Tax exemption processing device and program

Abstract

To assist an appropriate tax exemption transaction.SOLUTION: A tax exemption processing device includes a registration processing unit, an input processing unit, and a display processing unit. The registration processing unit registers a commodity. The input processing unit accepts designation of a tax exemption transaction. The display processing unit causes a display unit to display a notification based on the designation of the tax exemption transaction when a registration quantity targeted for the tax exemption transaction exceeds an upper limit quantity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a tax-free processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a tax-free system that exempts products from consumption tax. Foreign visitors to Japan often use this system to purchase souvenirs and other products sold in Japan before returning home.

[0003] Under the tax exemption system, standards are set for the amounts of general goods and consumables that are eligible for tax exemption. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-25584 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, while the tax exemption system sets a standard for the amount of tax exemption, it does not set a standard for the quantity. As a result, it has become possible to make a profit including the tax exemption amount by reselling goods purchased in large quantities. This is not desirable.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique for supporting proper tax-free transactions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the tax-free processing device includes a registration processing unit, an input processing unit, and a display processing unit. The registration processing unit registers a product. The input processing unit accepts a designation of a tax-free transaction. The display processing unit displays a notification on the display unit when the registered quantity of the target of the tax-free transaction exceeds an upper limit quantity based on the designation of the tax-free transaction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of product master data stored in an auxiliary storage device of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of tax-free category data stored in the auxiliary storage device of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing a tax-free transaction by the processing circuit of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a first notification displayed on a first display device of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the first notification displayed on the first display device of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing yet another example of the first notification displayed on the first display device of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a second notification displayed on the first display device of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the procedure of processing a tax-free transaction by the processing circuit of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second notification displayed on the first display device of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing a tax-free transaction by the processing circuit of the POS terminal according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, some embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit configurations.

[0010] [First embodiment] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a POS (Point of sales) terminal 1. As shown in FIG.

[0011] The POS terminal 1 is a device that processes merchandise transactions at a store. A merchandise transaction is the transfer of costs from a customer to a store associated with the sale of the merchandise by the store. From the store's perspective, a transaction includes the sale of a merchandise. From the customer's perspective, a transaction includes the purchase of a merchandise. Processing a transaction includes processing the settlement of the transaction. Settlement is payment for the transaction. Settlement includes accounting. Processing the settlement includes completing the settlement. Completion of the settlement by the POS terminal 1 includes the conclusion of the transaction. Here, the store is assumed to be a duty-free store. A duty-free store is a store that is able to sell merchandise tax-free. Tax-free means exemption from consumption tax. Therefore, the POS terminal 1 is assumed to process tax-free transactions of merchandise at the store. A tax-free transaction is a transaction that involves tax exemption.

[0012] The POS terminal 1 includes a processing circuit 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage device 12, a change machine interface 13, a communication interface 14, a scanner 15, an input device 16, a first display device 17-1, a second display device 17-2, a printing device 18, a reader 19, and an image capturing device 20. The processing circuit 10, the main memory 11, the auxiliary storage device 12, the change machine interface 13, the communication interface 14, the scanner 15, the input device 16, the first display device 17-1, the second display device 17-2, the printing device 18, the reader 19, and the image capturing device 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to input and output signals. In FIG. 1, the interface is written as "I / F".

[0013] The processing circuit 10 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes by multiple functions. For example, the circuit is a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited thereto. The processing circuit 10 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 into the main memory 11. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 10 to execute processes by each unit described later. The processing circuit 10 executes the program loaded into the main memory 11, thereby enabling various processes to be executed.

[0014] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or a program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 is an example of a storage unit.

[0015] The auxiliary storage device 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 includes one or more storage devices. The storage devices are, but are not limited to, EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 10 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 10.

[0016] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a tax-free processing available quantity storage area 121. The tax-free processing available quantity storage area 121 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 1.

[0017] The tax-free processing quantity storage area 121 stores product master data. The product master data includes product data for each product. The product data includes all or part of the product code, product name, unit price, tax-free category, and tax-free processing quantity. The product data may include information other than these pieces of information. The product code is a code that can uniquely identify the product. The product name is the name of the product. The unit price is the price per unit of the product. The tax-free category is a category of products in the tax-free system. The tax-free category can be set by an administrative agency. For example, the tax-free category is general goods or consumables. General goods are goods other than consumables such as home appliances and clothes. Consumables are goods that are reduced by eating, drinking, taking, and using, such as food and drink, medicine, and cosmetics. The tax-free processing quantity is the upper limit quantity that can be processed by the POS terminal 1 in a tax-free transaction. The ability of the POS terminal 1 to process a tax-free transaction includes the ability of the POS terminal 1 to process the payment of the tax-free transaction. The inability to process a tax-free transaction by the POS terminal 1 includes the inability to process payment for a tax-free transaction by the POS terminal 1. For example, the quantity is a numerical value such as number of pieces, but may also be a quantity value. The quantity that can be processed tax-free for a product is the upper limit quantity for the product. The quantity that can be processed tax-free for each product can be set as appropriate. The quantity that can be processed tax-free for each product may be determined by an administrative agency, or may be determined by the store or the store operator. The product master data may be updated as appropriate.

[0018] The tax-free processing quantity memory area 121 stores tax-free category data. The tax-free category data includes the tax-free processing quantity for each tax-free category. For example, the tax-free category data includes the tax-free processing quantity for general goods and the tax-free processing quantity for consumables. The tax-free processing quantity for a tax-free category is the upper limit quantity for all goods included in the tax-free category. The tax-free processing quantity for each tax-free category may be determined by an administrative agency, or may be determined by the store or the store operator. The tax-free category data may be updated as appropriate.

[0019] The change machine interface 13 inputs and outputs data signals to and from the automatic change machine. For example, the change machine interface 13 receives inserted amount data from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 13 outputs change amount data to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine dispenses bills or coins equivalent to the change amount according to the change amount data.

[0020] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that communicably connect the POS terminal 1 to other devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0021] The scanner 15 is a device that reads various code symbols and acquires information from the code symbols. For example, the code symbols are barcode symbols or two-dimensional code symbols. The code symbols may include a code symbol of a product having a product code recorded thereon. The product's code symbol is an image attached to the product. The code symbols may include a code symbol having a membership code recorded thereon. The membership code is identification information that can uniquely identify a member. The code symbol having a membership code recorded thereon may be an image attached to a card or an image that can be displayed on a customer's terminal. The code symbols may include a code symbol for code payment.

[0022] The input device 16 is a device capable of inputting information to the POS terminal 1. For example, the input device 16 may include a keyboard. The input device 16 may form a touch screen together with the first display device 17-1.

[0023] The first display device 17-1 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. The first display device 17-1 is a display device for a store clerk to view mainly. For example, the first display device 17-1 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display. The first display device 17-1 is an example of a display unit. The store clerk is an example of a user.

[0024] The second display device 17-2 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. The second display device 17-2 is a display device for customers to view mainly. For example, the second display device 17-2 is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The second display device 17-2 is an example of a display unit.

[0025] The printing device 18 is a device for issuing transaction details by printing on a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, the printing device 18 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer. The transaction details are a medium showing the details of a transaction. The transaction details will be described as being a receipt.

[0026] The reader 19 is a device that reads card data recorded on a card medium. The reader 19 may include a contact reader that reads card data recorded on a magnetic stripe of the card medium. The reader 19 may include a non-contact reader that reads card data recorded on an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the card medium. The IC tag includes an IC chip and an antenna.

[0027] The photographing device 20 is a device capable of photographing under the control of the processing circuit 10. For example, the photographing device 20 is a camera.

[0028] The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and the POS terminal 1 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or changed and new components to be added as appropriate.

[0029] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 will be described. The processing circuit 10 realizes a registration processing unit 101, an input processing unit 102, a calculation processing unit 103, a display processing unit 104, a payment processing unit 105, and an issuance processing unit 106. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuit 10 and the main memory 11.

[0030] The registration processing unit 101 processes the registration of goods. The registration of goods is the registration of goods to be traded before the settlement of the transaction. The registration of goods is also called goods registration. The registered goods are also called registered goods. For example, processing the product registration is updating the data related to the transaction. The data related to the transaction may include data related to the registered goods for each registered goods for one transaction. The data related to the registered goods is data on the details of the registered goods. The data related to the registered goods includes all or part of the goods code, the goods name, the unit price, the tax-free category, and the registered quantity. The data related to the registered goods may include information other than these pieces of information. The registered quantity of the registered goods is the quantity registered for the registered goods. For example, the registered quantity is a numerical value such as the number of pieces, but may also be a value of the amount. The data related to the transaction may be stored in a transaction management server that manages each transaction, or may be stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 of the POS terminal 1.

