Information processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of confirming whether a purchase amount reaches the tax-exempt amount. [Solution] The information processing device includes a product registration processing unit, a tax exemption processing unit, and a display processing unit. The product registration processing unit acquires product information of the products to be transacted. The tax exemption processing unit calculates the tax exemption applicable amount of the products to be transacted and determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount. The display processing unit displays a notification indicating the determination result by the tax exemption processing unit on the display unit before executing the payment process for the products to be transacted.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] When non-residents, such as foreign visitors to Japan, purchase souvenirs or other products in Japan and return to their home countries, they can go through a tax exemption procedure at the airport or other location to receive a refund of the exemption amount, such as consumption tax, on the products purchased at the time of departure.

[0003] If tax exemption procedures are completed upon departure, non-residents are unable to check when shopping whether the amount of the goods purchased reaches the amount eligible for tax refund through the tax exemption procedures. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-35895 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for technology that can confirm whether the purchase amount of a product reaches the tax-free amount when shopping.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technology that can confirm whether the purchase amount reaches the tax exemption amount. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the information processing device includes a product registration processing unit, a tax exemption processing unit, and a display processing unit. The product registration processing unit acquires product information of the products to be transacted. The tax exemption processing unit calculates a tax exemption applicable amount of the products to be transacted and determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount. The display processing unit displays a notification indicating the determination result by the tax exemption processing unit on the display unit before executing a payment process for the products to be transacted. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing procedure of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for information processing related to a first modified example of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for information processing related to the second modified example of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] The following explanation will be given using an example of a store that sells goods. The store is assumed to be a physical store. The store is assumed to be a duty-free store that sells goods to non-residents. The goods are tangible goods. The store may be a store that primarily sells tangible goods, or a store that primarily sells the provision of services. The goods or services are assumed to be tax-exempt goods or tax-exempt services. Note that duty-free stores are not limited to stores that sell goods only to non-residents, but also include stores that sell goods to both non-residents and residents.

[0011] A product transaction is the transfer of money from a customer to a store in connection with the sale of a product by the store. From the store's perspective, the transaction involves the sale of a product. From the customer's perspective, the transaction involves the purchase of a product.

[0012] For example, a store is operated by a business operator. The business operator may be of any type. For example, a business operator may operate multiple stores. The term "business operator" refers not only to the business operator itself, but also to a group of businesses. A group of businesses is a group that operates stores recognized as a group. For example, a group of businesses is a group that operates stores using the same name. A group of businesses may also include franchisees in which the business operator is involved as a franchisor.

[0013] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system S. The information processing system S includes a POS terminal 1 and a server 2. The POS terminal 1 and the server 2 are communicatively connected to each other via a network NA. For example, the network NA is configured from one or more networks selected from various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN. The one or more networks may include a wireless network or a wired network.

[0014] 1 shows an example in which the information processing system S includes one POS terminal 1, but the information processing system S may include multiple POS terminals including the POS terminal 1. The configuration of the multiple POS terminals may be the same as the configuration of the POS terminal 1.

[0015] The POS terminal 1 is a device that processes transactions at the duty-free shop X. The POS terminal 1 is mainly used by a clerk at the duty-free shop X. The clerk at the duty-free shop X may be read as a clerk, a user, or a person. The clerk at the duty-free shop X is an example of a user of the POS terminal 1. For example, the POS terminal 1 has a product registration function. The POS terminal 1 processes the registration of one or more products that are the subject of a transaction using the product registration function. The POS terminal 1 is an example of an information processing device.

[0016] Hereinafter, product registration is also referred to as product registration. Products that are the subject of a transaction are also referred to as transaction target products. Product registration is the act of registering a product as a transaction target product. For example, product registration includes adding data related to the transaction target products to data related to the transaction. The transaction target data may include data related to the transaction target products for each transaction target product. The data related to the transaction is hereinafter referred to as transaction information. The data related to the transaction target products is data about the details of the transaction target products. The data related to the transaction target products is also referred to as transaction target product data. The transaction target product data is an example of product information about the transaction target products.

[0017] The data on the products to be traded includes all or part of the product code of the product to be traded, the name of the product to be traded, the price of the product to be traded, the number of units of the product to be traded, and the monetary amount of the product to be traded. Information on the products to be traded may include information other than these. The product code of the product to be traded is identification information that can uniquely identify the product to be traded. The name of the product to be traded is the product name, etc. of the product to be traded. The price of the product to be traded is the price per unit of the product to be traded. The number of units of the product to be traded is the number of products to be traded included in one transaction. The monetary amount of the product to be traded is the total price of the number of units of the product to be traded.

[0018] The transaction item data may include the type of the transaction item. The type of the transaction item is information indicating whether the transaction item is a tax-exempt item. The type of the transaction item may include information indicating the type of tax-exempt item. The type of tax-exempt item is, for example, general goods, consumables, etc. The transaction item data may include the amount of consumption tax on the transaction item. The amount of consumption tax on the transaction item is the amount of consumption tax per unit of the transaction item.

[0019] The transaction information may include duty-free shop identification information that can identify duty-free shop X. The duty-free shop identification information may be, for example, a duty-free shop ID or a duty-free shop name. The transaction information may also include a payment amount. The payment amount is the amount paid for the transaction using the payment method selected by the customer. The payment amount is the same as the invoice amount.

[0020] The transaction information is stored, for example, in a transaction management server that manages each transaction. The transaction management server may be a server different from server 2. The transaction management server may be a cloud server.

[0021] For example, the POS terminal 1 has a payment function. The POS terminal 1 processes the payment of a transaction based on transaction information using the payment function. Payment is payment for a transaction. Payment includes accounting. Completion of payment by the POS terminal 1 includes the conclusion of the transaction.

[0022] Payment methods for settling transactions include offline payment and online payment. Offline payment is payment that does not require the POS terminal 1 to cooperate with other devices via the network NA. For example, offline payment is payment using cash, gift certificates, etc. Online payment is payment that the POS terminal 1 executes in cooperation with other devices via the network NA. For example, online payment is credit card payment, electronic money payment, debit card payment, code payment, etc.

[0023] The server 2 is a device capable of communicating with the POS terminal 1 via the network NA. The server 2 may be a device capable of communicating with POS terminals installed in the duty-free shop X and multiple other shops. The server 2 is a device that stores various information. When the information processing system S includes multiple POS terminals, the server 2 is a device capable of communicating with multiple POS terminals, including the POS terminal 1, via the network NA. The server 2 may be, for example, a server of an administrative agency that manages customs. The server 2 may be a server of a relay company that relays between the administrative agency and the POS terminal 1. The server 2 may be a server of a store operator. When the server 2 is not a server of an administrative agency, the tax-free transaction information stored in the server 2, which will be described later, is sent to the server of the administrative agency. The server 2 may be a device capable of communicating with a device that performs tax-free procedures at an airport, etc.

[0024] The server 2 is a device that stores information required for transactions at the duty-free shop X. For example, the server 2 stores tax-free transaction information. The server 2 stores tax-free transaction information of customers. The server 2 stores tax-free transaction information of customers at the duty-free shop X and multiple other duty-free shops. The server 2 acquires tax-free transaction information from the POS terminal 1 via the network NA, for example.

[0025] Tax-free transaction information is data related to transactions by tax-free transaction eligible persons. Tax-free transaction information is also called transaction information of tax-free transaction eligible persons. Tax-free transaction information includes information such as transaction number, registered product information, and sales amount. The transaction number is a transaction number that can uniquely identify tax-free transaction information. Registered product information is transaction product data for the products included in one transaction. The sales amount is the total amount of the products included in one transaction.

