Information processing device, information processing program, and control method

Abstract

To easily confirm which tax rate is applied to each commodity in a situation where a plurality of tax rates are selectively applied to each commodity.SOLUTION: An information processor according to the embodiment includes commodity determination means, tax determination means, generation means, and output means. The commodity determination means determines a commodity to be traded. The tax rate determination means determines which of a plurality of tax rates is the tax rate to be applied when taxing the commodity determined by the commodity determination means. The generation means generates list data representing a list of commodities determined by the commodity determination means together with a determination result by the tax rate determination means for each commodity. The output means outputs the list data generated by the generation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] When a multiple tax rate system is adopted, the consumption tax is applied in combination with the standard tax rate and the reduced tax rate. In other words, the standard tax rate and the reduced tax rate are selectively applied depending on the product. When a transaction involves multiple goods, the amount of consumption tax is determined as the sum of the amount obtained by multiplying the total pre-tax prices of the goods to which the standard tax rate applies by the standard tax rate, and the amount obtained by multiplying the total pre-tax prices of the goods to which the reduced tax rate applies by the reduced tax rate. Regardless of how many items are involved in a transaction, only one amount of consumption tax is levied. And the receipt given to the purchaser usually shows the total amount excluding tax, the amount of consumption tax, and the total amount including tax.

[0003] As a result, purchasers were unable to check from the receipt which tax rate applied to which item. On the other hand, in the case of tax-free sales, consumption tax is not levied. However, even if you wanted to check the tax rate at which each product was exempt from consumption tax, you could not check it from the receipt. For these reasons, in a situation where multiple tax rates are selectively applied to each product, it has been desirable to be able to easily check which tax rate applies to each product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-91214 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an information processing device that makes it possible to easily confirm which tax rate applies to each product in a situation where multiple tax rates are selectively applied to each product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of the embodiment includes a product determination means, a tax rate determination means, a generation means, and an output means. The product determination means determines the product to be traded. The tax rate determination means determines which of a plurality of tax rates is to be applied to the product determined by the product determination means. The generation means generates list data that shows a list of the products determined by the product determination means together with the determination result for each product by the tax rate determination means. The output means outputs the list data generated by the generation means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a POS terminal according to an embodiment, and a schematic configuration of a POS system including the POS terminal; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a master record included in a product master table in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of a purchased product table in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart of information processing by a processor in FIG. 1 . [Diagram 5] 2 is a flowchart of information processing by a processor in FIG. 1 . [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a normal receipt image. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a tax-free receipt image. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image of a pledge. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a record sheet image. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an item name list image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal having a function as an information processing device will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a POS terminal 10 according to this embodiment, and a schematic configuration of a POS system 100 including this POS terminal 10. As shown in FIG. The POS system 100 includes a POS terminal 10, a store server 20, and a headquarters server 30. The POS terminal 10, the store server 20, and the headquarters server 30 can communicate with each other via a communication network 40. The communication network 40 may be the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, a dedicated line, or the like, either alone or in combination as appropriate. The POS system 100 typically includes a plurality of POS terminals 10 and a plurality of store servers 20, but FIG. 1 shows only one of each. The POS system 100 may also be provided with a plurality of headquarters servers 30.

[0009] The POS terminal 10 registers the details of any transaction, such as the sale of a product in a store, the provision of food and drink, or the provision of a service that does not involve the transfer of goods, and also performs information processing for accounting for the transaction. The accounting processing includes processing for calculating the price and processing for settling the price. In the following, the case where the target transaction is the sale of a product will be described. The store server 20 is installed in a store and performs various information processing for managing the multiple POS terminals 10 installed in the store. The head office server 30 is installed in a headquarters that has jurisdiction over multiple stores and performs information processing for managing the POS terminals 10 and the store server 20 installed in the multiple stores.

[0010] The POS terminal 10 includes a processor 10a, a main storage device 10b, an auxiliary storage device 10c, a display device 10d, an input device 10e, a reading device 10f, a reader / writer 10g, a printer 10h, a communication device 10i, and a transmission path 10j. In the POS terminal 10, the processor 10a, the main storage device 10b, and the auxiliary storage device 10c are connected via a transmission line 10j to constitute a computer that performs information processing for controlling the POS terminal 10.

[0011] The processor 10a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 10a controls each part to realize various functions of the POS terminal 10 according to information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs.

[0012] The main storage device 10b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main storage device 10b includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main storage device 10b stores the above-mentioned information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main storage device 10b may also store data required for the processor 10a to execute various information processes in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main storage device 10b uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 10a.

[0013] The auxiliary storage device 10c corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 10c is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory). A hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or other various well-known storage devices can be used. The auxiliary storage device 10c stores data used by the processor 10a in performing various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 10a. The auxiliary storage device 10c may also store the above information processing program. In this embodiment, an application program (hereinafter referred to as a POS application) AP1 that describes the information processing described later is stored. The auxiliary storage device 10c also stores a product master table TD1 and a purchased product table TD2. The product master table TD1 and the purchased product table TD2 will be described later.

