Article sales data processing device and program

Abstract

To assist in facilitating tax exemption procedures.SOLUTION: An article sales data processing device includes registration means, calculation means, and display control means. The registration means registers articles to be purchased by customers. The calculation means calculates the difference between the total amount for each duty-free category of the articles registered by the registration means and the amount eligible for duty-free. The display control means displays the duty-free category and the difference calculated by the calculation means if there is a duty-free category for which the total amount is not within the range of duty-free amounts set in advance for each duty-free category.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, goods purchased by foreign tourists and others are exempt from consumption tax (hereinafter referred to as "tax-free") when taken out of the country. Tax-free goods are classified into either the consumable goods category or the general goods category. Goods classified into the consumable goods category are goods (items) that can be consumed domestically, such as food and beverages. Goods classified into the general goods category are goods (items) used in everyday life, such as clothing and home appliances, and are goods other than the consumable goods category. Goods that fall into either the consumable goods category or the general goods category are eligible for tax-free exemption if they meet certain conditions set forth for each category.

[0003] To be eligible for tax exemption, a store clerk performs tax exemption procedures at the store. Tax exemption procedures include procedures for packing consumable goods, procedures for changing tax exemption categories, and procedures for shipping goods overseas. In the packing procedures for consumable goods, the clerk seals the package with a sticker that allows visual confirmation of opening if the package is opened. In the tax exemption category change procedures, the clerk changes a general goods category product to a consumable category if certain conditions are met. In the shipping procedures, the clerk arranges for packing and shipping if there is a product to be shipped directly overseas.

[0004] A related technology is a cash register that registers products into tax-free categories for consumables and general goods, and prints the tax-free category of the product information on a receipt by decoding the barcode attached to the product (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-232773 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the conventional technology, a store clerk who is not familiar with the tax-free procedure must ask a store clerk who is familiar with the procedure or must look up the information himself or herself when carrying out the tax-free procedure, which can result in the store clerk being unable to carry out the tax-free procedure smoothly.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can support the smooth execution of tax exemption procedures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device that comprises: a registration means for registering products purchased by a customer; a calculation means for calculating the difference between the total amount for each tax-free category of products registered by the registration means and a tax-free amount set in advance for each tax-free category; and a display control means for displaying, if there is a tax-free category for which the total amount is not within the range of the tax-free amount, the tax-free category and the difference calculated by the calculation means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic external view of a POS register 3. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a POS register 3. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a product master 400. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a shipping company table 500. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a product registration process performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the POS register 3 when a subtotal key is pressed. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a process during tax exemption declaration performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a tax-exemption display process performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 10A] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a tax-free category change process performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 10B] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a tax-free category change process performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a transportation category change process performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a passport information input process performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 21 when registering a product. [Figure 14] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen used when accepting a change of tax-free category when the total price of products in the consumables category exceeds the tax-free amount. FIG. [Figure 15A] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen after changing the tax-free category. [Figure 15B] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change acceptance screen in the case where, if an exclusion candidate is excluded from the consumables category, the amount is no longer subject to tax exemption. [Figure 16] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 21 when changing a shipping category. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection screen relating to international shipping, which is displayed on the store clerk display unit 21. [Figure 18]FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen when the confirmation button is pressed on the tax exemption home screen and the amount is not subject to tax exemption; [Figure 19] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a screen displayed when inputting passport information and a screen displayed thereafter. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a document issued by a POS register 3 in a tax-free transaction. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a delivery list 2100. [Figure 22] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of the tax-free category when the total amount of the consumable category is less than the tax-free target amount. FIG. [Diagram 23] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of the tax-free category when the total amount of the consumable category is less than the tax-free target amount. FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of the tax-free category when the total amount of the general goods category is less than the tax-free amount. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of the tax-free category when the total amount of the general goods category is less than the tax-free amount. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 2, a POS register 3, and each device connected by wire or wirelessly via a communication line 6 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Although Fig. 1 shows a plurality of POS registers 3, the number of POS registers 3 may be one.

[0011] The store controller 2 is a management device that performs administrative processes such as managing product information, tallying up sales records of duty-free shops, and managing customer information. The store controller 2 stores member information, a product master 400 (see FIG. 4) that stores product information for each product, and a shipping company table 500 (see FIG. 5). The product master 400 will be described in detail later, but it is product information that associates, for example, product codes, product names, and prices for each product.

[0012] The POS register 3 is an example of a product sales data processing device. The POS register 3 is a cash register device that includes a product registration processing unit and a settlement processing unit. The product registration processing unit executes a product registration process to register products. Specifically, the product registration processing unit generates registration information for products to be purchased by a customer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "purchased products"). The settlement processing unit executes a settlement process to settle the total amount of the purchased products (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "purchase amount") based on the registration information generated by the product registration processing unit.

[0013] Here, transactions include normal transactions which are subject to consumption tax, and tax-free transactions which are exempt from consumption tax (hereinafter referred to as "tax-exempt"). Tax-free transactions are transactions which are exempt from tax when a non-resident staying temporarily in Japan purchases a product, for example, on the condition that the product is taken out of the country. Non-residents include foreign tourists and Japanese nationals who have temporarily returned to Japan. Non-residents hold a passport or similar document. When a non-resident purchases a product at a store in Japan, depending on the product, it may be exempt from tax if the purchase amount is a specified amount (hereinafter referred to as the "tax-exempt amount").

[0014] Goods (products) eligible for tax exemption are classified into tax-free categories. Tax-free categories include, for example, the consumables category and the general goods category. Goods classified into the consumables category include, for example, food, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics. The tax-exemption condition for tax exemption for the consumables category is, for example, that the total purchase amount of the consumables category by the same non-resident (such as a foreign purchaser) at the same store on one day is the tax-exempt amount for the consumables category. The tax-exempt amount for the consumables category is, for example, an amount between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen.

[0015] When products in the consumables category are tax-free, they are specially packaged by store clerks so that they cannot be used within the country. Special packaging means, for example, sealing the product with a sticker that makes it possible to visually determine if the product has been opened, or attaching a purchase record slip (stick-on receipt) that shows the contents of the packaged product.

[0016] Goods (products) classified in the general goods category are goods other than consumables, and are mainly used in everyday life, such as home appliances, kimonos, clothes, bags, etc. The condition for tax exemption in the general goods category is that the total amount of sales of the general goods category to the same non-resident (foreign buyer, etc.) at the same store on one day is the tax exemption amount for the general goods category. The tax exemption amount for the general goods category is 5,000 yen or more.

[0017] In addition, if a product is classified as a general item, it can be classified as a consumable item if it meets certain conditions. Specifically, the condition is that the total price of the product and the consumable item must be 5,000 yen or more and 500,000 yen or less.

[0018] The POS register 3 can perform tax-free processing including tax-free product registration processing in addition to normal processing including normal product registration processing. In the tax-free processing, processing according to the tax-free category is performed. In the tax-free transaction, the POS register 3 generates and prints tax-free documents.

[0019] Tax-free documents include receipts to be affixed to product packaging and delivery lists used when directly shipping overseas. Tax-free documents may also include documents to be affixed to passports (purchase record slips and purchaser's pledges). However, in this embodiment, information equivalent to a purchase record slip is sent from the store to a specified institution (e.g. the National Tax Agency), and for this reason, a purchase record slip is not issued. In addition, the store explains the necessary matters (matters that consumables will not be disposed of within the country) to the purchaser, and for this reason, a purchaser's pledge is not issued.

[0020] Any of the multiple POS registers 3 in the POS system 1 may be used as a service counter terminal. The service counter terminal accepts shipments, returns, and ordering of products purchased by customers, as well as sales of gift certificates. The service counter terminal also receives and manages transaction information indicating the products and amounts for each transaction at each POS register 3 from each POS register 3. The service counter terminal also manages transaction information for each transaction for which tax exemption processing has been performed at each POS register 3 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "tax-exempt transactions").

[0021] Each device in the POS system 1 may include a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal is a terminal device such as a mobile phone or a smartphone carried by a store clerk. The mobile terminal may be lent to each store clerk or may be owned by each store clerk. In response to a call request from the POS register 3 (including the service counter terminal), the mobile terminal notifies the request or receives the call.

[0022] (Example of the appearance of the POS register 3) Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic external appearance of the POS register 3. In this embodiment, Fig. 2(a) is a perspective view of the POS register 3 as seen from the operator (store clerk) side. Fig. 2(b) is a perspective view of the POS register 3 as seen from the customer side. As shown in Figs. 2(a) and 2(b), the POS register 3 comprises a store clerk display unit 21, a key operation unit 22, a customer display unit 23, a card payment unit 24, and a printing unit 25.

[0023] The clerk display unit 21 is a touch display operated by the clerk. The clerk display unit 21 displays preset keys and the like, displays various information to the clerk, and accepts various inputs from the clerk.

[0024] The key operation unit 22 is a keyboard provided with various keys. The various keys are operation keys (hardware keys or buttons) such as numeric keys for inputting quantities and prices, keys corresponding to products for registering products, and a closing key for closing the transaction. The key operation unit 22 accepts various inputs from store clerks.

[0025] The customer display unit 23 is a touch display that displays various information to the customer. The customer display unit 23 displays various information to the customer and accepts various inputs from the customer. For example, when a product that requires age verification is registered, the customer display unit 23 displays an age verification screen and accepts an age verification operation from the customer.

[0026] The card payment unit 24 is a payment mechanism using a contact card (e.g., a magnetic card). Cards read by the card payment unit 24 include credit cards, point cards, prepaid cards, and the like. The card payment unit 24 also includes a payment mechanism using a non-contact card (IC card). Specifically, the card payment unit 24 is a reading device that reads a non-contact card, and may include an externally connected reading device. The card payment unit 24 is capable of making a payment using information read by the reading device.

[0027] The printing unit 25 is a printer device that prints out detailed statements of the purchased items as various forms (receipts). In addition to receipts, the printing unit 25 also prints tax-free documents in tax-free transactions.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the POS register 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the POS register 3 includes, in addition to the components shown in Fig. 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a communication unit 34, a scanner unit 35, and a drawer 36. The components shown in Fig. 3 are connected to each other via an internal bus and a communication line.

[0029] The CPU 31 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS register 3 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 32 . The ROM 32 is a read-only memory, and stores various programs such as the product sales data processing program according to this embodiment, as well as various types of information used by the CPU 31.

[0030] The RAM 33 is a read / write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 33 stores information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing. The information acquired from the outside is, for example, product information 401 acquired from a product master 400 (see FIG. 4) stored in the store controller 2, and carrier information 501 acquired from a carrier table 500 (see FIG. 5). The information generated during processing is, for example, registration information generated in a product registration process for registering products, and settlement information generated in a settlement process for settling purchased products. The POS register 3 may include other memories such as a hard disk in addition to the RAM 33.

[0031] The communication unit 34 transmits and receives information between the store controller 2 and other POS registers 3.

[0032] The scanner unit 35 optically reads code information (for example, barcodes or two-dimensional codes) attached to products and clerk codes attached to clerk nametags. The scanner unit 35 also reads code information written on product catalogs and product order sheets. In addition to the above, the scanner unit 35 also reads accounting coupons (registered trademark) in which registration information generated in other POS registers 3 is coded, gift coupons, and codes printed on various cards.

[0033] The drawer 36 is a storage unit that stores bills and coins received from a customer. The drawer 36 is designed to be pulled out in response to the operation of the key operation unit 22. The audio output unit 37 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 37 outputs a sound when a product is read, an operation sound of the key operation unit 22, a warning sound, audio guidance, and the like.

[0034] The POS register 3 may also include an automatic change machine (not shown). The automatic change machine is a mechanism for making settlements with cash. The automatic change machine has a deposit slot for banknotes and coins, and a change outlet for banknotes and coins. The automatic change machine calculates the amount of money inserted into the deposit slot, and the change amount, which is the difference between the amount inserted and the purchase amount, and discharges the calculated change amount from the change outlet. The deposit slot and change outlet may be positioned facing the customer, i.e., the customer may insert cash and take out the change themselves.

[0035] (About the data structure of Product Master 400) 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the product master 400. The product master 400 is a table that stores product information for each product. The product master 400 is stored in the store controller 2, for example.

[0036] 4, product master 400 includes items such as product code, product name, tax-free category, price, change of tax-free category, whether or not the product can be brought in, whether or not the shipping category can be changed, and size. By setting information in each item, product information 401 is stored as a record. Note that the items in product master 400 shown in FIG. 4 are merely examples, and other items may be included, such as an item indicating the product classification, an item indicating the discount rate if the product is eligible for a discount, and an item indicating whether or not age verification is required.

[0037] The product code is identification information that is uniquely assigned to a product. The product name is the name of the product. For example, the product code "12345678" is assigned to the product name "XX lotion" indicated in the product information 401a.

[0038] The tax-free category includes a consumables category and a general goods category. For example, the product name "XX lotion" shown in the product information 401a indicates the consumables category, and the product name "XX metal bat" shown in the product information 401b indicates the general goods category. Although not shown, in the case of a product that indicates the provision of a service such as labor, the tax-free category is set to "-" indicating that it does not fall into either category.

[0039] The price is the selling price of the product (or the provision of the service). For example, the price of the product name "XX lotion" shown in the product information 401a is 50,000 yen. Note that the price shown in FIG. 4 does not include tax.

