Sales data processor and program

Abstract

To eliminate waste due to duplication of works when making an additional purchase to cover the shortage in applicable amount of money in a tax exemption application procedure for a settled transaction.SOLUTION: A sales data processor for returning an amount of money to be determined according to a total amount of prices of tax exemption object commodities for which tax exemption has not been applied yet among sold commodities under the condition that the total amount is equal to or more than a prescribed amount includes calculation means, holding means and restart means. The calculation means calculates the total amount on the basis of data of a settled transaction. The holding means stores tax exemption information including at least the total amount in a prescribed storage part under the condition that the total amount calculated by the calculation means is less than the prescribed amount. The restart part reads the tax exemption information from the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sales data processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a business operator who manages an export goods sales place (duty-free store) sells a sales target such as goods to non-residents such as foreign travelers, there is a so-called duty-free system that exempts taxes such as consumption tax on the sales target. The duty-free system is applied when the total sales amount of goods in the duty-free category reaches a predetermined amount or more.

[0003] The above total sales amount does not have to be the amount related to a single settlement, and may be the total amount of multiple settlements as long as they are on the same day at the same store. When duty-free is applied based on the total amount of multiple settlements, procedures are to be performed for the transactions that have already been accounted for, and there is already a sales data processing apparatus having a function for such procedures. The function of this existing apparatus improves the complexity of canceling the accounted transactions once and newly performing duty-free applicable transactions, and applies duty-free to the accounted transactions.

[0004] However, in the above existing apparatus, when the total amount of the amounts related to multiple settlements does not reach the predetermined amount, the process ends with a notice that duty-free cannot be applied. And if the customer (the above non-resident) makes an additional purchase of an amount equal to or more than the shortage amount so that the total amount reaches the amount to which duty-free is applicable, the customer and the operator have to start over the procedures such as receipt reading.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to eliminate the waste due to duplication of work when there is an additional purchase to make up for the insufficient applicable amount in the duty-free application procedure for the settled transactions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The sales data processing device according to the embodiment refunds an amount determined according to the total amount on the condition that the total amount of the prices of the goods sold that are subject to duty exemption and for which duty exemption has not been applied is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and includes a totaling means, a holding means, and a resuming means. The totaling means calculates the total amount based on the data of the transactions that have been settled. The holding means stores, in a predetermined storage unit, duty exemption information including at least the total amount, on the condition that the total amount calculated by the totaling means is less than the predetermined value. The resuming means reads the duty exemption information from the storage unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] In an embodiment, a tax exemption process (post - settlement tax exemption application process) performed on a transaction in which a product is sold to a customer including tax (tax - included sales transaction) will be described by taking a POS (Point Of Sales) system used in a duty - free store as an example. Note that a duty - free store is a place for selling export goods that sells sales targets (products) for the ordinary use of non - residents such as foreign travelers in a certain way. Also, the above post - settlement tax exemption application process is performed based on the history information of past transactions (i.e., settled transactions).

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment. The POS system 1 includes a plurality of (two in the figure) POS terminals 2, a network 3, and a server 4. The POS terminal 2 is an example of a sales data processing device and is installed in a duty - free store. The network 3 is a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like and connects the POS terminal 2 and the server 4. The server 4 centrally manages a plurality of POS terminals 2 via the network 3.

[0010] The server 4 is in charge of controlling the entire POS system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 4. The server 4 is, for example, an information processing device with a general computer configuration and includes a control unit 400 composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, etc.

[0011] Also, the server 4 includes a controller 44, a keyboard 45, a display unit 46, a printer 47, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 48, a bus 49, and a communication I / F (interface) 50.

[0012] The bus 49 connects the control unit 400 and the above - mentioned respective units (controller 44, HDD 48, and communication I / F 50). The communication I / F 50 connects the server 4 to the network 3. By this connection, the control unit 400 and a plurality of POS terminals 2 can communicate with each other online.

[0013] The keyboard 45, the display unit 46, and the printer 47 are connected to the control unit 400 via the controller 44 and the bus 49. The keyboard 45 receives operations by the server administrator. The display unit 46 displays information for the server administrator as an image. The printer 47 outputs printed matter.

[0014] The HDD 48 stores various control programs 481 for operating the control unit 400. Further, the HDD 48 stores the product master file F1, the tax-exempt classification file F2, and the tax-exempt setting value file F3.

[0015] Furthermore, the HDD 48 holds the transaction history DB1. The transaction history DB1 is a database for accumulating the history information of the above-described settled transactions, that is, information regarding transactions that have been registered for sale at the POS terminal 2. And the HDD 48 holds the hold history DB2. The hold history DB2 holds processing data when the above-described tax-exempt application processing after settlement is put on hold midway. The tax-exempt application processing after settlement is processing for applying tax exemption to the taxable sales transactions among the settled transactions.

[0016] Note that the control program 481 executed by the server 4 of the embodiment may be a file in an installable format or an executable format, and may be configured to be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and provided. Such a recording medium is a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like.

[0017] Furthermore, the control program 481 executed by the server 4 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be configured to be provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the control program 481 executed by the server 4 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0018] Next, the product master file F1 and the product classification (classification) set in the product master file F1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the product master file F1. As shown in FIG. 3, in the product master file F1, product information such as the product name, the price (unit price) of the product, classification codes (classification 1 code, classification 2 code), duty-free classification code, and dangerous goods classification code is set in association with the product code (product identification information) of each product subject to sales registration. The dangerous goods classification code is assigned to products that require attention in handling, such as sprays whose carriage on aircraft is prohibited.

[0019] Products are classified by a plurality of classification codes, and these multiple classifications are hierarchically constructed.

[0020] That is, as shown in FIG. 3, products are classified into multiple categories by classification 1 (upper-level classification), which is a broad classification. Each classification 1 is further classified in more detail by classification 2 (lower-level classification), which is a more detailed classification. That is, the upper-level classification 1 is classified into multiple categories by classification 2, which is lower than classification 1, and includes at least one lower-level classification 2.

[0021] Note that in terms of being hierarchically constructed, the product code assigned to each product can be regarded as a classification lower than classification 2. The product code can be regarded as the most detailed classification, that is, the lowest-level classification.

[0022] Next, the duty-free classification file F2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the duty-free classification file F2. As shown in FIG. 4, in the duty-free classification file F2, a duty-free classification name is set in association with the duty-free classification code. The duty-free classification names are "consumables", "general goods", and "not subject to duty-free". "Consumables" are duty-free items for which the tax on items sold to non-residents such as foreign travelers is exempted, and include items such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. "General goods" are also duty-free items and are items for ordinary daily use other than consumables. "Not subject to duty-free" are non-duty-free items that are not subject to duty-free. The duty-free classification code for "consumables" is "01". The duty-free classification code for "general goods" is "02". The duty-free classification code for "not subject to duty-free" is "03".