[0031] Processing product registration includes registering a product. Registering a product means registering a product as a traded product. Registering a product includes registering a new product. The registration processing unit 101 may register a new product by adding data related to the product to the data related to the transaction as data related to the registered product. Registering a product includes registering an additional product identified by the same product code as the registered product. Registering an additional product means increasing the registered quantity of the registered product. The registration processing unit 101 may register an additional product by updating the data related to the registered product to increase the registered quantity of the registered product.

[0032] Processing product registration includes canceling the registration of a registered product. Canceling the registration of a registered product includes decreasing the registered quantity of the registered product. Decreasing the registered quantity of the registered product includes setting the registered quantity of the registered product to 0. The registration processing unit 101 may cancel the registration of a registered product by updating the registered quantity of the registered product included in the data related to the registered product to decrease it.

[0033] The input processing unit 102 accepts input to the POS terminal 1. Accepting an input includes obtaining the input or processing the input. The input processing unit 102 can accept an instruction as an input via the input device 16 based on an operation of the input device 16 by a store clerk. The input processing unit 102 accepts an image as an input via the imaging device 20 based on photography by the imaging device 20.

[0034] The calculation processing unit 103 compares the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target with the upper limit quantity. The registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target is the quantity registered for the tax-free transaction target. The upper limit quantity is the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target that is a threshold. Here, the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target is the tax-free processable quantity of the tax-free transaction target. If the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target exceeds the upper limit quantity, the calculation processing unit 103 may obtain the excess registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target. The excess registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target is the quantity that exceeds the upper limit quantity for the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target. The excess registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target is a value obtained by subtracting the upper limit quantity from the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target. If the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target is equal to or less than the upper limit quantity, the calculation processing unit 103 may obtain the remaining registerable quantity of the tax-free transaction target. The remaining registerable quantity of the tax-free transaction target is the quantity up to the upper limit quantity for the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target. The remaining registrable quantity of tax-free transactions is a value obtained by subtracting the registered quantity of tax-free transactions from the upper limit quantity.

[0035] In the first calculation mode, the subject of the tax-free transaction is each registered commodity for one tax-free transaction. In this example, the registered quantity of the subject of the tax-free transaction is the registered quantity of each registered commodity. The upper limit quantity is the upper limit quantity of each registered commodity that is a threshold value. The upper limit quantity of each registered commodity is a value according to each registered commodity. Here, the upper limit quantity of each registered commodity is the tax-free processable quantity of each registered commodity. The calculation processing unit 103 compares the registered quantity of the registered commodity with the upper limit quantity of the registered commodity for each registered commodity based on the data related to the transaction and the commodity master data. If the registered quantity of the registered commodity exceeds the upper limit quantity, the calculation processing unit 103 may obtain the excess registered quantity of the registered commodity. The excess registered quantity of the registered commodity is the quantity that exceeds the upper limit quantity for the registered quantity of the registered commodity. The excess registered quantity of the registered commodity is a value obtained by subtracting the upper limit quantity from the registered quantity of the registered commodity. If the registered quantity of the registered commodity is equal to or less than the upper limit quantity, the calculation processing unit 103 may obtain the remaining registrable quantity of the registered commodity. The remaining registrable quantity of the registered commodity is the quantity up to the upper limit quantity for the registered quantity of the registered commodity. The remaining registrable quantity of a registered product is a value obtained by subtracting the registered quantity of the registered product from the upper limit quantity.

[0036] In the second calculation mode, the subject of the tax-free transaction is each tax-free category for one tax-free transaction. In this example, the registered quantity of the subject of the tax-free transaction is the registered quantity of each tax-free category. The registered quantity of the tax-free category is the quantity obtained by adding up the registered quantities of each registered product included in the tax-free category. When the tax-free category is a general item, the registered quantity of the general item is the quantity obtained by adding up the registered quantities of each registered product included in the general item. When the tax-free category is a consumable item, the registered quantity of the consumable item is the quantity obtained by adding up the registered quantities of each registered product included in the consumable item. The upper limit quantity is the upper limit quantity of each tax-free category that is a threshold value. The upper limit quantity of each tax-free category is a value according to each tax-free category. Here, the upper limit quantity of each tax-free category is the tax-free processable quantity of each tax-free category. The calculation processing unit 103 compares the registered quantity of the tax-free category with the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category for each tax-free category based on the data related to the transaction and the tax-free category data. If the registration quantity of the tax-free category exceeds the upper limit quantity, the calculation processing unit 103 may determine the excess registration quantity of the tax-free category. The excess registration quantity of the tax-free category is the quantity that exceeds the upper limit quantity for the registration quantity of the tax-free category. The excess registration quantity of the tax-free category is a value obtained by subtracting the upper limit quantity from the registration quantity of the tax-free category. If the registration quantity of the tax-free category is equal to or less than the upper limit quantity, the calculation processing unit 103 may determine the remaining registerable quantity of the tax-free category. The remaining registerable quantity of the tax-free category is the quantity up to the upper limit quantity for the registration quantity of the tax-free category. The remaining registerable quantity of the tax-free category is a value obtained by subtracting the registration quantity of the tax-free category from the upper limit quantity.

[0037] The display processing unit 104 processes the display on the first display device 17-1. The display processing unit 104 processes the display on the second display device 17-2.

[0038] The payment processing unit 105 processes the payment of a transaction related to one or more registered products. Here, it is assumed that the payment processing unit 105 processes the payment of a tax-free transaction related to one or more registered products. The payment processing unit 105 processes the payment of the tax-free transaction based on data related to the transaction. Payment methods for the payment of the tax-free transaction include offline payment and online payment. Offline payment is a payment that does not require the POS terminal 1 to cooperate with other devices via a network. For example, offline payment is a payment by cash or the like. Online payment is a payment that the POS terminal 1 executes in cooperation with other devices via a network. For example, online payment is a credit card payment, an electronic money payment, a debit card payment, a code payment, etc.

[0039] The issuing processing unit 106 issues a receipt. Here, it is assumed that the issuing processing unit 106 issues a receipt showing details of the tax-free transaction. For example, the details of the tax-free transaction include all or part of information on the store where the tax-free transaction was made, information on the transaction date and time, product information, and information on the total amount of the tax-free transaction. The details of the tax-free transaction may include information other than these pieces of information. For example, the information on the store where the tax-free transaction was made includes the name of the store. The information on the store where the tax-free transaction was made may include information other than this information. For example, the information on the transaction date and time includes the transaction date and time. The information on the transaction date and time may include information other than this information. For example, the product information includes all or part of the product code, product name, unit price, tax-free category, transaction quantity, and transaction amount for each tax-free transaction product. The product information may include information other than these pieces of information. The tax-free transaction product is a product that has been traded tax-free. The tax-free transaction product is a product that has already been settled for the tax-free transaction. The tax-free transaction product is the same product that corresponds to the registered product. The transaction quantity is the same quantity that corresponds to the registered quantity. The transaction amount is the amount calculated by multiplying the unit price of the tax-free transaction item by the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction item. The transaction amount is the same amount that corresponds to the amount of the registered item. The amount of the registered item is the amount calculated by multiplying the unit price of the registered item by the registered quantity of the registered item. Information regarding the total amount of the tax-free transaction includes the total amount of the tax-free transaction. The total amount of the tax-free transaction is the amount calculated by adding up the transaction amounts of each tax-free transaction item for one tax-free transaction.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the product master data stored in the auxiliary storage device 12 of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The product master data includes product data for each product, including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a tax-free classification, and a tax-free applicable quantity.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the tax-free category data stored in the auxiliary storage device 12 of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The tax-free category data includes the amount of tax-free items that can be processed for each tax-free category.

[0042] (Example of operation) The process of the POS terminal 1 will now be described.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing a tax-free transaction by the processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 may execute the process illustrated in FIG. 4 for each tax-free transaction. Here, it is assumed that the store clerk inputs the tax-free declaration via input device 16 after registering all the products the customer wishes to purchase. Note that the store clerk may input the tax-free declaration via input device 16 before registering all the products the customer wishes to purchase. The tax-free declaration is a designation of a tax-free transaction. The designation of a tax-free transaction is an instruction to designate a transaction as a tax-free transaction. The instruction to designate a transaction as a tax-free transaction is an instruction to have the POS terminal 1 process the transaction as a tax-free transaction.

