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

Abstract

A store system 1 includes: an entrance / exit gate 10 that restricts entry of a customer into a first area A1 where restricted products are displayed in a store; a reading device 20 that acquires customer information that is information on a customer trying to enter the first area A1; and a control unit that, if the attribute of a customer identified from the customer information satisfies a purchase condition for the restricted products, controls the entrance / exit gate 10 to allow entry of the customer into the first area A1.

Description

Store system, entrance control method, program, display shelf and payment terminal

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

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

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 066000

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

[0005] The present invention, which has been completed to achieve the above object, provides a store system comprising: a restricting unit that restricts customer entry into an area of ​​a store where restricted products are displayed; an acquiring unit that acquires customer information about a customer attempting to enter the area; and a control unit that controls the restricting unit to allow the customer to enter the area if the customer's attributes identified from the customer information meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products. The control unit may also control a display shelf installed in the area where the restricted products are displayed and which has a locking function that restricts customer access to the restricted products, to unlock the locking function when the customer meets the purchase conditions. The control unit may also control a checkout terminal installed in the area that processes product payment so as to allow payment for the restricted products when the customer meets the purchase conditions. The area may also include a plurality of checkout terminals, and the control unit may control each of the checkout terminals to allow payment for the restricted products when the customer meets the purchase conditions. Furthermore, after controlling the restricting unit to allow customers to enter the area, the control unit may control the display shelves on which the restricted products are displayed to lock a locking function that restricts customers from touching the restricted products when there are no more customers in the area, or may control a checkout terminal that processes checkout for the restricted products to disable checkout for the restricted products. The system may further include a notification unit that, when a customer commits fraudulent behavior upon entering the area, notifies another device that can control the restricting unit of information that the fraudulent behavior has occurred. Based on an instruction from the other device that has received the notification, the control unit may control the restricting unit to disable a locking function that restricts customers from touching the restricted products on the display shelves on which the restricted products are displayed, or control a checkout terminal that processes checkout for the restricted products to enable checkout for the restricted products. Furthermore, when the number of customers in the area exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit may control the restricting unit to continue restricting customer entry to the area even if the customers satisfy the purchase conditions.Viewed from another perspective, the present invention is an entrance restriction method in an entrance restriction system, which acquires customer information, which is information about a customer who attempts to enter an area of ​​a store where restricted products are displayed, and, if the customer attributes identified from the customer information satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted products, releases the restriction by a restriction unit that restricts the customer's entry to the area. Viewed from another perspective, the present invention is a program that causes a computer to realize the functions of acquiring customer information, which is information about a customer who attempts to enter an area of ​​a store where restricted products are displayed, and the function of releasing the restriction by a restriction unit that restricts the customer's entry to the area, if the customer attributes identified from the customer information satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted products. From another perspective, the present invention is a display shelf installed in an area of ​​a store where restricted products are displayed, the display shelf comprising: a display section on which the restricted products are displayed; and a restriction section that restricts customers from touching the restricted products displayed in the display section and, when restriction imposed by the restriction section that restricts customers from entering the area is lifted, lifts the restriction on customers from touching the restricted products. From another perspective, the present invention is a checkout terminal installed in an area of ​​a store where restricted products are displayed, the checkout terminal comprising: a checkout section that processes checkout for the products;