[0023] Next, the duty-free setting value file F3 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the duty-free setting value file F3. As shown in FIG. 5, in the duty-free setting value file F3, a setting value is set in association with the duty-free classification code. The setting value serves as a guideline for duty-free sales registration in each category. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the setting value for consumables with the duty-free classification code "01" is from 5,000 yen to 500,000 yen. Also, the setting value for general goods (items for ordinary daily use other than consumables) with the duty-free classification code "02" is an amount exceeding 10,000 yen.

[0024] Next, the transaction history DB1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the transaction history DB1. As shown in FIG. 6, in the transaction history DB1, the transaction information of each transaction processed by each of the POS terminals 2 is stored as a transaction history.

[0025] The transaction history includes a transaction number for identifying each transaction (stored in the transaction number section DB11), the transaction date and time when the transaction was made (stored in the transaction date and time section DB12), and a register number for identifying the POS terminal 2 where the transaction was made (stored in the register number section DB13). Also, the transaction history includes the product code, unit price, quantity, etc. of each product registered for sale (stored in the product information section DB15). Furthermore, in the transaction history DB1, a flag (stored in the flag section DB14) is set in association with the transaction number. The flag is used to determine whether the tax exemption process described later has been performed for that transaction.

[0026] In the example shown in FIG. 6, a transaction with a flag of "0" means that the tax exemption process has not been performed, and a transaction with a flag of "1" means that the tax exemption process has been performed. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 6, the transaction with the transaction number "0425" has undergone the tax exemption process, and the transactions with the transaction numbers "0426" and "0427" have not undergone the tax exemption process.

[0027] Note that the transaction history DB1 functions as an electronic journal for storing transaction history data.

[0028] The control unit 400 distributes the product master file F1, the tax exemption classification file F2, and the tax exemption setting value file F3 to the POS terminal 2 at a predetermined timing by following the control program 481.

[0029] The hold history DB2 will be described later.

[0030] Next, the POS terminal 2 will be described. The POS terminal 2 is assigned a unique register number and is placed at the checkout location. The POS terminal 2 is a terminal for performing transaction processing based on the product code input by the operator (cashier).

[0031] The POS terminal 2 performs transaction processing related to the sale of products sold in the store. By an operator operating the POS terminal 2, the POS terminal 2 executes sales registration processing and settlement processing for the products to be sold. Note that the processing combining the sales registration processing and the settlement processing is called transaction processing.

[0032] The sales registration processing refers to a process of optically reading a code such as a barcode attached to a product to be sold to input the product code, displaying the product name and price (product information) of the product read based on the input product code, and storing the product information in a buffer. The settlement processing refers to a process of displaying the total amount related to the transaction based on the product information stored in the buffer along with the sales registration processing, calculating and displaying the change based on the deposit received from the customer, instructing the change dispenser to issue the change, issuing a receipt printed with the product information and settlement information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.).

[0033] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 7, the POS terminal 2 includes a control unit 300 having a computer configuration composed of a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, etc.

[0034] The CPU 31 executes various arithmetic processes and controls each part. The ROM 32 fixedly stores and preserves fixed data. The RAM 33 stores variable data in a rewritable manner and is used as a work area. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 are connected via a bus 34 and configured.

[0035] In the RAM 33, a tax-exempt target amount table T for aggregating the tax-exempt target amounts described later is formed.

[0036] In addition, the POS terminal 2 further includes a controller 35, a keyboard 21, a display unit 22, a printer 23, a scanner 24, a passport reader 25, a communication I / F 26, and a memory unit 27.

[0037] The keyboard 21, the display unit 22, the printer 23, the scanner 24, and the passport reader 25 are connected to the control unit 300 via the controller 35 and the bus 34. The control unit 300 controls each of the above units (the keyboard 21, the display unit 22, the printer 23, the scanner 24, and the passport reader 25).

[0038] The display unit 22 is an example of a display device, which is a liquid crystal display device provided with a touch panel on the display surface, and displays information for the operator as an image. The touch panel and the keyboard 21 receive the operations of the operator. The printer 23 prints receipts and journals. The scanner 24 optically reads codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes attached to products.

[0039] The keyboard 21 arranges various keys in blocks. The various keys are, for example, setting keys for inputting product codes, amounts, etc., subtotal keys for declaring the calculation of the total sales amount, cash closing keys for declaring cash closing in the sales process, PLU keys for specifying various products, confirmation keys for confirming the setting input by the setting keys, clear keys, and the like.

[0040] In addition, the keyboard 21 includes a duty-free declaration key K1, a product name list output key K2, a post-settlement duty-free application key K3, and a register minus key K4. The duty-free declaration key K1 is an operator for declaring duty-free processing for the transaction. The product name list output key K2 is an operator for instructing the output of a list (product name list) of products subject to duty-free. The post-settlement duty-free application key K3 is an operator for declaring post-settlement duty-free application processing in order to perform duty-free processing for past transactions. The register minus key K4 is an operator for declaring the cancellation of a transaction.

[0041] The passport reader 25 is a reader device that reads information held by a passport (travel document). In the embodiment, the passport reader 25 has an optical character recognition (OCR) function that optically reads the characters described in the passport.

[0042] The communication I / F 26 connects the POS terminal 2 to a network 3 provided in the store. Through this connection, the server 4, which is the upper device, and the control unit 300 can communicate with each other online.

[0043] The memory unit 27 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), a flash memory, etc., and maintains the stored content even when the power is turned off.

[0044] The memory unit 27 stores a control program 271 such as an operating system and various computer programs, and various data files. Examples of the data files include a product master file F1, a duty-free classification file F2, and a duty-free setting value file F3 distributed from the server 4.

[0045] The control program 271 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment is provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) in an installable format or an executable format file.

[0046] Alternatively, the control program 271 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the control program 271 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0047] Alternatively, the control program 271 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided by being pre - incorporated into the ROM 32 or the like.

[0048] Next, the control process executed by the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 2 in accordance with the control program 271 will be described.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal 2. By following various programs including the control program 271 stored in the ROM 32 and the memory unit 27, the tax - free processing means 310 and the post - settlement tax - free application means 320 are made to function.

[0050] The tax - free processing means 310 is a functional unit that performs a tax - free process of exempting the payment of taxes for goods subject to tax exemption. The tax - free process by the tax - free processing means 310 is performed at the time of settlement.