[0044] The processing circuit 10 processes product registration (ACT11). ACT11 may be processing by the registration processing unit 101. In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 10 can register a product. In this case, the processing circuit 10 acquires a product code of the product based on the reading of the code symbol of the product by the scanner 15. The processing circuit 10 may acquire the product code of the product based on the selection of the product using the input device 16. The processing circuit 10 outputs a registration request including the product code to the transaction management server. The registration request is a request for causing the transaction management server to execute the registration of the product. The transaction management server may register a new product according to the product code included in the registration request, or may additionally register a product identified by the same product code as the registered product. The transaction management server may refer to data similar to the product master data stored in the POS terminal 1. Outputting a registration request including a product code to the transaction management server is an example of registering a product.

[0045] In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 10 can cancel the registration of a registered product. In this case, the processing circuit 10 acquires a product code of the product based on the reading of the code symbol of the product by the scanner 15. The processing circuit 10 may acquire the product code of the product based on the selection of the product using the input device 16. The processing circuit 10 outputs a cancellation request including the product code to the transaction management server. The cancellation request may include a quantity by which the registered quantity is to be reduced, which is input based on the operation of the input device 16 by the store clerk. The cancellation request is a request to cause the transaction management server to cancel the registration of the registered product. The transaction management server cancels the registration of the registered product based on the product code included in the cancellation request. Outputting a cancellation request including a product code to the transaction management server is an example of canceling the registration of a registered product.

[0046] In addition, the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 of the POS terminal 1 may store data related to the transaction. In this case, the registration processing unit 101 may refer to the product master data stored in the tax-free processing possible quantity storage area 121 and register the product based on the acquired product code. The registration processing unit 101 may cancel the registration of the registered product based on the acquired product code.

[0047] The processing circuit 10 updates the registered product list based on the product registration process (ACT12). ACT12 may be a process by the display processing unit 104. In ACT12, for example, the processing circuit 10 updates the registered product list based on the data related to the transaction updated by the product registration process. More specifically, for example, the processing circuit 10 may receive the data related to the transaction updated by the product registration process from the transaction management server and display the data on the first display device 17-1 or the second display device 17-2. Alternatively, the processing circuit 10 may display the data related to the transaction updated by the product registration process stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 on the first display device 17-1 or the second display device 17-2. The registered product list is a list of registered products included in the data related to the transaction. The registered product list includes the product name, unit price, registered quantity, and amount for each registered product. The registered product list may include the product code for each registered product. Updating the registered product list may include adding a new registered product to the registered product list. Updating the registered product list may include increasing the registered quantity of registered products included in the registered product list. Updating the registered product list may include decreasing the registered quantity of registered products included in the registered product list. Updating the registered product list may include deleting registered products included in the registered product list. The processing circuit 10 causes the updated registered product list to be displayed on the first display device 17-1. The processing circuit 10 may also cause the updated registered product list to be displayed on the second display device 17-2.

[0048] The processing circuit 10 accepts a tax exemption declaration (ACT13). ACT13 may be processing by the input processing unit 102. In ACT13, for example, the processing circuit 10 can accept a tax exemption declaration via the input device 16 based on an operation of the input device 16 by a store clerk. The tax exemption declaration may be input based on a selection operation of a button for inputting a tax exemption declaration displayed on the first display device 17-1.

[0049] If a tax exemption declaration has not been input (ACT13, NO), the process transitions from ACT13 to ACT11. The processing circuit 10 repeats the processes of ACT11 and ACT12 until a tax exemption declaration is input. If the processing circuit 10 accepts a tax exemption declaration (ACT13, YES), the process transitions from ACT13 to ACT14.

[0050] The processing circuit 10 compares the registered quantity of the subject of the tax-free transaction with the upper limit quantity of the subject of the tax-free transaction based on the tax-free declaration (ACT14). ACT14 may be a process by the calculation processing unit 103. In ACT14, for example, the processing circuit 10 can compare the registered quantity of the registered product with the upper limit quantity of the registered product for each registered product using the first calculation mode. The processing circuit 10 can compare the registered quantity of the tax-free category with the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category for each tax-free category using the second calculation mode.

[0051] It is set whether the processing circuit 10 executes the first calculation mode or the second calculation mode, or executes both the first calculation mode and the second calculation mode. If the tax-free processing quantity is determined by the operation of the store or the store operator, this setting may be changeable based on the operation of the input device 16 by the store clerk. Depending on the setting, the processing circuit 10 may execute either the first calculation mode or the second calculation mode, or execute both the first calculation mode and the second calculation mode.

[0052] If the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction subject does not exceed the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction subject (ACT15, NO), the process transitions from ACT15 to ACT16. If the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction subject exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction subject (ACT15, YES), the process transitions from ACT15 to ACT19. In the first calculation mode, if the registered quantity of the registered product does not exceed the upper limit quantity of the registered product for all registered products for one tax-free transaction, the process transitions from ACT15 to ACT16. If the registered quantity of the registered product exceeds the upper limit quantity of the registered product for at least one registered product for one tax-free transaction, the process transitions from ACT15 to ACT19. In the second calculation mode, if the registered quantity of the tax-free category does not exceed the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category for all tax-free categories for one tax-free transaction, the process transitions from ACT15 to ACT16. When the registered quantity of at least one tax-exempt category for one tax-exempt transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-exempt category, the process transitions from ACT15 to ACT19.

[0053] When the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target, as in ACT19 and ACT20 described below, the processing circuit 10 displays a notification on the first display device 17-1 before processing the payment of the tax-free transaction. Below, an example in which the processing circuit 10 displays a notification on the first display device 17-1 will be described, but the processing circuit 10 may also display the notification on the second display device 17-2. The notification is a notification regarding the fact that the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target. The notification may be a visually recognizable notification that the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target.

[0054] In a first calculation mode, the notification is a notification regarding the fact that the registered quantity of at least one registered product in one tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit of the registered product. The notification may be a visually recognizable notification that the registered quantity of at least one registered product in one tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit of the registered product.

[0055] In the second calculation mode, the notification is a notification regarding the fact that the registered quantity of at least one tax-free category for one tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category. The notification may be a visually recognizable notification that the registered quantity of at least one tax-free category for one tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category.

[0056] The display mode of the notification may be a mode in which the notification is displayed in a list of registered products, or a mode in which the notification is displayed in an image different from the list of registered products. The configuration mode of the notification may be a mode in which the notification is configured by a message such as a character, or a mode in which the notification is configured by a color, pattern, mark, font mode, or the like in order to make the notification visually recognizable. The font mode is a mode in which a character string can be visually recognized. The font mode is a typeface, size, bold, italic, or underlined display, etc., but is not limited to these. For example, the notification includes a first notification and a second notification.

[0057] The first notification is a notification that indicates that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. Here, the display mode of the first notification will be described as a mode in which the first notification is displayed in an image different from the registered product list. The configuration mode of the first notification will be described as a mode in which the first notification is configured by a message.

[0058] The second notification is a notification that allows the user to recognize the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity in the registered product list. The notification that allows the user to recognize the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity may be a notification that allows the user to visually recognize the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. The notification that allows the user to recognize the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity may be a notification that explicitly indicates the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity by a message such as characters. The notification that allows the user to recognize the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity may be a notification that indicates the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity in a manner that makes it possible to distinguish the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity from the tax-free transaction that does not exceed the upper limit quantity by the manner of color, pattern, mark, font, etc. Here, the display manner of the second notification will be described as a manner in which the second notification is displayed in the registered product list. The configuration manner of the second notification will be described as a manner in which the second notification is configured by color.

[0059] The processing circuit 10 accepts an instruction for a closing operation (ACT16). ACT16 may be processing by the input processing unit 102. In ACT16, for example, the processing circuit 10 can accept an instruction for a closing operation via the input device 16 based on an operation of the input device 16 by a store clerk. The instruction for the closing operation is an instruction for ending the process of registering goods in the POS terminal 1. The instruction based on the closing operation is an instruction for starting the process of the payment of the tax-free transaction in the POS terminal 1. The instruction for the closing operation may include an instruction for indicating a payment method for the payment of the tax-free transaction. The instruction for the closing operation may include an instruction for designating an offline payment such as a cash payment as a payment method for the payment of the tax-free transaction. The instruction for the closing operation may include an instruction for designating an online payment such as a credit card payment, an electronic money payment, a debit card payment, or a code payment as a payment method for the payment of the tax-free transaction. The instruction for the closing operation may be input based on a selection operation of a button for inputting an instruction for the closing operation displayed on the first display device 17-1.

[0060] The processing circuit 10 processes the payment of the tax-free transaction based on the instruction of the closing operation (ACT17). ACT17 may be processed by the payment processing unit 105. In ACT17, for example, the payment processing unit 105 processes the payment of the transaction as a tax-free transaction based on the tax-free declaration. The payment processing unit 105 processes the payment of the tax-free transaction based on data related to the transaction.