[0026] The duty-free transaction information includes, for example, passport information. The passport information includes, for example, data such as name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, date of entry, date of departure, residence status, and purpose of travel. The passport number is information that can uniquely identify a customer. The passport number is an example of customer identification information.

[0027] A person eligible for tax-free transactions is, for example, a non-resident. A person eligible for tax-free transactions includes a customer who purchases a product that is eligible for tax-free transactions. A person eligible for tax-free transactions includes a customer who has undergone tax-free processing when registering a product at the POS terminal 1 or when processing a payment. The POS terminal 1 outputs tax-free transaction information to the server 2. The server 2 acquires the tax-free transaction information. The server 2 stores the tax-free transaction information.

[0028] In the following description, the term "customer" may be replaced with "user," "consumer," or "person." The server 2 may be a server used in a cloud service.

[0029] The information processing system S may also refer to a system including at least two devices, namely, the POS terminal 1 and the server 2. The device includes electronic devices.

[0030] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG.

[0031] The POS terminal 1 includes a processing circuit 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage device 12, a change machine interface 13, a communication interface 14, a scanner 15, an input device 16, a first display device 17-1, a second display device 17-2, a printing device 18, a card reader 19, and a passport reader 20. The main memory 11, the auxiliary storage device 12, the change machine interface 13, the communication interface 14, the scanner 15, the input device 16, the first display device 17-1, the second display device 17-2, the printing device 18, the card reader 19, and the passport reader 20 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In FIG. 2, the interface is indicated as "I / F."

[0032] The processing circuit 10 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit may be, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). For example, the processor may be, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing circuit 10 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 into the main memory 11. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 10 to execute processes by each means described below. The processing circuit 10 executes the program loaded into the main memory 11 to perform various processes.

[0033] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 includes one or more storage devices. The storage devices may be, but are not limited to, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 10 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 10.

[0035] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a transaction information storage area 121. The transaction information storage area 121 stores transaction information. The transaction information storage area 121 can store transaction information for one or more transactions. The data in the transaction information storage area 121 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting transaction information. The transaction information is a collection of transaction information records generated for each customer. The transaction information includes transaction information for persons eligible for tax-exempt transactions (tax-exempt transaction information) and transaction information for persons not eligible for tax-exempt transactions. The transaction information includes information indicating the transaction number, registered product information, and sales amount. The transaction information storage area 121 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 1.

[0036] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a product master storage area 122. The product master storage area 122 stores a product master. The data in the product master storage area 122 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting the product master. The product master data includes various information about each product, such as the product code, price, and product name. The product master data may include information indicating the type of each product. The type may be set for each product, or for each type of product, or for each department. The type includes a type related to tax exemption. The tax exemption type may include information indicating whether the product is eligible for tax exemption. The tax exemption type may include the type of product eligible for tax exemption. The product master storage area 122 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 1.

[0037] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a tax exemption amount information storage area 123. The tax exemption amount information storage area 123 stores tax exemption amount information. The data in the tax exemption amount information storage area 123 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting tax exemption amount information. The tax exemption amount information data indicates the tax exemption amount range. The tax exemption amount range is a predetermined range of amounts that can be sold tax-free based on the price excluding tax of the product. The tax exemption amount range is, for example, 5,000 yen or more. The tax exemption amount range includes the tax exemption amount range for each type of product. For example, the tax exemption amount range is 5,000 yen or more to 500,000 yen for consumables. For example, the tax exemption amount range is 5,000 yen or more to 500,000 yen for general goods. The tax exemption amount range may indicate the amount of transactions made in a day. The tax exemption amount range may indicate the amount of transactions made at multiple stores. The tax exemption amount information storage area 123 is an example of a storage unit of the POS terminal 1.

[0038] The change machine interface 13 inputs and outputs data signals to and from the automatic change machine. For example, the change machine interface 13 receives inserted amount data from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 13 outputs change amount data to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine dispenses banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount according to the change amount data.

[0039] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that connect the POS terminal 1 to other devices so that they can communicate with each other via the network NA in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0040] The scanner 15 is a device that reads various code symbols and acquires information from the code symbols. For example, the code symbols are barcode symbols or two-dimensional code symbols. The code symbols may include a code symbol of a product that records a product code. The code symbol of a product is an image attached to the product. The code symbol may include a code symbol that records a membership code. The scanner 15 may be a camera that can read barcode symbols, two-dimensional code symbols, etc.

[0041] The input device 16 is a device that can input information to the POS terminal 1. For example, the input device 16 may include a keyboard. The input device 16 may form a touch screen together with the first display device 17-1.

[0042] The first display device 17-1 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. The first display device 17-1 is a display device mainly for the store clerk to view. For example, the first display device 17-1 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display. The first display device 17-1 is an example of a display unit.

[0043] The second display device 17-2 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. The second display device 17-2 is a display device primarily for customers to view. For example, the second display device 17-2 is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The second display device 17-2 is an example of a display unit.

[0044] The printing device 18 is a device for issuing transaction details by printing on a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, the printing device 18 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer. The transaction details are a medium showing the details of the transaction. The transaction details are described as being a receipt, but they may also be a receipt with a space for entering the recipient's name.

[0045] For example, the transaction details include information about the store where the transaction took place, information about the date and time of the transaction, and all or part of the information about the transaction. The transaction details may also include information other than these pieces of information. For example, the information about the store where the transaction took place includes the name of the store. The information about the store where the transaction took place may also include information other than this information. For example, the information about the date and time of the transaction includes the date and time of the transaction. The information about the date and time of the transaction may also include information other than this information.

[0046] The card reader 19 is a device that reads card data recorded on a card medium. The card reader 19 may include a contact reader that reads card data recorded on a magnetic stripe of the card medium. The card reader 19 may also include a contactless reader that reads card data recorded on an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the card medium. The IC tag includes an IC chip and an antenna.

[0047] The passport reader 20 is a device that reads data recorded on a passport. The passport reader 20 may be, for example, a device with an OCR (Optical Character Reader) function. The passport reader 20 may be a device with an image recognition function. The passport reader 20 may be a device that can read a barcode symbol or a two-dimensional code symbol. The passport reader 20 may be a device that can read an IC tag. The passport reader 20 acquires passport information.

[0048] The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1 is not limited to the above configuration, and the POS terminal 1 allows the omission or modification of the above components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0049] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 will be described. The processing circuit 10 realizes a product registration processing unit 101, a tax exemption processing unit 102, a display processing unit 103, an output unit 104, a payment processing unit 105, and an issuing unit 106. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuit 10 and main memory 11.

[0050] The product registration processing unit 101 processes the registration of one or more transaction items. The product registration processing unit 101 determines whether the registered transaction item is a tax-exempt item based on the product master data stored in the product master storage area 122. The product registration processing unit 101 may determine the type of the transaction item based on the product master data. The product registration processing unit 101 acquires transaction item data for the customer's transaction item. The product registration processing unit 101 saves transaction information including the transaction item data in the transaction information storage area 121. The product registration processing unit 101 may save information indicating whether the transaction item is a tax-exempt item and information indicating the type of the transaction item in the transaction information storage area 121 as transaction information.