[0051] The post - settlement tax - free application means 320 is a functional unit that performs a post - settlement tax - free application process of refunding the tax amount from the total amount of the consideration paid for goods subject to tax exemption in a transaction of taxable sales after settlement. The post - settlement tax - free application means 320 includes each functional unit of a designation means 321, a calculation means 322, a detail display means 323, a hold means 324, a restart means 325, an addition means 326, a refund means 327, and a receipt issuance means 328.

[0052] The designation means 321 designates a transaction for which tax - free application has not been performed, that is, a transaction in which the tax - free process is not carried out. Here, the designation specifically means extracting one or a plurality of transactions including goods that are subject to tax exemption and for which tax - free application has not been performed from the transaction history DB1 based on the information input by the operator. The information input by the operator is, for example, a signal output by the scanner 24 when the operator causes the scanner 24 to read the barcode attached to the receipt. The signal corresponds to the barcode, and the barcode includes information (for example, a transaction number) for specifying a past transaction displayed on the receipt. Here, a barcode is taken as an example, but in practice, a two - dimensional code or the like may also be used.

[0053] The calculation means 322 calculates the total amount of the prices of tax-exempt goods that are tax-exempt but not yet subject to tax application (hereinafter referred to as target goods for processing) based on the data of one or more transactions extracted by the designation means 321. The designation means 321 and the calculation means 322 realize a totaling means for calculating the total amount based on the data of the settled transactions.

[0054] The detail display means 323 causes the registration detail screen G8 (see FIG. 24, described later) to be displayed on the display unit 22. The registration detail screen G8 displays a list summarizing the names, prices, etc. of the target goods for processing included in the total amount by the calculation means 322.

[0055] When the total amount calculated by the calculation means 322 is less than a predetermined value (the reference amount defined in the tax exemption system), the hold means 324 stores tax exemption information in a predetermined storage unit. The tax exemption information is data (processing data) used for tax exemption application processing after settlement and is various information of the target goods for processing. The predetermined storage unit is, for example, the HDD 48 of the server 4. The processing data is stored in the hold history DB2 held by the HDD 48.

[0056] Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the stored content of the hold history DB2 in a table format. The hold history DB2 stores, for example, a transaction number, a hold date, a cash register number, a receipt amount, a hold number, etc. These are stored in a transaction number section DB21, a hold date section DB22, a cash register number section DB23, a receipt amount section DB24, and a hold number section DB25, respectively.

[0057] In the hold history DB2, for example, one record is created for each receipt handed by the customer to the operator. The transaction number is a number that identifies the transaction indicated by the receipt. The transaction number is the same as that in the transaction number section DB11 of the transaction history DB1. That is, the transaction identified by the transaction number recorded in the transaction number section DB11 and the transaction identified by the transaction number recorded in the transaction number section DB21 are the same transaction. Also, the cash register number and the receipt amount are information of the transaction identified by the above transaction number and are based on the information recorded in the transaction history DB1.

[0058] The hold date is the date when the tax exemption application process after settlement is put on hold midway, that is, the date of the day when the process of registering the record is carried out. And the hold number is an example of an identification code, which is common to all records related to one hold and is unique for each hold.

[0059] Also, the hold means 324 causes the printer 23 to issue a hold receipt R5 (see FIG. 29, described later) while storing the processing data in the hold history DB2. The hold receipt R5 is an example of a hold slip, on which the above-mentioned identification code, total amount, shortage amount, etc. are printed. The shortage amount here is the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount from the lower limit value of tax exemption application. Also, the identification code is indicated by a barcode or a two-dimensional code that can be read by the scanner 24.

[0060] The resumption means 325 reads out the corresponding processing data from the hold history DB2 on the condition that a predetermined operation has been received. The predetermined operation is, for example, that the operator causes the scanner 24 to read the identification code of the hold receipt received from the customer. The resumption means 325 specifies the corresponding processing data by the identification code.

[0061] When the total amount calculated by the calculation means 322 is less than a predetermined amount, the addition means 326 accepts additional purchase of tax-exempt items on the spot and adds the price of the items related to the additional purchase to the total amount.

[0062] The refund means 327 manages the refund of the difference between the price including tax paid by the customer at the time of purchasing the goods and the price after tax exemption application (that is, the tax amount portion). In other words, the refund means 327 instructs the operator to refund a predetermined amount to the customer and appropriately updates the transaction history DB1 and the hold history DB2.

[0063] The receipt issuing means 328 has a function of printing and issuing a receipt including information on the goods exempted from tax by the tax exemption application process after settlement.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal 2. The control unit 300 determines whether a product code for identifying a product is input using the scanner 24 (step S11). If it is determined that the product code has been input (Yes in step S11), the control unit 300 executes a sales registration process of calculating the registered amount of the product based on product information such as the product name and unit price obtained by searching the product master file F1 according to the input product code. Next, the control unit 300 stores the product information of the product subjected to the sales registration process in the RAM 33 (step S12). At this time, the display unit 22 displays the product registration screen G1 according to the control of the control unit 300. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen G1.

[0065] Also, if it is determined that the product code has not been input (No in step S11), the control unit 300 determines whether the cash key provided on the keyboard 21 for declaring the end of the transaction has been operated (step S13). If it is determined that the cash key has been operated (Yes in step S13), the control unit 300 executes a settlement process of calculating the total amount based on the registered amount of the product and the product information for the transaction (step S14). In this settlement process, the control unit 300 calculates the total amount including the taxed tax amount such as consumption tax for the products purchased by the customer.

[0066] Next, the control unit 300 issues a receipt R0 on which purchase details x, settlement records y, etc. are printed on receipt paper (step S15). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a normal receipt R0. The purchase details x are details of the purchased products (records of product names, purchase quantities, and prices). Also, the settlement record y is a record of the exchange of money such as the price, deposit amount, and change. In addition to the above items, the receipt R0 displays the business operator name a, transaction date d, transaction number e for identifying the transaction, register number f, and barcode w. In the part of the business operator name a, characters or logo marks indicating the name or title of the business operator operating the store are displayed. The barcode w encodes the transaction number e.

[0067] Next, the control unit 300 transmits product information of the traded product (transaction number, transaction date and time, cash register number, product code, unit price, quantity, etc.) to the server 4 (step S16). The server 4 stores the received information in the transaction history DB1. Specifically, the control unit 400 of the server 4 stores the transaction number in the transaction number section DB11. The control unit 400 stores the transaction date and time in the transaction date and time section DB12. The control unit 400 stores the cash register number of the POS terminal 2 that performed the transaction in the cash register number section DB13. The control unit 400 stores the product code, unit price, and quantity of the traded product in the product information section DB15. Also, the control unit 400 stores a flag "0" indicating that tax exemption processing has not been performed for the transaction in the flag section DB14 corresponding to the transaction number of the transaction.

