Abstract:
Conventionally, to acquire specific information of a customer, acquisition of the information is only possible by using information such as a bank account number owned by the customer, and further it is not possible to present information beneficial to the customer unless information owned by the customer is acquired from the customer. More specifically, there is a problem in that much time is necessary for a customer or a system operator to input such information. 
     To solve the above-stated problem, the present invention outputs information associated with a customer by using biometric information including a face image. More specifically, biometric information is acquired from a user of a first terminal unit included in a plurality of terminal units, and information associated with an operation made by the user is identified. Then, when the user is going to use a second terminal unit (or when the second terminal unit executes processing of information on the user based on inputs by a third party, etc.), biometric information is acquired from the user, and information that is identified by an operation made on the first terminal unit is retrieved for output by using the biometric information.

Description:
CLAIMS OF PRIORITY 
   The present application claims priority from Japanese application serial no. JP2004-321453, filed on Nov. 5, 2004, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a sales shop system which realizes work tasks by using a plurality of information processing apparatuses located inside or outside a sales shop, and more specifically, to presentation of display content including merchandise information and advertising information appropriate for each customer. 
   Conventionally, systems that present merchandise information according to customers include a system described in patent document 1 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,521). Patent Document 1 describes a system in which information for identifying a customer is received, attribute information of the customer who is identified by the information is retrieved, and then merchandise information having customer conditions that satisfy the attribute information is output. With such a system, it is possible to rapidly provide merchandise information that matches customer needs. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   However, the system described Patent Document 1 is needed to input information for identifying a customer. For example, to acquire specific information of a customer, acquisition of the information is only possible by using information such as a bank account number owned by the customer, and further it is not possible to present information beneficial to the customer unless information owned by the customer is acquired from the customer. More specifically, the system referred to in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that much time is necessary for a customer or a system operator to input such information. In addition, the problem also causes another problem in that, since it is not possible, when a visitor to the shop is waiting at the lobby, to identify the waiting customer, it is difficult to go on sales activities. 
   Further, no special attention has been paid to use of information to be received from a customer for transmission of information, and information has been transmitted in one way by using an information display device. 
   To solve the above-stated problems, the present invention is configured to output information appropriate for each customer by using biometric information including a face image. More specifically, biometric information is acquired from a user of a first terminal unit, and information associated with operations by the user is identified. Then, when the user is going to use a second terminal unit (or when the second terminal unit executes processing of information on the user based on inputs by a third party, etc.), biometric information is acquired from the user, and information that is identified by operations on the first terminal unit is retrieved for output by using the biometric information. 
   According to the present invention, it is possible to identify merchandise information appropriate for each customer more easily and present the information. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a network configuration diagram including a sales shop system and an information processing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating an example of a display content storing table according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an example of a customer face image temporary storing table according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an example of a customer information table according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a customer face image acquisition flow (information display terminal unit) in a method for controlling the sales shop system and the information processing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a customer face image acquisition flow (terminal unit at counter) in a method for controlling the sales shop system and the information processing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a sales information display flow (ATM) in a method for controlling the sales shop system and the information processing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a sales information display flow (terminal unit at counter) in a method for controlling the sales shop system and the information processing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described. 
     FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a system configuration of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system includes a group of terminal units such as information display terminal units  110 , reception terminal units  120 , ATMs  130 , and counter terminal units  140 , all of which are in a sales shop  100 , a sales shop system server  160 , and a CRM server  170 . Every terminal unit in the sales shop  100  and a group of the servers are connected to each other via a network  180 . The network  180  can be an adequate network. 
   The sales shop system server  160  includes a display content storing unit  161 , a face image storing unit  163 , a face image verification unit  162 , and a system linkage unit  164 . The display content storing unit  161  stores merchandise information that was previewed by a customer on a first information processing apparatus in a sales shop. The face image storing unit  163  acquires a face image of a customer when the customer previewed the merchandise information on a second information processing apparatus in the sales shop and stores the face image. The face image verification unit  162  verifies the face image information that is acquired and stored in the first information processing apparatus and the face image that is acquired by the second information processing apparatus. The system linkage unit  164  establishes linkage with other systems. 