[0051] The tax exemption processing unit 102 performs processing related to tax exemption. The processing related to tax exemption includes processing of saving transaction information as transaction information of a person eligible for tax exemption. The processing related to tax exemption includes processing of acquiring passport information. The processing related to tax exemption includes processing of saving passport information linked to transaction information. The processing related to tax exemption includes processing of saving information indicating that the transaction information is of a person eligible for tax exemption linked to transaction information. The processing related to tax exemption is also referred to as tax exemption processing. The tax exemption processing unit 102 may acquire the customer's passport information. The tax exemption processing unit 102 may acquire the passport information based on an input operation via the input device 16, for example. The tax exemption processing unit 102 may acquire the passport information via the passport reader 20. The tax exemption processing unit 102 may acquire the passport information by reading a two-dimensional code for customs declaration, i.e., a QR code (registered trademark), etc., on which passport information is recorded. The QR code for customs declaration is an example of a passport information code. The QR code (two-dimensional code) may be, for example, an image attached to a paper medium or the like, or an image that can be displayed on a customer's user terminal. The tax exemption processing unit 102 may perform processing related to tax exemption based on acquiring the instruction to start tax exemption processing. The instruction to start tax exemption processing indicates an instruction to start tax exemption processing. The instruction to start tax exemption processing may be a tax exemption declaration. The tax exemption declaration may be an instruction indicating that the customer is eligible for tax exempt transaction. In the following explanation, "acquire" may be read as "receive".

[0052] The tax exemption processing unit 102 performs a tax exemption point confirmation process. The tax exemption point confirmation process is a process for determining whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption amount. The tax exemption processing unit 102 acquires transaction information from the transaction information storage area 121. The tax exemption processing unit 102 determines whether the transaction item is a tax exempt item based on the transaction information. The tax exemption processing unit 102 calculates the tax exemption applicable amount of the tax exempt item. The tax exemption applicable amount is the tax-exempt amount of the transaction item that is a tax exempt item. The tax exemption applicable amount is, for example, the total tax-exempt amount of the tax exempt item included in one transaction. The tax exemption applicable amount may be the tax-exempt amount of one transaction item that is a tax exempt item. The tax exemption processing unit 102 may calculate the tax exemption applicable amount for each type of one or more transaction items. The tax exemption processing unit 102 determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption amount. The tax exemption processing unit 102 compares the tax exemption applicable amount with the tax exemption amount. Based on the comparison result between the tax exemption applicable amount and the tax exemption amount, the tax exemption processing unit 102 determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption amount. The tax exemption processing unit 102 may determine whether the tax exemption applicable amount for each type exceeds the tax exemption amount. The tax exemption processing unit 102 may compare the tax exemption applicable amount for each type with the tax exemption amount for each type. Based on the comparison result between the tax exemption applicable amount for each type and the tax exemption amount for each type, the tax exemption processing unit 102 may determine whether the tax exemption applicable amount for each type exceeds the tax exemption amount.

[0053] The tax exemption processing unit 102 may determine whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount based on an instruction from the user to confirm the tax exemption applicable amount. When the tax exemption processing unit 102 acquires an instruction from the user to confirm the tax exemption applicable amount, the tax exemption processing unit 102 may calculate the tax exemption applicable amount of the transaction target product based on an operation indicating that product registration of the transaction target product has been completed, and determine whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount. When the tax exemption processing unit 102 acquires an instruction from the user to confirm the tax exemption applicable amount, the tax exemption processing unit 102 may calculate the tax exemption applicable amount of the transaction target product based on acquisition of product information of the transaction target product, and determine whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount.

[0054] The tax exemption processing unit 102 may set a confirmation instruction flag based on an instruction from a user to confirm the tax exemption amount. The tax exemption processing unit 102 may determine whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount based on the confirmation instruction flag.

[0055] The display processing unit 103 displays a tax exemption declaration inquiry image on the first display device 17-1. The tax exemption declaration inquiry image includes, for example, a message inquiring whether the customer wishes to perform the tax exemption process, an image of a "Yes" button for instructing the customer to perform the tax exemption process, and an image of a "No" button for instructing the customer not to perform the tax exemption process. The display processing unit 103 may display the tax exemption declaration inquiry image on the second display device 17-2. For example, the user of the POS terminal 1 inputs an instruction to start the tax exemption process by selecting the "Yes" button on the tax exemption declaration inquiry image by touch input or the like.

[0056] The display processing unit 103 displays a notification indicating the determination result by the tax exemption processing unit 102 on the first display device 17-1. For example, before executing the payment process for the transaction target product, the display processing unit 103 displays a notification indicating the determination result by the tax exemption processing unit 102 on the first display device 17-1. The notification indicating the determination result includes, for example, a message indicating whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption amount. The notification indicating the determination result may include, for example, a message indicating "tax exemption approved" or "tax exemption not approved." The notification indicating the determination result includes, for example, a message indicating the tax exemption applicable amount. An example of the message indicating the tax exemption applicable amount is "tax exemption applicable amount: 5,000 yen." The notification indicating the determination result may include, for example, a message indicating the amount required to reach the tax exemption amount. An example of the message indicating the amount required to reach the tax exemption amount is "tax exemption approved with 3,000 yen remaining." The amount required to reach the tax exemption amount is also referred to as the remaining amount required to apply tax exemption. The notification indicating the determination result is also called a determination result notification.

[0057] The display processing unit 103 may display on the first display device 17-1 a notification indicating the determination result by the tax exemption processing unit 102 for each type of transaction product. The display processing unit 103 may display on the second display device 17-2 a notification indicating the determination result.

[0058] The output unit 104 outputs the tax-free transaction information to the server 2 via the communication interface 14. The output unit 104 may also output the passport information to the server 2 via the communication interface 14. The output unit 104 may also output the transaction information to the transaction management server via the communication interface 14. In the following description, "output" may be read as "send."

[0059] The settlement processing unit 105 processes the settlement of the transaction. The issuing unit 106 issues receipts.

[0060] (Display example) An image displayed on the first display device 17-1 of the POS terminal 1 will now be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of the POS terminal 1 according to the embodiment.

[0061] 3 is a diagram showing a determination result notification image Ima displayed on the first display device 17-1. The determination result notification image Ima is an image showing the determination result as to whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount. The determination result notification image Ima is a notification image showing, for each type of product, whether the tax exemption applicable amount of the product exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount. The determination result notification image Ima includes an area Ara showing the determination result for general goods, an area Arb showing the determination result for consumables, an area Arc showing the tax exemption amount, and an area Ard showing a confirmation message. The determination result notification image Ima includes a confirmation button Ba.

[0062] The area Ara showing the determination result for general goods includes, for example, the tax-exempt amount for goods classified as general goods and a message indicating whether the tax-exempt amount is exceeded. The tax-exempt amount for goods classified as general goods indicates, for example, the price excluding tax of the goods classified as general goods. In this example, the tax-exempt amount for goods classified as general goods is "2,500 yen." The message indicating whether the tax-exempt amount is exceeded is, for example, a message indicating whether tax-exemption is applied or not. Tax-exemption is applied indicates that the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount. Tax-exemption is also referred to as tax-exemption established. Tax-exemption is applied indicates that tax-exemption is applied to goods eligible for tax exemption. Tax-exemption not applied indicates that the tax-exempt amount does not exceed the tax-exempt amount. Tax-exemption not applied is also referred to as tax-exemption not established. Tax-exemption not applied indicates that tax-exemption is not applied to goods eligible for tax exemption. The message indicating whether the tax-exempt amount is exceeded may include, for example, a message indicating the remaining amount required to apply tax-exemption. The message indicating the remaining balance required for tax exemption may be, for example, "2,500 yen remaining to apply tax exemption."