[0014] The display device 10d displays various screens for notifying the operator of various information. As the display device 10d, a known device such as a liquid crystal display device can be used. There may be a plurality of display devices 10d. The input device 10e is used by an operator to input various instructions. As the input device 10e, well-known devices such as a touch sensor or a keyboard can be used alone or in combination.

[0015] The reading device 10f reads data for identifying a product. For example, a fixed or handheld barcode scanner can be used as the reading device 10f. A wireless communication device such as an RF (radio frequency) tag reader can be used as the reading device 10f. Alternatively, an object recognition scanner that identifies a product using an object recognition technology based on the image characteristics of the product itself can be used as the reading device 10f. Note that the reading device 10f can be any of these various devices, either alone or in combination.

[0016] The reader / writer 10g reads data stored or displayed on a recording medium. The reader / writer 10g writes data on a writable recording medium. The reader / writer 10g may be any of known devices, such as an IC card reader / writer, a magnetic card reader / writer, or a near-field communication reader / writer, either alone or in combination. The reader / writer 10g can be used to read information related to a payment medium for settlement. For example, the reader / writer 10g reads credit data recorded on a credit card. For example, the reader / writer 10g reads electronic money data recorded on an electronic money card. The reader / writer 10g also reads data stored or displayed on a passport.

[0017] The printer 10h prints various kinds of vouchers by printing images given under the instruction of the processor 10a onto paper. The vouchers printed by the printer 10h include, for example, receipts, pledges, record sheets, and product name lists. The communication device 10i performs data communication via the communication network 40. As the communication device 10i, for example, a known device configured to perform known processing for data communication via a LAN and the Internet can be used. The transmission path 10j includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals between the connected components.

[0018] The POS application AP1 may be stored in the auxiliary storage device 10c when the hardware of the POS terminal 10 is transferred, or may be transferred separately from the hardware. In the latter case, the POS application AP1 is transferred in a state where it is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or via a network. In the latter case, the POS application AP1 is provided as an upgrade program, and is assumed to be used in place of another application program of the same type that is already stored in the auxiliary storage device 10c. The POS application AP1 may be stored in the main storage device 10b.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of record data (hereinafter referred to as master record) RD1 included in the product master table TD1. The product master table TD1 is table data consisting of a set of multiple master records RD1 associated with each product that can be the subject of a sales process at the POS terminal 10. The master record RD1 includes fields F11, F12, F13, F14, and F15 in which various data related to the product associated with the master record RD1 (hereinafter referred to as the corresponding product) is set. In the field F11, a product code for identifying the corresponding product is set. In the field F12, a product name given to the corresponding product is set. In the field F13, a unit price of the corresponding product is set. In the field F14, a tax-free category code for identifying the tax-free category to which the corresponding product belongs is set. In this embodiment, there are two tax-free category codes, which indicate the tax-free categories of "general goods" and "consumables". In the field F15, a tax rate code for identifying the tax rate applied to the corresponding product is set. In this embodiment, there are two tax rate codes, which indicate "standard tax rate" or "reduced tax rate". The tax-free category code set in field F14 should be determined, for example, according to legal regulations, so as to correctly reflect which tax-free category each product belongs to. The tax rate code set in field F15 should be determined, for example, according to legal regulations, so as to correctly reflect which tax rate is applied to each product.

[0020] The product master table TD1 is typically a copy. The original of the product master table TD1 is typically managed by the store server 20 or the headquarters server 30. The product master table TD1 is then imported from the store server 20 or the headquarters server 30 to the POS terminal 10 at an appropriate timing and stored in the auxiliary storage device 10c.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the purchased product table TD2. The purchased item table TD2 is table data for managing items already registered as purchased items. The purchased item table TD2 includes fields F21 and F22. The purchased item table TD2 may also include fields F23 and subsequent fields. A transaction code for identifying a transaction is set in field F21. A tax exemption flag indicating whether or not tax exemption is applied is set in field F22. In this embodiment, the tax exemption flag indicates application when it is set. Record data (hereinafter referred to as item record) RD2 associated with each of the items already registered as purchased items is set in each field from field F23 onwards. In other words, field F23 and subsequent fields include a number of fields according to the number of items of items already registered as purchased items.

[0022] Product record RD2 includes fields F31, F32, F33, F34, F35, and F36 in which various data regarding the purchased product with which the product record RD2 is associated is set. Field F31 is set with a product code for identifying the purchased product. Field F22 is set with the product name given to the purchased product. Field F33 is set with the unit price of the purchased product. Field F34 is set with a tax-free category code for identifying the tax-free category to which the purchased product belongs. Field F35 is set with a tax rate code for identifying the tax rate applied to the purchased product. Field F36 is set with the quantity of the purchased product.

[0023] Next, the operation of the POS terminal 10 configured as above will be described. Note that the contents of the various processes described below are merely examples, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processes, omit some of the processes, or add other processes as appropriate. When the POS terminal 10 is in an operating state for registration and settlement, the processor 10a performs the following information processing for registration and settlement in accordance with the POS application AP1. 4 and 5 are flowcharts of information processing by the processor 10a.