   The sales shop  100  includes: the information display terminal units  110 ; customer proximity detectors  111  which detect that a customer has come in proximity to the information display terminal unit  110 ; timers  112  which, when the customer remains in proximity to the system after being detected, measures the time; face image acquisition units  113  which acquire a face image in the information display terminal unit  110 ; and cameras  115  which captures a face image of the customer according to an order from the face image acquisition unit  113 . The sales shop  100  further includes: the reception terminal units  120 ; card information acquisition units  121  which acquire card information when the card is inserted into the reception terminal unit  120 ; face image acquisition units  122  which acquire a face image in the reception terminal unit  120 ; cameras  125  which capture a face image of the customer according to an order from the face image acquisition unit  122 ; and card readers  126  which read card information according to an order from the card information acquisition unit  121 . The sales shop  100  further includes: the ATMs  130 ; card information acquisition units  131  which acquire card information when a card is inserted into the ATM  130 ; face image acquisition units  132  which capture a face image in the ATM  130 ; cameras  135  which capture a face image of the customer according to an order from the face image acquisition unit  132 ; and card readers  136  which read card information according to an order from the face image acquisition unit  132 ; and counter terminal units  140  which are each operated by a clerk when the clerk deals directly with the customer at the counter. 
   The cameras which capture a face image of a customer according to an order from a face image acquisition unit incorporated in each of the information display terminal unit  110 , the reception terminal  120  and the ATM  130  may be integrated with the casing of each of these terminal units. In addition, the cameras which capture a face image of a customer according to an order from, a face image acquisition unit incorporated in each of the information display terminal unit  110 , the reception terminal  120  and the ATM  130  output identifiers which are associated with those terminal units, respectively. 
   Next, tables according to the present invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 4 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a display content storing table  2000  which stores merchandise information that is previewed by a customer on an apparatus in a sales shop, and the table includes a face image number  2100  and display content  2200 . In the embodiment, the table is managed by the display content storing unit  161  in the sales shop  100 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates a customer face image temporary storing table  3000  which stores a face image of a customer, and the table includes a face image number  3100 , face image capturing time  3200 , a face image  3300  and a bank account number  3400 . In the embodiment, the table is managed by the face image storing unit  163  in the sales shop  100  and is acquired by the face image verification unit  162 . It is not always necessary that a value is entered for the bank account number  3400 . 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a customer information table  4000  on which information on a product that attracted interest of a customer is stored, and the table includes a bank account number  4100  and information on interest  4200 . The information on interest means such information that is assumed necessary for a customer or to attract interest of a customer. In the embodiment, the table is managed by a customer information controller  171  which is in the CRM server  170 . However, a change may be made flexibly as to which server manages the table. In addition, items other than the bank account number  4100  may be changed flexibly according to customer information required. 
   The embodiment is characterized in that the system temporarily stores a face image of a customer that is acquired by a first information processing apparatus in the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 , and verifies a face image that is acquired by a second information processing apparatus which is different from the first information processing apparatus, thus enabling presentation of the merchandise information that is previewed by the customer on the first information processing apparatus or information on interest of the customer without acquiring information owned by the customer from the customer. In the embodiment, the display content storing table  2000 , the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 , and the customer information table  4000  are managed by a database, but the management method thereof can be chosen freely. 
   The table configuration which is used in the system is as stated above. 
   Next, processing procedures of the present invention will be described. 
   Here, processing in the information display terminal unit  110 , processing in the reception terminal unit  120 , processing in the ATM  130  and processing in the counter terminal unit  140  will be described in details with reference to the flow charts in  FIG. 5 to 8 . 
     FIG. 5  illustrates processing wherein, when merchandise information is displayed on the information display terminal unit  110 , the system server at sales shop  160  makes changes on the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  based on the face image of the customer captured in accordance with the proximity time of the customer along with the merchandise information displayed. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates processing wherein, when a customer conducts operations on the reception terminal unit  120 , the sales shop system server  160  makes changes on the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  based on the face image of the customer captured along with information of a card owned by the customer, if acquired. 