[0063] The area Arb indicating the determination result for consumables includes, for example, the tax-exempt amount for products classified as consumables and a message indicating whether the tax-exempt amount has been exceeded. The tax-exempt amount for products classified as consumables indicates, for example, the price excluding tax of the product classified as consumables. In this example, the tax-exempt amount for products classified as consumables indicates "3,500 yen." The message indicating whether the tax-exempt amount has been exceeded is, for example, a message indicating whether tax-exemption is applicable or not applicable. The message indicating whether the tax-exempt amount has been exceeded may include, for example, a message indicating the remaining amount required to apply tax-exemption. The message indicating the remaining amount required to apply tax-exemption is, for example, "1,500 yen more to apply tax-exemption."

[0064] The area Arc showing the tax exemption amount indicates the amount to which tax exemption is applied, for example, if it is determined that tax exemption is applicable. The amount to which tax exemption is applied is also called the tax exempt amount. In the example of Figure 3, tax exemption is not applicable to both general goods and consumables, so the area Arc showing the tax exemption amount indicates "0 yen."

[0065] The area Ard showing the confirmation message includes, for example, a message such as "Please confirm the tax exemption information." The confirmation button Ba is a button that can input an instruction indicating that the determination result notification has been confirmed. The confirmation button Ba may also be a button that can input an instruction to hide the determination result notification. For example, when the confirmation button Ba is selected by a user by touch input or the like, the POS terminal 1 may hide the determination result notification image Ima.

[0066] The determination result notification image Ima may be displayed on the second display device 17-2 of the POS terminal 1.

[0067] According to this example, the processing circuit 10 can display an image showing the determination result as to whether the tax-exemption amount for each type of product exceeds the tax-exemption amount. Therefore, customers can check whether the purchased product is tax-exempt for each type of product. For example, even if customers go through the tax-exemption procedure when leaving the country, they can check whether the tax-exemption applies when they purchase the product at the store, allowing them to shop with peace of mind. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can provide a technology that can check whether the customer's purchase amount for each type of product reaches the tax-exemption amount.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the POS terminal 1 according to the embodiment.

[0069] 4 is a diagram showing a determination result notification image Imb displayed on the first display device 17-1. The determination result notification image Imb is an image showing the determination result as to whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount. The determination result notification image Imb is a notification image showing whether the tax exemption applicable amount of a product exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount, without distinguishing between types of products. The determination result notification image Imb includes an area Are showing the determination result for the product, an area Arf showing the tax exemption amount, and a confirmation button Ba. The determination result notification image Imb may include an area showing a confirmation message, similar to the determination result notification image Ima.

[0070] The area Are showing the judgment result for the product includes, for example, the tax-exempt amount for the product, which includes products classified as general goods and consumables, and a message indicating whether the tax-exempt amount is exceeded. The tax-exempt amount for the product indicates, for example, the price excluding tax. In this example, the tax-exempt amount for the product indicates "6,000 yen." The message indicating whether the tax-exempt amount is exceeded is, for example, a message indicating whether tax-exemption is applicable or not applicable. The message indicating whether the tax-exempt amount is exceeded may include, for example, a message indicating the remaining amount required to apply tax-exemption. In this example, the area Are showing the judgment result for the product includes a message such as "Tax-exempt approved" indicating that the tax-exempt amount for the product exceeds the tax-exempt amount.

[0071] The area Arf indicating the tax exemption amount indicates the amount to which tax exemption is applied, for example, if it is determined that tax exemption is applied. In the example of Figure 4, since tax exemption is applied, the area Arf indicating the tax exemption amount indicates the tax exemption amount of "XXX yen."

[0072] The confirmation button Ba is the same as the confirmation button Ba of the determination result notification image Ima. The determination result notification image Imb may be displayed on the second display device 17-2 of the POS terminal 1.

[0073] According to this example, the processing circuit 10 can display an image showing the determination result as to whether the tax-exemption amount exceeds the tax-exemption amount, regardless of the type of product. Therefore, customers can check whether the purchased product is tax-exempt, regardless of the type of product. For example, even if customers go through the tax-exemption procedure when leaving the country, they can check whether the tax-exemption applies when they purchase the product at the store, allowing them to shop with peace of mind. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can provide a technology that allows customers to check whether the purchase amount of tax-exempt products reaches the tax-exemption amount.

[0074] (Example of operation) The processing of the information processing system S will be described. In the following description, which focuses on the POS terminal 1, the POS terminal 1 may be read as the processing circuit 10. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In the following example, we will explain the case where a non-resident customer is shopping at duty-free shop X. The customer purchases a product that is eligible for tax exemption.

[0075] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of information processing by the POS terminal 1 according to the embodiment. Note that the following flowchart is also applicable to cases where the customer has not made a tax-exemption declaration.

[0076] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 performs a product registration process for one or more transaction products based on a user operation (ACT1). The user operation is a product registration operation by the user. ACT1 may be processing by the product registration processing unit 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT1, for example, the processing circuit 10 registers the product based on the product registration operation by the user of the POS terminal 1. The product registration operation may include, for example, an operation of reading a code symbol attached to the product via the scanner 15. The product registration operation may also include an operation of selecting a product registration button displayed on the screen of the POS terminal 1 by touch input or the like. The processing circuit 10 acquires the product code recorded in the code symbol. The processing circuit 10 references the product master stored in the product master storage area 122 and acquires transaction product data for the product corresponding to the product code. The transaction product data includes data such as the product code, product name, product price, and product quantity. The transaction product data may also include information indicating the product's tax-exempt type. The product corresponding to the product code is also referred to as the transaction product. The transaction target commodity is an example of a traded commodity. The processing circuit 10 may refer to a commodity master stored in a server such as a transaction management server to acquire transaction target commodity data of the commodity corresponding to the commodity code.

[0077] The processing circuit 10 stores the transaction target commodity data of the transaction target commodity in the transaction information storage area 121 (ACT2). ACT2 may be processing by the commodity registration processing unit 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT2, for example, the processing circuit 10 stores the transaction target commodity data of the transaction target commodity in the transaction information storage area 121 as transaction information.

[0078] The processing circuit 10 determines whether a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has been received (ACT3). The tax exemption point confirmation instruction is an instruction to confirm the tax exemption amount. ACT3 may be processing by the tax exemption processing unit 102 implemented by the processing circuit 10. The tax exemption point confirmation instruction is, for example, an instruction based on a user's touch input on a tax exemption point confirmation button. The tax exemption point confirmation button is, for example, a button that allows an instruction to be input to confirm whether the tax exemption amount exceeds the tax exemption amount. The button may be a soft key such as a touch button, or a hard key on a keyboard. In ACT3, for example, the processing circuit 10 determines whether a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has been received based on a user's operation on a tax exemption point confirmation button included in the product registration image. If the user selects the tax exemption point confirmation button by touch input or the like, the processing circuit 10 determines that a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has been received. If the user does not select the tax exemption point confirmation button by touch input or the like, the processing circuit 10 determines that a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has not been received.

[0079] If a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has been acquired (ACT3: YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4. If a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has not been acquired (ACT3: NO), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT6.

