Tax-free processing device and program

Abstract

To reduce the time and effort required to digitize purchase record slips.SOLUTION: An information processing device disclosed herein comprises processing means, creation means, and output means. The processing means processes tax-free sales procedures for tax-free items. The creation means creates a symbol of a system readable by a given reader device from information on a tax-free item for which a tax-free sales procedure is processed. The output means outputs the symbol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Businesses that operate export goods sales outlets, also known as duty-free shops, exempt the tax levied on the sale of goods, known as consumption tax, when selling tax-exempt goods to non-residents such as foreign tourists if certain conditions are met.Businesses that exempt the goods from consumption tax prepare a purchase record slip that records the information written on the passport or other documents provided by the non-resident and information on the goods purchased by the non-resident.

[0003] Traditionally, purchase records were created on paper. However, in recent years, the electronicization of procedures related to tax-free sales has progressed, and purchase records have also been digitized. Specifically, the information written on purchase records, so-called purchase record information, can now be electronically recorded and provided to the National Tax Agency via communication lines such as the Internet. For this reason, there is a demand to reduce the effort required to digitize purchase records. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-201996 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a tax exemption processing device and a program therefor that can reduce the time and effort required to digitize purchase record slips. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the tax-free processing device includes a processing means, a creating means, and an output means. The processing means processes the tax-free sales procedure for tax-free items. The creating means creates a symbol in a system readable by a predetermined reading device from information related to the tax-free items for which the tax-free sales procedure is processed. The output means outputs the symbol. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing main data items constituting a product data record. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing the main data items contained in a symbol. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the POS terminal. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the POS terminal. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the POS terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a product details receipt on which one symbol is printed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a product detail receipt on which two symbols are printed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram according to one embodiment. This system mainly comprises a duty-free shop system 100. The duty-free shop system 100 is established in an export goods sales area, a so-called duty-free shop. The duty-free shop system 100 includes a POS (Point Of Sales) system 10 and an electronic terminal 20.

[0010] The POS system 10 includes multiple POS terminals 11 and a store server 12. Each POS terminal 11 is installed at the checkout counter of a duty-free shop. Each POS terminal 11 and the store server 12 are connected to a communication network 13, such as a local area network (LAN). The POS terminal 11 has a function for registering sales data of products purchased by customers and a function for processing the customer's transactions. The store server 12 is a computer that provides services for centrally controlling information processing at each POS terminal 11. The store server 12 includes a product database 121. The product database 121 is a collection of product records 1211 (see FIG. 2) created for each product sold at the duty-free shop. The products include tax-exempt products. Tax-exempt products are, in principle, products that can be taken abroad without being consumed domestically. However, tax-exempt products such as gift certificates, gift certificates, stamps, and prepaid cards are not eligible for tax exemption. In addition, products subject to export restrictions may also be excluded from tax exemption. For tax purposes, tax-exempt products are classified into general goods and consumables.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data items that make up the product record 1211. The product record 1211 includes data items such as product ID, product name, unit price, classification code, tax type classification, tax rate, and tax exemption flag. The product ID is an identification code set for each product to identify each product individually. The product name and unit price are the name of the product and the price per unit.

[0012] A classification code is a code used to identify the classification of a product. Classifications include food, beverages, cosmetics, medicines, clothing, home appliances, stationery, etc. Among the tax-exempt products, food, beverages, cosmetics, medicines, etc. are classified as consumables. Other items such as clothing, home appliances, stationery, etc. are classified as general goods.

[0013] The tax type classification is the classification of the tax levied on the sale of the product, the so-called consumption tax. There are three types of tax types: tax included in the unit price, tax excluded from the unit price, and tax exempt, where no tax is levied.

[0014] The tax exemption flag is one-bit data for identifying whether the product is eligible for tax exemption. In this embodiment, the tax exemption flag for a product eligible for tax exemption is set to "0", and the tax exemption flag for a product not eligible for tax exemption is set to "1".