[0068] Also, when it is determined that the current meter key has not been operated (No in step S13), the control unit 300 determines whether the tax exemption declaration key K1 has been operated (step S21). When it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S21), assuming that there is a tax exemption declaration, the control unit 300 executes the tax exemption processing shown in FIG. 13 (step S22).

[0069] [Normal tax exemption processing] Here, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 19, the normal tax exemption processing executed in step S22 when the tax exemption declaration key K1 is operated will be described in detail. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of normal tax exemption processing. The control unit 300 operates the passport reader 25. Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the passport reader 25 has read a predetermined character string from the passport (step S51). Examples of such a character string include passport number, name, nationality, date of birth, etc. The control unit 300 displays on the display unit 22 that the passport is being read until a predetermined character string is read from the passport.

[0070] The control unit 300 causes the display unit 22 to display a guide screen (not shown) that prompts for the reading of the passport. The operator of the POS terminal 2 opens the page on which matters related to the duty-free system are described in the passport presented by the customer (non-resident), and holds the page over the passport reader 25. In response to this operation, the control unit 300 reads a predetermined character string from the passport.

[0071] Wait until the passport is read (No in step S51), and if it is determined that it has been read (Yes in step S51), the control unit 300 causes the display unit 22 to display a confirmation screen G2 (see FIG. 14) in order to confirm the character string read in step S51 (step S52).

[0072] The confirmation screen G2 shown as an example in FIG. 14 is an example of the case of reading the character strings of the items of passport number, name, nationality, and date of birth among the items described in the passport. On the confirmation screen G2, the character string read in step S51 is displayed for each item (matter).

[0073] Here, a delete button B1 is provided in association with each item on the confirmation screen G2. The control unit 300 determines whether or not the delete button B1 has been operated (step S53). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S53), the control unit 300 deletes the character string read for the corresponding item (step S54), and returns to step S53. For example, if there is an error in the character string of any of the items read in step S51, the character string with the error can be deleted by operating the delete button B1. Note that the control unit 300 displays the confirmation screen G2 with the character string of the item deleted in step S54 set to blank.

[0074] Further, on the confirmation screen G2, the control unit 300 displays an OK button B2, a reread button B3, and a cancel button B4 corresponding to the confirmation acceptance means of the embodiment. Next, when the control unit 300 determines that the delete button B1 has not been operated (No in step S53), it determines whether the reread button B3 has been operated (step S55). When it is determined that the reread button B3 has been operated (Yes in step S55), the control unit 300 returns the process to step S51 to reread the character string from the passport. Along with the operation of the reread button B3, the control unit 300 deletes the previously read character string.

[0075] Also, when it is determined that the reread button B3 has not been operated (No in step S55), the control unit 300 determines whether the cancel button B4 has been operated (step S56). When it is determined that the cancel button B4 has been operated (Yes in step S56), the control unit 300 deletes all the read character strings (step S57) and returns to step S51. Along with the operation of the cancel button B4, the control unit 300 returns the display screen of the display unit 22 from the confirmation screen G2 to the product registration screen G1.

[0076] Also, when it is determined that the cancel button B4 has not been operated (No in step S56), the control unit 300 determines whether the OK button B2 has been operated (step S58). When the control unit 300 determines that the OK button B2 has been operated (Yes in step S58), as the tax exemption processing means 310, it executes a tax exemption process for exempting the payment of taxes such as consumption tax (step S59). Also, when it is determined that the OK button B2 has not been operated (No in step S58), the control unit 300 returns the process to step S53.

[0077] Next, the tax exemption process in step S59 will be described.

[0078] First, for the registered products that have already been registered, the control unit 300 determines the existence of tax-exempt target products that are subject to tax exemption by referring to the tax exemption classification code in the product master file F1. If there are tax-exempt target products, the control unit 300 performs an addition process on the tax-exempt target amount table T (RAM 33) for each group of registered products subject to tax exemption (general goods group and consumables group).

[0079] The correspondence according to the type of tax for tax-exempt target products is performed as follows.

[0080] When the registered product subject to tax exemption is an internal tax product, the control unit 300 adds the amount after deducting the internal tax from the registered amount as the tax-exempt target amount to the tax-exempt target amount table T. More specifically, in the case of internal tax products, the control unit 300 regards the difference between the registered amount before tax exemption and the registered amount after tax exemption as the tax exemption amount. An example is shown in the following formula. Unit price before tax exemption 1080 yen - Unit price after tax exemption 1000 yen = Tax exemption amount 80 yen

[0081] When the registered product subject to tax exemption is an external tax product, the control unit 300 adds the registered amount as the tax-exempt target amount to the tax-exempt target amount table T. More specifically, in the case of external tax products, the control unit 300 regards the external tax amount for the registered amount as the tax exemption amount.

[0082] Note that when the registered product is not a tax-exempt target product, the control unit 300 does not add the registered amount as the tax-exempt target amount to the tax-exempt target amount table T.

[0083] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the tax-exempt target amount in the tax-exempt target amount table T satisfies the set value (reference amount) in the tax exemption setting value file F3. In the tax exemption setting value file F3 of the embodiment, the set values for foodstuffs, beverages, drugs, cosmetics, and other consumables are 5,000 yen to 500,000 yen. Also, the set value for general goods (goods used for normal daily life other than consumables) is an amount exceeding 10,000 yen.

[0084] When the control unit 300 determines that the tax-exempt amount for the consumable item meets the set value (5,000 yen to 500,000 yen), it performs a tax exemption process to exempt the tax on the tax-exempt amount. Also, when the control unit 300 determines that the tax-exempt amount for general goods (items used for normal daily life other than consumable items) meets the set value (an amount exceeding 10,000 yen), it performs a tax exemption process to exempt the tax on the tax-exempt amount.

[0085] Also, when the tax-exempt amount for the consumable item in the tax-exempt amount table T exceeds the upper limit value (500,000 yen) of the set value, the control unit 300 displays an error on the display unit 22.

[0086] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the error screen G3. On the error screen G3, the control unit 300 guides in words such as "The tax exemption upper limit has been exceeded. Please cancel the product. The excess amount is XX,XXX yen". When there is an operation of the clear key on the keyboard 21 during the display of the error screen G3, the control unit 300 erases the error screen G3.