[0040] Furthermore, "change of tax-free category" indicates whether the tax-free category can be changed. For example, a product in the consumables category cannot be changed to the general goods category. As an example, the product name "XX lotion" shown in product information 401a cannot be changed to the tax-free category. Furthermore, a product in the general goods category shown in product information 401b can be changed to the consumables category. As an example, the product name "XX metal bat" shown in product information 401b can be changed to the consumables category. Size indicates the size of the product. Note that in the product master 400, a product weight item may be stored instead of or in addition to the size item. Note that, although not shown, the tax-free category cannot be changed for products (provision of services) that do not have a tax-free category.

[0041] In Fig. 4, all products in the general goods category can be changed to the consumable goods category. However, although not shown, products that cannot be changed to the consumable goods category are also stored in the product master 400. Products in the general goods category that cannot be changed to the consumable goods category are specifically products priced at 500,000 yen or more.

[0042] Carry-on availability indicates whether an item can be brought on board an airplane (seat) as carry-on baggage. Items that cannot be brought on board include, for example, dangerous items, such as metal bats, fishing rods, golf clubs, knives, cutters, tools, and other items. As an example, the product name "XX lotion" shown in product information 401a can be brought on board. On the other hand, the product name "XX metal bat" shown in product information 401b cannot be brought on board.

[0043] The possibility of changing the transportation class indicates whether or not the item can be shipped overseas (international transportation). Specifically, the possibility of changing the transportation class indicates that international transportation is possible. On the other hand, the inability to change the transportation class indicates that international transportation is prohibited, that is, only normal delivery is possible. Items that are prohibited from international transportation include explosives and dangerous items such as batteries, fireworks, matches, dust sprays, and radioactive materials. In addition, items that cannot be shipped internationally include narcotic items, live animals, obscene items, etc. In FIG. 5, as an example, the product name "XX lotion" indicated by the product information 401a can be changed in transportation class. On the other hand, the product name "XX battery" indicated by the product information 401b cannot be changed in transportation class.

[0044] (Data structure of carrier table 500) FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a shipping company table 500. The shipping company table 500 is stored in, for example, the store controller 2. In FIG. 5, the shipping company table 500 includes the following fields: delivery destination, shipping company, size, and shipping fee. By setting information in each field, shipping company information 501 is stored as a record. The delivery destination is the country to which the product is to be delivered. The shipping company is a company that transports the product from the store to the delivery destination. The size is the size of the package in which the product to be shipped internationally is packed. The shipping fee is the amount required for international shipping.

[0045] For example, the carrier information 501a indicates that the delivery destination is the United States, the carrier is XX International Delivery Service, the size is "small", and the shipping fee is "500 yen". The delivery destination can be estimated, for example, from the customer's passport information. For example, the customer's country of residence (or nationality) indicated by the passport information can be obtained, and the country of residence (or nationality) can be estimated as the delivery destination. By estimating the country of residence (or nationality) as the delivery destination, it becomes possible to identify and present the carrier. In addition, the size is the size of the package in which the product to be shipped internationally is packed among the tax-free products purchased by a customer such as a foreigner. In addition, the carrier table 500 may store the item of the weight of the package instead of or in addition to the item of size.

[0046] (Functional configuration of POS register 3 related to changes in transportation category) Next, the functional configuration of the POS register 3 related to the change of the transportation category will be described. The POS register 3 includes a registration unit, a transportation designation unit, a display control unit, a quantity reception unit, a propriety information acquisition unit, a travel information input unit, a list display processing unit, a carrier reception unit, and a transportation fee calculation unit. Each unit is realized by the CPU 31. That is, the CPU 31 executes a sales data processing program stored in the ROM 32 to realize the function of each unit.

[0047] The registration unit performs registration processing to register products. The registration processing includes normal processing to impose consumption tax and tax-exempt processing to exempt consumption tax. Products registered through normal processing are regular products (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "taxable products") that are not subject to tax exemption (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "tax-exempt products"). Products registered through tax-exempt processing are tax-exempt products. The registration unit always performs normal processing and tax-exempt processing. In other words, even when registering a regular product that is not subject to tax exemption, the registration unit performs tax-exempt processing as well as normal processing.

[0048] However, when a tax-free transaction is not being performed, specifically when an instruction to start a tax-free transaction (hereinafter referred to as a "tax-free declaration") has not been received, the processing result of the tax-free process is not displayed, and the processing result of the normal process is displayed. On the other hand, when a tax-free transaction is being performed, specifically when a tax-free declaration has been received, the processing result of the tax-free process is displayed. Note that the tax-free process may be performed only when a tax-free declaration has been made.

[0049] The shipping designation unit designates shipping indicating overseas shipping for the tax-exempt goods registered by the registration unit. Designation of shipping means, for example, accepting a change to a shipping category indicating overseas shipping for the tax-exempt goods registered by the registration unit, and changing the shipping category of the tax-exempt goods. Tax-exempt goods include goods eligible for tax exemption and goods that are subject to taxation because they are not priced at the tax-exemption target amount. Tax-exempt goods do not include goods indicating the provision of services such as labor costs.

[0050] The shipping category includes a shipping category indicating direct shipping overseas (international shipping) (hereinafter referred to as the "direct shipping category") and a shipping category indicating normal delivery to the customer (hereinafter referred to as the "non-shipping category"). All tax-free products registered by the registration unit are preset with a non-shipping category. In addition, the shipping designation unit can accept a change to the non-shipping category even after accepting a change to the direct shipping category, i.e., it is also possible to change the shipping category back to the non-shipping category.

[0051] The display control unit performs a display indicating the transportation specified by the transportation designation unit. The display indicating the transportation is a display of the transportation category. The display control unit performs, for example, a display indicating the direct shipping category (a display indicating international shipping). The display indicating international shipping is, for example, adding letters or a mark indicating international shipping to the display area of ​​a product in the direct shipping category. However, the display indicating international shipping may be numbers or symbols, and the display mode of products indicating international shipping may be a display mode different from the display mode of products in the non-shipping category.

[0052] (About the sheets printed by the printing unit 25) The printing unit 25 is capable of printing multiple types of sheets including a first sheet (e.g., a delivery item list), a second sheet (e.g., a receipt to be attached), and a third sheet (e.g., a normal receipt). The first sheet is a sheet that indicates products registered by the registration unit and for which shipping has been specified by the shipping specification unit. Specifically, the first sheet is a delivery item list that indicates products in the direct shipping category. The delivery item list is affixed to packing boxes or bags for shipping products overseas. By printing the delivery item list, the store clerk can easily identify the products that will be stored in the packing boxes or bags.

[0053] The second sheet is a stick-on receipt that indicates products (e.g., products classified as consumables) that should be packed among products for which transportation has not been designated by the transportation designation unit. The stick-on receipt is, for example, affixed to a box in which products classified as consumables are packed so that they cannot be used domestically. The packed products (products classified as consumables) are to be taken overseas by the customer. By affixing the stick-on receipt to the packing box, staff at customs and the like can easily identify the products stored in the packing box. The third sheet includes a normal receipt or a receipt.

[0054] The number receiving unit receives input of the number of sheets of each type. For example, the number receiving unit receives input of the number of delivery item lists and the number of receipts to be attached. Here, depending on the number of items and size of the direct shipping category products, the number of packing boxes for directly shipping the products overseas may be large. Also, for the non-shipping category products, the number of packing boxes for bringing them overseas may differ depending on the number of items and size. For this reason, the number receiving unit is capable of receiving the required number of sheets for each type of sheet. The printing unit 25 prints the number of sheets received by the number receiving unit.

[0055] (Restrictions on changing transportation categories) The shipping designation unit allows the designation of shipping of the product (change of the shipping category) when the price of the product registered by the registration unit is the tax-exempt price. For example, the shipping designation unit may make it impossible to change the shipping category for products that are not tax-exempt, that is, for products that can be consumed domestically.

[0056] Here, in this embodiment, even if the amount of the products registered by the registration unit is not the tax-free amount, the tax-free process can be performed. To be more specific, even if the total amount of the products registered as consumables does not reach the tax-free amount, the products can be exempt from tax because the tax-free condition (5,000 yen or more) may be met by a subsequent transaction. Also, diplomats and those working for the U.S. military (certain foreign nationals) may be exempt from tax by presenting a specific document to a store clerk, even if the total amount of the products registered as consumables does not reach the tax-free amount.

[0057] For this reason, the shipping designation unit makes it possible to designate the shipping of tax-exempt goods (change the shipping category) even if the amount of the goods registered by the registration unit is not the tax-exempt amount.

[0058] (Display when accepting changes to transportation category) The possibility information acquisition unit acquires possibility information indicating whether or not shipping can be specified for each product (whether or not the shipping class can be changed). The possibility information is information of an item that indicates whether or not the shipping class can be changed, included in the product information stored in the product master 400 (see FIG. 4). The shipping designation unit displays the product in a manner based on the possibility information acquired by the possibility information acquisition unit, and accepts changes to the shipping class. Displaying the product in a manner based on the possibility information means, for example, displaying products whose shipping class can be changed in a way that makes it easy for the store clerk to select them, while displaying products whose shipping class cannot be changed in a way that makes it difficult for the store clerk to select them.

[0059] Displaying items to make it easier for store clerks to select them means, for example, displaying a mark or the like indicating that an item cannot be carried on board an aircraft, and displaying items to make it difficult to select them means, for example, graying out an item for which the shipping category cannot be changed, making the item unselectable, or displaying a message indicating that international shipping is prohibited.

[0060] (Enter passport information) The travel information input unit inputs travel information related to the customer's travel. The travel information is, for example, the customer's passport information. The travel information input unit inputs the passport information, for example, by reading a code printed on the passport. However, the travel information input unit may input the passport information by an operation of a store clerk.

[0061] The list display processing unit displays a list of carriers that will transport the product whose transportation category has been changed, based on the passport information entered by the travel information input unit. Specifically, the list display processing unit uses information on the customer's country of residence included in the passport information to identify carriers associated with the country of residence (delivery destination) indicated by the information (see FIG. 5), and displays a list of carriers. The carrier reception unit accepts the selection of a carrier from the list displayed by the list display processing unit.

[0062] The shipping fee calculation unit calculates the shipping fee based on the travel information input by the travel information input unit. Specifically, the shipping fee calculation unit identifies a shipping company and a shipping fee associated with the country of residence (shipping destination) using information on the customer's country of residence and the quantity and size of the purchased item, which are included in the passport information. The shipping fee calculation unit can obtain the size of the item using information indicating the size of the item, which is included in the item information 401 (see FIG. 4). If there are multiple shipping companies and shipping fees, the display control unit displays a list of the multiple shipping companies and shipping fees. The shipping company reception unit accepts the selection of a shipping company from the list displayed by the display control unit. If the shipping fee is a flat rate, the display control unit may display a list of multiple shipping companies, or may display only the shipping company that has been set in advance.

[0063] (Functional configuration of POS register 3 related to tax exemption processing) Next, the functional configuration of the POS register 3 related to the tax exemption process will be described. The POS register 3 includes a registration unit, a calculation unit, a display control unit, an operation reception unit, and a candidate selection unit. Each unit is realized by the CPU 31. That is, the CPU 31 executes a sales data processing program stored in the ROM 32 to realize the function of each unit.

[0064] The registration unit registers products purchased by customers. The registration unit classifies the registered products into tax-free categories. The tax-free categories include a consumables category and a general goods category.

[0065] The calculation unit calculates the total amount of each tax-free category of the products registered by the registration unit. Specifically, the calculation unit calculates the total amount of each consumable category of the products and the total amount of each general goods category. The calculation unit also calculates the difference between the total amount of each tax-free category of the products registered by the registration unit and the tax-free amount for each tax-free category (hereinafter referred to as the "tax-free difference"). The tax-free amount is within the range of 5,000 yen to 500,000 yen for the consumable category, and is 5,000 yen or more for the general goods category. For example, when the total amount of the products in the consumable category is 520,000 yen, the calculation unit calculates 20,000 yen (tax-free difference) which is the difference between the total amount of 520,000 yen and the upper limit of the tax-free amount of 500,000 yen.

[0066] When there is a tax-free category in which the total amount for each tax-free category is not within the range of the tax-free amount set in advance for each tax-free category, the display control unit displays the tax-free category and the difference calculated by the calculation unit on the clerk display unit 21. For example, when the total amount for the consumables category is not within the range of 5,000 yen to 500,000 yen, the display control unit displays the consumables category and the tax-free difference on the clerk display unit 21. In addition, when the total amount for the general goods category is not 5,000 yen or more, the display control unit displays the general goods category and the tax-free difference on the clerk display unit 21. This allows the clerk to know the tax-free category that is not within the tax-free amount and the tax-free difference.

[0067] (Display timing by the display control unit) The operation reception unit receives an operation to complete the product registration. Specifically, the operation reception unit displays a subtotal button on the store clerk display unit 21 to receive an operation to complete the product registration. The operation reception unit may receive an operation to complete the product registration using the subtotal button on the key operation unit 22. When an operation to complete the product registration is performed, the display control unit displays on the store clerk display unit 21 the tax exemption category that is not within the tax exemption amount and the tax exemption difference.