[0015] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1. The duty-free shop system 100 processes the tax-free sales procedures for tax-free products at the POS terminal 11. In other words, the POS terminal 11 functions as a tax-free processing device. The POS terminal 11 issues a product detail receipt 30 by functioning as a tax-free processing device. The product detail receipt 30 is a sheet issued by printing information about products purchased by non-residents on receipt paper. The product information is printed in the form of symbol C on the receipt paper. Symbol C is a two-dimensional data code that can be read by an optical scanner. An optical scanner is an example of a reading device.

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data items included in Symbol C. Symbol C is a two-dimensional data code that represents an identifier, store ID, receipt number, purchase date and time, transaction issue number, and one or more items of purchased product information.

[0017] The identifier is information for identifying the type of two-dimensional data code. A device that reads the two-dimensional data code recognizes that the two-dimensional data code is Symbol C based on the identifier information.

[0018] The store ID is an ID used to identify a duty-free store. Each duty-free store is assigned a different store ID. The receipt number is a series of numbers that is issued each time a transaction receipt is issued from the POS terminal 11. A transaction receipt is a receipt that records information about the purchased items and accounting information and is given to the customer. The purchase date and time is the date and time when the non-resident purchased the item at the duty-free store.

[0019] The intra-transaction issue number is a series of numbers assigned to identify each symbol C when two or more symbol Cs are created in one transaction. There is a limit to the amount of data that can be contained in a symbol C consisting of a two-dimensional data code. For example, if a non-resident purchases many tax-exempt items in one transaction, it is difficult to include information about all of the purchased items in a single symbol C. In such a case, the POS terminal 11 creates two or more symbol Cs, each containing information about a different purchased item. In this case, the POS terminal 11 distinguishes between the symbol Cs by, for example, setting the intra-transaction issue number included in the two-dimensional data code of the first created symbol C to "1" and the intra-transaction issue number included in the two-dimensional data code of the next created symbol C to "2."

[0020] Purchased product information includes the purchased product's product ID, product name, unit price, classification code, tax type classification, tax rate, quantity, tax-inclusive amount, tax-exclusive amount, tax amount, and tax-exemption flag. The product ID, product name, unit price, classification code, tax type classification, tax rate, and tax-exemption flag are data in product record 1211. The quantity is the number or weight of the purchased product. The tax-inclusive amount, tax-exclusive amount, and tax amount are amounts calculated based on the unit price, quantity, tax type classification, and tax rate of the purchased product.

[0021] Returning to the explanation of Figure 1. The electronic terminal 20 is installed at the tax-free counter of a tax-free shop. The tax-free counter is a place visited by non-residents who have been granted tax-free status by purchasing tax-free products under certain conditions at the tax-free shop. The non-resident provides the product detail receipt 30 along with his / her passport to the person in charge of the tax-free counter.

[0022] The digitization terminal 20 has a passport reading unit 21, a symbol reading unit 22, a creation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The passport reading unit 21 reads and digitizes the passport number, name, nationality, date of birth, etc. written on the passport provided by the non-resident. The symbol reading unit 22 reads the symbol C on the product detail receipt 30 provided by the non-resident and digitizes the information of the data items included in the symbol C. The symbol reading unit 22 is composed of an optical scanner that reads the symbol C and its controller. The creation unit 23 creates purchase record information using the information digitized by the passport reading unit 21 and the information digitized by the symbol reading unit. The purchase record information includes information written on the passport provided by the non-resident and information related to the items purchased by the non-resident. The communication unit 24 transmits the purchase record information created by the creation unit 23 to an external server 50 via a communication network 40 such as the Internet.

[0023] The external server 50 is a computer that provides a service of collecting purchase record information created by one or more electronic terminals 20 connected to the communication network 40 and storing the information in a purchase record information database 51. The purchase record information is stored in the purchase record information database 51 for at least seven years.

[0024] 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 11. The POS terminal 11 includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, a communication interface 65, a keyboard 66, a scanner 67, a display 68, a printer 69, a card reader 70, an automatic change dispenser, and a system transmission path 72. The system transmission path 72 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 72 connects the processor 61 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0025] The POS terminal 11 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, and a communication interface 65 via a system transmission path 72. The POS terminal 11 also connects devices such as a keyboard 66, a scanner 67, a display 68, a printer 69, a card reader 70, and an automatic change dispenser to the computer via the system transmission path 72.

