Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an information processor and a program capable of executing tax exemption without temporarily canceling a transaction even in the case of performing a tax exemption procedure for the transaction for which tax exemption processing is not executed.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the embodiments, an information processing apparatus includes a tax-free processing module configured to perform tax-free processing for exempting payment of a tax for a sales target that is a tax-free object, a designation module configured to designate a transaction for which the tax-free processing is not performed, and a tax-free control module configured to perform reduced tax-free processing for reducing a tax amount from a tax-included total amount of the sales target that is the tax-free object for the transaction designated by the designation module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device, a program, and a processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, there has been a so-called tax exemption system in place that exempts businesses that operate export goods sales outlets (duty-free shops) from paying consumption tax and other taxes on products and other items sold to non-residents, such as foreign tourists.

[0003] The procedures for non-residents to use such tax exemption systems were cumbersome, including the need to present a passport and fill out necessary documents.

[0004] While document formats were previously stipulated by law, from now on, any document that contains the information required by law will suffice. In addition, if a copy of the receipt (such as a detailed statement containing all or part of the information that should be included) given to the purchaser is attached to the document and a tally seal is placed between the receipt and the document, it will be possible to omit writing down the information included in the receipt on the document.

[0005] However, when applying for tax exemption for a past transaction in which tax was included in a sale to a non-resident, etc. (a transaction in which tax exemption processing was not implemented), the transaction was first canceled and then a new transaction was carried out in which the tax exemption processing was implemented. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device, program, and processing method that can execute tax exemption without first canceling a transaction, even when tax exemption procedures are being carried out for a transaction that is not subject to tax exemption processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device of the embodiment includes an acquisition means for acquiring a tax exemption amount and the tax amount based on transaction information to which a tax amount has been added and settled, a determination means for determining whether the tax exemption amount acquired by the acquisition means satisfies a tax exemption standard amount stored in a memory unit, and an output means for outputting the tax exemption amount and the tax amount when the determination means determines that the standard amount is met.

[0008] The program of the embodiment causes a computer as an information processing device to function as an acquisition means for acquiring a tax exemption amount and the tax amount based on transaction information to which a tax amount has been added and settled, a determination means for determining whether the tax exemption amount acquired by the acquisition means satisfies a tax exemption standard amount stored in a memory unit, and an output means for outputting the tax exemption amount and the tax amount when the determination means determines that the standard amount is met. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the product master file. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the tax-free category file. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the tax exemption setting value file. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the transaction history. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the normal tax exemption process. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the error screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase pledge. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase record slip. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tax exemption recounting process. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tax exemption recounting process. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the tax exemption recount screen. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the tax exemption recount screen. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the tax exemption recount screen. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a refund receipt. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the flow of the tax exemption recount cancellation process. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of the tax exemption recount cancellation screen. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the tax exemption recount cancellation screen. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a tax-exempt recount cancellation receipt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In the following embodiments, a POS (Point of Sales) system will be described which is used in export goods sales outlets (duty-free shops) that sell items for everyday use to non-residents such as foreign tourists in a certain manner. The embodiments are examples in which the system is applied to a POS terminal installed in a duty-free shop as an information processing device. The embodiments will also be described using products as examples of items for sale. In the following description, tax-free recounting refers to later tax-free processing based on transaction information for past transactions in which products were sold to customers, including tax.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the POS system 1 includes a plurality of POS terminals 2 (two in the figure) and a server 4, which is an information processing device that connects these POS terminals 2 via a network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and centrally manages them.

[0012] The server 4 is responsible for overall control of the POS system 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 4. The server 4 has a computer-configured control unit 400 that is made up of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, etc.

[0013] The control unit 400 is connected to a communication I / F (interface) 43 via a bus 49. The server 4 communicates online with a plurality of POS terminals 2 via the communication I / F 50 and the network 3 (see FIG. 1). A keyboard 45, a display unit 46, and a printer 47 are connected to the control unit 400 via the bus 49 and a controller 44. A hard disk drive (HDD) 48 is also connected to the control unit 400 via the bus 49. The HDD 48 stores various control programs 481 that operate the control unit 400. The HDD 48 also stores a product master file F1, a tax exemption category file F2, and a tax exemption setting value file F3. The HDD 48 also holds a transaction history DB1 as a database for accumulating information about transactions registered at the POS terminal 2.

[0014] The control program 481 executed by the server 4 in the embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, and may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Such recording media include a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, and a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0015] Furthermore, the control program 481 executed by the server 4 of the embodiment may be configured to 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 481 executed by the server 4 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0016] Next, we will explain the product master file F1 and the product classifications (classifications) set in the product master file F1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the product master file F1. As shown in Fig. 3, the product master file F1 stores product information such as the product name, product price (unit price), classification code (classification 1 code, classification 2 code), duty-free classification code, and dangerous goods classification code in association with the product code (product identification information) of each product to be registered for sale. The dangerous goods classification code is assigned to products that require careful handling, such as sprays that are prohibited from being carried on aircraft.

[0017] Products are classified into multiple classification codes, and these classifications are structured hierarchically.

[0018] That is, as shown in Figure 3, products are divided into multiple categories based on Category 1 (higher category), which is a broad category. Furthermore, each Category 1 is further divided into more detailed categories based on Category 2 (lower category). That is, the higher Category 1 is divided into multiple categories based on Category 2, which is lower than Category 1, and includes at least one lower Category 2.