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

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales floor in a store where a store system to which the present embodiment is applied is used. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a store system to which the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a store server. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of entry restriction processing performed by a control unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales floor in a store where a store system to which the present embodiment is applied is used. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a store system to which the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt issued by a printing unit of a receipt issuing device. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a store server.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0021] (Lockable Shelf 30) The lockable shelf 30 is an example of a display shelf, on which restricted products are displayed and which has a locking function that restricts customer access to the restricted products. The lockable shelf 30 is installed in the first area A1. As shown in FIG. 2 , multiple (two in this example) lockable shelves 30 are installed in the first area A1. Each lockable shelf 30 has a display section 31 on which restricted products are displayed and a door 32 that restricts customer access to the restricted products displayed in the display section 31. The lockable shelf 30 has a locking function on the door 32. The lockable shelf 30 has the locking function controlled by the store server 100, and is switched between a locked state in which customers are restricted from opening and closing the door 32, and an unlocked state in which customers are allowed to open and close the door 32. The unlocked state of the lockable shelf 30 is an example of a released state of the locking function.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0037] The purchase condition determination unit 112 determines whether the attributes of a customer attempting to enter the first area A1 satisfy the purchase conditions for the restricted product based on the customer information acquired by the acquisition unit 111. If the customer information acquired by the acquisition unit 111 is certificate data containing information that can verify the customer's attributes, such as a driver's license, the purchase condition determination unit 112 identifies the attributes of the customer attempting to enter the first area A1 based on the certificate data. For example, if the restricted product is an age-restricted product, the purchase condition determination unit 112 applies known image analysis technology or character recognition technology to the certificate data to recognize information that can verify the customer's age, such as a date of birth, included in the certificate. The purchase condition determination unit 112 then identifies the customer's age from the recognized information that can verify the customer's age.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0049] Furthermore, the lock control unit 115 switches the locked shelves 30 from the unlocked state back to the locked state when there are no more customers in the first area A1 based on the identification result by the number-of-customers identification unit 113. This prevents customers who do not meet the purchase conditions from picking up restricted products displayed on the locked shelves 30, for example, if all customers who meet the purchase conditions have left the first area A1 and a customer who does not meet the purchase conditions enters the first area A1 through fraudulent behavior or the like.

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

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

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

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

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

[0055] Furthermore, if the purchase condition determination unit 112 determines that the customer's attributes do not meet the purchase conditions for the restricted item, the transaction control unit 116 maintains the first transaction device 40 in a transaction-restricted state in which transaction processing for the restricted item is not possible. In this case, the customer cannot use the first transaction device 40 to process transaction processing for the restricted item. Generally, the act of taking a restricted item outside the store S without processing transaction processing for the restricted item (so-called "shoplifting") poses a greater risk to the customer than the act of purchasing a restricted item by falsifying the customer's attributes. Therefore, even if transaction processing for the restricted item cannot be performed using the first transaction device 40, the customer is unlikely to take the restricted item outside the store S without processing transaction processing for the restricted item. In this embodiment, by controlling the first transaction device 40 to a state in which transaction processing for the restricted item is not possible when the customer's attributes do not meet the purchase conditions for the restricted item, it is possible to more appropriately deter customers who do not meet the purchase conditions from purchasing the restricted item.

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

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

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

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

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

[0061] A customer entering store S and attempting to enter first area A1 presents a certificate to reader 20. Reader 20 reads the certificate presented by the customer. In control unit 110, acquisition unit 111 acquires customer information such as the certificate data read by reader 20 (step 101).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0070] Next, the control unit 110, the number of people identification unit 113, determines whether there are any customers in the first area A1 (step 109). If there are customers in the first area A1 (YES in step 109), the lock control unit 115 keeps the lockable shelf 30 unlocked, and the accounting control unit 116 keeps the first accounting device 40 ready for payment, and continues the processing of step 109 until there are no more customers in the first area A1.

[0071] On the other hand, if there are no customers in the first area A1 (NO in step 109), the lock control unit 115 switches the lockable shelf 30 from an unlocked state to a locked state (step 110). Furthermore, the accounting control unit 116 switches the first accounting device 40 from a checkout enabled state to a checkout restricted state (step 111). Note that the control unit 110 may perform step 111 in parallel with step 110. With this, the control unit 110 completes the entry restriction process.

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

[0073] Furthermore, in the store system 1, a lockable shelf 30 (an example of a display shelf) installed in the first area A1 where restricted products are displayed includes a display section 31 where the restricted products are displayed, and a door 32 (an example of a restriction section) that restricts customers from interacting with the restricted products displayed in the display section 31 and lifts the restriction on customers from interacting with the restricted products when the restriction imposed by the entrance / exit gate 10 that restricts customers' entry into the first area A1 is lifted. Specifically, the lock function of the lockable shelf 30 is released when the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products and the entrance / exit gate 10 is controlled to allow the customer to enter the first area A1. This eliminates the need for the customer to re-determine whether they meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products in order to release the lock function of the lockable shelf 30, thereby reducing the burden on the customer, such as having to re-present a certificate when retrieving the restricted products from the lockable shelf 30. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to provide a device for acquiring customer information such as certificate data near the lockable shelf 30, which simplifies the configuration of the store system 1 and the processing in the store server 100.