[0026] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 61 controls each part to realize various functions of the POS terminal 11 in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0027] The main memory 62 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 62 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 62 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 62 may store data required for the processor 61 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 61 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0028] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application programs described above.

[0029] The clock 64 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 61 processes the date and time kept by the clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0030] The communication interface 65 connects to the communication network 13. The POS terminal 11 performs data communication with the store server 12 and the like connected to the communication network 13 via the communication interface 65.

[0031] The keyboard 66 is an input device that has function keys such as a subtotal key, a closing key, etc. in addition to a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values. The POS terminal 11 has a tax-exemption declaration key K on the keyboard 66. The tax-exemption declaration key K is a key that an operator operates when the customer who is purchasing the product is a non-resident and is carrying out the tax-free sales procedure.

[0032] The scanner 67 is an input device that scans and reads, for example, a barcode attached to a product. The scanner 67 may be a type that reads a barcode by scanning with a laser beam, or a type that reads a barcode from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0033] The display 68 is an output device that displays the name, price, total amount, etc. of the purchased item. The display 68 includes a display for the operator and a display for the customer.

[0034] The printer 69 is an output device that prints general transaction receipts, credit slips, etc., as well as product detail receipts 30 and content detail slips required for tax-free sales. The content detail slip is a slip attached to the package that contains tax-free products purchased by non-residents. The content detail slip lists the product names, quantities, etc. of the packaged tax-free products.

[0035] The card reader 70 is an input device that reads data recorded on a card medium such as a credit card, a point card, or an electronic money card.

[0036] The automatic change dispenser 71 includes a coin unit and a banknote unit. The coin unit sorts coins inserted into the coin slot one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in a safe according to the denomination. The coin unit, for example, based on change data, removes coins of the appropriate denomination from the safe and dispenses them to the coin dispensing outlet. The banknote unit sorts banknotes inserted into the banknote slot one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in the safe according to the denomination. The banknote unit, for example, based on change data, removes banknotes of the appropriate denomination from the safe and dispenses them to the banknote dispensing outlet.

[0037] It should be noted that the devices connected to the POS terminal 11 are not limited to those described above. For example, a touch panel may be connected instead of a display. For example, a cash drawer may be connected instead of the automatic change dispenser 71.

[0038] The POS terminal 11 configured as described above is equipped with a control program that controls the processor 61 to function as processing means 611, creation means 612, and output means 613. The control program is one of the application programs stored in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the control program in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. The control program can be installed in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63 by recording it on a removable recording medium or by distributing the control program via communication over a network. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

[0039] The processing means 611 is a function that processes the tax-free sales procedures for tax-exempt items. In order to process the tax-free sales procedures, the POS terminal 11 divides part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 62 into a transaction data area 621, a general items area 622, and a consumables area 623. The transaction data area 621 stores information related to items sold in one transaction. The general items area 622 stores information related to items classified as general items among items sold in one transaction. The consumables area 623 stores information related to items classified as consumables among items sold in one transaction.

[0040] The creation means 612 is a function that creates a symbol system that can be read by a predetermined reading device from information related to the tax-exempt goods for which the tax-free sales procedure is processed. Specifically, the creation means 612 creates a two-dimensional data code symbol C that can be read by an optical scanner based on information related to the goods stored in the general goods area 622 and information related to the goods stored in the consumable goods area 623.

[0041] The output means 613 has a function of outputting the symbol C. Specifically, the output means 613 prints the symbol C on the merchandise detail receipt 30 and outputs it.

[0042] 5, 6, and 7 are flowcharts showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 61 of the POS terminal 11. Below, the main operations of the POS terminal 11 will be explained using each flowchart. Note that the processing steps and contents explained below are examples. The steps or contents can be changed as appropriate as long as similar effects can be obtained.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the processor 61 that has started the procedure resets the tax-free flag F to "0" in ACT1. The tax-free flag F is one-bit data for identifying whether or not the tax-free sales procedure is to be processed. The tax-free flag F is stored in, for example, the main memory 62. In this embodiment, the tax-free flag F indicating that the tax-free sales procedure is not to be processed is set to "0", and the tax-free flag F indicating that the tax-free sales procedure is to be processed is set to "1".