     FIG. 7  illustrates processing wherein, when a customer conducts operations on the ATM  130 , if a face image of the customer is captured and information of a card owned by the customer is acquired, the sales shop system server  160  uses both the face image and the card information to search the display content storing table  2000 , the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  and the customer information table  4000  for information that the customer previewed on other information processing apparatuses or information on interest of the customer and instructs the ATM  130  to display the information thus found. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates processing wherein, when a clerk chooses a customer to be called up on the counter terminal unit  140 , the system server at sales shop  160  retrieves information that the customer previewed on other information processing apparatuses or information on interest of the customer from the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  and the customer information table  4000  and displays such information on the counter terminal unit  140 . 
   First, processing procedures for stages from detection of customer proximity with the information terminal unit  110  to updating of the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  will be described with reference to the diagram illustrating a customer face image acquisition flow (information display terminal unit) in  FIG. 5 . 
     FIG. 5  shows a processing flow in the information terminal unit  110  and the camera  115  as well as that in the system server at sales shop  160 . 
   It should be noted first that various types of merchandise information are displayed on the information display terminal unit  110 . 
   When a customer who visits the sales shop with an intention for a certain transaction comes in proximity to the information display terminal unit  110 , the information display terminal unit  110  detects that the customer comes in proximity within a given distance to the terminal unit or to a given position (Step  501 ). The detection is made by a human presence detection sensor or the like which is installed in the information display terminal unit  110 . 
   The information display terminal unit  110 , when it detects customer proximity, starts acquiring elapsed time after the proximity (Step  502 ). It should be noted that the time counting can be performed by using a built-in timer. When the customer remains in proximity to the terminal unit for a set length of time or longer, the information display terminal unit  110  detects the status (Step  503 ) and captures a face image of the customer (Step  504 ). It should be noted that capturing of a face image may be started instead of using time counting, when an operation is detected on the information display terminal unit  110 . In this case, the procedure should be included in which the information display terminal unit  110  starts capturing a face image when merchandise information according to operations by the customer is displayed. In addition, the procedure should be included in which the information display terminal unit  110  displays merchandise information by detecting proximity of a customer or positioning of a customer in a specified position. 
   Then, the information display terminal unit  110  transmits the face image data of the customer that is captured by the camera  115  and the merchandise information (content data) that is displayed on the information display terminal unit  110  to the sales shop system server  160  (Step  505 ). 
   The sales shop system server  160  stores the face image data and the content data that are transmitted from the information display terminal unit  110  in the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 . Here, the sales shop system server  160  associates a face image number, which is the common identifier for the transmitted face image data and the content data, with both of the data, and stores the respective data in the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  and the display content storing table  2000  (Step  506 ). With such arrangement, it is possible to store the face image data and the content data in an associated manner. For this purpose, the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  and the display content storing table  2000  may be integrated into one table. 
   The above description is given of the processing procedures by the information display terminal unit  110  for the stages from detection of customer proximity to updating of the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 . 
   Next, processing procedures by the reception terminal unit  120  for stages from detection of customer proximity to updating of the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  will be described with reference to the customer face image acquisition flow (reception terminal unit) illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     FIG. 6  shows processing flows in the reception terminal unit  120  and the camera  125  as well as a processing flow in the sales shop system server  160 . 
   It should be noted that a menu window for reception is displayed on the reception terminal unit  120 . When a customer who visits the sales shop with an intention for a certain transaction has made an operation on the reception terminal unit  120 , the reception terminal unit  120  detects the operation by the customer (Step  601 ) and captures a face image of the customer by using the camera  125  (Step  602 ). 
   Then, the customer inserts a card owned by the customer when conducting reception by using the reception terminal unit  120 . At this time the reception terminal unit  120  checks the card (Step  603 ). The reception terminal unit  120 , when it detects no insertion of the card owned by the customer, combines and transmits the face image data of the customer which was captured by the camera  125  and the merchandise information (content data) that is displayed on the reception terminal unit  120  to the sales shop system server  160  (Step  604 ). 