[0024] In ACT1, the processor 10a initializes the purchased product table TD2. For example, the processor 10a determines a transaction code different from the transaction code for identifying transactions that have already been processed according to a predetermined rule, and sets the code in the field F21. The processor 10a also resets the tax-exempt flag set in the field F22. Furthermore, the processor 10a sets the field F23 and subsequent fields to a state that does not include the fields.

[0025] In ACT2, the processor 10a checks whether or not a product to be purchased has been designated. If the processor 10a cannot confirm that a product has been designated, the processor 10a judges the result to be NO and proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 10a checks whether or not a tax exemption declaration has been made. If the processor 10a cannot confirm that the relevant declaration has been made, it judges the result as NO and proceeds to ACT4. In ACT4, the processor 10a checks whether or not an instruction to carry out a transaction has been issued. If the processor 10a cannot confirm that the instruction has been issued, it determines NO and returns to ACT2. Thus, the processor 10a waits for instructions to specify the items to be purchased, to declare tax exemption, and to perform accounting.

[0026] The operator operates the reading device 10f to read the product code of the purchased product. Alternatively, the operator operates the input device 10e to input the product code of the purchased product. If the product code is obtained by the reading device 10f or the input device 10e, the processor 10a judges YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT5.

[0027] As ACT5, the processor 10a updates the purchased product table TD2 to include a product record RD2 associated with the product identified by the product code of the purchased product obtained by the reading device 10f or the input device 10e. The processor 10a, for example, checks whether a product record RD2 in which the product code of the purchased product is set in field F31 is already included in the purchased product table TD2. If the processor 10a cannot find the corresponding product record RD2, it adds a new field to the end of the purchased product table TD2 and sets the new product record RD2 in this field. For example, the processor 10a extracts a master record RD1 in which the product code of the purchased product is set in field F11 from the product master table TD1. The processor 10a then sets the data set in fields F11, F12, F13, F14, and F15 of the extracted master record RD1 to fields F31, F32, F33, F34, and F35, respectively, and sets data representing "1 piece" to field F36, thereby generating the above-mentioned new product record RD2. If, for example, a product record RD2 in which the product code of the purchased product is set in field F31 is already included in the purchased product table TD2, the processor 10a rewrites the data set in field F36 of the product record RD2 to data representing the number one greater than before.

[0028] Here, the purchased product is the product to be traded. In other words, the processor 10a determines that the product identified by the product code obtained by the reading device 10f or the input device 10e is the product to be traded. Thus, the processor 10a executes information processing based on the POS application AP1, and the computer with the processor 10a as the central part functions as a product determination means.

[0029] The product master table TD1 does not have to be stored in the auxiliary storage device 10c. When the processor 10a needs to refer to the product master table, the processor 10a may access the store server 20 or the headquarters server 30 and refer to the product master table managed by the store server 20 or the headquarters server 30.

[0030] Furthermore, the product record RD2 does not need to include any fields other than the fields F31 and F36. The processor 10a may obtain data set in the fields F32 to F35 that are not included in the product record RD2 from the product master table TD1. When the processor 10a has finished updating the purchased product table TD2, it returns to the standby state of ACT2 to ACT4.

[0031] On the other hand, if the purchaser desires to apply the tax exemption, the operator makes a tax exemption declaration, for example, by a predetermined operation on the input device 10e. If the tax exemption declaration is made in this manner, the processor 10a judges YES in ACT3 and proceeds to ACT6. As ACT6, the processor 10a acquires passport data. For example, the processor 10a causes the display device 10d to display a guide screen for prompting the operator to input passport data. Then, when the reader / writer 10g reads passport data from the purchaser's passport in response to an operation by the operator, the processor 10a stores the passport data in the main storage device 10b or the auxiliary storage device 10c. Note that the passport data may be input in part or in whole via an input device. The passport data includes, for example, a passport number, nationality, name, and date of birth.

[0032] In ACT7, the processor 10a changes the tax exemption flag set in the field F22 of the purchased product table TD2 to a set state, and then the processor 10a returns to the standby state of ACT2 to ACT4.

[0033] When the operator has finished specifying all the products to be purchased and wishes to proceed to checkout, he / she instructs checkout by, for example, performing a predetermined operation on the input device 10e. If checkout is instructed in this manner, the processor 10a judges YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT8. As ACT8, the processor 10a calculates the first tax-excluded amount. The first tax-excluded amount is the total amount before tax for purchased items to which the standard tax rate is applied. For example, the processor 10a extracts all item records RD2 in the purchased item table TD2, in which the tax rate code set in field F35 indicates "standard tax rate". The processor 10a then multiplies the unit price and the number of items set in fields F33 and F36 in the same item record RD2 to calculate the amount for each extracted item record RD2, and the sum of these amounts is the first tax-excluded amount. As ACT9, the processor 10a calculates the standard tax amount. The standard tax amount is the amount of consumption tax to which the standard tax rate is applied. For example, the processor 10a calculates the amount equivalent to the standard tax rate of the first tax-excluded amount as the standard tax amount.