[0044] In ACT2, the processor 61 checks the tax exemption flag F. At this point, the tax exemption flag F is reset to "0," so the processor 61 determines NO in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 61 checks whether the tax exemption declaration key K has been entered. If the tax exemption declaration key K has not been entered, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT3 and proceeds to ACT4. In ACT4, the processor 61 checks whether product registration has been performed. If product registration has not been performed, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT5. In ACT5, the processor 61 checks whether the subtotal key has been entered. If the subtotal key has not been entered, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT5 and returns to ACT2.

[0045] In this way, when the tax exemption flag F is reset to "0," the processor 61 waits for the tax exemption declaration key K to be entered, for product registration to be performed, or for the subtotal key to be entered in ACT3 to ACT5. Note that if the subtotal key is entered without product registration, the entry will result in an error.

[0046] Now, when the store clerk operating the POS terminal 11 confirms that the customer requesting payment for the purchased items is a non-resident, he or she enters the tax exemption declaration key K. When the tax exemption declaration key K is entered, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT3 and proceeds to ACT6. The processor 61 sets the tax exemption flag F to "1" in ACT6. Thereafter, the processor 61 returns to ACT2. In this case, since the tax exemption flag F is set to "1", the processor 61 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT4.

[0047] In this way, once the tax exemption flag F is set to "1", the processor 61 thereafter waits for product registration to be performed in ACT4 and ACT5 or for the subtotal key to be entered.

[0048] The store clerk registers the purchased item by scanning the barcode attached to the purchased item with the scanner 67. Once the item is registered, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT7. In ACT7, the processor 61 executes the product sales process. Specifically, the processor 61 obtains from the store server 12 a product record 1211 containing a product ID obtained by analyzing the barcode. The processor 61 then creates product sales data from the product ID, product name, unit price, classification code, tax type classification, tax rate, and tax exemption flag of the product record 1211, as well as the number of items sold and the sales amount. If a number was entered using the numeric keypad of the keyboard 66 before scanning the barcode, that number is used as the number of items sold; otherwise, the number is set to "1." The sales amount is the unit price multiplied by the sales amount. The processor 61 stores the product sales data in the transaction data area 621. The processor 61 also identifies whether the purchased item is a general item or a consumable item based on the classification code. If the purchased item is a general item, the processor 61 stores the item sales data in the general item area 622. If the purchased item is a consumable item, the processor 61 stores the item sales data in the consumable item area 623. Note that the transaction data area 621, the general item area 622, and the consumable item area 623 are cleared before a customer's purchased item is registered.

[0049] When the store clerk has finished registering all the items the customer will purchase, he or she enters the subtotal key. When the subtotal key is entered, processor 61 determines YES in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT8. Processor 61 checks the tax exemption flag F in ACT8. If the tax exemption flag F is reset to "0", that is, in the case of a transaction in which the tax exemption declaration key K has not been entered, processor 61 determines NO in ACT8 and proceeds to ACT9.

[0050] In ACT9, the processor 61 calculates the subtotal based on the product sales data stored in the transaction data area 621 and displays the subtotal on the display 68. The subtotal is the total price of the purchased products including tax. In ACT10, the processor 61 waits for a closing key to be operated. Closing keys include a cash total key for cash payments, a credit key for credit card payments, and an electronic money key for electronic money payments.

[0051] When the closing key is entered, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT10 and proceeds to ACT11. In ACT11, the processor 61 executes the payment process for the payment method corresponding to the type of closing key. For example, if a cash total key is entered, the processor 61 executes the payment process for a cash transaction. For example, if a credit key is entered, the processor 61 executes the payment process for a credit card transaction. For example, if an electronic money key is entered, the processor 61 executes the payment process for an electronic money transaction. These payment processes are well known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0052] When the settlement process is completed, the processor 61 drives the printer 69 as ACT 12 to control the production of a transaction receipt. With this, the processor 61 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart.

[0053] On the other hand, if the tax exemption flag F is reset to "1", that is, if the transaction involves the input of the tax exemption declaration key K before the input of the subtotal key, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT 8 and proceeds to ACT 13. In ACT 13, the processor 61 checks whether the tax exemption conditions are met.