   The face image data and the content data that are transmitted from the reception terminal unit  120  are stored in the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  by the sales shop system server  160  (Step  605 ). 
   In addition, when it detects insertion of the card owned by the customer, the reception terminal unit  120  combines and transmits the face image data of the customer that was captured by the camera  125 , merchandise information (content data) that is currently displayed on the information display terminal unit  110  and the bank account information that is stored on the card to the sales shop system server  160  (Step  606 ). 
   The sales shop system server  160  stores the face image data and the content data that are transmitted from the reception terminal unit  120  as well as the bank account information in the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  (Step  607 ). Here, the sales shop system server  160  associates a face image number, which is the common identifier for the transmitted face image data and the content data, with both of the data, and stores the data in the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  and the display content storing table  2000 , respectively. With such arrangement, it is possible to store the face image data, the content data and the bank account information in an associated manner. For this purpose, the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  and the display content storing table  2000  may be integrated into one table. 
   The above description is given of the processing procedures by the reception terminal unit  120  for stages from detection of the customer&#39;s operation to updating of the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 . 
   The above is the description on processing procedures by the reception terminal unit  120  for stages from detection of the customer&#39;s operation to updating of the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 . 
   Next, processing procedures by the ATM  130  for stages from detection of the customer&#39;s operation and display of the sales window to updating of the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  will be described with reference to the sales information display flow (ATM) illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     FIG. 7  shows a processing flow in the ATM  130  and the camera  135  as well as that in sales shop system server  160 . 
   It should be noted first that a menu window for reception is displayed on the ATM  130 . When a customer who visits the sales shop with an intention for a certain transaction operates the ATM  130 , the ATM  130  detects the operation by the customer (Step  701 ) and captures a face image of the customer by using the camera  135  (Step  702 ), and transmits the face image data of the customer to the sales shop system server  160  (Step  703 ). 
   Next, the ATM  130  detects whether or not the customer has inserted the card (Step  704 ). Note that this card, including, what is called, a cash card, is a card that is used for using services provided by the sales shop concerned and an organization to which other sales shops belong. 
   When the ATM  130  does not detect insertion of a card in Step  704 , the sales shop system server  160  searches the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  for the same face image as the face image data that is transmitted from the ATM  130  (Step  705 ). Here, the search for the same face image data includes searching for a face image that is judged as the same person. In addition, the search for the same image data may be replaced by searching for a corresponding face image. For example, face images subjected to data conversion including data compression are stored in a customer face image temporary storing table, and corresponding images will be retrieved. 
   When the sales shop system server  160  does not find a corresponding face image on the customer face image temporary storing table, the ATM displays the next window inducing the customer to execute a subsequent transaction (Step  706 ). 
   When it finds the face image entered, from the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  during the retrieval operation in Step  705 , the sales shop system server  160  checks whether the bank account number  3400  of the customer associated with the face image that was found from the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  is stored (Step  707 ). 
   Further, when the ATM  130  detects insertion of the card in Step  704 , the sales shop system server  160  checks whether the bank account number  3400  of the customer stored in the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  exists or not (Step  707 ). More specifically, the ATM  130  reads the customer&#39;s bank account number  3400  recorded on the card, and transmits the bank account number  3400  thus read to the sales shop system server  160 . The sales shop system server  160  searches the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  for the bank account number transmitted. 
   The sales shop system server  160 , when the bank account number  3400  does not exist on the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 , searches the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  for face image data that corresponds to the customer face image transmitted in Step  703 . As a result of this search, the sales shop system server  160  acquires the face image number  3100  thus retrieved and acquires the display content  2200  which corresponds to the face image number  3100  (Step  708 ). 