[0068] (Changing the tax-free category when the consumables category does not reach the tax-free target amount) When there is a tax-free category (e.g., consumables category) whose total amount does not reach the tax-free target amount, the display control unit displays on the clerk display unit 21 candidates that can be changed to a tax-free category (consumables category) that does not reach the tax-free target amount among products in a tax-free category (e.g., general goods category) different from the tax-free category (consumables category). Specifically, when the total amount of the products in the consumables category is less than 5,000 yen and a product in the general goods category is registered, the display control unit displays candidates that can be changed to the consumables category among the products in the general goods category. Candidates that can be changed to the consumables category are products whose total amount of the consumables category does not exceed 500,000 yen when changed to the consumables category. The candidate acceptance unit accepts the selection of any of the changeable candidates displayed by the display control unit. Note that even if the candidate selection unit accepts a candidate, the category change is not confirmed, and is confirmed by accepting a confirmation operation thereafter.

[0069] (Changing the tax-free category when the general goods category does not reach the tax-free target amount) When there is a tax-free category (e.g., general goods category) whose total amount does not reach the tax-free amount, the display control unit displays candidates of the tax-free category (general goods category) that can be changed to a tax-free category (e.g., consumables category) different from the tax-free category. Specifically, when the total amount of the general goods category products is less than 5,000 yen, the display control unit displays candidates of the general goods category that can be changed to the consumables category (e.g., all general goods category products). The candidate selection unit accepts the selection of any of the changeable candidates displayed by the display control unit. Note that even if the candidate selection unit accepts a candidate, the category change is not confirmed, and is confirmed by accepting a confirmation operation thereafter.

[0070] (Recalculation of the total amount when changing tax-free category) The calculation unit recalculates the total amount for each tax-free category according to the candidates accepted by the candidate selection unit. The calculation unit calculates the total amount each time a candidate is accepted by the candidate selection unit (each time the candidates change). The number of candidates selected by the candidate selection unit may be one or multiple. The display control unit displays the total amount recalculated by the calculation unit. Note that even if the candidate selection unit accepts a candidate, the category change is not finalized; it is finalized by accepting a confirmation operation thereafter.

[0071] (When the consumables category exceeds the tax exemption amount) When there is a tax-free category (e.g., consumables category) whose total amount exceeds the tax-free amount, the display control unit displays candidates to be deleted from registration and candidates to be taxed among the products in the tax-free category. In the following, these candidates may be referred to as excluded candidates. For example, when the total amount of products in the consumables category is 520,000 yen, the display control unit displays candidates to be deleted from registration and candidates to be taxed. In this case, the candidate may be, for example, the cheapest product (one item) among products priced at 20,000 yen or more, or a combination of two or more products priced at 20,000 yen or more and the cheapest. Furthermore, when there is a tax-free category (e.g., consumables category) whose total amount exceeds the tax-free amount, the display control unit may display only products in the tax-free category (consumables category). That is, in this case, the display control unit may not display products in the general goods category.

[0072] The candidate selection unit accepts the selection of one of the candidates to be removed from the registration (candidates to be deleted from the registration and candidates to be taxed) displayed by the display control unit on the store clerk display unit 21. Note that even if the candidate selection unit accepts one of the candidates, it is not confirmed that the candidate will be deleted from the registration or that the candidate will be taxed, and it is confirmed by accepting a confirmation operation (operation of the confirm button) thereafter.

[0073] (An example of the process performed by the POS register 3) Next, the process performed by the POS register 3 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0074] (An example of product registration processing) Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a product registration process performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 6, the POS register 3 judges whether or not a product code has been input (step S601). The product code is input, for example, by touching the store clerk display unit 21, operating the key operation unit 22, scanning with the scanner unit 35, or the like.

[0075] The POS register 3 waits until a product code is input (step S601: NO). When a product code is input (step S601: YES), the POS register 3 calculates the amount multiplied by the consumption tax rate (step S602). The POS register 3 then refers to the tax-free categories included in the product information 401 (see FIG. 4) of the product indicated by the product code, and calculates the total amount for each tax-free category (step S603). Next, the POS register 3 registers the product (step S604). The POS register 3 then displays the registered product at the amount multiplied by the consumption tax rate (step S605), and ends the series of processes. Note that the total amount for each tax-free category calculated in step S603 is not displayed if a tax-free declaration has not been accepted.

[0076] (An example of processing when the subtotal key is pressed) Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of processing performed by the POS register 3 when the subtotal key is pressed. In Fig. 7, the POS register 3 judges whether the subtotal key (or the subtotal button) has been pressed (step S701). The POS register 3 waits until the subtotal key is pressed (step S701: NO). When the subtotal key is pressed (step S701: YES), the POS register 3 displays the subtotal screen (step S702).

[0077] The POS register 3 then judges whether or not a tax exemption declaration has been accepted (step S703). Accepting a tax exemption declaration means, for example, pressing the tax exemption declaration button. If the tax exemption declaration has not been accepted (step S703: NO), the POS register 3 judges whether or not settlement has started (step S704). Starting settlement means, for example, pressing the settlement button. If settlement has not started (step S704: NO), the POS register 3 returns to step S703.

[0078] If it is time to start settlement (step S704: YES), the POS register 3 performs settlement processing (step S705) and ends the series of processing. The settlement processing includes accepting the payment type, inputting the amount received from the customer, and displaying the input amount. The settlement processing also prints a receipt and prints the number of tax-free documents accepted in the tax-free declaration processing (see FIG. 8).

[0079] In step S703, if the tax exemption declaration is accepted (step S703: YES), the POS register 3 executes the tax exemption declaration process (see FIG. 8) (step S706), and ends the series of processes.

[0080] (An example of processing during tax exemption declaration) Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the tax-free declaration process performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 8, the POS register 3 executes the tax-free display process (see Fig. 9) (step S801). Then, the POS register 3 judges whether or not a change in the tax-free category (for example, pressing the transportation category change button 1405 in Fig. 14(A)) has been accepted (step S802). If a change in the tax-free category has been accepted (step S802: YES), the POS register 3 executes the tax-free category change process (see Figs. 10A and 10B) (step S803) and returns to step S802. If a change in the tax-free category has not been accepted (step S802: NO), the POS register 3 judges whether or not a change in the transportation category has been accepted (step S804).

[0081] If a change in the shipping category (e.g., pressing the tax-free category change button 1404 in FIG. 14(A)) is accepted (step S804: YES), the POS register 3 executes the shipping category change process (see FIG. 11) (step S805) and returns to step S802. If a change in the shipping category is not accepted (step S805: NO), the POS register 3 determines whether or not a request to confirm the displayed content (e.g., pressing the Confirm button 1406 in FIG. 14(A)) has been accepted (step S806). If confirmation has been accepted (step S806: YES), the POS register 3 executes the passport information input process (see FIG. 12) (step S807) and returns to step S702 in FIG. 7.

[0082] If the confirmation is not accepted (step S806: NO), the POS register 3 judges whether or not the cancellation of the tax exemption declaration has been accepted (step S808). If the cancellation of the tax exemption declaration has not been accepted (step S808: NO), the POS register 3 returns to step S804. If the cancellation of the tax exemption declaration has been accepted (step S808: YES), the POS register 3 returns to step S702 in FIG.

[0083] (An example of tax-free display processing) FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the tax exemption display process performed by the POS register 3. In FIG. 9, the POS register 3 displays the amount after tax exemption (step S901). The amount displayed in step S901 is, for example, the amount displayed on the tax exemption home screen (see FIG. 14(A)). Then, the POS register 3 judges whether the total amount of the consumables category exceeds 500,000 yen (step S902). If the total amount of the consumables category exceeds 500,000 yen (step S902: YES), the POS register 3 displays the fact that the consumables category exceeds the tax exemption target amount and the amount of the excess (difference) (step S903), and ends the series of processes. When the series of processes shown in this flowchart ends, the process proceeds to step S802 in FIG. 8.

[0084] If the total amount of the consumables category does not exceed 500,000 yen (step S902: NO), the POS register 3 judges whether the total amount of the consumables category is less than 5,000 yen (step S904). If the total amount of the consumables category is less than 5,000 yen (step S904: YES), the POS register 3 displays a message that the consumables category is less than the tax exemption amount and the amount of the shortfall (the difference) (step S905), and ends the series of processes.

[0085] If the total amount of the consumable goods category is not less than 5,000 yen (step S904: NO), the POS register 3 judges whether the total amount of the general goods category is less than 5,000 yen (step S906). If the total amount of the general goods category is less than 5,000 yen (step S906: YES), the POS register 3 displays a message that the general goods category is less than the tax-free amount and the amount of the shortfall (difference) (step S907), and ends the series of processes. If the total amount of the general goods category is not less than 5,000 yen (step S906: NO), that is, if each tax-free category is the tax-free amount, the POS register 3 ends the series of processes while displaying the amount after tax-free in step S901. In this case, it may be displayed that each tax-free category is the tax-free amount. Even in this case, it may be possible to accept a change in the tax-free category.

[0086] (An example of tax-free classification change processing) 10A and 10B are flow charts showing an example of tax-free category change processing performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 10A, the POS register 3 judges whether the total amount of the consumables category exceeds 500,000 yen (step S1001). If the total amount of the consumables category does not exceed 500,000 yen (step S1001: NO), the POS register 3 proceeds to step S1011 in Fig. 10B.

[0087] If the total amount of the consumables category exceeds 500,000 yen (step S1001: YES), the POS register 3 displays the general goods category products as unselectable (step S1002).Then, the POS register 3 judges whether or not the selection of a candidate (product) to be excluded from the consumables category has been accepted (step S1003).If the selection of a candidate to be excluded from the consumables category has not been accepted (step S1003: NO), the POS register 3 proceeds to step S1006.

[0088] When the selection of a candidate to be excluded from the consumables category is accepted (step S1003: YES), the POS register 3 calculates and displays the total amount (total amount of each of the consumables category and the general goods category) when the candidate (exclusion candidate) is excluded (step S1004). Then, the POS register 3 displays a display to accept changes to the exclusion candidate, specifically, displays a delete button 1413 (see FIG. 14(B)) to accept the deletion of the exclusion candidate, and a non-tax exemption button 1414 (see FIG. 14(B)) to accept the exclusion candidate to be taxed (not exempt from tax) (step S1005). Note that when the exclusion candidate is excluded from the consumables category, and the total amount of the consumables category becomes less than 5,000 yen, that is, when it is no longer the tax exemption eligible amount, a warning to that effect may be displayed (see FIG. 15B).

[0089] Then, the POS register 3 judges whether or not pressing of the delete button (confirm button) has been accepted (step S1006). If pressing of the delete button has been accepted (step S1006: YES), the POS register 3 deletes the relevant product (candidate for exclusion) (step S1007) and ends the series of processes. If pressing of the delete button has not been accepted (step S1006: NO), the POS register 3 judges whether pressing of the non-tax-free button (confirm button) has been accepted (step S1008). If pressing of the non-tax-free button has been accepted (step S1008: YES), the POS register 3 applies consumption tax to the relevant product (candidate for exclusion) and displays it (step S1009), and ends the series of processes.

[0090] If the non-tax-free button is not pressed (step S1008: NO), the POS register 3 judges whether or not the cancellation of the tax-free declaration has been accepted (step S1010). If the cancellation of the tax-free declaration has not been accepted (step S1010: NO), the POS register 3 returns to step S1003. If the cancellation of the tax-free declaration has been accepted (step S1010: YES), the POS register 3 returns to step S702 in FIG.

[0091] In step S1007, the product is not necessarily deleted from the registered products, but may be crossed out to indicate that the product has been deleted. In step S1009, the product may be marked as non-tax-free (for example, "Non"), or the non-tax-free product may be deleted from the list. After the series of processes shown in the flow charts of Figs. 10A and 10B are completed, the process proceeds to step S802 in Fig. 8.

[0092] 10B, the POS register 3 determines whether the total amount of the consumables category is less than 5,000 yen (step S1011). If the total amount of the consumables category is less than 5,000 yen (step S1011: YES), the POS register 3 determines whether a product in the general goods category is registered (step S1012).

[0093] If no general goods category product is registered (step S1012: NO), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes. If a general goods category product is registered (step S1012: YES), the POS register 3 determines whether or not there is any general goods category product that cannot be changed to the consumables category (step S1013). Products that cannot be changed to the consumables category are products whose total price in the consumables category would exceed 500,000 yen if they were changed to the consumables category, or large-sized products that cannot be packed together with products in the consumables category.

[0094] If there is no product whose consumable category cannot be changed (step S1013: NO), the POS register 3 proceeds to step S1015. If there is a product whose consumable category cannot be changed (step S1013: YES), the POS register 3 displays the product as unselectable (step S1014).

[0095] Then, the POS register 3 judges whether or not the selection of a candidate for category change among the general goods category products has been accepted (step S1015). If the selection of a candidate for category change has not been accepted (step S1015: NO), the POS register 3 proceeds to step S1018.

[0096] When the selection of a candidate for category change is accepted (step S1015: YES), the POS register 3 calculates and displays the total price (total price of each of the consumables category and the general goods category) when the candidate is changed (step S1016).Then, the POS register 3 displays a display to accept the category change of the product, and specifically displays a category change button (for example, the category change button 2213 in FIG. 22(B)) to accept the category change of the product (step S1017).

[0097] Then, the POS register 3 judges whether or not confirmation of the category change (for example, pressing the category change button 2213 in FIG. 22(B)) has been accepted (step S1018). If confirmation of the category change has not been accepted (step S1018: NO), the POS register 3 judges whether or not cancellation of the tax exemption declaration has been accepted (step S1019). If cancellation of the tax exemption declaration has not been accepted (step S1019: NO), the POS register 3 returns to step S1015. If cancellation of the tax exemption declaration has been accepted (step S1019: YES), the POS register 3 returns to step S702 in FIG. 7.