[0061] The processing circuit 10 issues a receipt (ACT18). ACT18 may be processing by the issuance processing unit 106. In ACT18, for example, the processing circuit 10 issues a receipt based on processing of the payment for the tax-free transaction.

[0062] The processing circuit 10 causes the first display device 17-1 to display the first notification (ACT19). ACT19 may be processing by the display processing unit 104.

[0063] The processing circuit 10 can display a first notification on the first display device 17-1, indicating that there is a tax-free transaction item that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware that there is a tax-free transaction item that exceeds the upper limit quantity. By checking the first notification before the second notification, the store clerk can know in advance what the second notification displayed in the product list represents.

[0064] The first notification may include identification information of the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the identification information of the tax-free transaction target is, but is not limited to, the name of the tax-free transaction target that can identify the tax-free transaction target. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the tax-free transaction target that needs to reduce the registered quantity.

[0065] The first notification may include the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity, whereby the POS terminal 1 can make the store clerk aware of the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0066] The first notification may include the excess registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity, so that the POS terminal 1 can make the store clerk aware of the quantity that needs to be reduced for the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0067] The first notification in the first calculation mode will be described. The processing circuit 10 can display a first notification on the first display device 17-1, which indicates that there is a registered product whose upper limit quantity has been exceeded. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware that there is a registered product whose upper limit quantity has been exceeded.

[0068] The first notification may include identification information of the registered product that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the identification information of the registered product is the product name of the registered product that can identify the registered product, but may also be a product code such as a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, and is not limited to this. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the registered product whose registered quantity needs to be reduced. Note that, in a single transaction, when there are multiple products that are subject to tax-free transaction and that exceed the upper limit quantity, the POS terminal 1 may include identification information of the registered products, such as product names and JAN codes, that identify each product that exceeds the upper limit quantity, in the first notification.

[0069] The first notification may include the upper limit quantity of the registered product that has exceeded the upper limit quantity, so that the processing circuit 10 can make the store clerk aware of the upper limit quantity of the registered product that has exceeded the upper limit quantity.

[0070] The first notification may include the excess registered quantity of the registered product that exceeds the upper limit quantity, so that the POS terminal 1 can make the store clerk aware of the quantity that needs to be reduced for the registered product that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0071] The first notification in the second calculation mode will be described. The processing circuit 10 can display a first notification on the first display device 17-1, which indicates that there is a tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware that there is a tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0072] The first notification may include identification information of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the identification information of the tax-free category may be, but is not limited to, the name of the tax-free category that can identify the tax-free category. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the tax-free category that needs to reduce the registered quantity.

[0073] The first notification may include the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category that has exceeded the upper limit quantity, so that the POS terminal 1 can make the store clerk aware of the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category that has exceeded the upper limit quantity.

[0074] The first notification may include the excess registered quantity of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the amount by which the registered quantity of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity needs to be reduced.

[0075] The processing circuit 10 can display the first notification on the second display device 17-2. This allows the POS terminal 1 to give the customer an opportunity to consider which registered product to reduce the registered quantity of, without the intervention of a store clerk.

[0076] The processing circuit 10 causes the first display device 17-1 to display the second notification (ACT20). ACT20 may be processing by the display processing unit 104. In ACT20, for example, the processing circuit 10 erases the first notification displayed on the first display device 17-1 based on an instruction to erase the first notification. The instruction to erase the first notification may be input based on a selection operation of a button for inputting an instruction to erase the first notification displayed on the first display device 17-1. Based on the erasure of the first notification, the processing circuit 10 causes the first display device 17-1 to display a list of registered products. The processing circuit 10 causes the second notification to be displayed in the list of registered products displayed on the first display device 17-1.

[0077] The second notification is a notification that allows the salesperson to recognize the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity in the registered product list. For example, the second notification is a notification that displays the display area of ​​the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity in a color different from the display area of ​​the tax-free transaction target that does not exceed the upper limit quantity. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can allow the salesperson to recognize the tax-free transaction target that needs to be reduced in registered quantity. The second notification may be a mode in which the font size of the character string indicating the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity is displayed in a different font size from the font size of the character string indicating the tax-free transaction target that does not exceed the upper limit quantity (for example, the font size of the character string indicating the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity is displayed in a larger size). The second notification may also be a mode in which the character string indicating the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity is displayed in bold, italics, underlined, etc., in a different font size from the character string indicating the tax-free transaction target that does not exceed the upper limit quantity.

[0078] In the first calculation mode, the second notification is a notification that enables a salesperson to recognize registered products whose registered quantities exceed the upper limit in a registered product list. For example, the second notification is a notification that displays the color of the display area of ​​registered products whose registered quantities exceed the upper limit in a color different from the color of the display area of ​​registered products whose registered quantities do not exceed the upper limit. For example, the display area of ​​registered products is an area that displays information about the registered products, such as the product name, unit price, registered quantity, and amount. This allows the POS terminal 1 to enable a salesperson to recognize registered products whose registered quantities need to be reduced.

[0079] In the second calculation mode, the second notification is a notification that allows the salesperson to recognize the tax-free category whose registered quantity exceeds the upper limit in the registered product list. For example, the second notification is a notification that displays the color of the display area of ​​the registered product included in the tax-free category whose registered quantity exceeds the upper limit in a color different from the color of the display area of ​​the registered product included in the tax-free category whose registered quantity does not exceed the upper limit. This allows the POS terminal 1 to allow the salesperson to recognize the registered product included in the tax-free category whose registered quantity needs to be reduced.

[0080] The processing circuit 10 can display the second notification on the second display device 17-2. This allows the POS terminal 1 to give the customer an opportunity to consider which registered product to reduce the registered quantity of, without the intervention of a store clerk.

[0081] After the processing circuit 10 displays the second notification on the first display device 17-1, the process transitions from ACT2 to ACT11. The store clerk operates the POS terminal 1 to reduce the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity. In ACT11, the processing circuit 10 cancels the registration of the registered product based on the operation of the POS terminal 1 by the store clerk.

[0082] A display example of the first notification in ACT19 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the first notification displayed on the first display device 17-1 of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The first display device 17-1 displays an image AA including a first notification CA and a "Confirm" button BA. The first notification CA is a message indicating that there is a tax-free transaction item that exceeds the upper limit quantity. The "Confirm" button BA is a button for inputting an instruction to delete the image AA displayed on the first display device 17-1. The "Confirm" button BA is an example of a button for inputting an instruction to delete the first notification.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the first notification displayed on the first display device 17-1 of the POS terminal 1. In FIG. FIG. 6 shows a first notification in a first calculation mode. The first display device 17-1 displays an image AB including a first notification CB, a first notification CC, and a "Confirm" button BB. The first notification CB is a message indicating that there is a registered product whose quantity exceeds the upper limit. The first notification CC is a message indicating the product name of the registered product whose quantity exceeds the upper limit. The "Confirm" button BB is a button for inputting an instruction to delete the image AB displayed on the first display device 17-1. The "Confirm" button BB is an example of a button for inputting an instruction to delete the first notification.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing yet another example of the first notification displayed on the first display device 17-1 of the POS terminal 1. In FIG. FIG. 7 shows the first notification in the second calculation mode. The first display device 17-1 displays an image AC including a first notification CD, a first notification CE, and a "Confirm" button BC. The first notification CD is a message indicating that there is a tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. The first notification CE is a message indicating the name of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. The "Confirm" button BC is a button for inputting an instruction to delete the image AC displayed on the first display device 17-1. The "Confirm" button BC is an example of a button for inputting an instruction to delete the first notification.

[0085] A display example of the second notification in ACT20 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the second notification displayed on the first display device 17-1 of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a second notification in the first calculation mode. The first display device 17-1 displays an image AD including a registered product list DA and a second notification CF, a "Tax-free" button BD, and a "Current Total" button BE. The registered product list DA is an image including the product name, unit price, points, and amount in a display area for each registered product. The points refer to the registered quantity. The second notification CF is a notification that enables recognition of a registered product Z that exceeds the upper limit quantity in the registered product list DA. The second notification CF is a notification that shows the color of the display area of ​​a registered product Z that exceeds the upper limit quantity in a color different from the color of the display area of ​​a registered product that does not exceed the upper limit. The "Tax-free" button BD is a button for inputting a tax-free declaration. The "Current Total" button BE is a button for inputting instructions for a closing operation.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing a tax-free transaction by the processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 may execute the process illustrated in FIG. 9 for each tax-free transaction. Here, it is assumed that the store clerk inputs the tax exemption declaration via the input device 16 before starting to register the products that the customer intends to purchase. Note that the store clerk may input the tax exemption declaration via the input device 16 after starting to register the products that the customer intends to purchase and before completing the registration of all the products that the customer intends to purchase. The store clerk may input the tax exemption declaration via the input device 16 after registering all the products that the customer intends to purchase.