[0019] In terms of being structured hierarchically, the product code assigned to each product can be considered a classification lower than Classification 2. The product code can be considered the most detailed classification, i.e., the lowest classification.

[0020] Next, the tax-free category file F2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the tax-free category file F2. As shown in FIG. 4, in the tax-free category file F2, tax-free category names are set in association with tax-free category codes. The tax-free category names are "consumables," "general goods," and "non-tax-free." "Consumables" are tax-free goods that are exempt from tax on goods sold to non-residents such as foreign tourists, and include items such as food, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics. "General goods" are also tax-free goods, and are goods used in everyday life other than consumables. "Non-tax-free" are non-tax-free goods that are not subject to tax exemption. The tax category code for "consumables" is "01." The tax category code for "general goods" is "02." The tax category code for "non-tax-free" is "03."

[0021] Next, the tax exemption setting value file F3 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the tax exemption setting value file F3. As shown in Fig. 5, setting values ​​are set in the tax exemption setting value file F3 in association with tax exemption category codes. The setting values ​​serve as a guide for registering sales as tax exempt in each category. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the setting value for consumables with tax exemption category code "01" is 5,000 to 500,000 yen. Furthermore, the setting value for general goods (goods used in everyday life other than consumables) with tax exemption category code "02" is an amount exceeding 10,000 yen.

[0022] Next, the transaction history DB1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the transaction history DB1. As shown in FIG. 6, the transaction history DB1 stores transaction information on transactions processed by each POS terminal 2 as transaction history. The transaction history includes a transaction number (stored in the transaction number section DB11) for identifying each transaction, the transaction date and time (stored in the transaction date and time section DB12), and the register number (stored in the register number section DB13) for identifying the POS terminal 2 at which the transaction was performed. The transaction history also includes the product code, unit price, and number of items (stored in the product information section DB15) of each registered product. In addition, a flag (stored in the flag section DB14) is set in the transaction history DB1 in association with the transaction number. Based on the flag stored in the flag section DB14, it is determined whether or not the transaction has undergone tax exemption processing, which will be described later. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a transaction with a flag of "0" indicates that the transaction has not undergone tax exemption processing, and a transaction with a flag of "1" indicates that the transaction has undergone tax exemption processing. In the case of Figure 6, the transaction with transaction number "0425" has been processed tax-exempt, while the transactions with transaction numbers "0426" and "0427" have not been processed tax-exempt. The transaction history DB1 functions as an electronic journal that stores transaction history data.

[0023] The control unit 400 of the server 4 according to the embodiment distributes the product master file F1, the tax exemption category file F2, and the tax exemption setting value file F3 to the POS terminal 2 at a predetermined timing in accordance with the control program 481.

[0024] Next, we will explain the POS terminal 2. 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 processing transactions based on the product code entered by the operator (cashier).

[0025] The POS terminal 2 processes transactions related to the sale of merchandise sold in the store. When an operator operates the POS terminal 2, the POS terminal 2 executes sales registration processing and settlement processing for the merchandise sold. The sales registration processing refers to the processing of optically reading codes such as barcodes attached to the merchandise sold, inputting the merchandise code, displaying the merchandise name and price (product information) read based on the input product code, and storing the product information in a buffer. The settlement processing refers to the processing of displaying the total amount related to the transaction based on the merchandise information stored in the buffer in conjunction 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, and issuing a receipt on which the merchandise information and settlement information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) are printed. The combined processing of the sales registration processing and settlement processing is called transaction processing.

[0026] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the POS terminal 2 has a computer-configured control unit 300 that is made up of a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, etc. The CPU 31 executes various arithmetic processes and controls each unit. The ROM 32 permanently stores and saves fixed data. The RAM 33 stores rewritable variable data and is used as a work area. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are connected via a bus line 34.

[0027] The RAM 33 stores a tax exemption amount table T for tallying up tax exemption amounts, which will be described later.

[0028] The POS terminal 2 is also connected via a controller 35 to a keyboard 21, a display unit 22 which is a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel on the display surface, a printer 23, a card reader / writer (R / W) 24, a scanner 25 which optically reads codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes attached to products, a passport reader 27, etc.

[0029] The keyboard 21 has various keys arranged in blocks. The various keys include, for example, quantity keys for inputting product codes and amounts, a subtotal key for declaring the calculation of the total sales amount, a current total key for declaring cash closing in the sales process, a PLU key for specifying various products, a confirmation key for confirming the quantity input using the quantity keys, and a clear key. The keyboard 21 also has a tax exemption declaration key K1, a product name list output key K2, a tax exemption recount key K3, and a cash register minus key K4. The tax exemption declaration key K1 is an operator for declaring that tax exemption processing will be performed for the transaction. The product name list output key K2 is an operator for instructing the output of a list of products eligible for tax exemption (product name list). The tax exemption recount key K3 is an operator for declaring tax exemption recount in order to perform tax exemption processing for past transactions. The cash register minus key K4 is an operator for declaring that a transaction will be canceled.

[0030] The passport reader 27 is a reader device that reads information stored in a passport. In the embodiment, the passport reader 27 has an optical character recognition (OCR) function that optically reads character strings written on the passport.

[0031] The control unit 300 is also connected to the aforementioned keyboard 21, display unit 22, printer 23, card reader / writer 24, scanner 25, and passport reader 27 via a bus line 34 and a controller 35. The control unit 300 is also connected to a memory unit 26, which is a storage device, via the bus line 34. The memory unit 26 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), flash memory, or the like, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is turned off. The keyboard 21, display unit 22, printer 23, card reader / writer 24, scanner 25, memory unit 26, and passport reader 27 are controlled by the control unit 300.