[0034] As ACT10, the processor 10a calculates a second tax-excluded amount. The second tax-excluded amount is the total amount before tax for purchased items to which a reduced tax rate is applied. For example, the processor 10a extracts all item records RD2 in the purchased item table TD2 whose tax rate code set in field F35 indicates "reduced tax rate". The processor 10a then multiplies the unit price and quantity set in fields F33 and F36 in the same item record RD2 to calculate the amount for each item record RD2, and the sum of these amounts is the second tax-excluded amount. In ACT11, the processor 10a calculates the reduced tax amount. The reduced tax amount is the amount of consumption tax to which a reduced tax rate is applied. For example, the processor 10a calculates the amount equivalent to the reduced tax rate of the second tax-excluded amount as the reduced tax amount. The processor 10a then proceeds to ACT12 in FIG. 5.

[0035] In ACT12, the processor 10a checks whether or not tax exemption is applied. For example, if the tax exemption flag remains in the reset state, the processor 10a determines that the answer is NO, and proceeds to ACT13. In ACT 13, the processor 10a calculates the tax-inclusive amount. For example, the processor 10a calculates the tax-inclusive amount as the sum of the first tax-excluded amount, the standard tax amount, the second tax-excluded amount, and the reduced tax amount calculated in ACT 8 to ACT 11. In the process of calculating the amounts above, discount processing may be performed according to a predetermined rule, such as deducting a certain discount amount from the unit price of one product in response to a purchaser presenting a coupon.

[0036] The processor 10a as the ACT 14 performs a payment process to settle the tax-inclusive amount. The payment process can be the same as the process performed by existing POS terminals. The payment media used for this payment can be, for example, cash, credit, electronic money, virtual currency, prepaid, gift certificates, or any other media.

[0037] In ACT15, the processor 10a generates a normal receipt image. A normal receipt image is an image that shows the contents of a transaction to which tax exemption does not apply. For example, the processor 10a generates a normal receipt image by expanding a character string showing various information based on the purchased item table TD2 and the calculation results in ACT8 to ACT11 and ACT13 according to a predetermined form.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows an example of a regular receipt image IM1. The normal receipt image IM1 indicates various pieces of information about the transaction by character strings shown in each of the lines RO101 to RO122.

[0039] The string in row RO101 represents the date and time when the transaction was conducted and the register number for identifying the POS terminal 10. In FIG. 6, the characters in "YYYY", "MM", "DD", "DW", "TI", "MI", and "RRRR" are actually set to represent the year, month, day, day of the week, hour, minute, and register number, respectively.

[0040] The string in row RO102 is shown in association with the heading "Responsibility No." which is the employee number of the operator of the POS terminal 10, and represents the name of the operator. In FIG. 6, the characters in "NNNNNNNN" and "○○○○" are actually set to represent the employee number and name, respectively.

[0041] The string in row RO103 represents the product name of one of the purchased products and the mark indicating the applicable consumption tax rate. In FIG. 6, "outside" is the mark, indicating that the standard tax rate is applied. Also, the characters in "AAAAAAA" in FIG. 6 are actually set to represent the product name.

[0042] The string in row RO104 represents the quantity, unit price, and total amount for the product with the product name shown in row RO103. The total amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price and quantity by the processor 10a in ACT8.

[0043] Rows RO105 and RO106, RO107 and RO108, RO109 and RO110, RO111 and RO112, RO113 and RO114 each form a pair and show information regarding different purchased products in the same form as RO103 and RO104. However, the "*" shown in row RO109 and row RO113 indicates that the reduced tax rate is applied.

[0044] That is, the processor 10a arranges two lines of text in rows RO103 to RO114 based on each of the product records RD2 included in the purchased product table TD2. Therefore, the normal receipt image IM1 shown in Fig. 6 is an example of a case where the purchased product table TD2 includes six product records RD2. Also, of the six product records RD2, two purchased product tables TD2 with product names "DDDDDDD" and "FFFFFFF" set in field F32 are extracted in ACT10, and the remaining four purchased product tables TD2 are extracted in ACT8.

[0045] Thus, rows RO103 to RO114 represent a list of products to be traded, and the area of ​​the normal receipt image IM1 in which rows RO103 to RO114 are arranged corresponds to list data representing the above list. The processor 10a then determines the tax rate to be applied to each product based on the product record RD2, and indicates the result of the determination in the list data with a mark such as "out" or "*". Thus, the processor 10a executes information processing based on the POS application AP1, and the computer with the processor 10a as its core functions as tax rate determining means and generating means.

[0046] The character string in row RO115 indicates the tax-inclusive amount calculated in ACT13 in association with the heading "Total including tax." In other words, the normal receipt image IM1 shown in Fig. 6 is an example of a case where the tax-inclusive amount is calculated as "38,293."

[0047] The character string in row RO116 indicates the total amount of the first tax-excluded amount calculated in ACT8 and the second tax-excluded amount calculated in ACT10, in association with the heading "Total Excluding Tax." In other words, the regular receipt image IM1 shown in Figure 6 is an example where the total amount of the first tax-excluded amount and the second tax-excluded amount is "34,866."