[0087] The processing circuit 10 accepts the tax exemption declaration (ACT32). ACT31 may be a process performed by the input processing unit 102. The process of ACT31 may be the same as the process of ACT13.

[0088] The processing circuit 10 processes product registration (ACT32). ACT32 may be processed by the registration processing unit 101. The processing of ACT32 may be the same as the processing of ACT11.

[0089] The processing circuit 10 updates the registered product list based on the product registration process (ACT33). ACT33 may be a process performed by the display processing unit 104. The process of ACT33 may be the same as the process of ACT12.

[0090] The processing circuit 10 displays a value based on the upper limit quantity of the subject of tax-free transactions in the registered merchandise list based on the tax-free declaration. For example, the processing circuit 10 displays a display field for values ​​based on the upper limit quantity of the subject of tax-free transactions in the registered merchandise list based on the tax-free declaration. The processing circuit 10 displays a value based on the upper limit quantity of the subject of tax-free transactions in the display field for values ​​based on the upper limit quantity of the subject of tax-free transactions. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the upper limit quantity for the subject of tax-free transactions. Therefore, the store clerk can operate the POS terminal 1 while being aware that the registered quantity of the subject of tax-free transactions does not exceed the upper limit quantity.

[0091] The processing circuit 10 may display the value based on the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target in the registered commodity list in a manner that allows comparison with the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target. For example, a comparable manner is a manner in which a display field for the value based on the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target and a display field for the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target are arranged in adjacent positions. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the quantity up to the upper limit for the tax-free transaction target.

[0092] In one example, the value based on the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target is the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target, whereby the POS terminal 1 can make the store clerk aware of the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target.

[0093] In another example, the value based on the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target is the remaining registerable quantity of the tax-free transaction target. In this case, the value based on the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target changes every time the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target changes. In this way, the POS terminal 1 allows the store clerk to recognize the quantity of the tax-free transaction target up to the upper limit quantity.

[0094] The value based on the upper limit quantity in the first calculation mode will be described. The processing circuit 10 displays a value based on the upper limit quantity of the registered product in the registered product list based on the tax exemption declaration. The processing circuit 10 displays a value based on the upper limit quantity of the registered product for each registered product in the registered product list. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the upper limit quantity for each registered product. Therefore, the store clerk can operate the POS terminal 1 while being aware that the registered quantity of each registered product does not exceed the upper limit quantity.

[0095] The processing circuit 10 may display, in the registered product list, a value based on the upper limit quantity of each registered product in a manner that allows comparison with the registered quantity of the registered product. For example, a comparable manner is a manner in which a display field for the value based on the upper limit quantity of the registered product and a display field for the registered quantity of the registered product are arranged next to each other. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the quantity up to the upper limit quantity for each registered product.

[0096] In one example, the value based on the upper limit quantity of the registered product is the upper limit quantity of the registered product, whereby the POS terminal 1 can make the store clerk aware of the upper limit quantity for each registered product.

[0097] In another example, the value based on the upper limit quantity of a registered product is the remaining number of registered products that can be registered. In this case, the value based on the upper limit quantity of a registered product changes every time the registered quantity of the registered product changes. In this way, the POS terminal 1 allows the store clerk to recognize the number of registered products up to the upper limit quantity for each registered product.

[0098] The value based on the upper limit quantity in the first calculation mode will be described. The processing circuit 10 displays a value based on the upper limit quantity for each tax-free category in the registered product list based on the tax-free declaration. The processing circuit 10 displays a value based on the upper limit quantity for each tax-free category in the registered product list. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the upper limit quantity for each tax-free category. Therefore, the store clerk can operate the POS terminal 1 while being aware that the registered quantity for each tax-free category does not exceed the upper limit quantity.

[0099] The processing circuit 10 may display, in the registered commodity list, a value based on the upper limit quantity for each tax-free category in a manner that allows comparison with the registered quantity for the tax-free category. For example, a comparable manner is a manner in which a display field for the value based on the upper limit quantity for the tax-free category and a display field for the registered quantity for the tax-free category are arranged in adjacent positions. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the quantity up to the upper limit quantity for each tax-free category.

[0100] In one example, the value based on the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category is the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can allow the store clerk to recognize the upper limit quantity for each tax-free category.

[0101] In another example, the value based on the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category is the remaining registerable quantity of the tax-free category. In this case, the value based on the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category changes every time the registered quantity of the tax-free category changes. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware of the quantity up to the upper limit quantity for each tax-free category.

[0102] The processing circuit 10 compares the registered quantity of the subject of the tax-free transaction with the upper limit quantity of the subject of the tax-free transaction based on the tax-free declaration (ACT34). ACT34 may be a process by the calculation processing unit 103. In ACT34, for example, the processing circuit 10 compares the registered quantity of the subject of the tax-free transaction with the upper limit quantity of the subject of the tax-free transaction for each processing of product registration after the tax-free declaration. The processing circuit 10 can compare the registered quantity of the registered product with the upper limit quantity of the registered product for each registered product by the first calculation mode. The processing circuit 10 can compare the registered quantity of the tax-free category with the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category for each tax-free category by the second calculation mode. The processing circuit 10 may execute either the first calculation mode or the second calculation mode, or may execute both the first calculation mode and the second calculation mode, depending on the setting.

[0103] If the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction subject does not exceed the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction subject (ACT35, NO), the process transitions from ACT35 to ACT37. If the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction subject exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction subject (ACT35, YES), the process transitions from ACT35 to ACT36. In the first calculation mode, if the registered quantity of the registered product does not exceed the upper limit quantity of the registered product for all registered products for one tax-free transaction, the process transitions from ACT35 to ACT37. If the registered quantity of the registered product exceeds the upper limit quantity of the registered product for at least one registered product for one tax-free transaction, the process transitions from ACT35 to ACT36. In the second calculation mode, if the registered quantity of the tax-free category does not exceed the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category for all tax-free categories for one tax-free transaction, the process transitions from ACT35 to ACT37. When the registered quantity of at least one tax-exempt category for one tax-exempt transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-exempt category, the process transitions from ACT35 to ACT36.

[0104] When the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction, the processing circuit 10 displays a notice on the first display device 17-1 before processing the payment of the tax-free transaction, as in ACT36 described below. Below, an example in which the processing circuit 10 displays a notice on the first display device 17-1 will be described, but the processing circuit 10 may display the notice on the second display device 17-2.

[0105] The processing circuit 10 causes the first display device 17-1 to display the second notification (ACT36). ACT36 may be processing by the display processing unit 104. In ACT36, for example, the processing circuit 10 causes the second notification to be displayed in the list of registered products displayed on the first display device 17-1. For example, the processing circuit 10 can cause the first display device 17-1 to display the second notification before the customer registers all the products he or she wishes to purchase. Therefore, the store clerk can perform an operation to reduce the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target at the point in time when the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target.

[0106] The second notification is a notification that enables the salesperson to recognize the tax-free transaction target whose registered quantity exceeds the upper limit in the registered product list. For example, the second notification is a notification that displays the display area of ​​the tax-free transaction target whose registered quantity exceeds the upper limit in a color different from the display area of ​​the tax-free transaction target whose registered quantity does not exceed the upper limit. This allows the POS terminal 1 to enable the salesperson to recognize the tax-free transaction target whose registered quantity needs to be reduced.

[0107] The processing circuit 10 can display the second notification on the second display device 17-2. This allows the POS terminal 1 to give the customer an opportunity to consider which registered product to reduce the registered quantity of, without the intervention of a store clerk.

[0108] The processing circuit 10 receives an instruction for a closing operation (ACT37). ACT37 may be processed by the input processing unit 102. The processing of ACT37 may be the same as the processing of ACT16.

[0109] If an instruction for a closing operation has not been input (ACT37, NO), the process transitions from ACT37 to ACT32. The processing circuit 10 repeats the processes of ACT32 to ACT36 until an instruction for a closing operation is input. If the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target, the store clerk operates the POS terminal 1 to reduce the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity. In ACT32, the processing circuit 10 cancels the registration of the registered product based on the operation of the POS terminal 1 by the store clerk. If the processing circuit 10 accepts an instruction for a closing operation (ACT37, YES), the process transitions from ACT37 to ACT38.

[0110] The processing circuit 10 processes the payment of the tax-free transaction based on the instruction of the closing operation (ACT38). ACT38 may be processed by the payment processing unit 105. In ACT38, for example, the payment processing unit 105 processes the payment of the transaction as a tax-free transaction based on the tax-free declaration. The payment processing unit 105 processes the payment of the tax-free transaction based on data related to the transaction. The processing of ACT38 may be the same as the processing of ACT17.