[0032] Furthermore, the POS terminal 2 is provided with a communication interface (I / F) 28 for data communication with a server 4, which is a higher-level device, via a network 3 provided in the store. This communication interface 28 is also connected to the bus line 34.

[0033] The memory unit 26 of the POS terminal 2 stores an operating system, a control program 261 such as various computer programs, and various data files. The data files include a product master file F1, a tax-exempt category file F2, and a tax-exempt setting value file F3, which are distributed from the server 4.

[0034] The control program 261 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format 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).

[0035] The control program 261 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. The control program 261 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0036] Furthermore, the control program 261 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0037] Next, the control process executed by the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment in accordance with the control program 261 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal 2. The control unit 300 operates in accordance with various programs including the control program 261 stored in the ROM 32 and the memory unit 26 to cause the tax exemption processing means 301, the designation means 302, the tax exemption control means 303, the receipt issuing means 304, and the cancellation means 305 to function.

[0039] The tax exemption processing means 301 has a function of performing tax exemption processing to exempt tax-exempted products from payment of tax.

[0040] The designation means 302 has a function of designating transactions for which tax exemption processing is not to be carried out.

[0041] The tax exemption control means 303 has a function of performing a tax exemption reduction process for deducting the tax amount from the total price including tax of the products eligible for tax exemption for the transaction designated by the designation means 302 .

[0042] The receipt issuing means 304 has a function of printing and issuing a receipt including information on the product that has been subjected to the reduced tax exemption process by the tax exemption control means 303 .

[0043] The cancellation means 305 has a function of canceling the reduced tax exemption processing carried out by the tax exemption control means 303 .

[0044] The control process executed by the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 9 to 27. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the POS terminal. In FIG. 9, the control unit 300 determines whether a product code identifying a product has been input using the scanner 25 (S11). If it is determined that a product code has been input (Yes in S11), the control unit 300 executes a sales registration process to calculate the registered price 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. Then, the control unit 300 stores the product information of the product for which the sales registration process has been performed in the RAM 33 (S12).

[0045] Furthermore, if it is determined that a product code has not been entered (No in S11), the control unit 300 determines whether or not the cash total key on the keyboard 21, which is used to declare the end of the transaction, has been operated (S13). If it is determined that the cash total key has been operated (Yes in S13), the control unit 300 executes a settlement process for calculating the total amount for the transaction based on the registered product prices and product information (S14). The settlement process executed in S14 is a settlement process that calculates the total amount including the amount of taxes levied on the products purchased by the customer, such as consumption tax.

[0046] The control unit 300 then prints product information, payment information, etc. for the processed product on receipt paper and issues a receipt (S15). The issued receipt also has a transaction number identifying the transaction printed in the form of a barcode. The control unit 300 then transmits product information, etc. for the processed product (transaction number, transaction date and time, register number, product code, unit price, number of items, etc.) to the server 4 (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 register number of the POS terminal 2 that processed the transaction in the register number section DB13. The product code, unit price, and number of items for the processed product are stored in the product information section DB15. Furthermore, the control unit 400 stores a flag "0" indicating that the transaction has not been tax-exempted in the flag unit DB 14 in association with the transaction number of the transaction.

[0047] If it is determined that the cash total key has not been operated (No in S13), the control unit 300 determines whether the tax exemption declaration key K1 has been operated (S21). If it is determined that the tax exemption declaration key K1 has been operated (Yes in S21), the control unit 300 determines that a tax exemption declaration has been made, and executes the tax exemption processing shown in Fig. 10 (S22).

[0048] [Normal tax exemption processing] 10 to 17, the normal tax exemption process executed in S22 when the tax exemption declaration key K1 is operated will be described in detail. In FIG. 10, the control unit 300 operates the passport reader 27. Then, the control unit 300 determines whether the passport reader 27 has read a predetermined character string from the passport (S51). Examples of such character string include a passport number, name, nationality, and date of birth. Until the control unit 300 reads the predetermined character string from the passport, the control unit 300 displays on the display unit 22 a message indicating that the passport is being read.

[0049] The control unit 300 causes a guide screen (not shown) that prompts the user to read the passport to be displayed on the display unit 22. The operator of the POS terminal 2 opens the passport presented by the customer (non-resident) to the page that describes the details of the tax exemption system, and holds the page over the passport reader 27. In response to this action, the control unit 300 reads a predetermined character string from the passport.

[0050] The control unit 300 waits until the passport is read (No in step S51), and if it determines that the passport has been read (Yes in S51), it displays a confirmation screen G3 (FIG. 11) on the display unit 22 to allow the user to confirm the character string read in step S51 (S52).

[0051] As shown in Figure 11, the confirmation screen G3 displays the character strings read in step S51 for each item (matter). Figure 11 shows an example of reading character strings for the passport number, name, nationality, and date of birth from the items written on the passport.

[0052] Here, a delete button B1 is associated with each item on the confirmation screen G3. The control unit 300 determines whether or not the delete button B1 has been operated (S53). If it is determined that the delete button B1 has been operated (Yes in 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 for any of the items read in step S51, the erroneous character string can be deleted by operating the delete button B1. The control unit 300 displays the confirmation screen G3 with the character string for the item deleted in step S54 left blank.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 300 displays a Confirm button B2, a Reread button B3, and a Cancel button B4 on the confirmation screen G3, which correspond to the confirmation acceptance means of the embodiment. If the control unit 300 determines that the Delete button B1 has not been operated (No in S53), it determines whether the Reread button B3 has been operated (S55). If it determines that it has been operated (Yes in S55), it returns the process to step S51, thereby re-reading the character string from the passport. Note that the character string previously read is deleted when the Reread button B3 is operated.