[0087] On the other hand, when the tax-exempt amount is less than the reference amount, conventionally, the control unit 300 guides in an error display (not shown) that the reference amount is not met, similar to the case when the tax exemption upper limit is exceeded. In this case, it is settled as a transaction to which tax exemption does not apply, or the transaction is aborted.

[0088] Return to the flowchart (Figure 13). Following the tax exemption process (step S59), the control unit 300 displays the product registration screen G4 (step S60). Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen G4. On the product registration screen G4, a tax exemption indicator I displayed as "Tax Exempt" is shown. By displaying the tax exemption indicator I on the product registration screen G4, the control unit 300 notifies the operator that it is a tax exemption declaration transaction. On the product registration screen G4, the tax amount is displayed as "0 yen" due to the exemption of taxes by the tax exemption process (step S59), and the total displayed amount is the amount after the tax exemption process (the amount after reducing the exempted tax amount). Further, in the product information list on the product registration screen G4, the character "Exempt" is displayed in the row of the product to which the tax exemption applies.

[0089] The control unit 300 determines whether the cash key has been operated (step S61). In step S61, the control unit 300 waits until it is operated (No in step S61). When it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S61), the control unit 300 executes a settlement process for settling the price of the product for the transaction (step S62). In this settlement process, the product sold is settled at the amount after the tax exemption application that does not include the tax amount without adding taxes such as consumption tax.

[0090] Next, the control unit 300 transmits the product information etc. (transaction number, transaction date and time, cash register number, product code, unit price, quantity, etc.) of the settled product to the server 4 (step S63). When the server 4 receives the product information etc., it stores the received information in the transaction history DB1. Specifically, the control unit 400 of the server 4 stores the transaction number in the transaction number section DB11. The control unit 400 stores the transaction date and time in the transaction date and time section DB12. The control unit 400 stores the cash register number of the POS terminal 2 that performed the transaction process in the cash register number section DB13. The control unit 400 stores the product code, unit price, and quantity of the product traded in the product information section DB15. Then, the control unit 400 stores a flag "1" indicating that the tax exemption process has been performed for the transaction in the flag section DB14 corresponding to the transaction number of the transaction.

[0091] Next, the control unit 300 prints and issues the product information, payment information, tax exemption amount, etc. of the product for which the payment process has been performed on the receipt paper (step S64). In this step, the control unit 300 prints, for example, one purchase pledge form, two purchase record sheets, and one receipt.

[0092] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase pledge form R1. The purchase pledge form R1 proves the fact of purchasing tax-exempt items. The purchase pledge form R1 is submitted as an attachment to a predetermined document (a purchaser's pledge form (separate from the receipt-form purchase pledge form R1)) as a store copy to the operator who operates the duty-free store.

[0093] The purchase pledge form R1 includes the name or title a of the operator who operates the duty-free store, the jurisdiction tax signature b, the store location c of the duty-free store, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the cash register number f, the details of the product (product name g, quantity and price h for each product name), the total amount i of all items, the total amount j of general items and consumables respectively, and the tax exemption amount k.

[0094] In addition, the purchase pledge form R1 has columns for printing the character strings of each item confirmed on the confirmation screen G2. Specifically, the character strings confirmed on the confirmation screen G2 for the following items are printed on the purchase pledge form R1. · Passport number... l · Nationality of the purchaser... m · Name of the purchaser... n · Date of birth of the purchaser... o

[0095] Note that for the items (character strings) deleted by operating the delete button B1 on the confirmation screen G2, only the item names are printed. In this case, the content of the item is filled in directly on the document (purchaser's pledge form) by the operator.

[0096] Also, the layout of the purchase pledge form R1 is not limited to the example in FIG. 17. For example, a statement promising to export after purchase (in the case of consumables, promising to export within 30 days from the date of purchase), a signature column for the purchaser, etc. may be printed.

[0097] Next, the purchase record slip, which is a receipt, will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase record slip R2. The purchase record slip R2 proves the fact of the purchase of duty-free items. The purchase record slip R2 is printed in two copies for attachment to a predetermined document (a purchase record slip different from the purchase record slip R2 in receipt form) and for store record-keeping. The attached purchase record slip R2 is pasted on the above-mentioned predetermined document (purchase record slip). This document (purchase record slip) is pasted on the passport and stamped.

[0098] The purchase record slip R2 includes the name or title a of the business operator operating the duty-free store, the signature b of the relevant tax office, the store location c of the duty-free store, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the cash register number f, the details of the goods (product name g, quantity and price h for each product name), the total amount i of all items, the total amount j of general items and consumables respectively, and the duty-free amount k.

[0099] In addition, the purchase record slip R2 has columns for printing the character strings of each item confirmed on the confirmation screen G2. Specifically, on the purchase record slip R2, the character strings confirmed on the confirmation screen G2 for the following items are printed. · Passport number... l · Nationality of the purchaser... m · Name of the purchaser... n · Date of birth of the purchaser... o

[0100] Note that for the items (character strings) deleted by operating the delete button B1 on the confirmation screen G2, similar to the purchase pledge R1, only the item names are printed and directly entered on the document (purchase record slip). Also, the layout of the purchase record slip R2 is not limited to the example in FIG. 18.

[0101] Next, the receipt will be described. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the receipt R3 for duty-free transactions. The receipt R3 is handed to the purchaser after the transaction.

[0102] Receipt R3 includes the name a of the operator who runs the duty-free store, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the cash register number f, the details of the products (product name g, quantity and price h for each product name), and the total amount i of all items. In the said receipt R3, the character p of "duty-free" is added to the name of the duty-free product. Also, on receipt R3, the message q of "Duty-free transaction has been conducted." indicating that it is a duty-free transaction is printed. Further, on receipt R3, a barcode w encoding the transaction number e is printed.

[0103] In addition, when the information stored in the transaction history DB1 does not function as a journal, the control unit 300 executes journal printing corresponding to the purchase record ticket R2 and receipt R3. At this time, the control unit 300 prints all or part of the character strings of the items confirmed on the confirmation screen G2 on the journal corresponding to receipt R3.

[0104] In this way, the control unit 300 reads a predetermined character string from the passport using the passport reader 25 and displays it on the confirmation screen G2 in order to have the operator confirm this read character string. Next, after confirmation by the operator, the control unit 300 prints the character string displayed on the confirmation screen G2 on the purchase affidavit R1, etc. Thereby, according to the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment, complicated procedures such as manual entry into the purchaser's affidavit and purchase record ticket for each product purchase are not required, so that the procedures related to duty-free can be efficiently carried out.