[0111] The processing circuit 10 issues a receipt (ACT39). ACT39 may be processed by the issuing processing unit 106. The processing in ACT39 may be the same as the processing in ACT18.

[0112] In addition, when the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target, the processing circuit 10 may display the first notification on the first display device 17-1. In this case, the processing circuit 10 may display the first notification on the first display device 17-1 before displaying the second notification on the first display device 17-1 in ACT36. The process of displaying the first notification on the first display device 17-1 may be the same as the process of ACT19. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can make the store clerk recognize what the second notification displayed in the product list represents by displaying the first notification before the second notification is displayed. The processing circuit 10 may display the second notification on the first display device 17-1 after erasing the first notification, similar to the process of ACT20. The processing circuit 10 may display the first notification on the first display device 17-1 only once between after accepting the tax-free declaration and before accepting the closing operation instruction. For example, the processing circuit 10 displays the first notification on the first display device 17-1 only when the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction subject exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction subject based on the product registration process for the first time after accepting the tax-free declaration. This allows the POS terminal 1 to prevent the first notification from being displayed multiple times and to display the first notification only when the store clerk needs it. The processing circuit 10 may display the first notification on the second display device 17-2.

[0113] A display example of the second notification in ACT36 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the second notification displayed on the first display device 17-1 of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows a second notification in the first calculation mode. The first display device 17-1 displays an image AE including a registered product list DB and a second notification CG, a "tax-free" button BF, and a "current total" button BG. The registered product list DB is an image including the product name, unit price, points, upper limit, and amount in a display area for each registered product. The points refer to the registered quantity. The upper limit refers to the upper limit quantity, which is an example of a value based on the upper limit quantity. In the display area for each registered product, the display field for the upper limit is located adjacent to the display field for the points. The second notification CG is a notification that allows the user to recognize a registered product Z that exceeds the upper limit quantity in the registered product list DB. The second notification CG is a notification that displays the color of the display area for a registered product Z that exceeds the upper limit quantity in a color different from the color of the display area for a registered product that does not exceed the upper limit quantity. The "tax-free" button BF is a button for inputting a tax-free declaration. The "current total" button BG is a button for inputting an instruction for a closing operation.

[0114] In the above description, the POS terminal 1 having a product registration function and a payment function and in which a store clerk mediates product registration and payment has been described as an example of a tax-free processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The tax-free processing device may be a POS terminal having a product registration function and a payment function, in which a customer can register products and make payments without the intervention of a store clerk. The tax-free processing device may be a registration device having a product registration function and in which a store clerk mediates product registration. In this example, payment may be made by the customer at the payment device. The tax-free processing device may be a device having a product registration function and in which a customer registers products. The device in which a customer registers products may be a dedicated terminal mounted on a shopping cart, a mobile terminal prepared in advance by a store, or a mobile terminal owned by the customer. When product registration and payment are processed by separate devices, the device that processes product registration may execute the processes of ACT11 to ACT16, ACT19, and ACT20 in FIG. 4. The device that processes payment may execute the processes of ACT16 to ACT18 in FIG. 4. In addition, although it has been explained that the processing circuit 10 executes the processing shown in Figure 4 or Figure 9 for each tax-free transaction, the processing circuit 10 may be given the function to be executed by the transaction management server, and the transaction management server may execute the processing shown in Figure 4 or Figure 9.

[0115] According to the first embodiment, when the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity, the POS terminal 1 can display a notice on the first display device 17-1. This allows the POS terminal 1 to make the store clerk aware that the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target exceeds the upper limit. The store clerk can then use the notification to operate the POS terminal 1 to reduce the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit before making a payment. This allows the POS terminal 1 to prevent so-called shopping sprees, abolish product monopolies, and ensure that products are widely distributed throughout the store. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can support appropriate tax-free transactions.

[0116] [Second embodiment] In the second embodiment, parts that may be similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] (Configuration example) FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. Similar to the first embodiment, the POS terminal 1 includes a processing circuit 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary memory device 12, a change machine interface 13, a communication interface 14, a scanner 15, an input device 16, a first display device 17-1, a second display device 17-2, a printing device 18, a reader 19 and a photographing device 20.

[0118] As in the first embodiment, the processing circuit 10 realizes a registration processing unit 101, an input processing unit 102, a calculation processing unit 103, a display processing unit 104, a payment processing unit 105, and an issuance processing unit 106. The processing circuit 10 further realizes a communication processing unit 107 and a generation processing unit 108.

[0119] Unlike the first embodiment, the calculation processing unit 103 processes a transaction quantity that is the same as the registered quantity, instead of the registered quantity. The calculation processing unit 103 compares the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction subject with the upper limit quantity. The transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction subject is the quantity traded tax-free for the tax-free transaction subject. The upper limit quantity is the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction subject that serves as a threshold. Here, the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction subject is the quantity that can be processed tax-free for the tax-free transaction subject. If the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction subject exceeds the upper limit quantity, the calculation processing unit 103 may determine the excess transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction subject. The excess transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction subject is the quantity that exceeds the upper limit quantity for the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction subject. The excess transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction subject is a value obtained by subtracting the upper limit quantity from the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction subject.

[0120] In the first calculation mode, the subject of the tax-free transaction is each tax-free transaction item for one tax-free transaction. In this example, the transaction quantity of the subject of the tax-free transaction is the transaction quantity of each tax-free transaction item. The upper limit quantity is the upper limit quantity of each tax-free transaction item that is a threshold value. The upper limit quantity of each tax-free transaction item is a value according to each tax-free transaction item. Here, the upper limit quantity of each tax-free transaction item is the tax-free processable quantity of each tax-free transaction item. The calculation processing unit 103 compares the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction item with the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction item for each tax-free transaction item based on the data related to the transaction and the item master data. If the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction item exceeds the upper limit quantity, the calculation processing unit 103 may calculate the excess transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction item. The excess transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction item is the quantity that exceeds the upper limit quantity for the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction item. The excess transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction item is a value calculated by subtracting the upper limit quantity from the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction item.

[0121] In the second calculation mode, the subject of the tax-free transaction is each tax-free category for one tax-free transaction. In this example, the transaction quantity of the subject of the tax-free transaction is the transaction quantity of each tax-free category. The transaction quantity of the tax-free category is the quantity obtained by summing up the transaction quantities of each tax-free transaction item included in the tax-free category. When the tax-free category is a general item, the transaction quantity of the general item is the quantity obtained by summing up the transaction quantities of each tax-free transaction item included in the general item. When the tax-free category is a consumable item, the transaction quantity of the consumable item is the quantity obtained by summing up the transaction quantities of each tax-free transaction item included in the consumable item. The upper limit quantity is the upper limit quantity of each tax-free category that is a threshold value. The upper limit quantity of each tax-free category is a value according to each tax-free category. Here, the upper limit quantity of each tax-free category is the tax-free processable quantity of each tax-free category. The calculation processing unit 103 compares the transaction quantity of the tax-free category with the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category for each tax-free category based on the data related to the transaction and the tax-free category data. When the transaction amount of the tax-free category exceeds the upper limit, the calculation processing unit 103 may obtain the excess transaction amount of the tax-free category. The excess transaction amount of the tax-free category is the amount of the transaction amount of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit. The excess transaction amount of the tax-free category is a value obtained by subtracting the upper limit from the transaction amount of the tax-free category.

[0122] The communication processing unit 107 communicates with other devices such as the server 2 via the network NW. For example, the communication processing unit 107 outputs information via the network NW.

[0123] The generation processing unit 108 generates tax-free transaction information. The tax-free transaction information is information about a tax-free transaction. For example, the tax-free transaction information is purchase record information stipulated by the tax-free system. The tax-free transaction information includes passport information. The passport information is personal information of a customer of a tax-free transaction written on a passport. For example, the passport information is name, nationality, date of birth, etc., but is not limited to these. The passport information may include information other than these pieces of information. The tax-free transaction information includes tax-free transaction product information for each tax-free transaction product. The tax-free transaction product information is information about a tax-free transaction product. For example, the tax-free transaction product information is product name, unit price, tax-free category, transaction quantity, transaction amount, etc., but is not limited to these. The tax-free transaction product information may include information other than these pieces of information. The tax-free transaction information may include information other than passport information and tax-free transaction product information for each tax-free transaction product.

[0124] The server 2 is a device that manages tax-free transaction information for each tax-free transaction. The server 2 may be a server of an administrative agency such as the National Tax Agency.