[0098] In step S1018, if confirmation of the classification change is received (step S1018: YES), the POS register 3 registers and displays the product in the consumables category with the received content (step S1020), and ends the series of processes. Specifically, in step S1020, if pressing of the classification change button is received, the POS register 3 changes the category of the product to consumables, and registers and displays the product in the consumables category.

[0099] In step S1011, if the total amount of the consumables category is not less than 5,000 yen (step S1011: NO), the POS register 3 judges whether the total amount of the general goods category is less than 5,000 yen (step S1021). If the total amount of the general goods category is less than 5,000 yen (step S1021: YES), the POS register 3 judges whether there are any products in the general goods category that can be changed to the consumables category (step S1022). Products that can be changed to the consumables category are products whose total amount of the consumables category does not exceed 500,000 yen even if they are changed to the consumables category, and are of a size that can be packed together with products in the consumables category.

[0100] If there is no product that can be changed to the consumables category (step S1022: NO), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes. In this case, the product in the consumables category is subject to taxation. If there is a product that can be changed to the consumables category (step S1022: YES), the POS register 3 proceeds to step S1015.

[0101] In step S1021, if the total amount of the general goods category is not less than 5,000 yen (step S1021: NO), that is, if both the consumable goods category and the general goods category are within the tax-exempt amount, the POS register 3 performs the passport information input process (see Figure 12) (step S1023) and ends the series of processes.

[0102] (An example of a transportation classification change process) Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a transportation category change process performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 11, the POS register 3 judges whether or not there is a tax-exempt product among the registered products (step S1101). If there is no tax-exempt product (step S1101: NO), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes. When the series of processes shown in the flowchart in Fig. 11 ends, the process proceeds to step S802 in Fig. 8.

[0103] The POS register 3 refers to an item (possibility information) that indicates whether the shipping category can be changed, which is included in the product information of each registered tax-free product (step S1102). The POS register 3 then displays the product based on the possibility information (step S1103). Next, the POS register 3 accepts the product for which the shipping category is to be changed (step S1104). The POS register 3 then displays text indicating international shipping (the character "forward") on the accepted product (step S1105).

[0104] Next, the POS register 3 accepts the start of the selection of a shipping company (step S1106). Then, the POS register 3 judges whether or not passport information has been input by the passport information input process (see FIG. 12) (step S1107). If the passport information has been input (step S1107: YES), the POS register 3 refers to the shipping company table 500 (see FIG. 5) and identifies a shipping company based on the input passport information (information on the country of residence) (step S1108).

[0105] On the other hand, if the passport information has not been entered (step S1107: NO), the POS register 3 identifies a carrier based on the operational input of the clerk (step S1109) and proceeds to step S1110. Identifying a carrier based on operational input of the clerk involves, for example, the clerk asking the customer about the delivery destination and inputting the delivery destination requested by the customer. The POS register 3 refers to the carrier table 500 (see FIG. 5) and identifies a carrier according to the input delivery destination.

[0106] The POS register 3 then displays a list of the identified carriers (for example, the list screen 1700 in FIG. 17) (step S1110) and accepts the selection of the carrier (step S1111). Next, the POS register 3 registers the accepted content (step S1112). The POS register 3 then accepts the number of delivery items and the number of attached receipts (step S1113), and ends the series of processes.

[0107] (An example of passport information entry processing) Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of passport information input processing performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 12, the POS register 3 judges whether or not there is a tax-free category that does not satisfy the tax-free conditions (step S1201). If there is no tax-free category that does not satisfy the tax-free conditions (step S1201: NO), the POS register 3 proceeds to step S1204. If there is a tax-free category that does not satisfy the tax-free conditions (step S1201: YES), the POS register 3 displays a confirmation screen (see Figs. 18(A) to (C)) (step S1202).

[0108] The POS register 3 then judges whether or not to perform tax exemption processing for the product in the tax exemption category that does not satisfy the tax exemption conditions (step S1203). If tax exemption processing is not to be performed for the product in the tax exemption category that does not satisfy the tax exemption conditions (step S1203: NO), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes. After the series of processes shown in the flowchart in FIG. 12 ends, the process proceeds to step S802 in FIG. 8.

[0109] When tax-free processing is to be performed on a product in a tax-free category that does not satisfy the tax-free conditions (step S1203: NO), specifically, when a selection is received to perform tax-free processing on a product in a tax-free category that does not satisfy the tax-free conditions, the POS register 3 reads the passport information of the passport presented by the customer (step S1204).Then, the POS register 3 reflects the read passport information on the screen (step S1205).

[0110] Furthermore, the POS register 3 judges whether or not a correction to the passport information has been accepted (step S1206). If a correction to the passport information has not been accepted (step S1206: NO), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes. If a correction to the passport information has been accepted (step S1206: YES), the POS register 3 reflects the correction (step S1207) and ends the series of processes.

[0111] (An example of the screen displayed on the POS register 3 during tax exemption processing) Next, an example of a screen displayed on the clerk display unit 21 of the POS register 3 in the tax exemption process will be described. Note that the image displayed on the clerk display unit 21 described below may also be displayed on the customer display unit 23. The language displayed on the customer display unit 23 may be a language according to the customer (the customer's native language). The language according to the customer may be specified by the clerk display unit 21 through an operation by the clerk, or may be specified by the customer through the customer display unit 23. When the language according to the customer is specified, a screen for receiving the language specification may be displayed on the clerk display unit 21 or the customer display unit 23. The language displayed on the customer display unit 23 may be a language based on passport information, and more specifically, may be the language of the customer's country of residence.

[0112] (Screen transition when processing tax exemption) Next, the transition of the screen displayed on the clerk display unit 21 of the POS register 3 when performing the tax exemption process will be described. First, the screen transition for changing the tax exemption category, changing the shipping category, and inputting passport information will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 19. Figs. 13 to 19 explain the screen transition for changing the tax exemption category when the total price of products in the consumables category exceeds the tax exemption amount.

[0113] Regarding the screen transition when the total amount of consumable items does not reach the duty-free target amount, it will be described later with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. Also, regarding the screen transition when the total amount of general items does not reach the duty-free target amount, it will be described later with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25.

[0114] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen when registering a product, which is displayed on the clerk display unit 21. FIG. 13(A) shows the product registration screen 1300. The product registration screen 1300 is a screen including a registered product display area 1301, a registered product list area 1302, a total display area 1303, a subtotal button 1304, and a duty-free declaration button 1305.

[0115] The registered product display area 1301 is an area for displaying the product name and amount of the most recently registered product. The registered product list area 1302 is an area for displaying a list of registered products. In FIG. 13, the registered product list area 1302 displays the earlier registered products lower and the later registered products higher. That is, in chronological order, the later registered products are displayed higher. The total display area 1303 is an area for displaying the total number and total amount of registered products.

[0116] The character "in" is displayed in association with the amounts displayed in each of the areas 1301 to 1303. The display of "in" indicates that it is the internal tax (tax-included amount). Note that the amounts displayed in each of the areas 1301 to 1303 may be displayed as the external tax (tax-excluded amount). In this case, the character "out" indicating that it is the external tax may be displayed in association with the amounts displayed in each of the areas 1301 to 1303. Whether to use the internal tax notation or the external tax notation may be switchable according to the operation of the clerk.

[0117] The subtotal button 1304 is a button for accepting the calculation of the subtotal amount. The tax-free declaration button 1305 is a button for accepting the start of a tax-free transaction. In FIG. 13(A), the tax-free declaration button 1305 is displayed in gray, indicating that the button is disabled. When the product registration is completed on the product registration screen 1300 and the subtotal button 1304 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 13(B).

[0118] FIG. 13(B) shows a sub-plan screen 1310. The sub-plan screen 1310 is a screen including a registered product list area 1311, a total display area 1312, a settlement button 1313, and a tax-exemption declaration button 1305. The registered product list area 1311 is an area that displays a list of registered products. The total display area 1312 is an area that displays the total number of registered products and the total amount. The contents displayed in the total display area 1312 include the total taxable amount (amount excluding tax) and the total tax amount. Note that the amount displayed in the registered product list area 1311 and the amount displayed in the total amount in the total display area 1312 are displayed inclusive of tax (amount including tax).

[0119] The settlement button 1313 is a button for accepting the start of settlement. When the settlement button 1313 is pressed, a screen is displayed that accepts the selection of a payment type such as cash payment or card payment, and the settlement process is started. In the settlement process, a receipt and tax-free documents are printed.

[0120] On the subtotal screen 1310, the tax exemption declaration button 1305 is not grayed out on the product registration screen 1300 (FIG. 13(A)), indicating that the button is enabled. That is, when the subtotal button 1304 is pressed on the product registration screen 1300 of FIG. 13(A), the tax exemption declaration button 1305 becomes enabled. When the tax exemption declaration button 1305 is pressed on the subtotal screen 1310, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 14(A).

[0121] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change in tax-free category when the total price of products in the consumables category exceeds the tax-free amount. Fig. 14(A) shows a tax-free home screen 1400 when the total price of products in the consumables category exceeds the tax-free amount. The tax-free home screen 1400 is a screen including a registered product list area 1401, a total display area 1402, a warning display 1403, a tax-free category change button 1404, a shipping category change button 1405, a confirmation button 1406, and a tax-free cancellation button 1407.

[0122] The registered product list area 1401 is an area that displays a list of registered products. In the registered product list area 1401, each product is displayed with the word "exempt" indicating that it is tax-exempt, and either "consumables" or "general goods" indicating the tax-exempt category, either the consumables category or the general goods category. The amount displayed in the registered product list area 1401 indicates the tax-exempt amount.

[0123] In addition, the display mode of products classified into the consumables category and the display mode of products classified into the general goods category may be different in the registered product list area 1401. The different display modes may be, for example, different colors for characters or background, or different fonts.

[0124] The total display area 1402 shows the total amount for each tax-free category of consumables and general goods. In Fig. 14(A), the total amount for the consumables category is "¥520,000", which means that it is not eligible for tax-free. The total amount for the general goods category is "¥19,000", which means that it is eligible for tax-free.

[0125] The warning display 1403 indicates that the consumables category is not eligible for tax exemption and indicates the amount (difference) that exceeds the tax exemption amount. Specifically, the warning display 1403 indicates that the total amount of the consumables category exceeds 20,000 yen of the upper limit of the tax exemption amount, which is 500,000 yen.

[0126] The tax-free category change button 1404 is a button that accepts a change to the tax-free category. When the tax-free category change button 1404 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 14(B). The shipping category change button 1405 is a button that accepts a change to the shipping category. When the shipping category change button 1405 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen that accepts a change to the shipping category (for example, see Fig. 16(B)).

[0127] The Confirm button 1406 is a button for accepting confirmation of the tax-free transaction with the contents displayed on the tax-free home screen 1400. When the Confirm button 1406 is pressed, a transition is made to the screen shown in FIG. 18 or the screen shown in FIG. 19(A). The Tax-Free Cancel button 1407 is a button for accepting cancellation of the tax-free transaction. When the Tax-Free Cancel button 1407 is pressed, a transition is made to the sub-screen shown in FIG. 13(B). Note that if all tax-free categories are within the tax-free amount, pressing the Tax-Free Category Change button 1404 may be disabled on the tax-free home screen 1400.

[0128] 14(B) shows a change acceptance screen 1410 that accepts the removal of products corresponding to amounts exceeding the tax exemption amount from the consumables category. The change acceptance screen 1410 is a screen including a registered product list area 1401, a guide display 1411, an estimate display 1412, a delete button 1413, and a non-tax exemption button 1414. In the registered product list area 1401, products in the consumables category are displayed selectable. On the other hand, products in the general goods category are displayed grayed out and cannot be selected.

[0129] The guidance display 1411 displays a message that the consumables category will become the tax-exemption amount by removing from the consumables category the product corresponding to the amount exceeding the tax-exemption amount. The cursor 1420 is operated by the store clerk to point to a candidate (product) to be removed from the consumables category. In FIG. 14(B), the guidance display 1411 indicates that the consumables category will become the tax-exemption amount by removing or taxing the product "XX seaweed" indicated by the cursor 1420. The cursor 1420 may automatically point to a candidate to be removed from the consumables category. Specifically, the POS register 3 may select the cheapest product (for example, XX seaweed) among products priced at 20,000 yen or more, and point it with the cursor 1420.

[0130] When a candidate indicated by cursor 1420 is selected, trial calculation display 1412 shows a trial calculation when that product is excluded from the consumables category. In FIG. 14(B), for example, a product (candidate) "XX Nori" is selected from the products in the consumables category shown in registered product list area 1401. When the product "XX Nori" is selected, trial calculation display 1412 shows the amount of the consumables category (500,000 yen) when "XX Nori" (20,000 yen) is excluded from the consumables category. Also, in FIG. 14(B), the amount of "total amount of consumables category" shown in total display area 1402 may show the amount of the consumables category (500,000 yen) when "XX Nori" (20,000 yen) is excluded from the consumables category.

[0131] In FIG. 14(B), only one "XX Nori" product (candidate) is selected in registered product list area 1401, but it is also possible to select two or more products (candidates). Specifically, when multiple selectable products are pressed in registered product list area 1401, cursor 1420 is displayed in the area indicated by the selected products. When two or more products are selected, trial calculation display 1412 displays the price when the two or more selected products are excluded from the consumables category. In addition, when the "XX Nori" product is pressed in FIG. 14(B), the selection made by cursor 1420 is released.