[0105] Also, when the control unit 300 exceeds the duty-free standard amount (consumables: 5,000 yen, general goods: 10,000 yen) in units of duty-free classification (consumables, general goods), it automatically performs duty-free processing. Thereby, according to the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment, the duty-free registration operation based on the operator's judgment is not required, and the sales registration process for products corresponding to the amendment of the duty-free system can be executed.

[0106] In addition, when the control unit 300 receives an operation of the product name list output key K2, it executes a printing process for outputting a product name list (not shown) of the products subject to duty-free. Here, the timing of receiving the operation of the product name list output key K2 is not particularly limited. For example, when the operation of the product name list output key K2 is received during the sales registration process, the control unit 300 executes the list printing process together with the above-described printing process. Also, when the operation of the product name list output key K2 is received outside the process of the sales registration process, the control unit 300 causes the transaction number etc. of the transaction to be the target of the list printing process to be input, and then executes the list printing process.

[0107] In the list printing process of the embodiment, one product name list is printed. The product name list is a document listing the products subject to duty-free processing. The product name list is attached to the bag or box that packages the products subject to duty-free processing.

[0108] The product name list includes the name or title of the operator who runs the duty-free store, the product name of the products subject to duty-free processing, the quantity and price for each product name. Note that, as a form, only the consumable products among the products subject to duty-free processing may be printed on the product name list. In this case, the determination as to whether the product is a consumable product or not shall be made based on the product master file F1 and the duty-free classification code of the duty-free classification file F2. Also, when the POS terminal 2 separately provides a label printer, the control unit 300 may be configured to print the product name list using the label printer.

[0109] As described above, according to the POS terminal 2, a product name list of the products subject to duty-free can be output in response to an operation of the product name list output key K2. Thereby, according to the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment, when it is legally stipulated to indicate the product name on the packaging of the products subject to duty-free, the product name list can be easily issued, so that the procedures related to duty-free can be efficiently performed.

[0110] Return to the flowchart (Figure 10). If it is determined in step S21 that the duty-free declaration key K1 has not been operated (No in step S21), the control unit 300 determines whether the post-settlement duty-free application key K3 for performing duty-free processing on past transactions has been operated (step S31). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S31), the control unit 300 executes the post-settlement duty-free application process as the post-settlement duty-free application means 320 (step S32).

[0111] [Post-settlement duty-free application process] Figures 20-1 and 20-2 are flowcharts schematically showing the flow of the post-settlement duty-free application process. First, the control unit 300 executes the processes of steps S71 to S78. Since the processes of steps S71 to S78 are the same as the processes of steps S51 to S58 described above, the description is omitted. When the cancel button B4 is operated (Yes in step S76), the control unit 300 deletes all the character strings read from the passport (step S77) and then returns to step S71.

[0112] Subsequently, the control unit 300 performs a transaction designation process (step S81) as the designation means 321. In this process, the control unit 300 first causes the display unit 22 to display the transaction search screen G5.

[0113] Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the transaction search screen G5. The transaction search screen G5 has a register No column A51, a date column A52, a transaction No column A53, a receipt amount column A54, a confirmation button B51, and a return button B52.

[0114] The cash register No. column A51 is a column for entering the cash register number that identifies the POS terminal 2 in which a transaction for which tax exemption application is to be made after settlement (hereinafter referred to as the transaction to be processed) has been conducted. In this column A51, as the initial value, the cash register number assigned to the POS terminal 2 including the display unit 22 while the transaction search screen G5 is being displayed is shown. The date column A52 is a column for entering the date (transaction date) on which the transaction to be processed has been conducted, and the current date is shown as the initial value. The transaction No. column A53 is a column for entering the transaction number of the transaction to be processed. The receipt amount column A54 is a column for entering the amount settled in the transaction to be processed.

[0115] The confirmation button B51 is a button for confirming the input contents in the above columns A51 to A54 and declaring to move to the next process. The back button B52 is a button for returning the screen. That is, when the back button B52 is operated, the control unit 300 stops the transaction designation process and returns the display on the display unit 22 to the confirmation screen G2.

[0116] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether or not the transaction number e included in the barcode w printed on the receipt R0 in step S15 is input by reading the barcode w with the scanner 24. It waits until the transaction number e is input, and when it is determined that the transaction number e has been input, the control unit 300 makes an inquiry to the server 4 and receives the history information of the past transaction corresponding to the corresponding transaction number e from the transaction history DB1 of the server 4. Next, the control unit 300 determines whether or not the following three conditions are satisfied for the transaction of the received history information.

[0117] As the first condition, for the transaction read from the transaction history DB1, the flag stored in the flag section DB14 is "0". As the second condition, the transaction history DB1 includes tax-exempt items. As the third condition, it is the same transaction date as the transaction date of the previously read transaction history DB1. When all of these three conditions are satisfied, the control unit 300 causes the list screen G6 (see FIG. 22) to be displayed on the display unit 22 based on the received transaction history information.

[0118] If the transaction corresponding to the input transaction number does not meet any or a plurality of the three conditions, the control unit 300 displays an error message (not shown) indicating that tax exemption cannot be applied to the transaction on the display unit 22 and waits for the next operation.

[0119] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the list screen G6. The list screen G6 includes a list table L1, an OK button B61, a cancel button B62, and a manual button B63. The list screen G6 is displayed when one transaction is specified during the display of the transaction search screen G5. The control unit 300 also accepts transaction designation by the same operation as during the display of the transaction search screen G5 while the list screen G6 is being displayed. When there is a transaction designation, the number of transactions displayed in the list table L1 increases.

[0120] The list table L1 displays the identification information (cash register number, transaction date, transaction number, receipt amount) of each transaction to be processed in a list. The OK button B61 is a button for declaring the confirmation of the transaction designation (step S81) and moving to the next process (step S82). The cancel button B62 is a button for returning the screen. That is, when the cancel button B62 is operated, the control unit 300 clears the specified transaction and returns the display on the display unit 22 to the transaction search screen G5. The manual button B63 is a button for making numerical keys or the like used for manual input visible or usable.

[0121] Note that the transaction displayed on the list screen G6 can be excluded (deleted) from the processing target by an operation via the keyboard 21 or the touch panel. Also, by selecting the transaction displayed on the list screen G6, it may be configured to list the tax-exempt items included in the transaction.

[0122] In step S82, as the calculation means 322, the control unit 300 calculates the total amount of the prices of the processing target items included in the transaction (processing target transaction) specified in step S81. Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the total amount calculated in step S82 has reached the reference amount (step S83).