[0125] The POS terminal 1 is communicatively connected to the server 2 via a network NW. The network NW is composed of one or more of various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The one or more networks may include a wireless network or a wired network.

[0126] (Example of operation) The process of the POS terminal 1 will now be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for processing a tax-free transaction by the processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1.

[0127] The processing circuit 10 may execute the process illustrated in FIG. 12 for each tax-free transaction.

[0128] The processing circuit 10 processes product registration (ACT41). ACT41 may be processing by the registration processing unit 101. The processing of ACT41 may be the same as the processing of ACT11.

[0129] The processing circuit 10 updates the registered product list based on the product registration process (ACT42). ACT42 may be a process performed by the display processing unit 104. The process of ACT42 may be the same as the process of ACT12.

[0130] The processing circuit 10 accepts the tax exemption declaration (ACT43). ACT43 may be a process performed by the input processing unit 102. The process of ACT43 may be the same as the process of ACT13.

[0131] If a tax exemption declaration has not been input (ACT43, NO), the process transitions from ACT43 to ACT41. The processing circuit 10 repeats the processes of ACT41 and ACT42 until a tax exemption declaration is input. If the processing circuit 10 accepts a tax exemption declaration (ACT43, YES), the process transitions from ACT43 to ACT44.

[0132] The processing circuit 10 accepts the passport image via the photographing device 20 based on the photographing of the customer's passport by the photographing device 20 (ACT44). ACT44 may be processing by the input processing unit 102. For example, the processing circuit 10 displays an image showing a guide for photographing the passport with the photographing device 20 on the first display device 17-1 based on the tax-exempt declaration. The store clerk photographs the customer's passport with the photographing device 20. The processing circuit 10 stores the passport image accepted via the photographing device 20 in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12.

[0133] The processing circuit 10 receives an instruction for a closing operation (ACT45). ACT45 may be a process performed by the input processing unit 102. The process of ACT45 may be the same as the process of ACT16.

[0134] The processing circuit 10 processes the payment of the tax-free transaction based on the instruction of the closing operation (ACT46). ACT46 may be processed by the payment processing unit 105. In ACT46, for example, the payment processing unit 105 processes the payment of the transaction as a tax-free transaction based on the tax-free declaration. The payment processing unit 105 processes the payment of the tax-free transaction based on data related to the transaction.

[0135] The processing circuit 10 compares the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction target with the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target based on the settlement of the tax-free transaction (ACT47). ACT47 may be a process by the calculation processing unit 103. In ACT47, for example, the processing circuit 10 compares the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction target with the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target after processing the settlement of the tax-free transaction based on the tax-free declaration. The processing circuit 10 can compare the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction product with the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction product for each tax-free transaction product by the first calculation mode. The processing circuit 10 can compare the transaction quantity of the tax-free category with the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category for each tax-free category by the second calculation mode. The processing circuit 10 may execute either the first calculation mode or the second calculation mode, or may execute both the first calculation mode and the second calculation mode, depending on the setting.

[0136] The processing circuit 10 generates tax-free transaction information based on the payment of the tax-free transaction (ACT48). ACT48 may be processing by the generation processing unit 108. In ACT48, for example, the processing circuit 10 generates tax-free transaction information after processing the payment of the tax-free transaction based on the tax-free declaration. The processing circuit 10 stores the generated tax-free transaction information in the auxiliary storage device 12. The processing circuit 10 can acquire passport information based on reading characters from the passport image accepted in ACT44. The processing circuit 10 can generate tax-free transaction item information for each tax-free transaction item based on data related to the transaction. The processing circuit 10 can generate tax-free transaction information based on the passport information and the tax-free transaction item information. The processing circuit 10 can generate tax-free transaction information including the following information based on the comparison in ACT47.

[0137] If the transaction quantity subject to the tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity, the tax-free transaction information may include the following information:

[0138] The tax-free transaction information includes information indicating that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the information indicating that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity is information indicated by characters or symbols. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help a customs official or other official recognize that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0139] The tax-free transaction information may include identification information of the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the identification information of the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity is, but is not limited to, the name of the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help a person in charge of customs or the like recognize which tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0140] The tax-free transaction information may include the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help a person in charge of customs or the like to recognize the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0141] The tax-free transaction information may include the excess transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help a person in charge of customs or the like recognize how much the tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0142] A case where the processing circuit 10 executes the first calculation mode will be described. When the transaction quantity of at least one tax-free transaction item in one tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction item, the tax-free transaction information can include the following information:

[0143] The tax-free transaction information includes information indicating that there is a tax-free transaction product whose quantity exceeds the upper limit. For example, the information indicating that there is a tax-free transaction product whose quantity exceeds the upper limit is information indicated by characters or symbols. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help a customs official or the like recognize that there is a tax-free transaction product whose quantity exceeds the upper limit.

[0144] The tax-free transaction information may include identification information of the tax-free transaction product that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the identification information of the tax-free transaction product that exceeds the upper limit quantity is, but is not limited to, the name of the tax-free transaction product that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help a person in charge of customs or the like to recognize which tax-free transaction product exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0145] The tax-free transaction information may include the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction product that exceeds the upper limit quantity, so that the POS terminal 1 can help a person in charge of customs or the like to recognize the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction product that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0146] The tax-free transaction information may include the excess transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction item, so that the POS terminal 1 can help a person in charge of customs or the like to recognize how much the tax-free transaction item exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0147] A case where the processing circuit 10 executes the second calculation mode will be described. When the transaction quantity of at least one tax-free category for one tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category, the tax-free transaction information may include the following information:

[0148] The tax-free transaction information includes information indicating that there is a tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the information indicating that there is a tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity is information indicated by characters or symbols. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help a person in charge of customs or the like recognize that there is a tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0149] The tax-free transaction information may include identification information of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the identification information of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity is, but is not limited to, the name of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help a person in charge of customs or the like to recognize which tax-free category exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0150] The tax-free transaction information may include the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help a person in charge of customs or the like to recognize the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0151] The tax-free transaction information may include the excess transaction quantity of the tax-free category. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help a person in charge of customs or the like recognize how much the tax-free category exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0152] The processing circuit 10 outputs the tax-free transaction information (ACT49). ACT49 may be processing by the communication processing unit 107. In ACT49, for example, the processing circuit 10 outputs the tax-free transaction information to the server 2 via the network NW. Note that the processing circuit 10 may output the tax-free transaction information to another server different from the server 2 via the network NW. In this case, the other server may output the tax-free transaction information acquired from the POS terminal 1 to the server 2 via the network NW.

[0153] The processing circuit 10 issues a receipt for the tax-free transaction (ACT50). ACT50 may be a process by the issuing processing unit 106. The process of ACT50 may be similar to the process of ACT18. Based on the comparison in ACT47, the processing circuit 10 may issue a receipt that includes information such as:

[0154] If the transaction quantity for the tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit, the receipt may include the following information:

[0155] The receipt includes information indicating that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the information indicating that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity is information indicated by characters or symbols. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help the customer recognize that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0156] The receipt may include identification information of the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the identification information of the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity is, but is not limited to, the name of the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help the customer recognize which tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0157] The receipt may include the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction object that exceeds the upper limit quantity, so that the POS terminal 1 can help the customer to recognize the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction object that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0158] The receipt may include the excess transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction, so that the POS terminal 1 can help the customer recognize how much the tax-free transaction quantity exceeds the upper limit.

[0159] A case where the processing circuit 10 executes the first calculation mode will be described. When the transaction quantity of at least one tax-free transaction item in one tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction item, the receipt may include the following information:

[0160] The receipt includes information indicating that there is a tax-free product whose quantity exceeds the upper limit. For example, the information indicating that there is a tax-free product whose quantity exceeds the upper limit is information indicated by characters or symbols. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help the customer recognize that there is a tax-free product whose quantity exceeds the upper limit.

[0161] The receipt may include identification information of the tax-free transaction product that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the identification information of the tax-free transaction product that exceeds the upper limit quantity may be, but is not limited to, the name of the tax-free transaction product that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help the customer recognize which tax-free transaction product exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0162] The receipt may include the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction item that exceeds the upper limit quantity, so that the POS terminal 1 can help the customer to recognize the upper limit quantity of the tax-free transaction item that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0163] The receipt may include the excess transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction item, which allows the POS terminal 1 to help the customer recognize how much the tax-free transaction item has exceeded the upper limit quantity.

[0164] A case where the processing circuit 10 executes the second calculation mode will be described. When the transaction quantity of at least one tax-free category for one tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category, the receipt may include the following information:

[0165] The receipt includes information indicating that there is a tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the information indicating that there is a tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity is information indicated by characters or symbols. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help the customer recognize that there is a tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0166] The receipt may include identification information of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. For example, the identification information of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity is, but is not limited to, the name of the tax-free category that exceeds the upper limit quantity. This allows the POS terminal 1 to help the customer recognize which tax-free category exceeds the upper limit quantity.