[0054] Currently, in Japan, tax exemption is granted when the total purchase price of tax-exempt general goods and tax-exempt consumable goods is between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen. Therefore, processor 61 checks whether the total purchase price of general goods calculated from the product sales data stored in general goods area 622 with the tax exemption flag set to "0" and the total purchase price of consumable goods calculated from the product sales data stored in consumable goods area 623 with the tax exemption flag set to "0" is between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen. If the total purchase price is less than 5,000 yen or greater than 500,000 yen, the tax exemption conditions are not met. Processor 61 determines "NO" in ACT 13 and proceeds to ACT 9. Processor 61 executes the processes in ACT 9 through ACT 12 in the same manner as described above.

[0055] If the total amount is equal to or greater than 5,000 yen and equal to or less than 500,000 yen, the tax-exemption conditions are met. The processor 61 determines YES in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT21 in FIG. 6. In ACT21, the processor 61 performs tax-exemption processing, i.e., processes the tax-free sales procedures for tax-exempt items, using the function of the processing means 611. Specifically, the processor 61 calculates the total tax-exempt amount and the tax-exemption amount from the product sales data stored in the general goods area 622 and the consumable goods area 623. As described above, the total tax-exempt amount is the sum of the purchase amounts of general goods and consumable goods calculated from product sales data whose tax-exemption flag is "0." The tax-exemption amount is calculated by calculating the tax-inclusive amount for product sales data whose tax type classification is tax-inclusive, and calculating the tax-exclusive amount for product sales data whose tax type classification is tax-exclusive, and then adding up the tax-inclusive amount and the tax-exclusive amount. Then, the processor 61 calculates the tax-free subtotal by subtracting the tax-free amount from the subtotal.

[0056] In ACT22, the processor 61 displays the subtotal amount after tax exemption processing on the display 68. Then, in ACT23, the processor 61 waits for the closing key to be pressed. When the closing key is pressed, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT24. In ACT24, the processor 61 executes the payment process for the payment method corresponding to the type of closing key. Once the payment process is complete, the processor 61 drives the printer 69 and controls the issuance of a transaction receipt in ACT25. The processing from ACT23 to ACT25 is the same as the processing from ACT10 to ACT12 described above, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0057] When a transaction receipt is issued, the processor 61 drives the printer 69 as ACT 26 to control the issuance of a contents details slip. That is, the processor 61 creates a list of the product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, etc. of the product sales data for which the tax exemption flag is "0" stored in the general goods area 622 and the consumable goods area 623, prints the list on receipt paper, and controls the issuance of the contents details slip.

[0058] When the contents details slip is issued, the processor 61 drives the printer 69 as the ACT 27 to control the issuance of the product details receipt 30 .

[0059] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main processing steps involved in issuing the product detail receipt 30. That is, in ACT 31, the processor 61 resets the number counter n to "0." In ACT 32, the processor 61 stores the header data of the product detail receipt 30 in the work memory. The header data consists of the symbol C identifier, the store ID printed on the transaction receipt, the receipt number, and the purchase date and time. The work memory is part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 62. In ACT 33, the processor 61 sets the data amount (bytes) of the header data in register D.

[0060] Processor 61 searches for tax-exempt products in ACT 34. That is, processor 61 searches for product sales data whose tax-exemption flag is "0" in general goods area 622. Processor 61 also searches for product sales data whose tax-exemption flag is "0" in consumables area 623. Processor 61 determines whether or not there is product sales data whose tax-exemption flag is "0" in ACT 35.

[0061] When the processor 61 detects product sales data whose tax exemption flag is "0" from the general goods area 622 or the consumable goods area 623, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT 35 and proceeds to ACT 36. In ACT 36, the processor 61 creates the aforementioned purchased product information from the product sales data. In ACT 37, the processor 61 calculates the data volume (bytes) of the purchased product information. In ACT 38, the processor 61 adds the data volume to register D.

[0062] In ACT39, the processor 61 checks whether the value of register D exceeds an upper limit value Dmax, which is a threshold value. The upper limit value Dmax is the upper limit value of the amount of data that can be included in a symbol C consisting of a two-dimensional data code. If the value of register D does not exceed the upper limit value Dmax, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT39, skips the processes of ACT40 to ACT43, and proceeds to ACT44. In ACT44, the processor 61 stores the purchase product information created in the process of ACT36 in the work memory.