[0048] The string on line RO117 represents the total amount of the standard tax amount calculated by ACT9 and the reduced tax amount calculated by ACT11, associated with the heading "Consumption Tax". That is, the normal receipt image IM1 shown in Figure 6 is an example where the total amount of the standard tax amount and the reduced tax amount is "3,319".

[0049] The string on line RO118 represents the standard tax amount calculated by ACT9, associated with the heading "Standard Tax Rate". That is, the normal receipt image IM1 shown in Figure 6 is an example where the standard tax amount is "2,654".

[0050] The string on line RO119 represents the reduced tax amount calculated by ACT11, associated with the heading "Reduced Tax Rate". That is, the normal receipt image IM1 shown in Figure 6 is an example where the reduced tax amount is "665". Thus, lines RO118 and RO119 represent the breakdown of the consumption tax amount shown in line RO117.

[0051] The string on line RO120 is a text message that guides that the "*" marked in lines RO107 and RO109 indicates a product to which the reduced tax rate is applied. The string on line RO121 is a text message that guides that the "Out" marked in lines RO103, RO105, RO111, and RO113 indicates a product to which the standard tax rate is applied.

[0052] The string on line RO122 represents the transaction code set in field F21 of the purchased product table TD2, associated with the heading "Receipt No.". Also, the string on line RO122 represents the store code, associated with the heading "Store No.". The store code is an identification code for identifying the store using the POS terminal 10. In Figure 6, the characters are actually set in "NNNN" and "SSSS" to represent the transaction code and the store code respectively.

[0053] The processor 10a may add a line showing information related to the payment process to the normal receipt image. The information shown in the added line may be, for example, the name of the payment medium used, the deposit amount and the change amount in the case of cash payment, or the remaining balance in the case of electronic money payment. The processor 10a may also add a line or image showing predetermined information such as the number of points added with the transaction and the number of points after the points are added, or promotional information to the normal receipt image.

[0054] As ACT16, the processor 10a provides image data representing a normal receipt image to the printer 10h and instructs it to print. In response, the printer 10h prints the normal receipt image represented by the provided image data onto paper. This results in the printing of a normal receipt as a voucher. This printing corresponds to outputting list data. Thus, the processor 10a and the printer 10h work together to realize the function of output means that outputs list data. Once the processor 10a has completed printing the normal receipt, it returns to ACT1 in FIG. 4 to prepare for the next transaction.

[0055] On the other hand, if the tax exemption flag is set, for example, the processor 10a judges YES in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT17. The processor 10a calculates the total amount excluding tax in ACT 17. For example, the processor 10a calculates the total amount excluding tax as the sum of the first amount excluding tax and the second amount excluding tax calculated in ACT 8 and ACT 10.

[0056] The processor 10a as ACT18 performs a payment process to settle the total amount excluding tax. The payment process can be the same as that performed by existing POS terminals. The payment media used for this payment can be, for example, cash, credit, electronic money, virtual currency, prepaid, gift certificates, or any other media.

[0057] In ACT19, the processor 10a generates a tax-free receipt image. The tax-free receipt image is an image that shows the contents of the transaction to which the tax-free has been applied. For example, the processor 10a expands a character string showing various information based on the purchased item table TD2 and the calculation results in ACT8 to ACT11 and ACT17 according to a predetermined form to generate a tax-free receipt image.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows an example of a tax-free receipt image IM2. The tax-free receipt image IM2 is an example of a case where the purchased item table TD2 is in the same state as when the regular receipt image IM1 is generated, except for the state of the tax-free flag set in field F22. Therefore, the character strings in some of the lines included in the tax-free receipt image are the same as the character strings in any line of the regular receipt image IM1. Therefore, the lines included in the tax-free receipt image IM2 that show the same information as any line of the regular receipt image IM1 are given the same reference numerals as in FIG. 6, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] The tax-free receipt image IM2 is the same as the regular receipt image IM1 with respect to rows RO101 to RO104. In the tax-free receipt image IM2, row RO104 is followed by row RO111, which is then followed by row RO112. This is an example of a case where the tax-free category code set in field F34 represents "general goods" in two product records RD2 in which the product names "AAAAAAA" and "EEEEEEE" are set in field F32.

[0060] Next to row RO112 is row RO201. The character string in row RO201 indicates the total amount excluding tax for the purchased items whose tax-free category is "general goods" in association with the heading "general goods tax-free total." In other words, the tax-free receipt image IM2 shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which the amount is "9,974."

[0061] In the tax-free receipt image IM2, after row RO201, rows RO105, RO106, RO113, RO114, RO107 to RO110 are arranged in this order. This is an example of a case where the tax-free category code set in field F34 represents "consumables" in four product records RD2 in which the product names "BBBBBB", "CCCCCCC", "DDDDDDD" and "FFFFFFF" are set in field F32. In addition, the order of some of the rows is switched from that of the normal receipt image IM1 so that rows RO105, RO106, RO113, RO114 relating to products to which the standard tax rate applies and rows RO107 to RO110 relating to products to which the reduced tax rate applies are displayed together. In addition, with regard to "general goods," if there is a mixture of products to which the standard tax rate applies and products to which the reduced tax rate applies, the order of some of the lines is switched from that of the normal receipt image IM1 so that the products to which the standard tax rate applies and the products to which the reduced tax rate apply are shown together.