[0080] The processing circuit 10 performs a tax exemption point confirmation process based on the user's instruction to confirm the tax exemption point (ACT4). ACT4 may be processing by the tax exemption processing unit 102 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT4, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires transaction information for one transaction from the transaction information storage area 121. The processing circuit 10 determines whether one or more transaction items are tax exempt based on the transaction information for one transaction. The processing circuit 10 calculates the tax exemption amount for one or more transaction items determined to be tax exempt. The processing circuit 10 compares the tax exemption amount for the one or more transaction items with the tax exemption amount. In one example, the processing circuit 10 calculates the tax exemption amount for each type of the one or more transaction items. The processing circuit 10 determines whether the tax exemption amount for each type of the one or more transaction items exceeds the tax exemption amount for each type. In another example, the processing circuit 10 calculates the tax exemption amount for one or more transaction items regardless of the type of the transaction item. The processing circuit 10 determines whether the tax-exempt amount of one or more transaction items exceeds the tax-exempt amount, regardless of the type of transaction item. The processing circuit 10 may, for example, calculate the tax-exempt amount of transaction items that combine general goods and consumables. The processing circuit 10 may also determine whether the tax-exempt amount of transaction items that combine general goods and consumables exceeds the tax-exempt amount of transaction items that combine general goods and consumables.

[0081] The processing circuit 10 displays the determination result in the tax exemption point confirmation process on the first display device 17-1 (ACT5). ACT5 may be processing by the display processing unit 103 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT5, for example, the processing circuit 10 displays a notice indicating the determination result on the first display device 17-1. Note that the processing circuit 10 may also display a notice indicating the determination result on the second display device 17-2.

[0082] The processing circuit 10 determines whether a checkout instruction has been acquired (ACT6). ACT6 may be processing by the payment processing unit 105 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT6, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires a checkout instruction based on a user operation of the POS terminal 1. For example, the processing circuit 10 acquires a checkout instruction based on a user operation on a product registration image displayed on the first display device 17-1. The user operation may, for example, select a checkout button included in the product registration image by touch input or the like. The checkout button is a button through which a checkout instruction can be input. The processing circuit 10 determines that a checkout instruction has been acquired when the user selects the checkout button by touch input or the like. The processing circuit 10 determines that a checkout instruction has not been acquired when the user does not select the checkout button by touch input or the like. The processing circuit 10 may also determine that a checkout instruction has not been acquired when the user performs a product registration operation. Alternatively, instead of the checkout button, the processing circuit 10 may determine that a checkout instruction has been acquired by pressing a subtotal key, which declares the end of product registration for one transaction. In this case, when the user selects the subtotal key by touch input or the like, processing circuit 10 determines that a checkout instruction has been acquired and displays the registered product information on first display device 17-1 or second display device 17-2. Processing circuit 10 then waits for the user to select the checkout button by touch input or the like. Note that the checkout instruction may be, for example, the user selecting a button indicating the payment type (such as a cash payment button, electronic money payment button, credit card payment button, or code payment payment button) displayed on the screen of first display device 17-1 or second display device 17-2 of POS terminal 1. In other words, processing circuit 10 may determine that a checkout instruction has been acquired when the user selects a button indicating the payment type.

[0083] If a checkout instruction has been received (ACT6: YES), the process transitions from ACT6 to ACT7. If a checkout instruction has not been received (ACT6: NO), the process transitions from ACT6 to ACT1. In this case, the processing circuit 10 performs product registration processing based on the product registration operation by the user.

[0084] The processing circuit 10 performs payment processing based on the receipt of the payment instruction (ACT7). ACT7 may be processing by the payment processing unit 105 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT7, for example, the processing circuit 10 performs payment processing for the transaction based on the payment method selected by the customer.

[0085] If the customer is eligible for tax-free transactions, the processing circuit 10 may output tax-free transaction information to the server 2 via the communication interface 14. The server 2 acquires the tax-free transaction information. The server 2 stores the tax-free transaction information.

[0086] According to this example, the POS terminal 1 acquires product information for the products, calculates the tax-exemption amount of the products, determines whether the tax-exemption amount exceeds the tax-exemption amount, and displays a notification indicating the determination result on the first display device 17-1 before executing the payment process for the products. Therefore, the POS terminal 1 can provide the user with information indicating the tax-exemption amount of the products for a transaction and whether the tax-exemption amount exceeds the tax-exemption amount from the time product registration is initiated until payment processing is executed. For example, even if a customer completes tax-exemption procedures at an airport or the like upon departure from the country, the customer can check the tax-exemption amount and whether the tax-exemption amount exceeds the tax-exemption amount at the store where the product was purchased before completing the tax-exemption procedure. If the tax-exemption amount does not exceed the tax-exemption amount, the customer can select the product to purchase again and register the product. This allows the POS terminal 1 to provide a technology that enables the customer to check whether the purchase amount reaches the tax-exemption amount.

[0087] Furthermore, the POS terminal 1 can calculate the tax-exempt amount for each type of product, determine whether the tax-exempt amount for each type of product exceeds the tax-exempt amount, and display a notification indicating the determination result for each type of product on the first display device 17-1. Therefore, from the start of product registration until payment processing, the POS terminal 1 can provide the user with information indicating the tax-exempt amount for each type of product in a transaction and whether the tax-exempt amount for each type exceeds the tax-exempt amount. For example, a customer can check the tax-exempt amount for each type of product and whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount. If the tax-exempt amount for each type of product does not exceed the tax-exempt amount, the customer can select the product to be purchased by type and register the product again. This allows the POS terminal 1 to provide a technology that allows a customer to check whether the purchase amount for each type of product reaches the tax-exempt amount.

[0088] The POS terminal 1 can determine whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount based on an instruction to confirm the tax-exempt amount. Therefore, the POS terminal 1 can provide the user with information indicating the tax-exempt amount of the products included in a transaction and whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount at a desired timing based on the user's instruction. For example, a customer can check the tax-exempt amount and whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount at any timing, even while registering products for a transaction. This allows the POS terminal 1 to provide a technology that allows a customer to check whether the purchase amount reaches the tax-exempt amount at any timing. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can improve the convenience of checking the tax-exempt amount.

[0089] Furthermore, regardless of whether a tax-exemption declaration has been made or not, the POS terminal 1 can provide the user with information indicating the tax-exempt amount of the products subject to a transaction and whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount. Therefore, the POS terminal 1 can improve the convenience of checking the tax-exempt amount.

[0090] (First Modification) FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for information processing related to a first modified example of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. In the above example, the POS terminal 1 performs the tax exemption point confirmation process based on receiving a tax exemption point confirmation instruction, but this is not limited to this. In the first modified example, when receiving a tax exemption point confirmation instruction, the POS terminal 1 performs the tax exemption point confirmation process based on an operation indicating that product registration has been completed. An operation indicating that product registration has been completed is, for example, an operation of the subtotal key or the checkout button, which declares the end of product registration for one transaction. An operation indicating that product registration has been completed includes an operation of issuing a checkout instruction.

[0091] Similar to ACT1, the processing circuit 10 performs a product registration process for one or more transaction products based on a user's operation (ACT101). ACT101 may be processing by a product registration processing unit 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT101, for example, the processing circuit 10 registers products based on a product registration operation by a user of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 acquires a product code recorded in a code symbol. The processing circuit 10 references a product master stored in the product master storage area 122 and acquires transaction product data for the product corresponding to the product code. The transaction product data includes data such as a product code, a product name, a product price, and a product quantity. The transaction product data may include information indicating the product's tax-exemption type. The product corresponding to the product code is also referred to as a transaction product. The transaction product is an example of a transacted product. The processing circuit 10 may also reference a product master stored in a server such as a transaction management server and acquire transaction product data for the product corresponding to the product code.