   Upon having acquired the display content  2200  which corresponds to the face image number  3100 , the system server at sales shop  160  instructs the ATM  130  to display the display content  2200  as a sales window (Step  709 ). Further, a general advertisement may be displayed when it is judged that no adequate image data is available in Step  705 . For example, general advertisement information related to the sales shop concerned is stored in the display content storing table  2000 , while being associated with a face image number  000  (unused number). Then, when it is judged that no adequate image data is available in Step  705 , the advertising information will be output. Here, the face image number needs only to be identified as a number used when a judgment is made as “no adequate image available”, and it may either be a letter string “no adequate image” or “NULL.” In addition, examples of the display content include information other than advertising information such as a video image of landscape and a game. In this case, “000” may be stored in the face image number  3100  on the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 , and records of the face image capturing time  3200 , the face image  3300  and the bank account No.  3400  which are associated with the face image number  3100 , “000”, may be stated as “NULL.” Further, information that the face image number  3100 , “000”, is an unused number may be stated in the above-stated records. Furthermore, the embodiment includes the procedure of terminating processing at this stage. 
   In addition, the system server at sales shop  160 , when the bank account number  3400  exists on the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 , acquires the information on interest  4200  which corresponds to the bank account number  3400  from the customer information table  4000  (Step  710 ). The sales shop system server  160  instructs the ATM  130  to display the information on interest  4200  acquired in Step  710  as a sales window (CRM linkage data) (Step  711 ). 
   The term “CRM linkage data” used here means information that is associated with information that can identify the customer (a bank account number, etc.), such as the information previewed by the customer inside or outside the sales shop and information that attracted interest of the customer. 
   The ATM  130 , after displaying the sales window (CRM linkage data), detects completion of transaction and transmits the face image of the customer and the transaction that is handled by the customer to the sales shop system server  160  (Step  712 ). 
   The sales shop system server  160  stores the customer&#39;s face image transmitted from the ATM  130 , and the bank account information and the display content contained in the data of transaction handled by the customer in the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  and the display content storing table  2000 , respectively (Step  713 ). Here, the sales shop system server  160  associates a face image number, which is the common identifier for the transmitted face image data and the content data, with both of the data, and stores the data in the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  and the display content storing table  2000 , respectively. With such arrangement, it is possible to store the face image data, the bank account data and the content data in an associated manner. For this purpose, the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  and the display content storing table  2000  may be integrated into one table. 
   The above description is given of the processing procedures by the ATM  130  for stages from detection of customer&#39;s operation to updating of the display content storing table  2000  and the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 . 
   Next, a transaction by using the counter terminal unit  140  will be described with reference to the sales information display flow (counter terminal unit) illustrated in  FIG. 8 . More specifically, processing procedures covering stages from display of a waiting customer list window to display of a sales window will be described. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a flow of processing in the counter terminal unit  140  and a flow of processing in the sales shop system server  160 . 
   It should be noted first that a list of customers who have made preliminary transactions by using the information display terminal unit  110 , the reception terminal unit  120  and/or the ATM  130  and need transactions with clerks in charge of the counter terminal unit  140  is displayed on the counter terminal unit  140  (Step  801 ). 
   More specifically, the sales shop system server  160  receives information on the transaction which is preliminarily input on the reception terminal unit  120  and/or the ATM  130  and transmits the information to the counter terminal unit  140  in accordance with a request from the counter terminal unit  140 . Then, the counter terminal unit  140  displays the information. 
   The counter terminal unit  140 , upon detecting that the clerk has selected a customer (or the transaction itself) who executes a transaction according to the list displayed, transmits customer data concerning the customer who is correspond to the selection result to the sales shop system server  160  (Step  802 ). It should be noted, however, that the customer data needs only to be any data that can identify the face image of the customer and includes a face image number, a bank account number and a face image. In addition, the customer data may be transmitted from the terminal unit at counter  140  according to selection of a customer by the clerk on the displayed list. 
   The sales shop system server  160  searches the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  for the face image data  3300  by using the customer data (Step  803 ). 
   The sales shop system server  160  checks if the bank account number  3400  which corresponds to the face image data  3300  of the customer exists in the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  or the customer information table  4000  (Step  804 ). More specifically, the sales shop system server  160  searches the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  or the customer information table  4000  for the transmitted customer data as a key. 