[0063] Thereafter, the processor 61 returns to ACT34 and executes the processes from ACT34 onwards in the same manner as described above. That is, when the processor 61 detects product sales data whose tax exemption flag is "0" from the general goods area 622 or the consumables area 623, it creates the above-mentioned purchased product information from that product sales data. Then, the processor 61 calculates the data volume (bytes) of that purchased product information and adds that data volume to register D. The processor 61 checks whether the value of register D exceeds the upper limit value Dmax. If the value of register D does not exceed the upper limit value Dmax, the processor 61 stores the purchased product information in the work memory.

[0064] The processor 61 repeats the above-described process each time it detects product sales data whose tax-exemption flag is "0" from the general goods area 622 or the consumables area 623. As a result, if the value of register D exceeds the upper limit value Dmax, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT36 and proceeds to ACT40. In ACT40, the processor 61 counts up the number counter n by "1". Then, in ACT41, the processor 61 creates image data of symbol C consisting of a two-dimensional data code in a predetermined format using the header data and purchased product information stored in the work memory by the function of the creation means 612 and the intra-transaction issued number, which is the value of the number counter n. In ACT42, the processor 61 stores the image data of symbol C in the image memory. The image data is part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 62.

[0065] When the image data of symbol C has been stored, the processor 61 clears all data other than the header data from the work memory in ACT 43. After that, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 44. That is, the processor 61 stores the purchase product information created in the processing of ACT 36 in the work memory, and returns to ACT 34.

[0066] In this way, the processor 61 executes the processing of ACT36 to ACT44 for all product sales data for which the tax exemption flag is "0" and stored in the general goods area 622 or the consumable goods area 623. Then, after completing this processing, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT35 and proceeds to ACT45. In ACT45, the processor 61 checks whether the number counter n is "1" or greater. If the number counter n is "1" or greater, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT45 and proceeds to ACT46. In ACT46, the processor 61 further counts up the number counter n by "1". Thereafter, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT47. If the number counter n is "0", the processor 61 determines NO in ACT45. The processor 61 skips the processing of ACT46 and proceeds to ACT47. In this way, if the number counter n is "0", the value is maintained and the processor 61 proceeds to ACT47. On the other hand, if the number counter n is equal to or greater than "1", the number counter n is further incremented by "1" and the process proceeds to ACT47.

[0067] The processor 61 creates image data of a symbol C consisting of a two-dimensional data code in a predetermined format using the header data and purchased product information stored in the work memory as ACT47 using the function of the creation means 612, and the transaction issue number, which is the value of the number counter n.

[0068] Therefore, if the number counter n is "0", i.e., if image data of symbol C is not stored in the image memory, the processor 61 creates image data of symbol C with an intra-trade issue number of "0". On the other hand, if the number counter n is "1" or greater, i.e., if image data of at least symbol C with an intra-trade issue number of "1" has already been stored in the image memory by the processing of ACT40 to ACT43 described above, the processor 61 creates image data of symbol C with an incremented intra-trade issue number.

[0069] When the image data of symbol C has been created, the processor 61 stores the image data of symbol C in the image memory in ACT 48. Then, the processor 61 drives the printer 69 using the function of the output means 613 in ACT 49, controlling it to print the image data of symbol C stored in the image memory onto receipt paper. In this way, the product detail receipt 30 is issued from the POS terminal 11. With this, the processor 61 completes the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart.

[0070] FIG. 8 shows an example of a product detail receipt 30 on which one symbol C is printed. As shown in the figure, in addition to the symbol C consisting of a two-dimensional data code, the product detail receipt 30 also prints the transaction date and time 31, register number 32, amount information 33 related to tax exemption, receipt number 34, store ID 36, etc. In the amount information 33, the general goods tax-free total is the purchase amount of general goods calculated from the product sales data stored in the general goods area 622 and having a tax-exempt flag set to "0." The consumable goods tax-free total is the purchase amount of consumables calculated from the product sales data stored in the consumable goods area 623 and having a tax-exempt flag set to "0." The tax-exempt amount is the sum of the general goods tax-free total and the consumable goods tax-free total. The tax-exempt amount is as described above. The intra-transaction issue number included in the two-dimensional data code of symbol C is "0."