[0074] In addition, in the store system 1, the first accounting device 40 (an example of a checkout terminal) installed in the first area A1 where restricted items are displayed includes a device main body 41 (an example of a checkout unit) that processes the checkout for the restricted items, and the device main body 41 is enabled to process the checkout for the restricted items when the entrance / exit gate 10 that restricts customer entry into the first area A1 is lifted. Specifically, the first accounting device 40 releases the checkout for the restricted items when the customer's attributes meet the purchase conditions for the restricted items and the entrance / exit gate 10 is controlled to allow the customer to enter the first area A1. This eliminates the need for the customer to re-determine whether they meet the purchase conditions for the restricted items in order to enable the first accounting device 40 to process the checkout for the restricted items, thereby reducing the burden on the customer, such as having to re-present a certificate when processing the checkout for the restricted items. Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to provide the first accounting device 40 with a function for acquiring customer information such as certificate data, which simplifies the configuration of the store system 1 and the processing on the store server 100.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0082] (Control Unit 150) The control unit 150 includes an acquisition unit 151 that acquires customer information and information related to the barcode BC, and a purchase condition determination unit 152 that determines whether the customer meets the purchase conditions for the restricted product based on the customer information acquired by the acquisition unit 151. The control unit 150 also includes an issuance control unit 153 that controls the operation of the receipt issuing device 80. The control unit 150 also includes a barcode determination unit 154 that determines the barcode BC. The control unit 150 also includes a gate control unit 155 that controls the operation of the entrance / exit gate 10, a lock control unit 156 that controls the operation of the lockable shelf 30, and an accounting control unit 157 that controls the operation of the first accounting device 40. Note that in the control unit 150 of embodiment 2, components similar to those of the control unit 110 of embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0094] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1... Store system, 10... Entrance / exit gate, 20... Reading device, 30... Locked shelf, 40... First accounting device, 50... Second accounting device, 60... Display device, 70... Photography device, 80... Receipt issuing device, 90... Receipt reading device, 100... Store server, 110, 150... Control unit, 200... Center server

Claims

1. A store system comprising: a restriction unit that restricts customer entry into an area in a store where restricted products are displayed; an acquisition unit that acquires customer information that is information about customers attempting to enter said area; and a control unit that controls the restriction unit to allow customers to enter said area if the customer attributes identified from the customer information meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products.

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

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

4. A store system as described in claim 3, wherein a plurality of payment terminals are installed in the area, and the control unit controls each of the payment terminals so that payment for the restricted items is possible when the customer meets the purchase conditions.

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

6. A store system as described in claim 2 or 3, further comprising a notification unit that, if a customer commits an unauthorized act when entering the area, notifies other devices that can control the restriction unit of information that the unauthorized act has been committed, and the control unit, based on instructions from the other devices that have received the notification, controls the lock function that restricts customers from touching the restricted products on the display shelves on which the restricted products are displayed to be released, or controls the payment terminal that processes the payment for the products to enable payment for the restricted products.

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

8. An entrance restriction method in an entrance restriction system, comprising: acquiring customer information relating to a customer attempting to enter an area of ​​a store where restricted products are displayed; and, if the customer attributes identified from the customer information meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products, lifting the restriction imposed by a restriction unit that restricts the customer's entry into the area.

9. A program that enables a computer to perform the following functions: acquire customer information, which is information about customers who are attempting to enter an area in a store where restricted products are displayed; and, if the customer attributes identified from the customer information meet the purchase conditions for the restricted products, lift the restriction imposed by the restriction unit that restricts customers from entering the area.

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

11. A checkout terminal installed in an area of ​​a store where restricted products are displayed, the checkout terminal having a checkout unit that processes the checkout for the products, restricting the checkout processing for the restricted products by the checkout unit, and enabling the checkout processing for the restricted products by the checkout unit when the restriction by the restriction unit that restricts customers from entering the area is lifted.

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