[0054] Furthermore, if it is determined that the reread button B3 has not been operated (No in S55), the control unit 300 determines whether the cancel button B4 has been operated (S56). If it is determined that the cancel button B4 has been operated (Yes in S56), all of the read character strings are deleted (step S57) and the process returns to S51. Note that, in response to the operation of the cancel button B4, the control unit 300 returns the display screen of the display unit 22 from the confirmation screen G3 to the product registration screen (not shown).

[0055] Furthermore, if it is determined that the cancel button has not been operated (No in S56), the control unit 300 determines whether the confirm button B2 has been operated (S58). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in S58), the control unit 300 displays the product registration screen G4 (S59). The read character string is displayed on the product registration screen G4. Next, the control unit 300 (tax exemption processing means 301) executes tax exemption processing to exempt the payment of taxes such as consumption tax (S60). If it is determined that the confirm button B2 has not been operated (No in S58), the process returns to S53.

[0056] An example of the product registration screen G4 is shown in Fig. 12. In Fig. 12, the product registration screen G4 displays a tax exemption indicator I displaying "Tax-free." By displaying the tax exemption indicator I on the product registration screen G4 in this way, the control unit 300 notifies the operator that this is a tax-exempt declaration transaction.

[0057] Here, the tax exemption process in step S60 will be described.

[0058] First, the control unit 300 determines whether or not any tax-exempt products are present by referencing the tax-exempt category code in the product master file F1 for the registered products that have already been registered. If any tax-exempt products are present, the control unit 300 adds the tax-exempt amount for each registered product group (general goods group, consumables group) that is subject to tax exemption to the tax-exempt amount table T.

[0059] The tax-exempt items will be handled according to the tax type as follows:

[0060] If the registered product eligible for tax exemption includes tax, the control unit 300 adds the registered amount excluding tax as the tax exemption amount to the tax exemption amount table T. More specifically, in the case of a tax-inclusive product, the control unit 300 sets the tax exemption amount to the difference between the registered amount before tax exemption and the registered amount after tax exemption. For example, · Unit price before tax exemption: 1,080 yen - Unit price after tax exemption: 1,000 yen → Tax exemption amount: 80 yen

[0061] If the registered product eligible for tax exemption is priced exclusive of tax, the control unit 300 adds the registered amount as the tax exemption amount to the tax exemption amount table T. More specifically, for a tax-exempt product, the control unit 300 sets the tax exemption amount to the registered amount exclusive of tax.

[0062] If the registered product is not eligible for tax exemption, the control unit 300 does not add the registered amount to the tax exemption amount table T as the tax exemption amount.

[0063] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the tax exemption amount in the tax exemption amount table T meets the set value (reference amount) in the tax exemption set value file F3. In the tax exemption set value file F3 of this embodiment, the set value for food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, and other consumables is 5,000 to 500,000 yen. In addition, the set value for general goods (goods used in everyday life other than consumables) is an amount exceeding 10,000 yen.

[0064] When the control unit 300 determines that the tax-exempt amount for consumables 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 (goods used in everyday life other than consumables) meets the set value (amount exceeding 10,000 yen), it performs a tax exemption process to exempt the tax on the tax-exempt amount.

[0065] If the tax exemption amount for the consumable item in the tax exemption amount table T exceeds the upper limit of the set value (500,000 yen), the control unit 300 displays an error on the display unit 22.

[0066] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an error screen. As shown in Fig. 13, when declaring tax exemption by operating the tax exemption declaration key K1, the control unit 300 displays an error screen G5 saying, "The tax exemption upper limit has been exceeded. Please cancel the product. The amount exceeded is XX,XXX yen." Note that the control unit 300 erases the error screen when the clear key on the keyboard 21 is operated.

[0067] After executing this tax exemption process, the control unit 300 redisplays the product registration screen (S61). Here, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen G7 after redisplay. As shown in FIG. 14, the product registration screen G7 after redisplay shows the tax amount as "0 yen" due to the exemption of tax through the tax exemption process. Also, as shown in FIG. 14, the product registration screen G7 after redisplay shows the total displayed amount as the amount after the tax exemption process (the amount minus the exempted tax amount). Furthermore, the product registration screen G7 after redisplay shows the word "exempt" for products that are eligible for tax exemption, that is, products that have been subjected to the tax exemption process.

[0068] Next, the control unit 300 refers to the product master file F1 to determine whether or not any of the tax-exempt products are classified as dangerous goods (S62). If it is determined that there are any dangerous goods (Yes in S62), the control unit 300 pops up a warning screen (not shown) on the display unit 22 (S63). Note that the control unit 300 erases the warning screen if the clear key on the keyboard 21 is operated. Note that if it is determined that there are no dangerous goods (No in S62), the control unit 300 does not execute S63.

[0069] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the cash total key has been operated (S64). The control unit 300 waits until the cash total key has been operated (No in S64), and if it determines that the cash total key has been operated (Yes in S64), the control unit 300 executes a settlement process for the transaction, calculating the total amount based on the registered product prices and product information (S65). The settlement process executed in S65 is a settlement process that does not add taxes such as consumption tax to the sold products because tax-exempt processing has been performed, and calculates the total amount excluding the tax amount.

