint authentication, etc. may be used.

[0098] In the above embodiment, a self-service store system 1 is illustrated in which customers themselves perform the entire process from inputting information about the products they wish to purchase to paying, but the store system is not limited to this. For example, the payment machine 20 may be a payment machine for a manned register where transactions are handled by a store clerk called a cashier.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the grips G1 and G2 are attached to the left and right of the handlebar C22 with the scanner 36 sandwiched between them, but the grips G1 and G2 may be integrated and the scanner 36 may be attached to approximately the center of the integrated grips. Also, in the above embodiment, the grips G1 and G2 are provided with the first fingerprint sensor 38a and the second fingerprint sensor 38b, respectively, but only one of the grips may be provided with a single fingerprint sensor. Also, the fingerprint sensor may be located somewhere other than the grip.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the biometric information described in the shopping file 63 is registered fingerprint data, but this biometric information does not necessarily have to be registered biometric data. It may be fingerprint data used to compare with registered biometric data, that is, fingerprint data read by the first fingerprint sensor 38a and the second fingerprint sensor 38b. Even in this case, by placing the finger whose fingerprint has been read by the first fingerprint sensor 38a and the second fingerprint sensor 38b on the fingerprint sensor 28 of the payment machine 20, purchase information for the products purchased by the customer can be downloaded to the payment machine 20.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the shopping files 63 containing registered fingerprint data to be compared with the fingerprint data read by the fingerprint sensor 28 of the checkout machine 20 are limited to shopping files 63 with a status of "1," but this does not necessarily have to be the case. For example, shopping files 63 with a status of "0" may also be included.

[0102] The store server 10 is generally transferred with the program stored in ROM. However, this is not limiting, and the program may be transferred without being stored in ROM. In this case, the program transferred separately from the store server 10 is written to a writable storage device provided in the store server 10 in response to an operation by a user or the like. The program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

[0103] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [1] A terminal control device comprising: an identification information acquisition means for acquiring a user's identification information; a first biometric information acquisition means for acquiring the user's biometric information read by a biometric information reading device provided on a cart; a first matching means for detecting the registered biometric information stored in association with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means from a first storage means that stores registered biometric information associated with the identification information of a plurality of users and registered as the biometric information of the user identified by the identification information, and matching the detected registered biometric information with the biometric information acquired by the first biometric information acquisition means; and a startup means for starting a terminal for the user to input information about products to be loaded onto the cart when the biometric information matches the registered biometric information as a result of the matching by the first matching means. [2] A terminal control device as described in appendix [1], further comprising a second storage means for storing product information entered at the terminal started by the starting means in association with the biometric information matched by the first matching means or the registered biometric information. [3] The terminal control device according to appendix [2], further comprising: second biometric information acquisition means for acquiring the user's biometric information read by a biometric information reading device provided in the payment machine; second matching means for matching the biometric information or the registered biometric information stored in the second storage means with the biometric information acquired by the second biometric information acquisition means; and transmission means for transmitting, to the payment machine, information on the product that is stored in association with the biometric information or the registered biometric information in the second storage means when the matching by the second matching means shows that the biometric information acquired by the second biometric information acquisition means matches the biometric information or the registered biometric information stored in the second storage means. [4] The information stored in the second storage means in association with the biometric information or the registered biometric information includes a status indicating whether the user is shopping or waiting to check out, and the terminal control device described in appendix [2] further comprises an update means for updating the status stored together with the product information input at the terminal from the shopping status to the waiting to check out status when a checkout instruction is detected from a checkout instruction unit provided in the terminal. [5] The terminal control device according to appendix [4], further comprising: second biometric information acquisition means for acquiring the user's biometric information read by a biometric information reading device provided in the checkout machine; second matching means for matching the biometric information acquired by the second biometric information acquisition means with the biometric information or the registered biometric information stored in the second storage means together with a status indicating the checkout waiting state; and transmission means for transmitting, to the checkout machine, information on the product stored in the second storage means in association with the biometric information or the registered biometric information, if the matching by the second matching means shows that the biometric information acquired by the second biometric information acquisition means matches the biometric information or the registered biometric information stored in the second storage means. [6] A store system comprising: a cart; a terminal for inputting information about products to be loaded onto the cart; an identification information acquisition means for acquiring a user's identification information; a first biometric information acquisition means for acquiring the user's biometric information read by a biometric information reading device provided on the cart; a first matching means for detecting the registered biometric information stored in association with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means from a first storage means that stores registered biometric information registered as biometric information of the user identified by the identification information in association with the identification information, and matching the detected registered biometric information with the biometric information acquired by the first biometric information acquisition means; and a startup means for starting the terminal when the biometric information matches the registered biometric information as a result of matching by the first matching means. [7] A program for causing a computer of a terminal control device that controls a terminal for inputting information on products to be loaded onto a cart to function as an identification information acquisition means for acquiring a user's identification information, a first biometric information acquisition means for acquiring the user's biometric information read by a biometric information reading device provided on the cart, a first matching means for detecting the registered biometric information stored in association with the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means from a first storage means that stores registered biometric information registered as the biometric information of the user identified by the identification information in association with the identification information, and matching this detected registered biometric information with the biometric information acquired by the first biometric information acquisition means, and a startup means for starting up the terminal when the biometric information matches the registered biometric information as a result of the matching by the first matching means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1...store system, 10...store server, 11, 21, 31...processor, 12, 22, 32, ...main memory, 13, 23, 33...auxiliary storage device, 14, 24...communication unit, 20...accounting machine, 25, 35...touch panel, 26...printer, 27...reader / writer, 28...fingerprint sensor, 29...human presence sensor, 30...information terminal, 34...wireless unit, 36...scanner, 37...reader, 38a...first fingerprint sensor, 38b...second fingerprint sensor, 40...network, 50...access point, 61...product database, 62...membership database, 63...shopping file.