[0092] As in ACT2, the processing circuit 10 stores the transaction target commodity data of the transaction target commodity in the transaction information storage area 121 (ACT102). ACT102 may be processing by the commodity registration processing unit 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT102, for example, the processing circuit 10 stores the transaction target commodity data of the transaction target commodity in the transaction information storage area 121 as transaction information.

[0093] The processing circuit 10 determines whether a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has been acquired (ACT103), similarly to ACT3. ACT103 may be processing by the tax exemption processing unit 102 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT103, for example, the processing circuit 10 determines whether a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has been acquired based on a user's operation of a tax exemption point confirmation button or the like included in the product registration image. The processing circuit 10 determines that a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has been acquired when the user selects the tax exemption point confirmation button by touch input or the like. The processing circuit 10 determines that a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has not been acquired when the user does not select the tax exemption point confirmation button by touch input or the like.

[0094] If a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has been acquired (ACT103: YES), the process transitions from ACT103 to ACT 104. If a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has not been acquired (ACT103: NO), the process transitions from ACT103 to ACT105.

[0095] The processing circuit 10 sets a confirmation instruction flag indicating that a tax exemption point confirmation instruction has been received (ACT104). ACT104 may be processing by the tax exemption processing unit 102 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT104, for example, the processing circuit 10 may set a confirmation instruction flag for the product to be notified in the transaction information. For example, the confirmation instruction flag may be set to "1" when a confirmation instruction has been received, and may be set to "0" when a confirmation instruction has not been received.

[0096] As in ACT6, the processing circuit 10 determines whether a checkout instruction has been acquired (ACT105). ACT105 may be processing by the payment processing unit 105 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT105, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires a checkout instruction based on a user's operation on the POS terminal 1. For example, the processing circuit 10 acquires a checkout instruction based on a user's operation on a product registration image displayed on the first display device 17-1. The processing circuit 10 determines that a checkout instruction has been acquired if the user selects the checkout button by touch input or the like. The processing circuit 10 determines that a checkout instruction has not been acquired if the user does not select the checkout button by touch input or the like. The processing circuit 10 may also determine that a checkout instruction has not been acquired if the user performs a product registration operation.

[0097] If a checkout instruction has been acquired (ACT105: YES), the process transitions from ACT105 to ACT 106. If a checkout instruction has not been acquired (ACT105: NO), the process transitions from ACT105 to ACT 101. In this case, the processing circuit 10 performs product registration processing based on the product registration operation by the user.

[0098] Based on the receipt of the transaction instruction, the processing circuit 10 determines whether the confirmation instruction flag is set (ACT106). ACT106 may be processing by the tax exemption processing unit 102 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT105, for example, the processing circuit 10 references the transaction information and determines whether the confirmation instruction flag is set. If the confirmation instruction flag is set (ACT106: YES), the processing transitions from ACT106 to ACT107. If the confirmation instruction flag is not set (ACT106: NO), the processing transitions from ACT106 to ACT110.

[0099] Based on the setting of the confirmation instruction flag, the processing circuit 10 performs a tax exemption point confirmation process (ACT107), similar to ACT4. ACT107 may be a process performed by the tax exemption processing unit 102 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT107, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires transaction information for one transaction from the transaction information storage area 121. Based on the transaction information for one transaction, the processing circuit 10 calculates the tax exemption applicable amount of one or more transaction items. The processing circuit 10 compares the tax exemption applicable amount of one or more transaction items with the tax exemption amount. In one example, the processing circuit 10 calculates the tax exemption applicable amount for each type of one or more transaction items. The processing circuit 10 determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount for each type of one or more transaction items exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount for each type. In another example, the processing circuit 10 calculates the tax exemption applicable amount of one or more transaction items regardless of the type of the transaction items. The processing circuit 10 determines whether the tax-exempt amount of one or more transaction items exceeds the tax-exempt amount, regardless of the type of transaction item. The processing circuit 10 may, for example, calculate the tax-exempt amount of transaction items that combine general goods and consumables. The processing circuit 10 may also determine whether the tax-exempt amount of transaction items that combine general goods and consumables exceeds the tax-exempt amount of transaction items that combine general goods and consumables.

[0100] As in ACT5, the processing circuit 10 displays the determination result in the tax exemption point confirmation process on the first display device 17-1 (ACT108). ACT108 may be processing by the display processing unit 103 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT108, for example, the processing circuit 10 displays a notice indicating the determination result on the first display device 17-1. Note that the processing circuit 10 may also display a notice indicating the determination result on the second display device 17-2.

[0101] The processing circuit 10 determines whether a product registration operation has been performed by the user (ACT109). ACT109 may be processing by the product registration processing unit 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT109, for example, the processing circuit 10 determines whether the user has performed an operation to read a code symbol attached to a product via the scanner 15. The processing circuit 10 may also determine whether the user has performed an operation to select a product registration button displayed on the screen of the POS terminal 1 by touch input or the like.

[0102] If a product registration operation has been performed (ACT109: YES), the process transitions from ACT109 to ACT101. In this case, the processing circuit 10 performs product registration processing based on the product registration operation by the user. If a product registration operation has not been performed (ACT109: NO), the process transitions from ACT109 to ACT110.

[0103] The processing circuit 10 performs payment processing (ACT110) in the same manner as in ACT7. ACT110 may be processing by the payment processing unit 105 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT110, for example, the processing circuit 10 performs payment processing for the transaction based on the payment method selected by the customer.

[0104] If the customer is eligible for tax-free transactions, the processing circuit 10 may output tax-free transaction information to the server 2 via the communication interface 14. The server 2 acquires the tax-free transaction information. The server 2 stores the tax-free transaction information.

[0105] According to this example, when the POS terminal 1 receives an instruction to confirm the tax-exempt amount, it calculates the tax-exempt amount of the products to be transacted based on an operation indicating that product registration has been completed, and determines whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount. For example, when the POS terminal 1 receives an instruction to confirm the tax-exempt amount and then issues a checkout instruction, it acquires transaction information for the products to be transacted in a transaction, calculates the tax-exempt amount of the products to be transacted, determines whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount, and displays a notification indicating the determination result on the first display device 17-1. Therefore, based on the completion of product registration, the POS terminal 1 can provide the user with information indicating the tax-exempt amount of the products to be transacted in a transaction and whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount. For example, a customer can check the tax-exempt amount and whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount at the time of checkout. Therefore, if the tax-exempt amount does not exceed the tax-exempt amount, the customer can select the products to be purchased and register the products again. Before making a payment, the customer can check whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount, and can register additional items to make the total exceed the tax-exempt amount. This allows the POS terminal 1 to provide a technology that can check whether the purchase amount reaches the tax-exempt amount at the time of payment.

[0106] (Second Modification) FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for information processing related to the second modified example of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. In the above example, the POS terminal 1 performs the tax exemption point confirmation process based on receiving a tax exemption point confirmation instruction, but this is not limiting. In the second modified example, when receiving a tax exemption point confirmation instruction or a tax exemption processing start instruction, the POS terminal 1 performs the tax exemption point confirmation process based on product registration. The tax exemption point confirmation instruction includes an instruction based on a user touching the tax exemption point confirmation button, etc. The tax exemption processing start instruction includes an instruction based on an operation on the tax exemption declaration inquiry image. The tax exemption processing start instruction may also be an instruction to obtain passport information. The tax exemption point confirmation instruction or the tax exemption processing start instruction is an example of an instruction to confirm the tax exemption amount.