[0070] The control unit 300 then transmits product information, etc. of the product for which payment has been processed (transaction number, transaction date and time, register number, product code, unit price, number of items, etc.) to the server 4 (S66). Having received the product information, etc., the server 4 stores the received information in the transaction history DB1 (S66). Specifically, the control unit 400 of the server 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 register number of the POS terminal 2 that processed the transaction in the register number section DB13. The control unit 400 stores the product code, unit price, and number of items of the transacted product in the product information section DB15. The control unit 400 then stores a flag of "1", indicating that the transaction has been tax-exempted, in the flag section DB14, corresponding to the transaction number of the transaction.

[0071] Next, the control unit 300 prints product information, payment information, tax exemption amount, etc. of the product for which payment has been processed on receipt paper and issues it (S67).

[0072] In the process of S67, in the case of a transaction in which tax exemption processing has been performed, the control unit 300 prints, for example, one purchase pledge, two purchase record slips, and one receipt.

[0073] First, we will explain the purchase pledge. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase pledge R1. The purchase pledge R1 is a document that records the fact of the purchase of duty-free goods. The purchase pledge R1 is attached to a document (purchaser pledge) and submitted to the business operator of the duty-free store as a store copy.

[0074] As shown in Figure 15, the purchase pledge R1 includes the name or title of the business operator of the duty-free shop a, the name of the tax authority b, the location of the duty-free shop c, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the register number f, product details (item name g, quantity and price for each item h), the total price of all items i, the total price of general goods and consumables j, and the tax-free amount k.

[0075] The purchase pledge R1 also has a field for printing the text of each item confirmed on the confirmation screen G3. Specifically, the purchase pledge R1 prints the text of the following items confirmed on the confirmation screen G3: Passport number... · Nationality of the purchaser …m ·Purchaser's name …n Purchaser's date of birth...

[0076] For items (character strings) deleted by operating the Delete button B1 on the confirmation screen G3, only the item name is printed and the item is to be entered directly on the document (purchase pledge). The layout of the purchase pledge R1 is not limited to the example in Figure 15. For example, it may be possible to print a statement that the purchaser will export the product after purchase (in the case of consumables, a statement that the purchaser will export the product within 30 days of the purchase date), or a space for the purchaser's signature.

[0077] Next, we will explain the purchase record ticket, which is a receipt. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase record ticket R2. The purchase record ticket R2 is a document that records the purchase of duty-free goods. Two copies of the purchase record ticket R2 shown in Fig. 16 are printed, one to be attached to the document (purchase record ticket) and the other to be kept as a copy at the store. The attached purchase record ticket R2 is affixed to the document (purchase record ticket). This document (purchase record ticket) is affixed to a passport and stamped.

[0078] As shown in Figure 16, the purchase record slip R2 includes the name or title of the business operator of the duty-free shop a, the name of the tax authority b, the location of the duty-free shop c, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the register number f, product details (item name g, quantity and price for each item h), the total price of all items i, the total price of general goods and consumables j, and the tax-free amount k.

[0079] The purchase record slip R2 also has a field for printing the text of each item confirmed on the confirmation screen G3. Specifically, the text of the following items confirmed on the confirmation screen G3 is printed on the purchase record slip R2: Passport number... · Nationality of the purchaser …m ·Purchaser's name …n Purchaser's date of birth...

[0080] For items (character strings) deleted by pressing the Delete button B1 on the confirmation screen G3, only the item name is printed and the item is entered directly on the document (purchase record slip), just like the purchase pledge R1. The layout of the purchase record slip R2 is not limited to the example in FIG. 15.

[0081] Next, we will explain receipts. Figure 17 shows an example of a receipt R3. Receipt R3 is given to the purchaser after the transaction.

[0082] As shown in Figure 17, receipt R3 includes the name or business name of the business operator running the duty-free shop a, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the register number f, product details (product name g, quantity and price for each product h), and the total amount of all items i. As shown in Figure 17, for products that are already eligible for tax exemption, "Exempt" p is printed as the tax mark. In addition, in the case of a tax-exempt transaction, the tax exemption message "A tax-exempt transaction has been made." q is printed on receipt R3. Receipt R3 also has printed on it a barcode W that encodes the transaction number e.

[0083] If 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 slip R2 and receipt R3. At this time, the control unit 300 prints all or part of the text of the items confirmed on the confirmation screen G3 in the journal corresponding to the receipt R3.

[0084] In this way, the control unit 300 reads a predetermined character string from the passport using the passport reader 27, and displays the read character string on the confirmation screen G3 for confirmation by the operator. After confirmation by the operator, the control unit 300 prints the character string displayed on the confirmation screen G3 on a document such as a purchase pledge. As a result, the POS terminal 2 of this embodiment eliminates the need for complicated procedures such as filling out a purchaser pledge or purchase record slip for each product purchase, thereby enabling efficient tax exemption procedures.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 300 automatically performs tax exemption processing when the tax exemption threshold amount (consumables: 5,000 yen, general goods: 10,000 yen) is exceeded for each tax exemption category unit (consumables, general goods). As a result, the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment does not require the operator to make a tax exemption registration operation, and can execute sales registration processing for products that comply with the revision of the tax exemption system.