[0062] Next to the row RO110 is the row RO202. The character string in the row RO202 indicates the total amount excluding tax for the purchased items whose tax-free category is "consumables" in association with the heading "Consumables Tax-Free Total." In other words, the tax-free receipt image IM2 shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which the corresponding amount is "24,892."

[0063] Next to the row RO202 is the row RO203. The character string in the row RO203 indicates the total amount of the amount shown in the row RO201 and the amount shown in the row RO202, in association with the heading "Total amount subject to tax exemption." In other words, the tax-free receipt image IM2 shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which the amount is "34,866."

[0064] Next to the row RO203 is the row RO204. The character string in the row RO204 indicates the total amount of the first tax-exempt amount calculated in ACT8 and the second tax-exempt amount calculated in ACT10, in association with the heading "tax-free amount." In other words, the tax-free receipt image IM2 shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which the amount is "3,427."

[0065] Next to row RO204 is row RO205. The character string in row RO205 shows the standard tax amount calculated in ACT9 as the tax-free amount to which the standard tax rate is applied, in association with the heading "Standard Tax Rate." In other words, the tax-free receipt image IM2 shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which the tax-free amount is "3,193."

[0066] Next to the row RO205 is the row RO206. The character string in the row RO206 indicates the reduced tax amount calculated in ACT11 as the tax exemption amount to which the reduced tax rate is applied, in association with the heading "Reduced Tax Rate." In other words, the tax-free receipt image IM2 shown in FIG. 7 is an example in which the second tax exemption amount is "234." After row RO206, rows RO120 to RO122 are arranged in the same manner as in the normal receipt image IM1. In addition, lines RO120 and RO121 may be replaced with other lines that display information messages regarding tax exemptions, such as "Items marked with an asterisk (*) are exempt from consumption tax at the reduced tax rate (8%)" and "Items marked with an outer mark (*) are exempt from consumption tax at the standard tax rate (10%)."

[0067] In addition, the processor 10a may add lines or predetermined images to the tax-free receipt image, similarly to the case of a normal receipt image, showing information regarding the payment process, the number of points to be added with the transaction and the number of points after the addition, or other predetermined information such as promotional information.

[0068] As ACT20, the processor 10a provides image data representing a tax-free receipt image to the printer 10h and instructs printing. In response, the printer 10h prints the tax-free receipt image represented by the provided image data on paper. This prints a tax-free receipt as a voucher.

[0069] In ACT21, the processor 10a generates a pledge image. The pledge image is an image representing a purchase pledge, which is a voucher for a purchaser to make a pledge for the tax-free procedure. For example, the processor 10a expands a character string representing various information based on the tax-free receipt image generated in ACT19 and the passport data acquired in ACT6 in FIG. 4 according to a predetermined form to generate the pledge image.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a pledge image IM3. The pledge image IM3 is constructed by adding lines RO301-RO307 and a signature area AR301 to the front of the tax-free receipt image IM2. For this reason, among the lines included in the pledge image IM3, lines that express the same information as any line in the tax-free receipt image IM2 are given the same reference numerals as in FIG. 7, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0071] The character string in line RO301 is a title indicating that this is a purchase pledge. The character string in row RO302 indicates the name of the tax office in charge, in association with the heading "Tax Office in Charge." Note that characters are actually set to "TTTTTT" in Fig. 8 to represent the name of the tax office. The processor 10a sets characters to represent the name of the tax office that is registered, for example, when the POS terminal 10 is installed and stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage device 10c.

[0072] The character string in row RO303 indicates the address of the store in association with the heading "Store Location." Note that characters are actually set to "AAAAAAAAAAAA" in Fig. 8 to indicate the address. The processor 10a sets characters to indicate the address that is registered, for example, when the POS terminal 10 is installed and stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage device 10c.

[0073] The character string in line RO304 indicates the passport number included in the passport data acquired in ACT 6. Note that characters are actually set to indicate the passport number in "NNNNNNNNN" shown in line RO304 in Fig. 8.

[0074] The character string in row RO305 indicates the nationality included in the passport data acquired in ACT 6. Note that characters are actually set to indicate the nationality in "NNNNN" shown in row RO305 in Fig. 8. The character string in line RO306 indicates the name contained in the passport data acquired in ACT 6. Note that characters are actually set to indicate the name in "NNNNNNNNNNNNN" shown in line RO306 in Fig. 8.

[0075] The character string in line RO307 indicates the date of birth included in the passport data acquired in ACT 6. Note that characters are actually set to indicate the year, month, and day in "YYYY", "MM", and "DD" shown in line RO307 in Fig. 8. The signature area AR301 is an area where the purchaser signs as a pledge.

[0076] As ACT22, the processor 10a provides image data representing the pledge image to the printer 10h and instructs printing. In response to this, the printer 10h prints the pledge image represented by the provided image data on paper. This causes the purchase pledge to be printed as a voucher.