[0132] The delete button 1413 is a button that accepts the deletion of a product (candidate) selected in the registered product list area 1401 from among the registered products. When the delete button 1413 is pressed on the change reception screen 1410 shown in Fig. 14(B), the product "XX Nori" is deleted from among the registered products. Note that pressing the delete button 1413 is not limited to deleting the product "XX Nori", and may also indicate that the product has been deleted by applying a strikethrough to the characters "XX Nori".

[0133] The non-tax-free button 1414 is a button that accepts taxation (non-tax-free) of a product (for example, XX nori seaweed) selected in the registered product list area 1401. When the non-tax-free button 1414 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 15A.

[0134] FIG. 15A shows an example of a screen after changing the tax-free category. Specifically, FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram showing a tax-free category change completion screen 1500. The change completion screen 1500 is a screen including a registered product list area 1401, a total display area 1402, and a change completion display 1501. In the registered product list area 1401, the product "XX Nori" is displayed with "Non" indicating that it is not tax-free, instead of the character "Non" indicating that it is tax-free. Furthermore, although the product "XX Nori" is a product in the consumables category, "Consumables → Taxable Products" is displayed, indicating that it is not tax-free. Note that the product "XX Nori" may not be displayed with the character "Non" indicating that it is not tax-free, and the character "Non" may simply be hidden.

[0135] The tax-free amount for the consumables category in the total display area 1402 is "500,000 yen", indicating that it is a tax-free amount. The taxable amount for consumables in the total display area 1402 is "20,000 yen", indicating the amount excluding tax for the "xx seaweed" product.

[0136] The change completion display 1501 indicates that the "xx Nori" product has been made taxable and that the amount of the consumables category has become the tax-exempt amount. In this way, even if the total amount of the consumables category products exceeds the tax-exempt amount, the total amount of the consumables category products can be set as the tax-exempt amount. When the delete button 1413 is pressed on the change reception screen 1410 shown in FIG. 14(B), the "xx Nori" product is deleted (or a line is added to it). In this case, too, the tax-exempt amount of the consumables category in the total display area 1402 in FIG. 15A becomes "500,000 yen" and a screen is displayed indicating that it is the tax-exempt amount.

[0137] (An example of a case where the tax exemption amount would be exceeded if the exemption candidate was excluded from the consumables category.) FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change reception screen in the case where the tax exemption amount is no longer applicable if the exclusion candidate is excluded from the consumables category. In the change reception screen 1510 shown in FIG. 15B, in addition to the products shown in FIG. 14(B), "○○ rice cracker" is registered as a consumables category product. Also, as shown by the cursor 1420 in FIG. 15B, two products, "○○ seaweed" and "○○ lotion", are selected as candidates to be excluded from the consumables category. When the products "○○ seaweed" and "○○ lotion" are selected, the estimated calculation display 1412 displays the amount (¥2,000) of the consumables category when "○○ seaweed" (¥20,000) and "○○ lotion" (¥500,000) are excluded from the consumables category.

[0138] Here, the tax-free amount for the consumables category is 5,000 yen or more. Therefore, if "XX seaweed" and "XX lotion" were deleted or made non-tax-free, the purchase amount for the consumables category would be 2,000 yen, which would no longer be tax-free. Therefore, the POS register 3 displays a warning, as shown in the guidance display 1411, to the effect that the amount will no longer be tax-free.

[0139] When the delete button 1413 is pressed while the two products "XX nori" and "XX lotion" are selected, the products "XX nori" and "XX lotion" are deleted (or a line is drawn through them) from the registered products. When the non-tax-free button 1414 is pressed, the products "XX nori" and "XX lotion" become non-tax-free. In FIG. 15B, when the area showing either the product "XX nori" or "XX lotion" is pressed, the selection made by the cursor 1420 is cancelled, and the total price of the consumables category corresponding to the cancelled product is displayed in the trial calculation display 1412.

[0140] Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 21 when changing the shipping category. Fig. 16(A) shows a tax-free home screen 1600 after the tax-free category has been changed. The tax-free home screen 1600 differs from the screen in Fig. 15A in that the change completion display 1501 (see Fig. 15A) is not displayed. When the change shipping category button 1405 is pressed on the tax-free home screen 1600, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 16(B).

[0141] 16(B) shows a change acceptance screen 1610 for accepting a change to a transportation class. The change acceptance screen 1610 is a screen including a transportation class change display 1611, a registered product list area 1612, and a carrier selection button 1613. The transportation class change display 1611 indicates that this is a screen for accepting a change to a transportation class.

[0142] The registered product list area 1612 has a different order of products than the registered product list area 1401 of the duty-free home screen 1600. Specifically, in the registered product list area 1612, each product is displayed so that products suitable for international transportation are easily selected. For example, a "XX metal bat" is a product that is prohibited from being carried on a seat as carry-on baggage (carry-on), and is therefore suitable for international transportation. For this reason, in the change reception screen 1610, products that cannot be carried on board are displayed at the top. In addition, products that cannot be carried on board (for example, "XX metal bat") are displayed with a mark (for example, "!") indicating this. In this way, in the change reception screen 1610, products that cannot be carried on board are displayed so that they can be easily selected.

[0143] Also, general goods category items tend to be larger than consumable goods category items. For this reason, general goods category items (e.g., "XX pillow") are displayed higher than consumable goods category items (e.g., "XX lotion" and "XX seaweed"). Note that the product information for each product (see FIG. 4) may include information indicating size, so that larger products are displayed higher.

[0144] Furthermore, on the change reception screen 1610, "XX Battery" is displayed in gray and cannot be selected. "XX Battery" is a product for which the shipping category cannot be changed, that is, it is a product for which international shipping is not possible. For this reason, "XX Battery" is displayed at the very bottom and cannot be selected.

[0145] In the change acceptance screen 1610, "XX metal bat" and "XX pillow" are displayed with "fortune" indicating international shipping. Specifically, "XX metal bat" and "XX pillow" indicate that a change in shipping category has been accepted by pressing the areas showing these products. Note that if the areas showing these products are pressed again, the change in shipping category is cancelled, i.e. the character "fortune" is hidden.

[0146] In addition, on the change reception screen 1610, the general goods category products "XX metal bat" and "XX pillow" are in the international shipping category, but it is possible to change the shipping category of consumable goods category products "XX lotion" and "XX seaweed" to international shipping. Also, although no taxable goods are registered on the change reception screen 1610, if a taxable product is registered, it is possible to change the shipping category of that product to international shipping.

[0147] The Select Carrier button 1613 is a button for accepting the selection of a carrier. When the Select Carrier button 1613 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG.

[0148] FIG. 17 shows an example of a selection screen related to international shipping displayed on the clerk display unit 21. FIG. 17(A) shows a list screen 1700 of carriers. The list screen 1700 is a screen including carrier selection buttons 1701 (1701a, 1701b, 1701c) and a confirm button 1702. The carrier selection button 1701 indicates, for example, a carrier of a destination country and a shipping fee specified based on the country of residence in passport information. The carrier selection button 1701 accepts the designation of a carrier. For example, when the carrier selection button 1701a is pressed, the designation of "XX delivery international flight" is accepted. The confirm button 1702 accepts the confirmation of the accepted carrier. When the confirm button 1702 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 17(B).

[0149] Although the figure shows a screen for selecting one carrier, there are also cases where multiple carriers are selected. For example, there may be a case where 10 items are purchased, of which 3 items are to be shipped directly to the United States, 2 items are to be shipped directly to Canada, and 5 items are to be brought back. In this case, it is necessary to select a carrier that will ship directly to the United States and a carrier that will ship directly to Canada. For this reason, the carrier list screen 1700 may be configured to display a screen that allows the selection of a carrier for each item or each delivery destination.

[0150] 17(B) shows print quantity input screen 1710. Print quantity input screen 1710 is a screen that includes a quantity input display 1711 and a confirmation button 1712. Number input display 1711 includes a delivery item list quantity field 1711a and a number of attachment receipts field 1712b. When delivery item list quantity field 1711a is pressed, a numeric keypad is displayed, allowing the number of delivery item lists to be printed to be input. When attachment receipt quantity field 1712b is pressed, a numeric keypad is displayed, allowing the number of attachment receipts to be printed to be input.

[0151] The number of items in the delivery list field 1711a and the number of receipts to be attached field 1712b may be automatically input in advance, based on the number of items to be directly shipped and the number of boxes obtained from the size. Specifically, the POS register 3 acquires information indicating the size of the packaging material (boxes) from the storage unit (RAM 33) of the device itself or an external storage server. The POS register 3 can estimate the number of packaging materials to be used to pack the items in the direct delivery category based on the number and size of the items in the direct delivery category and the information indicating the size of the packaging materials. By using this estimation result, the POS register 3 can automatically input the number in the delivery list field 1711a in advance. Similarly, for items in the consumable category, the POS register 3 can estimate the number of packaging materials to be used to pack the items in the consumable category based on the number and size of the items in the consumable category and the information indicating the size of the packaging materials. By using this estimation result, the POS register 3 can automatically input the number in the delivery list field 1712b in advance.

[0152] The Confirm button 1712 is a button for confirming the number of prints entered in the delivery list number field 1711a and the number of attached receipts field 1712b. When the Confirm button 1712 is pressed, the screen transitions to the tax-free home screen (not shown) in which the various inputs have been confirmed.

[0153] Fig. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen when the amount is not the tax-exempt amount when the Confirm button 1406 is pressed on the tax-exempt home screen. Fig. 18(A) shows a confirmation screen 1800 when the total amount of the products in the consumables category is not the tax-exempt amount and the total amount of the products in the general goods category is the tax-exempt amount. Fig. 18(B) shows a confirmation screen 1810 when neither the total amount of the products in the consumables category nor the total amount of the products in the general goods category is the tax-exempt amount. Fig. 18(C) shows a confirmation screen 1820 when the total amount of the products in the general goods category is not the tax-exempt amount and the total amount of the products in the consumables category is the tax-exempt amount.

[0154] The confirmation screens 1800, 1810, and 1820 each include a guide message 1801, a back button 1802, a tax exemption rejection button 1803, and a tax exemption acceptance button 1804. The guide message 1801 indicates that the total price of the products in the consumables category is not within the tax exemption target price.

[0155] The back button 1802 is a button that accepts returning to the tax exemption home screen. The tax exemption refusal button 1803 is a button that accepts settlement without tax exemption. When the tax exemption refusal button 1803 is pressed, the tax exemption is cancelled and, for example, the screen transitions to the sub-screen shown in FIG. 13(B).

[0156] The tax exemption approval button 1804 is a button that accepts a tax-free transaction. Here, we will explain why tax-free transactions can be made even if the amount is not within the tax-free target amount. Products in the consumables category are eligible for tax exemption if they meet the tax-free condition that the total amount of the consumables category in one day at one store is more than 5,000 yen and less than 500,000 yen. Even if the total amount of the consumables category in this transaction does not reach the tax-free target amount, it will become eligible for tax exemption if the tax-exempt condition is met in a subsequent transaction. For this reason, tax-free transactions can be made even if the amount is not within the tax-exempt target amount.

[0157] When the tax exemption approval button 1804 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 19(A). When the tax exemption approval button 1804 is pressed, predetermined warning information may be output. The predetermined warning information may be output, for example, by displaying the difference between the total amount for each tax exemption category and the tax exemption amount on the clerk display unit 21 or printing it on the receipt. This makes it possible to notify the customer that the amount is not tax exempt and of the difference, thereby encouraging the customer to make purchases up to the difference.

[0158] Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen when inputting passport information and a screen thereafter. Fig. 19(A) shows a passport information input screen 1900. The passport information input screen 1900 displays input items such as "type of passport, etc." indicating the type of personal identification such as a passport, "number" indicating the identification number of the passport, etc., the "purchaser's name," "date of birth," and "nationality," as well as "status of residence," and "date of landing."

[0159] On the passport information input screen 1900, when the code printed on the passport is read by the scanner unit 35, the information is input into the input items. If the input information needs to be corrected, it is possible to correct the information by pressing the input item through an operation input. When information is input into the input item and the Confirm button 1901 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 19(B).

[0160] FIG. 19(B) shows a detailed plan screen 1910. The detailed plan screen 1310 is a screen including a registered product list area 1311, a total display area 1312, a settlement button 1313, and a tax-exemption declaration button 1305. The registered products are displayed in the registered product list area 1311. In the registered product list area 1311, the word "exempt" is displayed for products eligible for tax exemption, and the amount without consumption tax is displayed. Furthermore, the word "transport" is displayed for products that are subject to international shipping. Furthermore, for products that are not eligible for tax exemption (for example, "xx nori"), the amount is displayed including tax.

[0161] The contents displayed in the total display area 1312 include the total taxable amount (amount excluding tax), the total tax amount, the total amount of the consumables category, and the total amount of the general goods category. The contents displayed in the total display area 1312 also include shipping charges.

[0162] Here, the shipping fee will be described in detail. The POS register 3 can estimate the number of packing materials (boxes) to pack the direct delivery category product based on the size and quantity of the direct delivery category product (XX pillow, XX metal bat). In addition, when the screen shown in FIG. 19(B) is displayed, the POS register 3 has already obtained the passport information. Therefore, the POS register 3 can refer to the shipping company table 500 (see FIG. 5) to specify the shipping company and the shipping fee according to the nationality indicated by the passport information. This allows the POS register 3 to calculate the shipping fee according to the size and number of the packaging materials (or products) and display the shipping fee for direct shipping overseas. For example, the POS register 3 may display the shipping fee according to the size and number of the packaging materials (or products) after the confirm button 1901 is pressed on the passport information input screen 1900. In addition, the POS register 3 may display the shipping fee for each shipping company and accept the selection of one shipping company from the store clerk.