[0086] Furthermore, when the control unit 300 receives operation of the product name list output key K2, it executes a printing process to output a product name list (not shown) of products eligible for tax exemption. Here, the timing of receiving operation of the product name list output key K2 is not particularly important. For example, if 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 along with the above-mentioned printing process. Furthermore, if operation of the product name list output key K2 is received outside the sales registration process, the control unit 300 executes the list printing process after having the user input the transaction number, etc., of the transaction to be subjected to the list printing process.

[0087] In the list printing process of the embodiment, a product name list is printed on one page. The product name list is a document that lists the products that are eligible for tax exemption. The product name list is attached to the bag or box that contains the products that are eligible for tax exemption.

[0088] The product name list includes the name of the business operator of the duty-free shop, the product names of the products subject to the tax-free processing, and the quantity and price of each product name. It is also possible to print only consumables among the products subject to the tax-free processing in the product name list. In this case, whether a product is a consumable or not is determined based on the tax-free category code in the product master file F1 or the tax-free category file F2. If the POS terminal 2 is equipped with a separate label printer, the control unit 300 may print the product name list using the label printer.

[0089] In this way, the POS terminal 2 can output a product name list of products eligible for tax exemption in response to the operation of the product name list output key K2. As a result, the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment can easily issue a product name list when it is required by law that the product name be indicated on the packaging of products eligible for tax exemption, thereby enabling efficient tax exemption procedures.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 9, if it is determined in S21 that the tax exemption declaration key K1 has not been operated (No in S21), the control unit 300 determines whether or not the tax exemption re-total key K3 for performing tax exemption processing for past transactions has been operated (S31). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in S31), the control unit 300 executes the tax exemption re-total processing, which is a reduced tax exemption processing (S32).

[0091] [Tax exemption recounting process] Here, the tax exemption re-totaling process (S32) executed when the tax exemption re-totaling key K3 is operated will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0092] 18 and 19 are flowcharts showing an outline of the flow of the tax exemption recount process when the tax exemption recount key K3 is operated. First, the control unit 300 executes the processes of S71 to S78. The processes of S71 to S78 are the same as the processes of steps S51 to S58 described above, and therefore their explanation will be omitted. Note that if the cancel button B4 is operated (Yes in step S76), the control unit 300 deletes all character strings read from the passport (step S77) and then returns to S71.

[0093] Next, the control unit 300 displays the tax exemption recount screen G9 on the display unit 22 (S81). Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the tax exemption recount screen G9 displayed in S81. In Fig. 20, the transaction number for which tax exemption processing is to be performed has not yet been entered. The tax exemption recount screen G9 displays a tax exemption indicator I indicating tax exemption processing. The tax exemption recount screen G9 also displays an area A1 that displays transactions for which tax exemption processing is to be performed.

[0094] Returning to the explanation of Figure 19, the control unit 300 uses the scanner 25 to read the barcode printed on the receipt in S15, and determines whether the transaction number included in the barcode has been entered (S82). The control unit 300 waits until the transaction number has been entered (No in S82), and if it determines that the transaction number has been entered (Yes in S82), the control unit 300 queries the server 4 and receives past transactions corresponding to the transaction number from the transaction history DB1 of the server 4 (S83). The control unit 300 then determines whether the received transaction satisfies the following four conditions (S84):

[0095] The first condition is that the flag stored in the flag section DB14 for the transaction read from the transaction history DB1 is "0". The second condition is that the transaction history includes a product eligible for tax exemption. The third condition is that the transaction date is the same as the transaction date in the previously read transaction history. If all three of these conditions are met (Yes in S84), the control section 300 (designation means 302) designates the transaction with the transaction number for which reduced tax exemption processing is to be performed (a transaction for which tax exemption processing is not to be performed), and re-displays the corresponding transaction read from the transaction history DB1 on the display section 22 (S85).

[0096] Figure 21 shows the tax-exempt re-count screen G10 that has been redisplayed. In Figure 21, when the transaction history for transaction number "0426" is read out, the control unit 300 adds and displays the transaction details in area A1 of the tax-exempt re-count screen G9 shown in Figure 20. Thereafter, each time the control unit 300 reads out another transaction history, it adds and displays the transaction details in area A1. In area A1, the transaction details are displayed as the transaction date and time (date and time), register number, transaction number, and tax-exempt amount (transaction amount).

[0097] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the Confirm button (provided on the keyboard 21) has been operated (S86). If it is determined that the Confirm button has been operated (Yes in S86), the control unit 300 (tax exemption control means 303) executes a tax-reduced exemption process for deducting the tax amount from the total amount including tax for the tax-exempt items (S87). The tax-reduced exemption process by the control unit 300 in S87 is a process for deducting the tax amount from the total amount including tax for the tax-exempt items calculated in the settlement process in S14 in the past transaction. In other words, taxation processing was performed on the tax-exempt items in the settlement process in S14 in the past transaction. Therefore, in S87, the control unit 300 executes tax exemption processing for the tax amount levied in S14 for the tax-exempt items from the total amount including tax. Then, the control unit 300 displays the tax-exemption recount screen G11 confirmed after the tax-reduced exemption processing (S88). If it is determined that the confirmation button has not been operated (No in S86), the control unit 300 returns to S82.

[0098] Figure 22 shows an example of the finalized tax exemption recount screen G11. In Figure 22, the tax amount column A2 shows 0 yen due to tax exemption processing. The total amount column A3 also shows the total amount excluding tax.