[0077] In ACT23, the processor 10a generates a record ticket image. The record ticket image is an image representing a purchase record ticket, which is a certificate to be affixed to the purchaser's passport for tax exemption procedures. For example, the processor 10a expands a character string representing various information based on the tax exemption receipt image generated in ACT19 and the passport data acquired in ACT6 in Fig. 4 according to a predetermined form to generate a record ticket image.

[0078] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a record sheet image IM4. The record sheet image IM4 is constructed by adding a line RO401 and lines RO301 to RO307 to the front of the tax-free receipt image IM2. For this reason, lines included in the record sheet image IM4 that show the same information as any line in the tax-free receipt image IM2 are given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 7, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Also, lines RO301 to RO307 are given the same reference numerals to show the same information as lines RO301 to RO307 in the pledge image IM3, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0079] The character string in line RO401 is a title indicating that this is a purchase record. That is, the record sheet image IM4 is an image in which the line RO301 in the pledge image IM3 is replaced with a line RO401, and the signature area AR301 in the pledge image IM3 is not provided.

[0080] The processor 10a as ACT24 provides image data representing a record ticket image to the printer 10h and instructs it to print. In response, the printer 10h prints the record ticket image represented by the provided image data on paper. This causes the purchase record ticket to be printed as a certificate.

[0081] In ACT25, the processor 10a generates an item list image. The item list image is an image showing an item list, which is a certificate to be affixed to a package for packing consumables in accordance with regulations to indicate the contents. For example, the processor 10a expands the character string included in the tax-free receipt image generated in ACT19 according to a predetermined form to generate the item list image.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an item name list image IM5. The product name list image IM5 is composed of rows RO105-RO110, RO1113, RO114, RO120, and RO121 in the duty-free receipt image IM2, and row RO501 arranged before row RO105. The rows RO105-RO110, RO1113, RO114, RO120, and RO121 are given the same reference numerals as the rows RO105-RO110, RO113, RO114, RO120, and RO121 in the duty-free receipt image IM2 to indicate the same information, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] The character string in line RO501 is a title indicating that this is a product list. As mentioned above, rows RO105-RO110, RO1113, and RO114 all show information about products whose tax-free category is "consumables." In other words, rows RO105-RO110, RO1113, and RO114 show a list of the names of products whose tax-free category is "consumables." Rows RO105, RO107, RO109, and RO1113 also show marks that indicate the applicable consumption tax rate. The product name list image may also display information about products whose tax-free category is “general goods.” That is, for example, the product name list image IM5 may include rows RO103, RO104, RO111, and RO112.

[0084] The processor 10a as ACT26 provides image data representing an image of the product name list to the printer 10h and instructs printing. In response to this, the printer 10h prints the image of the product name list represented by the provided image data on paper. This causes the product name list to be printed as a certificate. As described above, the processor 10a and the printer 10h cooperate to realize a function as a printing means for printing the purchase pledge, purchase record ticket, and product list used in the tax exemption procedure. When the processor 10a has completed printing the product list, it returns to ACT1 in FIG. 4 to prepare for the next transaction.

[0085] As described above, according to the POS terminal 10, the normal receipt and the tax-free receipt include, for example, the list data composed of the lines RO103 to RO114 in the above-mentioned example. And in the said list data, whether each commodity is subject to the standard tax rate or the reduced tax rate is represented by the marks of "outer" and "*". Thereby, the purchaser can confirm from the normal receipt and the tax-free receipt which of the purchased commodities are subject to the standard tax rate and which are subject to the reduced tax rate. That is, it is possible to confirm from the normal receipt at what tax rate each commodity is taxed. Also, from the tax-free receipt, it becomes possible to confirm at what tax rate the taxation of each commodity is exempted. Moreover, in the tax-free receipt, the information on the commodities subject to the standard tax rate and the information on the commodities subject to the reduced tax rate are presented together respectively. Thereby, the purchaser can more easily confirm whether each commodity is subject to the standard tax rate or the reduced tax rate.

[0086] Also, according to the POS terminal 10, the purchase commitment form and the purchase record form include a list of purchased commodities such as the list composed of the lines RO103 to RO114 in the above-mentioned example. And in the said list, whether each commodity is subject to the standard tax rate or the reduced tax rate is represented by the marks of "outer" and "*". Thereby, the purchaser can also confirm from the purchase commitment form and the purchase record form at what tax rate the taxation of each commodity is exempted. Moreover, in the purchase commitment form and the purchase record form, the information on the commodities subject to the standard tax rate and the information on the commodities subject to the reduced tax rate are presented together respectively. Thereby, the purchaser can more easily confirm whether each commodity is subject to the standard tax rate or the reduced tax rate.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the POS terminal 10, the product name list includes a list of purchased products, such as the list composed of rows RO105 to RO110, RO113, and RO114 in the above example. In the list, whether each product is subject to the standard tax rate or the reduced tax rate is indicated by marks "out" and "*". This allows the purchaser to check from the product name list which tax rate each product is exempt from. Moreover, the product name list displays information about products subject to the standard tax rate and information about products subject to the reduced tax rate together. This allows the purchaser to more easily check whether each product is subject to the standard tax rate or the reduced tax rate.