Claims

1. a terminal provided on a cart for loading merchandise, for inputting information on the merchandise to be loaded onto the cart, the terminal having a biometric information reading device for reading biometric information of a user; a payment machine that executes a payment process in response to receiving a payment authorization notification, the payment machine having a biometric information reading device that reads the user's biometric information; a control device that communicates with the terminal and the payment machine, a first biometric information acquiring means for acquiring biometric information of the user read by a biometric information reading device provided on the cart; a second biometric information acquisition means for acquiring the user's biometric information read by a biometric information reading device provided in the payment machine; a transmitting means for transmitting the accounting permission notice to the accounting machine when the biometric information acquired by the first biometric information acquiring means matches the biometric information acquired by the second biometric information acquiring means; a control device comprising: A store system equipped with the above.

2. 2. The store system according to claim 1, wherein the control device further comprises a second storage means for storing product information input at the terminal in association with the user's identification information acquired by an identification information acquisition means for acquiring the user's identification information.

3. The store system according to claim 2 , wherein the second storage means further stores biometric information or registered biometric information of the user in association with the user's identification information.

4. the second storage means stores a status indicating whether the user is shopping or waiting to pay, in association with the user's identification information; an update means for updating the status stored in association with the identification information of the user using the cart on which the terminal is installed from the shopping status to the waiting for checkout status when the control device detects a checkout instruction from the checkout instruction unit installed on the terminal; The store system according to claim 2 , further comprising:

5. The transmitting means 3. The store system according to claim 2, wherein, when the biometric information acquired by the first biometric information acquisition means matches the biometric information acquired by the second biometric information acquisition means, information about the product stored in association with the user's identification information in the second storage means is transmitted to the cash register.

6. a terminal provided on a cart for loading merchandise, for inputting information on the merchandise to be loaded onto the cart, the terminal having a biometric information reading device for reading biometric information of a user; a payment machine that executes a payment process in response to receiving a payment authorization notification, the payment machine having a biometric information reading device that reads the user's biometric information; A control device that communicates with each of the a first biometric information acquiring means for acquiring biometric information of the user read by a biometric information reading device provided on the cart; a second biometric information acquisition means for acquiring the user's biometric information read by a biometric information reading device provided in the payment machine; a transmitting means for transmitting the accounting permission notice to the accounting machine when the biometric information acquired by the first biometric information acquiring means matches the biometric information acquired by the second biometric information acquiring means; A control device comprising:

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