[0099] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the current total key has been operated (S89). The control unit 300 waits until the key is operated (No in S89), and if it determines that the key has been operated (Yes in S89), the control unit 300 executes the settlement process (S90). The settlement process executed in S90 is a settlement process that calculates the total amount excluding tax by subtracting taxes such as consumption tax from the original total amount because the tax-exempt transactions have been re-totaled. The control unit 300 then transmits the transaction number resulting from the tax-exempt re-total to the server 4 (S91). Upon receiving this information, the server 4 rewrites the flag stored in the flag unit DB14 corresponding to the transaction number from "0" to "1."

[0100] Next, the control unit 300 (receipt issuing means 304) uses the printer 23 to print and issue one purchase pledge, two purchase records, and one refund receipt (S92). Note that if it is determined in S84 that the input transaction number does not satisfy one or more of the four conditions (No in S84), the control unit 300 displays an error message on the display unit 22 indicating that tax exemption processing is not possible (S93).

[0101] It should be noted that transactions displayed on the tax-free re-tally screen can be excluded (deleted) from processing by operating the keyboard 21 or touch panel. Also, by selecting a transaction displayed on the tax-free re-tally screen, a list of tax-free products included in that transaction may be displayed.

[0102] Here, we will explain the refund receipt. Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a refund receipt R5. The refund receipt R5 is a document that lists the transactions that were subject to the tax-exempt counting process and the amount refunded as a result of the tax-exempt recounting process (tax-exempt amount). The refund receipt R5 is given to customers who are non-residents.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 23, the refund receipt R5 includes the name or business name a of the business operator of the duty-free shop, the transaction date d on which the tax-free recounting process was performed, the transaction number e, and the register number f. The refund receipt R5 also includes the transaction number r, register number s, and refund amount t for each transaction that was the subject of the tax-free recounting process. As shown in FIG. 20, the message "Tax-free recounting has been performed" u indicating that the tax-free recounting has been performed is printed on the refund receipt R5. The refund receipt R5 also has printed on it a barcode W that encodes the transaction number e of the tax-free recounting process.

[0104] Thus, according to the embodiment, for one or more transactions designated as the target for processing after transaction processing, the tax exemption process for tax-exempt items included in the transaction can be performed by a simple operation called sales re-aggregation process. Therefore, even if the tax exemption procedure is carried out again after the sale of the sales items, the tax exemption process can be performed without canceling the transaction.

[0105] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 9, if it is determined in S31 that the tax exemption recount key K3 has not been operated (No in S31), the control unit 300 determines whether the cash register minus key K4 has been operated (S41). If it is determined that the cash register minus key K4 has been operated (Yes in S41), the control unit 300 then determines whether the tax exemption recount key K3 has been operated (S42). If it is determined that the tax exemption recount key K3 has been operated (Yes in S42), the control unit 300 executes the tax exemption recount cancellation process (S43).

[0106] Tax-free recounting can only be done once in a series of transactions. Therefore, if there is an error in the tax-free recounted items, or if you want to recount tax-free items again for reasons such as there being new items for which you want to process tax-free, you must first cancel the tax-free recounting process, which cancels the tax-free recounting process for the tax-free recount that has already been processed, and then process tax-free items again.

[0107] [Tax exemption recount cancellation process] The tax exemption recount cancellation process (S43) that is executed when the cash register minus key K4 and the tax exemption recount key K3 are operated consecutively will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0108] In FIG. 24, when the cash register minus key K4 and the tax exemption recount key K3 are operated in succession, the control unit 300 displays a tax exemption recount cancellation screen G12 for operating the tax exemption recount cancellation on the display unit 22 (S101).

[0109] Figure 25 is a display example of the tax exemption recount cancellation screen G12 displayed in S101. In Figure 25, the transaction number for which tax exemption processing is to be performed has not yet been entered. The tax exemption recount cancellation screen G12 displays a tax exemption recount cancellation indicator I for canceling the tax exemption recount. The tax exemption recount cancellation screen G12 also displays an area A1 for displaying the transaction for which tax exemption cancellation processing is to be performed.

[0110] Returning to the explanation of Figure 24, the control unit 300 then uses the scanner 25 to read the barcode W printed on the refund receipt R5 in S92, and determines whether the transaction number included in the barcode W has been entered (S102). If it is determined that the transaction number has been entered (Yes in S102), the control unit 300 queries the server 4 and receives the tax-exempt re-aggregated transaction history corresponding to the relevant transaction number from the transaction history DB1 of the server 4 (S103).

[0111] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the conditions for executing the tax exemption recount cancellation process are met based on the received transaction history (S104). The conditions are: (1) the transaction is stored in the transaction history DB1, (2) it is a transaction for which tax exemption recounting is required, and (3) the transaction to be canceled is a transaction that occurred on the same business day. If the transaction meets all three of these conditions, the control unit 300 determines that the conditions of S104 are met.

[0112] If it is determined in S104 that the conditions are met (Yes in S104), the control unit 300 redisplays the tax exemption recount cancellation screen G13, including the transaction history for the entered transaction number (S105). FIG. 26 is an example of the redisplayed tax exemption recount cancellation screen G13. In FIG. 26, the transaction history for transaction number "0162" for which the tax exemption recount is to be cancelled is displayed in area A1. In this state, the tax amount displayed in the tax amount column A2 is 0 yen, and the total amount displayed in the total amount column A3 does not include the tax amount. Note that if it is determined in S104 that the conditions are not met (No in S104), an error message indicating that the conditions are not met is displayed on the display unit 22 (S110).