[0123] In step S83, when the total amount has reached the reference amount (Yes in step S83), the control unit 300 first causes the confirmation screen G7 to be displayed on the display unit 22. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen G7. Here, the confirmation screen G7 shown in FIG. 23 is for the case where the total amount has reached a predetermined amount. The confirmation screen G7 is a screen for showing the total amount and has an OK button B71 and a list button B72.

[0124] When the list button B72 is operated on the confirmation screen G7, the control unit 300 displays the registration details screen G8 as the detail display means 323. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the registration details screen G8.

[0125] The registration details screen G8 displays a list of the names and prices of the target products on which the total amount calculated in step S82 is based. In the example shown in FIG. 24, the registration details screen G8 displays the product code, product name, quantity, unit price, discount or price reduction, amount, and classification (consumable or general item) for each product. While the registration details screen G8 is being displayed, the control unit 300 accepts deletion or correction of values of the target products.

[0126] In addition, the registration details screen G8 has a back button B81. When the back button B81 is operated, the control unit 300 returns the display on the display unit 22 to the confirmation screen G7.

[0127] When the confirmation button B71 is operated on the confirmation screen G7, the control unit 300 performs a refund process (step S84). In this refund process, the control unit 300 calculates a refund amount determined based on the total amount as the refund means 327 and updates the transaction history DB1. That is, the control unit 300 changes the flag stored in the flag section DB14 of the transaction history DB1 for the transaction to be processed from "0" to "1". Further, the control unit 300 newly registers the record of the refund in a predetermined storage unit (for example, the transaction history DB1). At the time of this registration, the control unit 300 assigns a new transaction number to the refund. The transaction number enables the identification of the record of the refund in the above-mentioned predetermined storage unit. For example, if the transaction history DB1 also serves as the storage unit for registering the record of the refund, it can be handled by entering a code indicating the refund process in the product code column and entering the refund amount in the unit price column.

[0128] Also, upon receiving the operation on the above-mentioned confirmation button B71, the control unit 300 causes the printer 23 to print and issue a receipt or the like including information on the product to be processed as the receipt issuing means 328. What is issued at this time are the purchase pledge form R1 (FIG. 17), the purchase record ticket R2 (FIG. 18), and the refund receipt R4 (FIG. 27, described later).

[0129] Furthermore, upon receiving the operation on the above-mentioned confirmation button B71, the control unit 300 causes the aggregation in-progress screen G9 shown in FIG. 25(a) to be displayed on the display unit 22. The aggregation in-progress screen G9 indicates to the operator the fact that processing is in progress and the progress of the processing by means of indicators using characters and images. Then, after finishing the DB update and the printing / issuing, the control unit 300 causes the completion screen G10 shown in FIG. 25(b) to be displayed on the display unit 22.

[0130] The completion screen G10 has a close button B101. When the close button B101 is operated, the control unit 300 instructs the operator to refund the specified amount to the customer as the refund means 327. That is, the control unit 300 causes the payment screen G11 to be displayed on the display unit 22.

[0131] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a payment screen G11. The payment screen G11 shows the refund amount and includes guidance to the operator by characters or illustrations such as "Please don't forget to hand over the receipt."

[0132] Here, when there is a change dispenser (not shown) linked to the POS terminal 2, when the close button B101 on the completion screen G10 is operated, the change dispenser pays out the currency for the refund amount. So, the operator checks against the amount shown on the payment screen G11 and returns it to the customer together with the refund receipt R4 and the like.

[0133] Also, when it is not a change dispenser but a drawer (not shown) linked to the POS terminal 2, when the close button B101 on the completion screen G10 is operated, the drawer opens. So, the operator takes out the currency for the amount shown on the payment screen G11 from the drawer and returns it to the customer together with the refund receipt R4 and the like.

[0134] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a refund receipt R4. The refund receipt R4 is a document that describes the transaction to be processed and the refund amount. The refund receipt R4 is handed to a customer who is a non-resident.

[0135] In addition, the refund receipt R4 includes the name or title a of the operator who operates the duty-free store, the transaction date d on which the duty-free application process was performed after settlement, the transaction number e, and the register number f. Also, the refund receipt R4 includes the transaction number r, the register number s, and the refund amount t of each transaction to be processed. Further, the refund receipt R4 has a message "Duty-free has been applied to the above transaction." u indicating that duty-free has been applied after settlement. Also, a barcode w encoding the transaction number e of the above-described duty-free application process after settlement is printed on the refund receipt R4.

[0136] Note that the payment screen G11 has a close button B111. When the close button B111 is operated, the control unit 300 ends the refund process (step S84), ends the duty-free application process after settlement (step S32), and returns to step S11.

[0137] Next, the case where the total amount has not reached the reference amount (No in step S83) will be described. In this case, the control unit 300 first causes the display unit 22 to display a confirmation screen G7 in a state shown as an example in FIG. 28. In the confirmation screen G7 in this case, in addition to the state shown in FIG. 23, a hold button B73, an add button B74, and a message M1 are displayed. When displaying the confirmation screen G7 in this state, the control unit 300 makes the OK button B71 inoperable.

[0138] The message M1 notifies of the shortage of the total amount. That is, the message M1 indicates that the total amount of the prices of the products to be processed has not reached the reference amount and the difference from the reference amount. The hold button B73 accepts an operation instructing the start of the hold process (step S85). The add button B74 accepts an operation instructing the start of the addition process (step S86).

[0139] In the hold process (step S85), the control unit 300 first stores the above processing data in the hold history DB2. In addition, the control unit 300 causes the printer 23 to print and issue a hold receipt R5 shown as an example in FIG. 29. The hold receipt R5 is an example of a hold slip, and has the above hold number e2 as the above identification code, a barcode w obtained by encoding the hold number e2, explanations v1 to v3, the register number f2 of the POS terminal 2 that issued the hold receipt R5, and the like.

[0140] The explanation v1 indicates a reason why tax exemption cannot be applied, such as "The total amount of your purchase has not reached the applicable amount." The explanation v2 indicates the current status, such as "The procedure for tax exemption application has been put on hold." The explanation v3 notifies of the shortage amount until tax exemption application. The shortage amount here is the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount from the lower limit value of tax exemption application. In practice, it is sufficient if at least the above hold number is printed on the hold receipt R5 as a character or a code image readable by a scanner.

[0141] After finishing the hold process, the control unit 300 ends the post-settlement tax exemption application process (step S32) and returns to step S11.

[0142] The hold receipt R5 is used when a customer who has received the receipt R5 makes a purchase of an amount greater than the shortage amount (additional purchase) and then requests tax exemption application processing again after settlement (that is, resumes the tax exemption application processing after settlement). When resuming this process, in the transaction specification (step S81), the control unit 300 functions as a resumption means 325 in addition to a specification means 321. The control unit 300 as the specification means 321 here causes the barcode w displayed on the receipt R0 for additional purchase to be read by the scanner 24.