[0107] The processing circuit 10 acquires an instruction to confirm the tax exemption amount (ACT201). ACT201 may be processing by the tax exemption processing unit 102 realized by the processing circuit 10. In one example, the processing circuit 10 acquires an instruction to confirm the tax exemption point. The processing circuit 10 acquires the instruction to confirm the tax exemption point based on a user's operation of a tax exemption point confirmation button or the like included in a product registration image. In another example, the processing circuit 10 acquires an instruction to start the tax exemption process. The processing circuit 10 acquires the instruction to start the tax exemption process based on, for example, a user's operation of a "Yes" button included in a tax exemption declaration inquiry image for instructing to perform the tax exemption process. The processing circuit 10 may determine that the instruction to start the tax exemption process has been acquired based on the acquisition of the customer's passport information.

[0108] Similar to ACT1, the processing circuit 10 performs a registration process for the transaction target product based on a user operation (ACT202). ACT202 may be processing by the product registration processing unit 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT202, for example, the processing circuit 10 registers the transaction target product based on a product registration operation by a user of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 acquires the product code recorded in the code symbol. The processing circuit 10 references the product master stored in the product master storage area 122 and acquires transaction target product data for the product corresponding to the product code. The transaction target product data includes data such as the product code, product name, product price, and product quantity. The transaction target product data may include information indicating the product's tax-exempt type. The product corresponding to the product code is also referred to as the transaction target product. The transaction target product is an example of a traded product. Note that the processing circuit 10 may reference the product master stored in a server such as a transaction management server and acquire the transaction target product data for the product corresponding to the product code.

[0109] As in ACT2, the processing circuit 10 stores the transaction target commodity data of the transaction target commodity in the transaction information storage area 121 (ACT203). ACT203 may be processing by the commodity registration processing unit 101 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT203, for example, the processing circuit 10 stores the transaction target commodity data of the transaction target commodity as transaction information in the transaction information storage area 121. Note that, when the processing circuit 10 acquires an instruction to start tax exemption processing in ACT201, the processing circuit 10 may associate passport information with the transaction information and store it in the transaction information storage area 121.

[0110] The processing circuit 10 performs a tax exemption point confirmation process (ACT204). ACT204 may be a process performed by the tax exemption processing unit 102 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT204, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires transaction information for one transaction from the transaction information storage area 121. Based on the transaction information for one transaction, the processing circuit 10 determines whether one or more transaction items, including the transaction item registered in ACT202, are tax exempt items. The processing circuit 10 calculates the tax exemption applicable amount for the one or more transaction items. The processing circuit 10 compares the tax exemption applicable amount for the one or more transaction items with the tax exemption amount. In one example, the processing circuit 10 determines the type of the one or more transaction items. The processing circuit 10 calculates the tax exemption applicable amount according to the type of the one or more transaction items. The processing circuit 10 determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount for the one or more transaction items exceeds the tax exemption amount for each type according to the type of the one or more transaction items. In another example, processing circuitry 10 calculates the tax-exempt applicable amount of one or more transaction items, regardless of the type of transaction item. Processing circuitry 10 determines whether the tax-exempt applicable amount of one or more transaction items exceeds the tax-exempt applicable amount, regardless of the type of transaction item.

[0111] The processing circuit 10 may perform a tax exemption point confirmation process for each transaction item registered in ACT202. In this example, the processing circuit 10 may determine whether the transaction item is a tax exempt item, and if so, calculate the tax exemption amount. The processing circuit 10 may compare the tax exemption amount of the transaction item with the tax exemption amount. The processing circuit 10 may compare the tax exemption amount with the tax exemption amount for each type of transaction item depending on the type of transaction item. Based on the comparison result, the processing circuit 10 may determine whether the value of the transaction item exceeds the tax exemption amount for each type.

[0112] As in ACT5, the processing circuit 10 displays the determination result in the tax exemption point confirmation process on the first display device 17-1 (ACT205). ACT205 may be processing by the display processing unit 103 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT205, for example, the processing circuit 10 displays a notice indicating the determination result on the first display device 17-1. Note that the processing circuit 10 may also display a notice indicating the determination result on the second display device 17-2.

[0113] As in ACT6, the processing circuit 10 determines whether a checkout instruction has been acquired (ACT206). ACT206 may be processing by the payment processing unit 105 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT206, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires a checkout instruction based on a user's operation on the POS terminal 1. For example, the processing circuit 10 acquires a checkout instruction based on a user's operation on a product registration image displayed on the first display device 17-1. The processing circuit 10 determines that a checkout instruction has been acquired if the user selects the checkout button by touch input or the like. The processing circuit 10 determines that a checkout instruction has not been acquired if the user does not select the checkout button by touch input or the like. The processing circuit 10 may also determine that a checkout instruction has not been acquired if the user performs a product registration operation.

[0114] If a checkout instruction has been acquired (ACT206: YES), the process transitions from ACT206 to ACT207. If a checkout instruction has not been acquired (ACT206: NO), the process transitions from ACT206 to ACT202. In this case, the processing circuit 10 performs product registration processing based on the product registration operation by the user.

[0115] Based on the receipt of the transaction instruction, the processing circuit 10 performs payment processing similar to ACT7 (ACT207). ACT207 may be processing by the payment processing unit 105 implemented by the processing circuit 10. In ACT207, for example, the processing circuit 10 performs payment processing for the transaction based on the payment method selected by the customer.

[0116] If the customer is eligible for tax-free transactions, the processing circuit 10 may output tax-free transaction information to the server 2 via the communication interface 14. The server 2 acquires the tax-free transaction information. The server 2 stores the tax-free transaction information.

[0117] According to this example, when the POS terminal 1 receives an instruction to confirm the tax-exempt amount, it calculates the tax-exempt amount of the transaction item based on the acquired product information of the transaction item and determines whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount. For example, when the POS terminal 1 registers a product after receiving an instruction to confirm the tax-exempt point or an instruction to start tax-exempt processing, it acquires transaction information of the transaction item, calculates the tax-exempt amount of the transaction item, determines whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount, and displays a notification indicating the determination result on the first display device 17-1 before executing the payment process for the transaction item. Therefore, when the POS terminal 1 receives an instruction to confirm the tax-exempt point or an instruction to start tax-exempt processing, it can provide the user with information indicating the tax-exempt amount of the transaction item and whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount each time the product is registered. For example, each time the customer registers a product, the customer can check the tax-exempt amount of the transaction and whether the tax-exempt amount exceeds the tax-exempt amount. This allows the POS terminal 1 to provide a technology that allows the user to check whether the purchase amount reaches the tax-exempt amount each time a product is registered. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can improve the convenience of checking the tax-exempt amount.

[0118] (Other variations) In the above description, the user of the POS terminal 1 inputs a tax-exemption point confirmation instruction by operating the tax-exemption point confirmation button included in the product registration image by touch input or the like, but the present invention is not limited to this. The POS terminal 1 may display the tax-exemption point confirmation button in an operable manner on the product registration image based on the user's instruction to start tax-exemption processing.

[0119] In the above description, the POS terminal 1 performs the tax exemption point confirmation process based on the transaction information of one transaction stored in the auxiliary storage device 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The POS terminal 1 may perform the tax exemption point confirmation process based on the transaction information of multiple transactions stored in the auxiliary storage device 12. In this case, the POS terminal 1 may obtain the transaction information of multiple transactions of a customer based on the customer's identification information, such as passport information.