[0113] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the confirmation button on the keyboard 21 has been operated (S106). The control unit 300 waits until the confirmation button is operated (No in S106). If it is determined that the confirmation button has been operated (Yes in S106), the control unit 300 (cancellation means 305) executes a cancellation process for the transaction with the transaction number (S107). This cancellation process involves creating information for deleting the transaction history stored in the transaction history DB1 for the transaction for which the cancellation number was entered. The control unit 300 then transmits the created information for deleting the transaction history to the server 4 (S108). Upon receiving this information, the control unit 400 of the server 4 deletes the transaction history stored in the transaction history DB1. In other words, the transaction is considered to have never occurred. Note that, if the transaction history DB1 functions as journal data in the server 4, the canceled transaction history is not actually deleted from the transaction history DB1, but information indicating that the transaction has been canceled is added to the transaction number. This addition marks the transaction as having been deleted from the transaction history DB1.

[0114] The control unit 300 then causes the printer 23 to print and issue a canceled receipt indicating that the tax-exempt recount cancellation process has been carried out (S109). FIG. 27 is an example of a canceled receipt issued in S109. In FIG. 27, the canceled receipt R7 includes the name or business name a of the business operator running the tax-free shop, the transaction date d on which the tax-exempt recount process was carried out, the transaction number e, and the register number f. The canceled receipt R7 also includes the transaction number r, register number s, and refund amount t of each transaction that was the subject of the tax-exempt recount process as a result of the cancellation process. A message "The tax-exempt recount has been canceled" u indicating that the tax-exempt recount has been carried out is also printed on the canceled receipt R7. The canceled receipt R7 also has printed thereon a barcode W that encodes the transaction number e for which the tax-exempt recount was canceled.

[0115] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9, if it is determined in S42 that the tax-exempt recount key K3 has not been operated (No in S42), the control unit 300 executes cancellation processing for, for example, the transaction for which the settlement processing was performed in S14 or the transaction for which the tax-exempt processing was performed in S22 (S44). The cancellation processing in S44 is equivalent to the cancellation processing in S107. After the processing of S12, S16, S22, S32, S43, and S44, the control unit 300 returns to S11. Furthermore, if it is determined in S41 that the cash register minus key K4 has not been operated (No in S41), the control unit 300 returns to S11.

[0116] In this way, according to the embodiment, the tax exemption recount cancellation process can be executed for one or more transactions designated as the processing target without canceling the tax exemption recounted transaction.

[0117] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0118] For example, in the embodiment, the information stored in the passport is read as a character string using the optical character recognition function of the passport reader 27, but the reading method is not limited to this. Specifically, if a storage medium such as an IC tag is embedded in the passport, an RFID reader may be used as the passport reader 27 to read information corresponding to the written items from the storage medium.

[0119] In addition, in the embodiment, the transaction number is entered by reading the barcode printed on the receipt, but this is not limited to this. For example, the operator may enter the transaction number printed on the receipt from the keyboard 21.

[0120] In addition, in the embodiment, the transaction history DB1 is provided in the server 4, but it may also be provided in another location, for example, the POS terminal 2 or the like.

[0121] Furthermore, in the embodiment, a product is described as an example of a sales object, but the sales object may be other than a product (for example, a service).

[0122] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the POS terminal 2 has been described as an example of an information processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing device may be, for example, a personal computer installed at a service counter or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 2. POS terminals 4 Server 301 Tax-free processing means 302 Specifying means 303 Duty-exemption control measures 304 Receipt issuing means 305 Means of cancellation DB1 trading history K3 Tax exemption recount key K4 Cash register minus key [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0124] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-62496

Claims

1. A tax exemption recounting means for performing a tax exemption recount to refund the tax amount of a transaction when the transaction information corresponding to the transaction number satisfies the conditions for tax exemption based on the transaction number of a past transaction in which a product was sold including tax; a declaration means for declaring the cancellation of said exemption recount made for past transactions; an input means for inputting a transaction number capable of identifying the transaction in response to the declaration; a display means for displaying transaction information corresponding to the transaction number on a display unit; a cancellation means for canceling the transaction displayed by the display means; An information processing device having the above.

2. The declaration means declares the cancellation of the tax-exempt recount in response to a combined operation of an operator for declaring the cancellation of a transaction and an operator for declaring the tax-exempt recount. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The display means displays on the display unit the transaction number, the date and time when the transaction corresponding to the transaction number was made, the transaction amount of the transaction, and the register number identifying the device on which the transaction was made, in association with each other. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. Further comprising a determination means for determining whether the transaction corresponding to the transaction number satisfies the conditions for executing the cancellation process; When the determination means determines that the condition is satisfied, the display means displays information about the transaction corresponding to the transaction number on the display unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The determination means determines that the condition is met if the tax-exempt recount has been performed on the transaction corresponding to the transaction number and the transaction corresponding to the transaction number is a transaction on the same business day. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. A computer of an information processing device, a tax exemption recounting means for executing a tax exemption recount to refund the tax amount of a transaction when information on the transaction corresponding to the transaction number satisfies the conditions for tax exemption based on the transaction number of a past transaction in which the product was sold including tax; a declaration means for declaring the cancellation of said exemption recount made for past transactions; an input means for inputting a transaction number capable of identifying the transaction in response to the declaration; a display means for displaying transaction information corresponding to the transaction number on a display unit; a cancellation means for canceling the transaction displayed by the display means; A program to make it function as such.

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