[0071] 9 is an example of a merchandise detail receipt 30 on which two symbols Ca and Cb are printed. As shown in the figure, in addition to the two symbols Ca and Cb consisting of two-dimensional data codes, the merchandise detail receipt 30 is printed with the transaction date and time 31, register number 32, amount information related to tax exemption 33, receipt number 34, store ID 36, etc. One of the symbols, Ca, has an intra-transaction issue number included in its two-dimensional data code of "1." The other symbol, Cb, has an intra-transaction issue number included in its two-dimensional data code of "0."

[0072] In this way, the product detail receipt 30 issued from the POS terminal 11 is handed to the customer along with the transaction receipt, etc. The customer proceeds to the tax-free counter and submits the product detail receipt 30 together with their passport to the staff member. The staff member reads the passport information using the passport reading unit 21 of the digitized terminal 20. The staff member also reads the symbol C (or symbols Ca and Cb) printed on the product detail receipt 30 using the symbol reading unit 22 of the digitized terminal 20. Then, the creation unit 23 of the digitized terminal 20 creates purchase record information. The purchase record information is sent by the communication unit 24 to the external server 50 via the communication network 40, and is stored in the purchase record information database 51.

[0073] In this way, the digitizing terminal 20 can create purchase record information by digitizing the purchase record slip from the passport information read by the passport reading unit 21 and the symbol C information read by the symbol reading unit 22. That is, the person in charge can input the information about the tax-exempt products required to digitize the purchase record slip into the digitizing terminal 20 simply by reading the symbol C printed on the product detail receipt 30. Therefore, the POS terminal 11 with the function of issuing the product detail receipt 30 can contribute to reducing the effort required to digitize the purchase record slip.

[0074] Furthermore, symbol C can contain information relating to multiple tax-exempt products. Therefore, by scanning one symbol C, information relating to multiple tax-exempt products can be input into electronic terminal 20, further reducing the time and effort required.

[0075] Furthermore, if the amount of data in symbol C exceeds the upper limit Dmax, which is a threshold value, it is divided into multiple symbols Ca and Cb within a range that does not exceed the upper limit Dmax. In other words, the amount of data contained in one symbol C is less than the upper limit Dmax. Therefore, the symbol reader 22 can read symbol C with high quality. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in efficiency due to a reading error of symbol C.

[0076] Incidentally, when one symbol C is printed on the product detail receipt 30, the transaction issue number for that symbol is "0." When two or more symbols Ca, Cb, etc. are printed on the product detail receipt 30, the transaction issue number for each symbol Ca, Cb, etc. is a consecutive number starting from "1."

[0077] If the intra-transaction issue number included in the symbol C read by the symbol reading unit 22 is "0", the digitizing terminal 20 does not need to read other symbols C. The digitizing terminal 20 creates purchase record information using the creation unit 23. Therefore, purchase record information can be created efficiently with simple operations.

[0078] If the intra-transaction issue number included in the symbol C read by the symbol reading unit 22 is "1," the digitizing terminal 20 waits for the next symbol to be read. Then, when a symbol with an intra-transaction issue number of "2" is read, the digitizing terminal 20 waits for the next symbol to be read. If an instruction to end reading is received, the digitizing terminal 20 creates purchase record information using the creation unit 23 based on the information of two or more symbols C. Therefore, for example, if a product detail receipt 30 is issued with two symbols Ca and Cb printed on it, the digitizing terminal 20 will not create purchase record information until it has read both symbols Ca and Cb. This can prevent the creation of erroneous purchase record information, for example, if a staff member forgets to read and operate the symbol Cb.

[0079] Symbol C is printed and output on the product detail receipt 30. Therefore, non-residents who receive the product detail receipt 30 only need to present the product detail receipt 30 to the person in charge at the tax exemption counter. Therefore, there is no burden on the non-resident.