[0167] The receipt may include the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category that has exceeded the upper limit quantity, so that the POS terminal 1 can help the customer to recognize the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category that has exceeded the upper limit quantity.

[0168] The receipt may include the excess transaction quantity of the tax-free category, which allows the POS terminal 1 to help the customer recognize how much the upper limit quantity of the tax-free category has been exceeded.

[0169] The processing circuit 10 may issue a printout of the tax-free transaction information. This process may be performed by the issuance processing unit 106. For example, the processing circuit 10 may issue a printout of the tax-free transaction information by printing the tax-free transaction information on a medium using the printing device 18 or a printing device different from the printing device 18. For example, the medium is paper.

[0170] In the above description, the POS terminal 1 having the product registration function and the payment function and in which a store clerk is involved in the product registration and payment is used as an example of the tax-free processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The tax-free processing device may be a POS terminal having the product registration function and the payment function and allowing a customer to register products and make a payment without the intervention of a store clerk. The tax-free processing device may be a payment device having a payment function and allowing a customer to make a payment without the intervention of a store clerk. In this example, product registration may be performed by a store clerk using a product registration device having the product registration function. Product registration may be performed by a customer using a device having the product registration function. The device having the product registration function may be a dedicated terminal mounted on a shopping cart, a mobile terminal prepared in advance by a store, or a mobile terminal owned by the customer. When product registration and payment are processed by separate devices, the device that processes product registration may execute the processes of ACT41 to ACT45 in FIG. 12. The device that processes payment may execute the processes of ACT46 to ACT50 in FIG. 12.

[0171] According to the second embodiment, when the transaction quantity of an item subject to tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity, the POS terminal 1 can generate tax-free transaction information including information indicating that there is an item subject to tax-free transaction whose quantity exceeds the upper limit quantity. As a result, even if a store is unable to ensure that the registered quantity of a tax-free transaction does not exceed the upper limit, customs officials or other officials can easily know that a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit has been conducted. Customs officials or other officials can deal with the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit appropriately. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can support appropriate tax-free transactions.

[0172] [Other embodiments] The tax exemption processing device may be realized by one device as explained by taking the POS terminal 1 as an example, or may be realized by a plurality of devices with distributed functions.

[0173] The above-described embodiment may be applied to a method executed by the device. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a program capable of causing a computer of the device to execute each function. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a recording medium storing the program.

[0174] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit executes one or more processes among the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit executes all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits executes a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0175] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is readable by a computer.

[0176] 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.

[0177] Some of the above embodiments may be expressed as follows. (1) a registration processing unit for registering products; an input processing unit that receives a designation of a tax-free transaction; a display processing unit that displays a notification on a display unit when the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction exceeds an upper limit quantity based on the designation of the tax-free transaction; Duty free processing equipment. (2) The tax-free processing device according to (1), wherein the notification includes a first notification indicating that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. (3) The tax-free processing device according to (2), wherein the first notification includes identification information of the subject of the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. (4) A duty-free processing device as described in (2) or (3), wherein the first notification includes the upper limit quantity. (5) The tax-free processing device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the first notification includes a value obtained by subtracting the upper limit quantity from the registered quantity of the item subject to the tax-free transaction. (6) The tax-free processing device according to (1), wherein the notification includes a second notification capable of identifying the subject of the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity in a list of registered goods. (7) The tax-free processing device according to (1) or (6), wherein the display processing unit displays a value based on the upper limit quantity in a list of registered products based on the designation of the tax-free transaction. (8) The duty-free processing device according to (7), wherein the value based on the upper limit quantity is the upper limit quantity. (9) The tax-free processing device according to (7), wherein the value based on the upper limit quantity is a value obtained by subtracting the registered quantity of the item subject to the tax-free transaction from the upper limit quantity. (10) The subject of said duty-free transactions is each registered commodity, The registered quantity of the tax-free transaction is the registered quantity of each registered commodity, The upper limit quantity is a value according to each registered product. A duty-free processing device according to any one of (1) to (9). (11) The subject of the tax-exempt transaction is each tax-exempt category, The registered quantity of the tax-free transaction is the registered quantity of each tax-free category, The upper limit quantity is a value according to each tax-free category. A duty-free processing device according to any one of (1) to (9). (12) To a computer: The function to register products, The function of accepting designations for tax-free transactions; a function of displaying a notification on a display unit when the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target including one or more registered products based on the designation of the tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit quantity; A program that can execute the following.

[0178] Some of the above embodiments may be expressed as follows. <1> an input processing unit that receives a designation of a tax-free transaction; a payment processing unit that processes payment for the tax-free transaction based on the designation of the tax-free transaction; a generation processing unit that generates tax-free transaction information regarding the tax-free transaction based on the payment of the tax-free transaction; a communication processing unit that outputs the tax-free transaction information; Equipped with When the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit, the tax-free transaction information includes information indicating that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit. Duty free processing equipment. <2> The tax-free transaction information includes identification information of the target of the tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit quantity. <1> The tax-free processing device according to claim 1 . <3> The tax-free transaction information includes the upper limit quantity, <1> or <2> The tax-free processing device according to claim 1 . <4> The tax-free transaction information includes a value obtained by subtracting the upper limit quantity from the transaction quantity that is subject to the tax-free transaction. <1> from <3> 13. The tax-free processing device according to claim 12. <5> The subject of the tax-free transaction is each product traded tax-free; The transaction quantity subject to the tax-free transaction is the transaction quantity of each product that is tax-free, The upper limit quantity is a value according to each product traded tax-free. <1> from <4> 13. The tax-free processing device according to claim 12. <6> The subject of the tax-free transaction is each tax-free category, The transaction volume subject to the tax-exempt transaction is the transaction volume for each tax-exempt category, The upper limit quantity is a value according to each tax-free category. <1> from <4> 13. The tax-free processing device according to claim 12. <7> an issuing processor for issuing a receipt for the tax-free transaction; If the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit, the receipt includes information indicating that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit. <1> from <6> 13. The tax-free processing device according to claim 12. <8> On the computer, The function of accepting designations for tax-free transactions; processing a payment for said tax-free transaction based on said tax-free transaction designation; generating tax-free transaction information regarding the tax-free transaction based on a payment of the tax-free transaction; a function of outputting the tax-free transaction information; A program capable of executing When the transaction quantity of the tax-free transaction exceeds the upper limit, the tax-free transaction information includes information indicating that there is a tax-free transaction that exceeds the upper limit. program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 1... POS terminal, 2... server, 10... processing circuit, 11... main memory, 12... auxiliary storage device, 13... change machine interface, 14... communication interface, 15... scanner, 16... input device, 17-1... first display device, 17-2... second display device, 18... printing device, 19... reader, 20... photographing device, 101... registration processing unit, 102... input processing unit, 103... calculation processing unit, 104... display processing unit, 105... payment processing unit, 106... issuance processing unit, 107... communication processing unit, 108... generation processing unit, 121... tax-free processing possible quantity storage area, AA... image, AB... image, AC... image, AD... image, AE... image, BA... "Confirm" button, BB... "Confirm" button, BC... "Confirm" button, BD... "Tax-free" button, BE... "Actual total" button, BF... "Tax-free" button, BG... "Actual total" button, CA... first notification, CB...first notification, CC...first notification, CD...first notification, CE...first notification, CF...second notification, CG...second notification, DA...list of registered products, DB...list of registered products, NW...network.

Claims

1. a registration processing unit for registering products; an input processing unit that receives a designation of a tax-free transaction; a display processing unit that displays a notification on a display unit when the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction exceeds an upper limit quantity based on the designation of the tax-free transaction; Duty free processing equipment.

2. The notification includes a notification indicating that there is a tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity. The tax-free processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The notification includes a notification that can identify the tax-free transaction target that exceeds the upper limit quantity in a list of registered goods, The tax-free processing device according to claim 1 .

4. The registered quantity of the tax-free transaction is the registered quantity of each registered commodity, The upper limit quantity is a value according to each registered product. The tax-free processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The registered quantity of the tax-free transaction is the registered quantity of each tax-free category, The upper limit quantity is a value according to each tax-free category. The tax-free processing device according to claim 1 .

6. On the computer, The function to register products, The function of accepting designations for tax-free transactions; a function of displaying a notification on a display unit when the registered quantity of the tax-free transaction target including one or more registered commodities based on the designation of the tax-free transaction exceeds an upper limit quantity; A program that can execute the following.

Images