[0163] In addition, the registered product list area 1311 in FIG. 19(B) may display details regarding the shipping charges, such as the fee for each carrier and the unit price and quantity of packaging materials. In addition, a cancel button that accepts cancellation of the shipping charges may be displayed on the sub-plan screen 1910. When the cancel button is pressed, the displayed shipping charges are canceled, and for example, an amount excluding the shipping charges is displayed in the total display area 1312. In addition, when the cancel button is pressed, the screen may transition to a screen that manually accepts input regarding the shipping, such as changing the carrier or the packaging materials. In addition, when the cancel button is pressed, a guide may be displayed to perform procedures regarding delivery, such as payment of the shipping charges, at another device, such as a service counter, instead of accepting input on the device itself.

[0164] Here, there are products that are prohibited from being brought into each country. Specifically, for example, alcoholic beverages and processed pork foods (sausages) are prohibited from being brought into Iran. If the product purchased by a customer is a product that is prohibited from being brought into the country that the customer is bringing into, the customer may be notified of this fact. Specifically, for example, the POS register 3 acquires information indicating the products that are prohibited from being brought into each country from the memory unit (RAM 33) of the device itself or an external memory server. Then, the POS register 3 determines whether or not the purchased products include products that are prohibited from being brought into the country indicated by the passport information (prohibited products). If it is determined that there are prohibited products in the determination, the POS register 3 may notify the customer of the presence of the prohibited products.

[0165] When the settlement button 1313 is pressed on the sub-plan screen 1910, settlement processing is carried out according to the details shown on the sub-plan screen 1910.

[0166] (Documents issued for tax-free transactions) Next, the documents issued in tax-free transactions will be described with reference to FIG. 20 and FIG. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a document issued by the POS register 3 in a tax-free transaction. The documents issued in a tax-free transaction include a customer receipt 2000, a stick-on receipt 2010, and a delivery item list 2100 (see FIG. 21). In FIG. 20, the customer receipt 2000 and the stick-on receipt 2010 will be explained. In addition to these, documents issued in a tax-free transaction also include a copy receipt (not shown) kept by the store. The copy receipt kept by the store contains, for example, the same content as the customer receipt 2000.

[0167] 20(A) shows a customer receipt 2000 received by a customer. The customer receipt 2000 is a normal receipt, and includes general information 2001, purchased product information 2002, international shipping description 2003, subtotal information 2004, transaction amount information 2005, and shipping fee information 2006. The general information 2001 includes the date and time of purchase, receipt number, and store clerk name.

[0168] Purchased product information 2002 includes product name, price, consumables category, shipping category, etc. In purchased product information 2002, products in the consumables category are marked with a "◆" mark. Products in the general goods category are marked with a "●" mark. Products that have been changed from the general goods category to the consumables category are marked with "●→◆". Products that are shipped internationally are marked with the character "forward".

[0169] To explain in more detail, for example, "○○ lotion" is marked with a "◆" mark, which indicates that "○○ lotion" is a consumable product. Furthermore, "○○ pillow" and "○○ metal bat" are marked with the character "luck", which indicates that "○○ pillow" and "○○ metal bat" are products that are shipped internationally. Furthermore, "○○ pillow" and "○○ metal bat" are marked with a "●" mark, which indicates that "○○ pillow" and "○○ metal bat" are products that are shipped general goods. Furthermore, "○○ battery" is marked with a "●→◆" mark, which indicates that "○○ battery" is a product that has been changed from the general goods category to the consumables category. Furthermore, "○○ seaweed" is not marked with a mark such as "●" or the character "luck", which indicates that "○○ seaweed" is not a tax-free product and will not be shipped internationally.

[0170] International shipping description 2003 shows an explanation of the character "fortune", specifically, the character "fortune" shows that the product will be shipped overseas. Subtotal information 2004 includes the subtotal amount, the total amount for each tax-free category, and the number of items purchased. Transaction amount information 2005 includes the deposit amount and change. Shipping fee information 2006 shows the shipping fee for direct shipping overseas.

[0171] 20(B) shows a receipt for attachment 2010 to be attached to a box in which products in the consumables category are packed. The receipt for attachment 2010 lists items including general items 2001, subtotal information 2004, and consumables product information 2011. The consumables product information 2011 lists products classified in the consumables category, but does not list products classified in the general goods category. In addition, since the receipt for attachment 2010 is attached to a box in which products in the consumables category are packed, i.e., it is not attached to a box in which products to be shipped internationally are packed, products to be shipped internationally are not listed.

[0172] By sticking such a receipt 2010 on a packing box, it becomes possible to easily identify the consumable goods stored in the packing box during inspection at customs or the like.

[0173] The stick-on receipt 2010 may also include information about products in the general goods category. In this case, the general goods category and the consumable goods category may be listed in different areas. Also, it may be possible to select whether or not to list products in the general goods category on the stick-on receipt 2010. This selection may be made each time a product is registered, or may be made in a specific mode such as during maintenance.

[0174] Also, as shown in Fig. 20(B), if no products in the general goods category are listed on the stick-on receipt 2010, the products listed on the stick-on receipt 2010 will be only products registered in the consumables category. Therefore, if no products in the general goods category are listed on the stick-on receipt 2010, it is not necessary to print the "◆" mark indicating "consumables". However, even in this case, it is acceptable to print "●→◆" to indicate that the tax-free category has changed from general goods to consumables.

[0175] 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a delivery item list 2100. The delivery item list 2100 includes items such as general items 2001, subtotal information 2004, and internationally transported item information 2101. The internationally transported item information 2101 lists items to be shipped internationally. Since the delivery item list 2100 is affixed to boxes in which items to be shipped internationally are packed, that is, since it is not affixed to boxes in which items classified as consumables are packed, the items to be listed on the affixed receipt 2010 are not listed.

[0176] By attaching such a delivery list 2100 to the packing box, the store clerk can easily identify the products to be packed in the packing box when carrying out the shipping procedures.

[0177] (Screen transition when the total amount of consumables is less than the tax-free amount) Next, screen transitions when the total amount of the consumables category is less than the tax-free amount will be described with reference to Fig. 22 and Fig. 23. Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a screen that accepts a change of the tax-free category when the total amount of the consumables category is less than the tax-free amount. Fig. 22(A) shows a tax-free home screen 2200 when the total amount of the products in the consumables category is less than the tax-free amount. The tax-free home screen 2200 is a screen that includes a registered product list area 1401, a total display area 1402, a warning display 2201, a tax-free category change button 1404, a shipping category change button 1405, a confirmation button 1406, and a tax-free cancellation button 1407.

[0178] The registered product list area 1401 is an area that displays a list of registered products. In the registered product list area 1401, it is shown that the product "XX Senbei" is a product in the consumables category. The only product registered in the consumables category is the product "XX Senbei". The price of "XX Senbei" is 2000 yen. In other words, the total price of the consumables category does not reach the tax-exempt amount. For this reason, "XX Senbei" is not eligible for tax exemption, that is, the character "non", indicating that it is not tax-exempt, is added to "XX Senbei".

[0179] In the total display area 1402, the total price of the consumables category items is "¥2000", which means that the total price is not eligible for tax exemption. On the other hand, the total price of the general goods category items is "¥508000", which means that the total price is eligible for tax exemption.

[0180] The warning display 2201 indicates that the total amount of the consumables category is less than the tax exemption amount, and indicates the amount that is not reached (the difference) from the tax exemption amount. Specifically, the warning display 2201 indicates that the total amount of the consumables category is 3,000 yen short of the lower limit of the tax exemption amount of 5,000 yen. When the tax exemption category change button 1404 is pressed on the tax exemption home screen 2200, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 22(B).

[0181] FIG. 22(B) shows a change acceptance screen 2210 that accepts changing a product in the general goods category to the consumables category. The change acceptance screen 2210 is a screen including a registered product list area 1401, a guide display 2211, an estimate display 2212, and a change category button 2213. In the registered product list area 1401, "XX rice cracker" and "XX road bike" are displayed in gray and cannot be selected. This is because the product "XX rice cracker" is a consumables category product and therefore cannot be changed in category. In addition, although the product "XX road bike" is a general goods category product, the price is 499,000 yen, so if it were to be changed to the consumables category, it would exceed the upper limit of the tax-free amount of 500,000 yen for the consumables category.

[0182] The guidance display 2211 shows a notification that by changing the classification of a general goods item to a consumables item, the consumables item will become tax-exempt. In Fig. 22(B), the guidance display 2211 shows that by changing the classification of the "XX towel" item (candidate) indicated by the cursor 1420, the consumables item will become tax-exempt.

[0183] When a general goods category product (candidate) indicated by cursor 1420 is selected, trial calculation display 2212 shows a trial calculation when that product is reclassified to the consumable goods category. In Fig. 22(B), for example, "XX towel" is selected from the general goods category products shown in registered goods list area 1401. When "XX towel" is selected, trial calculation display 2212 shows the amounts for each tax-free category when "XX towel" (¥3,000) is reclassified to the general goods category (consumable goods category: ¥5,000, general goods category: ¥505,000).

[0184] 22(B), only one product, "XX towel," is selected in the registered product list area 1401, but it is also possible to select two or more products (for example, "XX shirt" in addition to "XX towel"). In this case, the trial calculation display 2212 displays the amount when the two or more selected products (candidates) are reclassified into the consumables category.

[0185] The change category button 2213 is a button for accepting a change in the category of a product selected in the registered product list area 1401. When the change category button 2213 is pressed on the change acceptance screen 2210 shown in Fig. 22(B), the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 23(A).

[0186] Fig. 23(A) shows a quantity designation screen 2300 that accepts the designation of the quantity of the product to be changed to the consumables category. The quantity designation screen 2300 includes a quantity designation display 2301. The quantity designation display 2301 accepts the designation of the number of "XX towels" to be changed to the consumables category. In the figure, "3" is designated. When the designation of the quantity is accepted and the decision button 2301a is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 23(B).

[0187] The unit price of "XX towel" is 1000 yen. Since the total amount of the consumables category is 3,000 yen short of the lower limit of the tax-free amount of 5,000 yen, if the quantity of "XX towel" specified in the quantity specification display 2301 is "2" or less, the total amount of the consumables category will not reach the lower limit of the tax-free amount even if "XX towel" is changed to the consumables category. Therefore, if the quantity of "XX towel" is "2" or less, pressing of the decision button 2301a may be invalidated, or a warning indicating that the total amount of the consumables category will not reach the lower limit of the tax-free amount may be displayed when the decision button 2301a is pressed. Also, input of the quantity of "XX towel" less than "2" may be disabled. Also, "3" may be input in advance as the quantity of "XX towel" in the quantity specification display 2301. Also, a notification may be made to encourage the specification of a quantity of "3" or more.

[0188] Also, the quantity designation screen 2300 may be configured to accept a change to a product that is a target of a change in the tax-free category in the registered product list area 1401. Specifically, the product that is a target of a change in the tax-free category may be changed from "XX towel" to "XX shirt." In this case, for example, when "XX shirt" is selected on the quantity designation screen 2300, a screen corresponding to FIG. 22(B) may be displayed, that is, the guidance display 2211 and the trial calculation display 2212 when "XX shirt" is selected may be displayed.

[0189] 23(B) shows a tax-free category change completion screen 2310. The change completion screen 2310 is a screen including a registered product list area 1401, a total display area 1402, and a change completion display 2311. In the registered product list area 1401, the word "free" is displayed for "XX rice cracker," indicating that it is tax-free, and the tax-free category of the consumables category is displayed. In addition, "XX towel" displays "general goods → consumables," indicating that the tax-free category has been changed from the general goods category to the consumables category.

[0190] Additionally, the tax-free amount for the consumables category in the total display area 1402 is "5,000 yen," indicating that this is the tax-free amount. The change completion display 2311 indicates that the "XX towel" has been reclassified to the consumables category, and that the amount of the consumables category has become the tax-free amount. In this way, even if the total amount of the consumables category is less than the tax-free amount, by reclassifying the products into the general goods category, the total amount of the consumables category products can be made the tax-free amount.

[0191] (Screen transition when the total amount of general goods is less than the tax-free amount) Next, screen transitions when the total amount of the general goods category is less than the tax-free amount will be described with reference to Fig. 24 and Fig. 25. Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a screen that accepts a change of the tax-free category when the total amount of the general goods category is less than the tax-free amount. Fig. 24(A) shows a tax-free home screen 2400 when the total amount of the general goods category products is less than the tax-free amount. The tax-free home screen 2400 is a screen that includes a registered product list area 1401, a total display area 1402, a warning display 2401, a tax-free category change button 1404, a shipping category change button 1405, a confirmation button 1406, and a tax-free release button 1407.

[0192] Registered product list area 1401 is an area that displays a list of registered products. In registered product list area 1401, "XX shirt" is shown to be a product in the general goods category. The only product registered in the general goods category is "XX shirt." The price of "XX shirt" is 3,000 yen. In other words, the total amount of the general goods category does not reach the tax-exempt amount. Therefore, the product "XX shirt" is not eligible for tax-exemption. As a result, the word "exempt" is not displayed next to "XX shirt" in registered product list area 1401.