[0143] The control unit 300 as the resumption means 325 reads, from the hold history DB2, a record identified by the hold number e2 indicated by the hold receipt R5 by reading the hold receipt R5, and reads, from the transaction history DB1, each transaction to be processed at the time of issuing the hold receipt R5 recorded in each record. As a result, the operation of rereading the receipt R0 for each transaction to be processed at the time of issuing the hold receipt R5 becomes unnecessary.

[0144] Next, the additional process (step S86) will be described. When the add button B74 is operated on the confirmation screen G7 in the state shown in FIG. 28, the control unit 300 performs an additional process. In this additional process, the control unit 300 accepts an additional purchase on the spot. That is, when the operator conveys the shortage amount to the customer and the customer presents a product to be purchased additionally on the spot, the POS terminal 2 accepts the registration of the sales data of the product and further adds up the price of the product to the total amount.

[0145] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen G7 in a state where one of the two types of shortage amounts has been filled by the additional process. On the confirmation screen G7 at this time, a message M2 is displayed. The message M2 guides the shortage amount changed by the additional purchase. Further, when displaying this confirmation screen G7, the control unit 300 changes the confirmation button B71 to an available state.

[0146] Thus, according to the embodiment, for one or more transactions designated as processing targets after transaction processing, since tax exemption processing can be performed on tax-exempt items included in the transaction, even when tax exemption procedures are to be carried out again after the sale of the sales target, tax exemption processing can be executed without canceling the transaction.

[0147] Return to the description of FIG. 10. In step S31, if it is determined that the post-settlement tax exemption application key K3 has not been operated (No in step S31), the control unit 300 determines whether the register minus key K4 has been operated (step S41). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S41), the control unit 300 subsequently determines whether the post-settlement tax exemption application key K3 has been operated (step S42). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S42), the control unit 300 executes a post-settlement tax exemption application cancellation process (step S43).

[0148] In a series of transactions, the post-settlement tax exemption application process can only be performed once. Therefore, if there is an error in the goods to which the post-settlement tax exemption has been applied, or if it is desired to apply the post-settlement tax exemption again for reasons such as having new goods for which tax exemption processing is desired, it is necessary to perform a post-settlement tax exemption application cancellation process to cancel the post-settlement tax exemption application process that has already been processed, and then apply the post-settlement tax exemption again. Details of the post-settlement tax exemption application cancellation process are omitted.

[0149] In step S42, if it is determined that the post-settlement tax exemption application key K3 has not been operated (No in step S42), the control unit 300 executes a cancellation process for, for example, the transaction for which settlement processing was performed in step S14 or the transaction for which tax exemption processing was performed in step S22 (step S44). Details of the cancellation process are omitted.

[0150] After the processing of step S12, after the processing of step S16, after the processing of step S22, after the processing of step S32, after the processing of step S43, and after the processing of step S44, the control unit 300 returns to step S11. Also, when it is determined in step S41 that the receipt minus key K4 has not been operated (No in step S41), the control unit 300 returns to step S11.

[0151] As described above, according to the embodiment, for one or more transactions specified as processing targets, it is possible to execute a post-settlement tax exemption application cancellation process without canceling the transactions to which tax exemption has been applied after settlement.

[0152] As described above, several embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, 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, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0153] For example, in the embodiment, the information held by the passport is configured to be read as a character string by using the optical character recognition function of the passport reader 25, but the reading method is not limited to this. Specifically, when a storage medium such as an IC tag is embedded in the passport, an RFID reader may be used as the passport reader 25 to read the information corresponding to the described items from the storage medium.

[0154] Also, in the embodiment, the barcode printed on the receipt is read and input when entering the transaction number, but it is not limited to this. For example, the operator may input the transaction number printed on the receipt from the keyboard 21. In this case, the receipt may not have a barcode printed on it.

[0155] In the embodiment, the transaction history DB1 is provided in the server 4, but it may be provided in other devices such as the POS terminal 2 or the like.

[0156] In the embodiment, products are described as an example of sales targets, but sales targets other than products (for example, services) may also be applicable.

[0157] In the embodiment, the server 4 is described as an example of an information processing device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a personal computer installed in a service counter or the like may be used as the information processing device.

Explanation of Signs

[0158] 1... POS system 2... POS terminal 4... Server 300... Control unit 310... Duty-free processing means 320... Duty-free application means after settlement 321... Designation means (part of the aggregation means) 322... Calculation means (part of the aggregation means) 323... Detail display means 324... Suspension means 325... Resumption means 326... Addition means 327... Refund means 328... Receipt issuance means DB1... Transaction history DB2... Suspension history (predetermined storage unit) e2... Suspension number (identification code) R5... Suspended receipt (suspended slip)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0159]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Claims

1. In a sales data processing apparatus that refunds an amount determined according to the total amount, on the condition that the total amount of the prices of tax-exempt goods among the sold goods for which tax exemption has not been applied is equal to or more than a predetermined value, a totaling means for calculating the total amount based on data of settled transactions; a holding means for storing tax exemption information including at least the total amount in a predetermined storage unit on the condition that the total amount calculated by the totaling means is less than the predetermined value; a resuming means for reading the tax exemption information from the storage unit; A sales data processing apparatus comprising:

2. The holding means includes an identification code for identifying the tax exemption information in the tax exemption information, and further issues a holding slip on which at least the identification code is printed. The resuming means reads the tax exemption information including the identification code from the storage unit when receiving an input of the identification code as the predetermined operation. The sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that:

3. Further comprising an additional means for accepting additional purchases of tax-exempt goods and adding the price of the goods to the total amount on the condition that the total amount calculated by the totaling means is less than the predetermined value. The sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:

4. The holding means also prints a value indicating the difference between the predetermined value and the total amount on the holding slip. The sales data processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that:

5. Further comprising a detailed display means for displaying at least the name and price of the goods so as to be referable on a display device, among the data used by the totaling means as the basis of the total amount. The sales data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:

6. A computer that controls a sales data processing apparatus that refunds an amount determined according to the total amount, on the condition that the total amount of the prices of tax-exempt goods among the sold goods for which tax exemption has not been applied is equal to or more than a predetermined value, a totaling means for calculating the total amount based on data of settled transactions; a holding means for storing tax exemption information including at least the total amount in a predetermined storage unit on the condition that the total amount calculated by the totaling means is less than the predetermined value; a resuming means for reading the tax exemption information from the storage unit; A program for causing the computer to function as such.

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