[0088] Furthermore, with the POS terminal 10, the taxable amount or tax-exempt amount for one transaction is indicated by, for example, lines RO118 and RO119 in the above example on the regular receipt, and by, for example, lines RO205 and RO206 in the above example on the tax-exempt receipt, purchase pledge, and purchase record slip. This makes it easy to confirm the taxable amount or tax-exempt amount for a product confirmed to be subject to the standard tax rate by the mark as described above, and the taxable amount or tax-exempt amount for a product confirmed to be subject to the reduced tax rate by the mark as described above, from the regular receipt, tax-exempt receipt, purchase pledge, or purchase record slip.

[0089] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. The method for indicating whether a commodity is subject to the standard tax rate or the reduced tax rate in the image of each certificate can be changed as appropriate. For example, other marks such as "trademark" and "light," or "↑" and "↓" may be used. Also, for example, information on commodities subject to the standard tax rate and information on commodities subject to the reduced tax rate may be displayed together in separate areas.

[0090] It is also possible to implement this by printing a normal receipt as in the above embodiment at a POS terminal that does not perform tax exemption processing and therefore does not print tax exemption receipts, purchase pledges, purchase records, or product lists.

[0091] Even if multiple types of receipts are printed, the applicable tax rate for each product may be indicated on only some of the receipts. For example, the applicable tax rate for each product may be indicated on only the regular receipt, or on only the regular receipt and the tax-free receipt.

[0092] It is also possible to realize the present invention as a device that generates list data regarding products registered in, for example, another registration device, without carrying out registration processing.

[0093] The list data may be included in any voucher other than the various vouchers shown in the above embodiments.

[0094] The normal receipt image, tax-free receipt image, pledge image, record sheet image, and item list image may be transmitted to another information terminal, for example, by communication, without being printed. In this case, each image may be transmitted as image data, or may be transmitted as data for generating each image at another information terminal, such as a data file written in XML (extensible markup language) or HTML (hypertext markup language), or a data file in CSV (comma separated values) format. In other words, in this case, the list data is also transmitted as part of the data file described above.

[0095] The selectively applied tax rates may be two tax rates other than the standard tax rate and the reduced tax rate, or may be three or more tax rates.

[0096] Even on a regular receipt, the order of some lines may be different from the order in which each product is registered so that products to which the standard tax rate applies and products to which the reduced tax rate applies are shown together.

[0097] Each function realized by the processor 10a through information processing can be realized in part or in whole by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Also, each of the above functions can be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0098] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 10... POS terminal, 10a... processor, 10b... main memory device, 10c... auxiliary memory device, 10d... display device, 10e... input device, 10f... reading device, 10g... reader / writer, 10h... printer, 10i... communication device, 10j... transmission path, 20... store server, 30... headquarters server, 40... communication network, 100... POS system.

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring product information; a first calculation means for calculating a plurality of tax amounts based on the information acquired by the acquisition means and a plurality of tax rates; a second calculation means for calculating a tax-inclusive amount including the multiple tax amounts calculated by the first calculation means if a tax exemption is not applied after the multiple tax amounts are calculated by the first calculation means, and for calculating a tax-exclusive amount not including the multiple tax amounts calculated by the first calculation means if a tax exemption is applied; a creation means for creating information regarding a receipt including the information acquired by the acquisition means and the tax-inclusive amount or tax-exclusive amount calculated by the second calculation means; An information processing device comprising:

2. The creation means further includes, in the information on the receipt, information indicating which of the plurality of tax rates should be applied to the corresponding product, in association with the information acquired by the acquisition means, in both cases where the tax exemption is not applied and where the tax exemption is applied. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The creation means, in the case where tax exemption is applied, includes the information acquired by the acquisition means in the information on the receipt in a state in which it is possible to distinguish whether the corresponding product belongs to a general item or a consumable item. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. A computer provided in an information processing device, An acquisition means for acquiring product information; a first calculation means for calculating a plurality of tax amounts based on the information acquired by the acquisition means and a plurality of tax rates; a second calculation means for calculating a tax-inclusive amount including the multiple tax amounts calculated by the first calculation means if a tax exemption is not applied after the multiple tax amounts are calculated by the first calculation means, and for calculating a tax-exclusive amount not including the multiple tax amounts calculated by the first calculation means if a tax exemption is applied; a creation means for creating information regarding a receipt including the information acquired by the acquisition means and the tax-inclusive amount or tax-exclusive amount calculated by the second calculation means; An information processing program that enables the system to function as such.

5. A computer provided in an information processing device, Get product information, Calculating a plurality of tax amounts based on the acquired information and a plurality of tax rates; After calculating the multiple tax amounts, if the tax exemption is not applied, calculate a tax-inclusive amount including the multiple tax amounts calculated, and if the tax exemption is applied, calculate a tax-exclusive amount not including the multiple tax amounts calculated; Creating information regarding a receipt including the acquired information and the calculated tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive amount; Control methods.

Images