[0193] In the total display area 1402, the total price of the general goods category is "¥3000", which means that the total price is not eligible for tax exemption. On the other hand, the total price of the consumable goods category is "¥20000", which means that the total price is eligible for tax exemption.

[0194] The warning display 2401 indicates that the total amount of the general goods category is less than the tax-free amount, and indicates the amount that is not reached (the difference) from the tax-free amount. Specifically, the warning display 2401 indicates that the total amount of the general goods category is 2,000 yen short of the lower limit of the tax-free amount of 5,000 yen. When the tax-free category change button 1404 is pressed on the tax-free home screen 2400, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 24(B).

[0195] 24(B) shows a change acceptance screen 2410 that accepts changing a product in the general goods category to the consumables category. The change acceptance screen 2410 is a screen that includes a registered product list area 1401, a guide display 2411, an estimate display 2412, and a category change button 2213. In the registered product list area 1401, "XX Nori" is displayed grayed out and cannot be selected. This is because the product "XX Nori" is a consumables category product, and therefore cannot be changed in category.

[0196] The guidance display 2411 shows guidance to encourage the elimination of general goods by changing the classification of a general goods product to a consumable goods product. In Fig. 24(B), the guidance display 2411 shows that the general goods classification will be eliminated by changing the classification of the "XX seaweed" product (candidate) indicated by the cursor 1420.

[0197] When a general goods category product indicated by cursor 1420 is selected, trial calculation display 2412 shows a trial calculation when the product is reclassified to the consumable goods category. In Fig. 24(B), for example, "XX shirt" is selected from the general goods category products shown in registered goods list area 1401. When "XX shirt" is selected, trial calculation display 2412 shows the amounts for each tax-free category when "XX shirt" (¥3,000) is reclassified to the general goods category (consumable goods category: ¥23,000, general goods category: ¥0).

[0198] 24(B), only one product, "XX shirt", is selected in the registered product list area 1401, but it is possible to select two or more products (candidates). In this case, the estimated price display 2412 displays the price when the two or more selected products are reclassified into the consumables category.

[0199] The change category button 2213 is a button for accepting a change in the category of a product selected in the registered product list area 1401. When the change category button 2213 is pressed on the change acceptance screen 2410 shown in FIG. 24(B), the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG.

[0200] 25 shows a tax-free category change completion screen 2500. The change completion screen 2500 is a screen including a registered product list area 1401, a total display area 1402, and a change completion display 2501. In the registered product list area 1401, the word "free" is displayed for "XX shirt", indicating that the item is tax-free, and the tax-free category of the consumables category is also displayed. In addition, "General goods → Consumables" is displayed for "XX shirt", indicating that the tax-free category has been changed from the general goods category to the consumables category.

[0201] Additionally, the tax-free amount for the general goods category in the total display area 1402 is "0 yen," indicating that there are no general goods that are subject to tax. The change completion display 2501 indicates that the "XX shirt" has been reclassified to the consumables category, and that the "XX shirt" product is now tax-free. In this way, even if the total amount of the general goods category is less than the tax-free amount, the general goods category product can be reclassified to consumables to make it tax-free.

[0202] Before transitioning from the change acceptance screen 2410 in FIG. 24(B) to the change completion screen 2500 in FIG. 25, a screen for accepting the specification of the quantity of the product to be reclassified, such as the quantity specification screen 2300 in FIG. 23(A), may be displayed.

[0203] (Effect of POS register 3 on change of transportation category) As described above, the POS register 3 of this embodiment is configured to specify a shipping category (direct shipping category) indicating overseas shipping for tax-free products, and display information (shipping category) indicating the specified shipping category. This allows the store clerk to be notified of the shipping category for each product. This allows the store clerk to efficiently sort and pack products to be directly shipped overseas. Therefore, this embodiment can help to smoothly carry out tax-free procedures, including procedures related to overseas shipping.

[0204] In addition, the POS register 3 of this embodiment prints a first sheet (delivery item list 2100 in FIG. 21) showing registered items for which shipping has been specified (items for which the shipping category has been changed), and a second sheet (attached receipt 2010 in FIG. 20) showing items for which shipping has not been specified and which should be packed (items in the consumables category). This allows store clerks to more efficiently sort and pack items to be shipped directly overseas or items in the consumables category.

[0205] Furthermore, the POS register 3 of this embodiment accepts input of the number of first sheets and the number of second sheets, and prints the accepted number of sheets. This allows printing the number of sheets for each sheet according to the registered quantity of products. If these sheets are to be issued after the fact, it may take time and effort to manually input information that identifies the transaction, such as the sheet number. According to the POS register 3 of this embodiment, a specified number of sheets can be printed for each sheet in a transaction, and therefore the burden associated with issuing the sheets can be reduced.

[0206] In addition, the POS register 3 of this embodiment allows the shipping of a registered product to be specified (the shipping category can be changed) if the price of the product is eligible for tax exemption. This allows efficient sorting and packing work for sending products overseas that will not be consumed domestically. In addition, for products that are not eligible for tax exemption, such as products consumed domestically, it is possible to prevent the shipping category of the product from being changed, since it is unlikely that the product will be shipped overseas.

[0207] Furthermore, the POS register 3 of this embodiment displays products based on availability information indicating whether or not it is possible to specify shipping (change of shipping category) for each product, and accepts the specification of shipping. This makes it possible to not accept a change to the direct shipping category for products prohibited from international shipping. This prevents store clerks from sorting or packing products prohibited from international shipping for international shipping. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of procedures for shipping overseas.

[0208] In addition, the POS register 3 of this embodiment displays a list of carriers that will transport the product for which transportation is specified based on travel information (e.g., passport information), and accepts the selection of a carrier from the list. This allows the POS register 3 to present carriers in countries that are expected to be the delivery destination. This reduces the burden on store clerks in selecting a carrier.

[0209] In addition, the POS register 3 of this embodiment calculates the shipping fee based on travel information (e.g., passport information), so that the POS register 3 can present the shipping fee for the country assumed as the delivery destination. This reduces the burden on the store clerk in selecting a shipping company. Also, the customer can easily decide on a shipping company by referring to the shipping fee.

[0210] (Effect of POS register 3 on changes to tax-free categories) The POS register 3 of this embodiment calculates the difference between the total amount of the products for each tax-free category and the tax-free amount, and if there is a tax-free category where the total amount is not within the tax-free amount, the tax-free category and the difference are displayed. This allows the store clerk to be notified of the tax-free category that is not within the tax-free amount and the difference. Therefore, the store clerk can understand the difference between the total amount and the tax-free amount without having to calculate it himself, and can prevent the store clerk from carrying out the tax-free procedure for products in a tax-free category that is not within the tax-free amount. This reduces the burden on the store clerk involved in the tax-free procedure, such as deleting registered products and changing the tax-free category in order to make the tax-free amount of a tax-free category that is not within the tax-free amount range the tax-free amount. Therefore, even a store clerk with little knowledge about the tax-free procedure can carry out the tax-free procedure efficiently. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to support smooth carrying out of the tax-free procedure.

[0211] In addition, the POS register 3 of this embodiment is configured to display the tax-free category that is not within the tax-free amount range and the difference when the completion of product registration is accepted. This allows the store clerk to be notified of the tax-free category that is not within the tax-free amount range and the difference when the completion of product registration is accepted. This allows the store clerk to efficiently register products and complete the tax-free procedure.

[0212] Furthermore, in the POS register 3 of this embodiment, when there is a tax-free category (e.g., consumables category) whose total amount does not reach the tax-free amount, candidates for products in a tax-free category (e.g., general goods category) different from the tax-free category that can be changed to a tax-free category (consumables category) that does not reach the tax-free amount are displayed. This allows the store clerk to easily select the most suitable product (general goods category product) when making a product in a tax-free category (consumables category) whose total amount does not reach the tax-free amount tax-free. Therefore, it is possible to favorably support the store clerk in selecting a product (general goods category product) to make a consumables category product tax-free.

[0213] Furthermore, in the POS register 3 of this embodiment, when there is a tax-free category (for example, general goods category) whose total amount does not reach the tax-free amount, candidates for a tax-free category (for example, consumables category) different from the tax-free category are displayed from among the products in the tax-free category. This allows the store clerk to easily select the most suitable product (general goods category product) when making a tax-free product of a tax-free category (general goods category) whose total amount does not reach the tax-free amount. Therefore, it is possible to favorably support the store clerk in selecting a product (general goods category product) for making a general goods category product tax-free.

[0214] In addition, the POS register 3 of this embodiment recalculates the total amount for each tax-free category according to the selection of the candidate product to be changed, and displays the recalculated total amount. This allows the total amount for each category to be shown to the store clerk before the product to be changed is finalized. Therefore, the store clerk does not have to calculate the total amount for each category by himself, and can more effectively support the store clerk in selecting products when changing the category.

[0215] Furthermore, in the POS register 3 of this embodiment, when there is a tax-free category (for example, consumables category) whose total amount exceeds the tax-free amount, the POS register 3 displays candidates for deleting from registration among the products in the tax-free category. This allows the store clerk to easily select the optimal products to delete (excess products) when making a tax-free category (consumables category) whose total amount exceeds the tax-free amount eligible for tax exemption eligible. Therefore, it is possible to favorably support the store clerk in selecting products (products to delete) to make the consumables category eligible for tax exemption eligible.

[0216] In addition, the POS register 3 of this embodiment is configured to display candidates for taxation among the products in the tax-free category when the total amount of the tax-free category (consumables category) exceeds the tax-free amount. This allows the store clerk to easily select the optimal product to be taxed (the excess product) when making the tax-free category (consumables category) whose total amount exceeds the tax-free amount tax-free. Therefore, it is possible to favorably support the store clerk in selecting products (products to be taxed) for making the consumables category tax-free.

[0217] (Modification of the embodiment) Next, modified examples of the embodiment will be described. Note that in the following modified examples, the contents described in the above embodiment will not be described as necessary.

[0218] (Variation 1) First, a first modified example of the embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the carrier selection buttons 1701 on the carrier list screen 1700 (see FIG. 17) are displayed without being prioritized. In the first modified example, in addition to or instead of such a configuration, the carrier selection buttons 1701 may be displayed with priorities set.

[0219] Specifically, in the first modification, the higher the priority, the higher the display position. Also, the higher the priority, the larger the display area of ​​the carrier selection button 1701 may be, or the display color may be made more conspicuous. The priority is determined based on, for example, the shipping fee, the shipping time (arrival time), the presence or absence of refrigerated shipping, etc. For example, the priority may be higher for a carrier with a lower shipping fee. Also, the shipping fee of each carrier may be displayed in association with the carrier selection button 1701. Also, the priority may be higher for a carrier with a shorter shipping time. The shipping time of each carrier may be displayed in association with the carrier selection button 1701. Also, in the case of a product that requires refrigeration, the priority may be higher for a carrier that offers refrigerated shipping.

[0220] According to the first modification, it is possible to favorably support the store clerk and the customer in selecting a carrier, so that even a store clerk who has little knowledge about the tax-free procedure can efficiently carry out the tax-free procedure.

[0221] (Variation 2) Next, a second modified example of the embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration for selecting a carrier and printing a delivery item list in the transportation category change process has been described. In the second modified example, a configuration for selecting a carrier and printing a delivery item list in the transportation category change process, as well as paying a shipping charge and inputting a delivery destination will be described.

[0222] For example, when the selection of the carrier and the printing of the delivery list are completed, the POS register 3 may display the item of the shipping charge and a sub-screen including the shipping charge, and settle the amount including the shipping charge. In the second modification, the POS register 3 inputs the delivery destination. The delivery destination may be input before settlement, for example, after the selection of the carrier or after the input of the number of copies of the delivery list to be printed is accepted.

[0223] According to the second variant, payment of shipping charges and input of delivery address can be done all at once, so that the tax exemption procedure can be completed at the POS register 3 where the transaction was made, without having to go to a service counter or the like.

[0224] (Regarding Modifications 3 to 6) Next, modified examples 3 to 6 of the embodiment will be described. In the above-mentioned embodiment, a configuration has been described in which each process, the tax-free category change process, the transportation category change process, and the passport information input process, is performed in an order according to the operator's selection. In modified examples 3 to 6, in addition to or instead of such a configuration, a configuration will be described in which each process is performed in a preset order.

[0225] (Modification 3: Configuration in which passport information input process is performed last) In the third modification, a configuration in which the passport information input process is performed last will be described. In the case of the third modification, for example, the POS register 3 may transition to a screen that accepts the input of passport information after the tax-free category change process and the shipping category change process are completed. Specifically, the POS register 3 may hide the Confirm button 1406 or invalidate the pressing of the button on the tax-free home screen 1400 (see FIG. 14) until the tax-free category change process (process executed by pressing the tax-free category change button 1404) and the shipping category change process (process executed by pressing the shipping category change button 1405) are completed. Then, after the tax-free category and the shipping category are confirmed, the pressing of the Confirm button 1406 may be valid.

[0226] In the third modification, after a series of operations related to classification changes, including changes to the tax-free classification and the transportation classification, are completed, the passport is presented and passport information is entered. Therefore, a series of operations related to classification changes can be performed together in advance, so that the operations related to classification changes can be performed efficiently.