[0080] Although the embodiment of the tax exemption processing device has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0081] The above embodiment illustrates a POS terminal 11 installed at the checkout counter of a duty-free shop as an example of a tax-free processing device. However, the tax-free processing device is not limited to the POS terminal 11. For example, a semi-self-service payment device that combines a registration machine in which a store clerk registers sales data of products purchased by a customer and a checkout machine in which the customer completes the transaction themselves may function as a tax-free processing device. In this case, the product details receipt 30 printed with symbol C is issued from the registration machine operated by the store clerk. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a payment system in which the sales data of products purchased by a customer is registered on an information terminal carried by the customer or an information terminal attached to a shopping cart, and the transaction is completed on the checkout machine based on the data registered on the information terminal. In this case, the product details receipt 30 is issued from the checkout machine. Furthermore, the tax-free processing device may be configured using a computer terminal that functions as a processing unit 611, a creation unit 612, and an output unit 613, and that collects sales data of products purchased by a customer from the POS terminal and issues the product details receipt 30.

[0082] The product detail receipt 30 does not necessarily have to be printed out on receipt paper, but may be displayed as electronic data on a display device, similar to a so-called electronic receipt.

[0083] The symbol C is not limited to a two-dimensional data code. As long as it has a necessary and sufficient amount of data, the symbol C can take any form.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the digitization terminal 20 is equipped with the passport reading unit 21. In another embodiment, the POS terminal 11 is equipped with the passport reading unit 21. The POS terminal 11 may then convert the passport information read by the passport reading unit 21 into a two-dimensional data code similar to symbol C and print it on the product details receipt 30. This further reduces the workload of the staff at the tax-free counter required for digitization.

[0085] Although several 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 embodied 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 within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10...POS system, 11...POS terminal, 12...store server, 13...communication network, 20...electronic terminal, 21...passport reading unit, 22...symbol reading unit, 23...creation unit, 24...communication unit, 30...product detail receipt, 40...communication network, 50...external server, 51...purchase record information database, 61...processor, 62...main memory, 63...auxiliary storage device, 64...clock, 65...communication interface, 66...keyboard, 67...scanner, 68...display, 69...printer, 70...card reader, 71...automatic change dispenser, 72...system transmission path, 100...duty-free store system, 121...product database, 611...processing means, 612...creation means, 613...output means, 621...transaction data area, 622...general goods area, 623...consumables area, C...symbol, K...duty-free declaration key.

Claims

1. A tax exemption processing device for a system comprising a tax exemption processing device for performing tax exemption processing and an electronic terminal for transmitting information regarding tax exemption relating to tax exempt items to an external server, a processing means for processing a tax-free sales procedure for tax-exempt goods; a generating means for generating a symbol of a system that can be read by a predetermined reading device provided in the electronic terminal from information related to the tax-exempt goods for which the tax-exempt sales procedure is processed; output means for outputting the symbol; A duty-free processing device comprising:

2. The tax exemption processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the symbol can include information relating to a plurality of tax exempt items.

3. 3. The tax exemption processing device according to claim 2, wherein said creating means, when the amount of data contained in said symbol exceeds a threshold, creates said symbol by dividing it into a plurality of symbols each having an amount of data not exceeding said threshold.

4. 4. The tax exemption processing device according to claim 1, wherein said output means prints out said symbol on a receipt.

5. 5. The tax exemption processing device according to claim 4, wherein said output means prints out the tax exemption amount of said tax exempt item, the information of which is included in said symbol, together with said symbol on a receipt.

6. The electronic terminal comprises: a passport reading unit that reads passport information from a non-resident's passport; a symbol reader that reads the symbol printed on the receipt; a communication unit that creates purchase record information for the tax-exempt goods based on the information read by the passport reading unit and the symbol reading unit, and transmits the purchase record information to the external server; The tax-free processing device according to claim 1 , comprising:

7. A computer of a tax exemption processing device in a system comprising a tax exemption processing device that performs tax exemption processing and an electronic terminal that transmits information on tax exemption related to tax exempt items to an external server, Functions for processing tax-free sales procedures for tax-exempt items; A function of creating a symbol of a system that can be read by a predetermined reading device provided in the electronic terminal from information related to the tax-exempt goods for which the tax-exempt sales procedure is processed; and a function of outputting the symbol; A program to achieve this.

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