   The system server at sales shop  160 , when the adequate bank account number does not exist on the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  (or the customer information table  4000 ) in Step  804 , acquires the face image number  3100  that corresponds to the customer face image temporary storing table  3000 . For this purpose, the retrieval result of the face image data in Step  803  may be used. In other words, the sales shop system server  160  acquires the face image number which corresponds to the face image that is retrieved in Step  803 . Then, the sales shop system server  160  acquires the display content  2200  which corresponds to the acquired face image number  3100  and the transaction data of the customer from the display content storing table  2000  as the detailed data on the customer (Step  805 ). 
   The sales shop system server  160  instructs the counter terminal unit  140  to display the detailed data on the customer as the customer&#39;s detailed data and the sales window (Step  806 ). For example, the sales shop system server  160  may transmit the customer&#39;s detailed data to the counter terminal unit  140  for display. 
   Further, the sales shop system server  160 , when the adequate bank account number  3400  of the customer exists on the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  in Step  804 , acquires the customer&#39;s bank account number  3400  that is adequate for the customer face image temporary storing table  3000  in which data of the customer is stored, and, from the customer information table  4000 , acquires the information on interest  4200  which is available on the bank account number  4100  corresponding to the bank account number  3400  of the customer (Step  807 ). 
   The sales shop system server  160 , upon acquiring the information on interest  4200  corresponding to the bank account number  3400  of the customer, instructs the counter terminal unit  140  to display the information on interest  4200  as the customer&#39;s detailed data and the sales window (CRM linkage data) (Step  808 ). The CRM linkage data used here means data in which the information that is previewed by the customer outside or inside the sales shop, the information that attracts interest of the customer, etc. are stored, as is the case with the CRM data used in the ATM  130 . 
   By instructing the counter terminal unit  140  to display the information as the customer&#39;s detailed data and the sales window (CRM linkage data), it is possible for the clerk to execute sales activities by using the customer&#39;s detailed data or the CRM linkage data to the customer who is waiting at the lobby of the sales shop. 
   The above description is given of processing procedures by the counter terminal unit  140  for stages from displaying of a window for list of waiting customers to displaying of the sales window. 
   It should be noted that the present invention should include the following processing performed when a person other than the principal person such as a family member of the holder of a bank account makes a visit to the sales shop. 
   In Step  704 , the process will advance to Step  705  even when the card is inserted. Further, in a case where the adequate image is available in Step  705 , the process will advance to Step  707 . In Step  707 , a comparison is carried out between the face image data which is contained in the bank account information and the data of face image which is captured in Step  702  (or the face image data that is stored in the customer face image temporary storing table). Then, when the comparison reveals no accordance and the card is inserted, it is controlled to advance the process to Step  708  even if the bank account information is available. With such arrangement, it is possible to present sales information according to visitors when a representative of the customer visits the shop. 
   Further, the customer&#39;s face image may be associated with the bank account number  4100  and the information on interest  4200  and stored on the customer information table  4000  in advance. Here, not only the face image of the customer, but also face images of persons such as family members who are likely to visit the shop on behalf of the customer may be stored on the table. In this case, authentication may be carried out by using the face image that is stored on the customer information table  4000 . More specifically, a comparison will be made between a face image that is captured by at least one camera out of the cameras  115 ,  125  and  135  and the face image stored on the customer information table  4000 . As a result, when the face image does not coincide with either of the face image, for example, of the principal customer or a family member of the customer that is stored in advance, the transaction will be suspended, assuming that the person is a fraudulent user. Alternatively, in stead of suspending the transaction, a message telling fraudulent use and the face image (that is captured by the cameras  115 ,  125  or  135 ) of the fraudulent user may be displayed on the terminal unit at counter  140 . 
   In the above, the specific description of the present invention has been made based on the preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments stated in the above, and the present invention may be modified in various ways so far as not departing from the scope of the present invention.