[0227] (Modification 4: Configuration in which passport information input processing is performed first) In the fourth modification, a configuration in which the passport information input process is performed first will be described. In the case of the fourth modification, the POS register 3 does not allow the tax-free category change process and the shipping category change process to be performed until the passport information input process is completed. Specifically, the POS register 3 may hide the tax-free category change button 1404 and the shipping category change button 1405 on the tax-free home screen 1400 (see FIG. 14) or disable pressing of these buttons until passport information is input. Then, after the passport information input process is completed, pressing of the tax-free category change button 1404 and the shipping category change button 1405 may be enabled.

[0228] According to the fourth modification, the tax-free procedure can be carried out after the customer presents the passport. This prevents the tax-free procedure from going to waste, for example, when the customer starts the tax-free procedure but does not have the passport and is unable to complete the procedure. This allows the tax-free procedure to be carried out efficiently. Also, a list screen 1700 of shipping companies can be displayed based on the passport information. This provides optimal support for the store clerk in selecting a shipping company.

[0229] (Variation 5: Configuration in which passport information input processing is performed between tax-free classification change processing and transportation classification change processing) In the fifth modification, a configuration will be described in which the passport information input process is performed between the tax-free category change process and the shipping category change process. In the fifth modification, the POS register 3 performs each process in the following order: tax-free category change process → passport information input process → shipping category change process. Specifically, the POS register 3 may, for example, hide the shipping category change button 1405 and the confirm button 1406 on the tax-free home screen 1400 (see FIG. 14) or disable pressing of these buttons when the change of the tax-free category has not been confirmed. Then, the POS register 3 accepts the input of passport information after the change of the tax-free category has been confirmed.

[0230] Furthermore, when the tax-free category has been determined but the input of passport information has not been completed, the POS register 3 may hide the shipping category change button 1405 or disable pressing of the button. After the input of passport information is completed, the POS register 3 may enable pressing of the shipping category change button 1405. Note that if both the tax-free categories for the consumables category and the general goods category are within the tax-free amount, i.e., if there is no need to change the tax-free category, the POS register 3 may start inputting passport information without performing the tax-free category change process.

[0231] According to the fifth modification, after the tax-free category of each product is determined, a change in the shipping category is accepted, so that a shipping category according to the tax-free category can be selected. This allows the shipping category to be selected according to the customer's request, for example, when a customer wishes to ship general goods overseas with priority over expendable goods. In addition, a list screen 1700 of shipping companies can be displayed based on passport information, so that the selection of a shipping company by the store clerk can be favorably supported.

[0232] (Variation 6: Configuration in which a shipping classification change process is performed after a tax-free classification change process) In the sixth modification, a configuration will be described in which the order of passport information input processing does not matter, and the shipping category change processing is performed after the tax-free category change processing. Specifically, for example, the POS register 3 may hide the shipping category change button 1405 or disable pressing of the button on the tax-free home screen 1400 (see FIG. 14) until the change of the tax-free category is confirmed. In other words, if the operation of changing the tax-free category is not completed, the operation of the shipping category may be prohibited. Then, the POS register 3 enables pressing of the shipping category change button 1405 after the change of the tax-free category is confirmed. Note that if both the tax-free categories of the consumables category and the general goods category are tax-free eligible amounts, that is, if the change of the tax-free category is not required, the POS register 3 may enable pressing of the shipping category change button 1405 on the tax-free home screen 1400 from the beginning.

[0233] According to the sixth modification, after the tax-free category of each product is determined, the shipping category can be changed, so that the shipping category can be selected according to the tax-free category. This allows the selection of a shipping category for each tax-free category according to the customer's request, for example, when there is a request to prioritize general goods over consumable goods when shipping overseas.

[0234] The embodiments will be summarized below. [Technical field] Product sales data processing device, product sales data processing method, and program The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device, a product sales data processing method, and a program. [Background technology] Traditionally, goods purchased by foreign tourists and others are exempt from consumption tax (hereinafter referred to as "tax-free") when taken out of the country. Tax-free goods are classified into either of the tax-free categories of consumables or general goods. Consumables are goods that can be consumed within the country, such as food and beverages. General goods are goods used in everyday life, such as clothing and home appliances, and are goods other than consumables. Goods that fall into either the tax-free category of consumables or general goods are eligible for tax-free exemption if they meet certain conditions set forth for each category. To be eligible for tax exemption, a store clerk will carry out the tax exemption procedure at the store. The tax exemption procedure includes the procedure for packing consumables, the procedure for changing the tax exemption category, and the procedure for shipping the product overseas. In the procedure for packing consumables, the clerk will seal the package with a sticker that allows visual confirmation of the opening if the packaged product is opened. In the procedure for changing the tax exemption category, the clerk will change the category of a general item to that of a consumable tax exemption item if certain conditions are met. In the procedure for shipping, the clerk will make arrangements for shipping if the product is to be shipped directly overseas. A related technology is a cash register that registers products into tax-free categories for consumables and general goods, and prints the tax-free category of the product information on a receipt by decoding the barcode attached to the product (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-232773 A [Summary of the invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, in the conventional technology, a store clerk who is not familiar with the tax-free procedure must ask a store clerk who is familiar with the procedure or must look up the information himself or herself when carrying out the tax-free procedure, which can result in the store clerk being unable to carry out the tax-free procedure smoothly. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can support the smooth execution of tax exemption procedures. [Means for solving the problem] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device that comprises: a registration means for registering products purchased by a customer; a calculation means for calculating the difference between the total amount for each tax-free category of products registered by the registration means and a tax-free amount set in advance for each tax-free category; and a display control means for displaying, if there is a tax-free category for which the total amount is not within the range of the tax-free amount, the tax-free category and the difference calculated by the calculation means. According to the above configuration, the salesperson can be notified of the tax-free category that is not subject to tax exemption, the total amount of the products for each tax-free category, and the difference between the tax-free amount and the total amount. Therefore, the salesperson can know the difference between the total amount and the tax-free amount without having to calculate it himself, and the salesperson can be prevented from carrying out the tax-free procedure for the products in the tax-free category that are not subject to tax exemption. This reduces the burden on the salesperson involved in the tax-free procedure, such as deleting registered products and changing the tax-free category in order to make the amount of the tax-free category that is not within the range of the tax-free amount subject to tax exemption. Therefore, even a salesperson with little knowledge of the tax-free procedure can carry out the tax-free procedure efficiently. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to support smooth carrying out of the tax-free procedure. In the above configuration, the device may further have an operation receiving means for receiving an operation to complete the registration of a product, and when the display control means receives the completion of the registration of a product, the display control means may display a tax exemption category that is not within the tax exemption amount range and the difference. According to the above configuration, when the completion of the product registration is accepted, the salesperson can be notified of the tax-free category that is not the tax-free amount and the difference amount, so that the salesperson can efficiently register the product and carry out the tax-free procedure. In the above configuration, when there is a tax-free category in which the total amount does not reach the tax-free amount, the display control means may display candidates of products in tax-free categories other than the tax-free category in question that can be changed to a tax-free category that does not reach the tax-free amount. According to the above configuration, when making products in the tax-free category (consumables category) tax-free eligible for tax exemption, the store clerk can easily select the most suitable product (general goods category product) for the total amount of the products in the tax-free category (consumables category) that does not reach the tax-exempt amount. Therefore, it is possible to favorably support the store clerk in selecting a product (general goods category product) for making the consumables category products tax-exempt. In the above configuration, when there is a tax-free category for which the total amount does not reach the tax-free amount, the display control means may display candidates for products in that tax-free category that can be changed to a tax-free category different from that tax-free category. According to the above configuration, when making tax-free items (general goods) whose total amount does not reach the tax-free amount tax-free, the store clerk can easily select the most suitable item (general goods). Therefore, it is possible to favorably support the store clerk in selecting the item (general goods) to make the general goods tax-free. In the above configuration, a candidate selection means may be provided for accepting a selection from among the changeable candidates, and the calculation means may recalculate the total amount for each tax-free category in accordance with the candidates accepted by the candidate selection means, and the display control means may display the total amount recalculated by the calculation means. According to the above configuration, the total price of each category when changing the category can be presented to the salesperson before the product to be changed is finalized. Therefore, the salesperson does not have to calculate the total price of each category by himself, and can more appropriately support the salesperson in selecting products when changing the category. In the above configuration, when there is a tax-free category in which the total amount exceeds the tax-free amount, the display control means may display candidates to be deleted from registration among the products in that tax-free category. According to the above configuration, when making products in the tax-free category (consumables category) whose total amount exceeds the tax-free amount eligible for tax exemption eligible, the store clerk can easily select the most suitable product (the excess product). Therefore, it is possible to favorably support the store clerk in selecting products (products to be removed) to make the consumables category eligible for tax exemption. In the above configuration, when there is a tax-free category in which the total amount exceeds the tax-free amount, the display control means may display candidates for taxation among the products in that tax-free category. According to the above configuration, when making products in the tax-free category (consumables category) whose total amount exceeds the tax-free amount eligible for tax exemption eligible, the store clerk can easily select the most suitable product (the excess product). Therefore, it is possible to favorably support the store clerk in selecting products (products to be taxed) for making the consumables category eligible for tax exemption. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a product sales data processing method which is another aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing method performed by a product sales data processing device, characterized in that it includes: a registration step of registering products to be purchased by a customer; a calculation step of calculating the difference between the total amount for each tax-free category of the products registered in the registration step and a tax-free amount set in advance for each tax-free category; and a display control step of displaying, if there is a tax-free category for which the total amount is not within the range of the tax-free amount, the tax-free category and the difference calculated in the calculation step. According to the above configuration, the salesperson can be notified of the tax-free category that is not subject to tax exemption, the total amount of the products for each tax-free category, and the difference between the tax-free amount and the total amount. Therefore, the salesperson can know the difference between the total amount and the tax-free amount without having to calculate it himself, and the salesperson can be prevented from carrying out the tax-free procedure for the products in the tax-free category that are not subject to tax exemption. This reduces the burden on the salesperson involved in the tax-free procedure, such as deleting registered products and changing the tax-free category in order to make the amount of the tax-free category that is not within the range of the tax-free amount subject to tax exemption. Therefore, even a salesperson with little knowledge of the tax-free procedure can carry out the tax-free procedure efficiently. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to support smooth carrying out of the tax-free procedure. In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer used in a product sales data processing device to function as: registration means for registering products purchased by a customer; calculation means for calculating the difference between the total amount for each tax-free category of the products registered by the registration means and the tax-free amount set in advance for each tax-free category; and display control means for displaying the tax-free category and the difference calculated by the calculation means when there is a tax-free category for which the total amount is not within the range of the tax-free amount. According to the above configuration, the salesperson can be notified of the tax-free category that is not subject to tax exemption, the total amount of the products for each tax-free category, and the difference between the tax-free amount and the total amount. Therefore, the salesperson can know the difference between the total amount and the tax-free amount without having to calculate it himself, and the salesperson can be prevented from carrying out the tax-free procedure for the products in the tax-free category that are not subject to tax exemption. This reduces the burden on the salesperson involved in the tax-free procedure, such as deleting registered products and changing the tax-free category in order to make the amount of the tax-free category that is not within the range of the tax-free amount subject to tax exemption. Therefore, even a salesperson with little knowledge of the tax-free procedure can carry out the tax-free procedure efficiently. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to support smooth carrying out of the tax-free procedure.

[0235] In the above description, the registration unit, the transportation designation unit, the display control unit, the number reception unit, the availability information acquisition unit, the travel information input unit, the list display processing unit, the carrier reception unit, the transportation fee calculation unit, the calculation unit, the operation reception unit, and the candidate selection unit are described as being included in the POS register 3. These functional units may be included in other computer devices. For example, these functional units may be included in the store controller 2, or may be included in a computer device other than the store controller 2 (for example, a monitoring terminal or an external server). In addition, the computer device in which these functional units are included is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, some of the functional units may be included in one computer device, and other functional units may be included in another computer device. In the above description, the product master 400 and the carrier table 500 are described as being recorded in the store controller 2, but this is not limited thereto, and they may be recorded in other computer devices (such as the POS register 3 or an external server).

[0236] The program for implementing the POS system 1 and the POS register 3 described above may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to storage devices that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. The "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be for implementing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0237] 1. POS system 2. Store controller 3. POS register 21...Display section for clerk 22...Key operation section 23…Customer display section 24…Card payment department 25…Printing Department 31…CPU 32...ROM 33…RAM 34…Communications Department 35…Scanner section 36…Drawer 37...Audio output section

Claims

1. A registration means for registering products purchased by customers; a calculation means for calculating a difference between a total price for each tax-free category of the products registered by the registration means and a tax-free target price set in advance for each tax-free category; a display control means for displaying, when the total amount is not within the range of the tax exemption amount, the tax exemption category, the difference calculated by the calculation means, and candidate products that can be changed to the tax exemption category; A product sales data processing device comprising:

2. The candidate goods are goods other than the goods stored as being unchangeable to the tax-free category.

2. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1.

3. A candidate receiving means for receiving any one of the candidate products; a calculation means for calculating the total amount for each tax-free category when the candidate acceptance means accepts any of the items; 3. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The display control means displays the total amount estimated by the estimation means.

4. The product sales data processing device according to claim 3.

5. A computer used in a product sales data processing device, A registration means for registering products purchased by customers; a calculation means for calculating a difference between a total price for each tax-free category of the merchandise registered by said registration means and a tax-free target price set in advance for each tax-free category; a display control means for displaying, when the total amount is not within the range of the tax exemption amount, the tax exemption category, the difference calculated by the calculation means, and candidate products that can be changed to the tax exemption category; A program characterized by causing the program to function as a

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