[0120] In the above description, the POS terminal 1 performs the tax exemption point confirmation process based on the transaction information stored in the auxiliary storage device 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The POS terminal 1 may acquire transaction information from a server that stores transaction information for multiple stores of the same business. In this case, the processing circuit 10 acquires transaction information for multiple transactions based on identification information such as the customer's passport information. The processing circuit 10 may perform the tax exemption point confirmation process based on the transaction information for multiple transactions. The processing circuit 10 may calculate the tax exemption amount for one or more tax-exempt items included in the transaction information for the multiple transactions. The processing circuit 10 may compare the tax exemption amount for one or more transaction items included in the transaction information for the multiple transactions with the tax exemption amount. The processing circuit 10 may determine whether the tax exemption amount for one or more transaction items included in the transaction information for the multiple transactions exceeds the tax exemption amount.

[0121] The POS terminal 1 may also acquire transaction information from a server that stores transaction information for multiple stores of multiple businesses. In this case, the processing circuit 10 acquires transaction information for multiple transactions based on identification information such as the customer's passport information. The processing circuit 10 may perform a tax exemption point confirmation process based on the transaction information for multiple transactions. The processing circuit 10 may calculate the tax exemption applicable amount of one or more tax-exempt items included in the transaction information for multiple transactions. The processing circuit 10 may compare the tax exemption applicable amount of one or more transaction items included in the transaction information for multiple transactions with the tax exemption amount. The processing circuit 10 may determine whether the tax exemption applicable amount of one or more transaction items included in the transaction information for multiple transactions exceeds the tax exemption amount.

[0122] In the above description, a POS terminal 1 having a product registration function and a payment function and in which a store clerk intervenes in product registration and payment has been used as an example of an information processing device, but this is not limiting. The information processing device may also be a POS terminal having a product registration function and a payment function that allows a customer to complete the process from product registration to payment without the intervention of a store clerk. The information processing device may also be a POS terminal having a payment function that allows a customer to make a payment without the intervention of a store clerk. In this example, product registration may be performed by a store clerk using a registration device. Product registration may also be performed by a customer using a shopping cart system with a product registration function. Product registration may also be performed by a customer using a mobile terminal owned by the customer. Product registration may also be performed by a customer using a mobile terminal provided in advance by a store, etc. In this case, product registration is performed on the mobile terminal by the customer's operation. The transaction process is performed by a separate transaction device different from the mobile terminal.

[0123] In this case, for example, the product registration processes in ACT1 in FIG. 5, ACT101 in FIG. 6, and ACT202 in FIG. 7 are replaced with the following process: A customer executes the product registration process on a mobile terminal. After product registration is completed, the mobile terminal displays an image (e.g., a two-dimensional code image) on the screen of the mobile terminal indicating the transaction target product data generated by the product registration. The customer holds the two-dimensional code image displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal over the checkout device. The checkout device reads the image displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal indicating the transaction target product data using a scanner or other device within the checkout device. The checkout device then acquires the transaction target product data and stores it as transaction information in an auxiliary storage device. Subsequently, similar processes are executed from ACT3 in FIG. 5, ACT104 in FIG. 6, and ACT204 in FIG. 7 onwards.

[0124] (Other embodiments) The information processing device may be realized by one device as explained using the POS terminal 1 as an example, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions.

[0125] When the functions of the POS terminal 1 are provided in a cloud server, the information processing device may be a system that realizes the functions of the POS terminal 1 through a system including a tablet terminal communicably connected to the cloud server.

[0126] The above-described embodiments may be applied to a method executed by an apparatus, a program that can cause a computer of the apparatus to execute each function, or a recording medium that stores the program.

[0127] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0128] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0129] 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0130] The above embodiment may be expressed as follows. (1) a product registration processing unit that acquires product information of a product to be traded; a tax exemption processing unit that calculates a tax exemption applicable amount of the transaction target product and determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount; a display processing unit that displays, on a display unit, a notification indicating a determination result by the tax exemption processing unit before executing a settlement process for the transaction target product; An information processing device comprising: (2) The tax exemption processing unit determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount based on an instruction to confirm the tax exemption applicable amount. The information processing device described in (1). (3) When the tax exemption processing unit receives an instruction to confirm the tax exemption amount, the tax exemption processing unit calculates the tax exemption amount of the transaction product based on an operation indicating that product registration has been completed, and determines whether the tax exemption amount exceeds the tax exemption amount. The information processing device described in (1). (4) When the tax exemption processing unit receives an instruction to confirm the tax exemption amount, the tax exemption processing unit calculates the tax exemption amount of the transaction product based on the acquired product information of the transaction product, and determines whether the tax exemption amount exceeds the tax exemption amount. The information processing device described in (1). (5) The tax exemption processing unit calculates a tax exemption applicable amount for each type of the transaction product, and determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount for each type of the transaction product exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount; the display processing unit displays on the display unit a notification indicating the determination result by the tax exemption processing unit for each type of the transaction target commodity. The information processing device described in (1). (6) To the computer: A function to obtain product information of the products to be traded; a function of calculating the tax-exempt applicable amount of the transaction item and determining whether the tax-exempt applicable amount exceeds the tax-exempt applicable amount; a function of displaying a notification indicating the determination result on a display unit before executing a settlement process for the transaction target product; An information processing program capable of executing the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1...POS terminal, 2...server, 10...processing circuit, 11...main memory, 12...auxiliary storage device, 13...change machine interface, 14...communication interface, 15...scanner, 16...input device, 17-1...first display device, 17-2...second display device, 18...printing device, 19...card reader, 20...passport reader, 101...product registration processing unit, 102...tax-free processing unit, 103...display processing unit, 104...output unit, 105...payment processing unit, 106...issuing unit, 121...transaction information storage area, 122...product master storage area, 123...tax-free amount information storage area, Ara to Arf...area, Ba...confirmation button, Ima to Imb...determination result notification image, NA...network, S...information processing system, X...duty-free store.

Claims

1. a product registration processing unit that acquires product information of a product to be traded; a tax exemption processing unit that calculates a tax exemption applicable amount of the transaction target product and determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount; a display processing unit that displays, on a display unit, a notification indicating a determination result by the tax exemption processing unit before executing a settlement process for the transaction target product; An information processing device comprising:

2. the tax exemption processing unit determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount based on an instruction to confirm the tax exemption applicable amount; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. When the tax exemption processing unit receives an instruction to confirm the tax exemption amount, it calculates the tax exemption amount of the transaction target product based on an operation indicating that product registration has been completed, and determines whether the tax exemption amount exceeds the tax exemption amount. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. When the tax exemption processing unit receives an instruction to confirm the tax exemption amount, the tax exemption processing unit calculates the tax exemption amount of the transaction target product based on the acquired product information of the transaction target product, and determines whether the tax exemption amount exceeds the tax exemption amount. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the tax exemption processing unit calculates a tax exemption applicable amount for each type of the transaction target commodity, and determines whether the tax exemption applicable amount for each type of the transaction target commodity exceeds the tax exemption applicable amount; the display processing unit displays on the display unit a notification indicating the determination result by the tax exemption processing unit for each type of the transaction target commodity. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. On the computer, A function to obtain product information of the products to be traded; a function of calculating the tax-exempt applicable amount of the transaction item and determining whether the tax-exempt applicable amount exceeds the tax-exempt applicable amount; a function of displaying a notification indicating the determination result on a display unit before executing a settlement process for the transaction target product; An information processing program capable of executing the above.

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