Tax-free systems, tax-free methods, and tax-free programs

Abstract

To accurately obtain information for tax-free procedures based on the results of character recognition on the purchase receipt. [Solution] The tax-free system comprises at least one processor. The at least one processor obtains receipt data by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing one or more purchased items at a target store, identifies the price of each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data, identifies the target store based on the receipt data, and refers to a store database that stores store data including tax-free classification information indicating the tax-free classification of each of the multiple stores, to identify the tax-free classification of each of the one or more purchased items at the identified target store, and generates purchase information showing the identified price and identified tax-free classification of each of the one or more purchased items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a duty-free system, a duty-free method, and a duty-free program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a mechanism that captures information described in a purchase receipt indicating a product purchased at a store and executes processing for duty-free procedures based on the information. For example, in Patent Document 1, information indicating that the purchaser is a non-resident, information indicating the price of the product and the amount of consumption tax, an image of a certificate proving that the purchaser is a non-resident, and an image of a receipt describing the details of the product purchase by the purchaser are acquired, the refund amount corresponding to duty-free is specified based on the information indicating the price of the product and the amount of consumption tax, purchase record information including the content of the certificate and the content of the product purchase is created based on the image of the certificate and the image of the receipt, and a duty-free processing device that provides the purchase record information to the National Tax Agency is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A mechanism for accurately acquiring information for duty-free procedures based on the result of character recognition of a purchase receipt is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The tax-free system relating to one aspect of this disclosure comprises at least one processor. The at least one processor obtains receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on a purchase receipt showing one or more purchased items at a target store, identifies the price of each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data, identifies the target store based on the receipt data, and refers to a store database that stores store data including tax-free category information indicating the tax-free category of each of the multiple stores, to identify the tax-free category of each of the one or more purchased items at the identified target store, and generates purchase information showing the identified price and identified tax-free category of each of the one or more purchased items.

[0006] In this respect, the target store is identified based on the receipt data obtained through character recognition of the purchase receipt, and the tax exemption category for each purchased item at that store is determined by referring to store data that indicates the tax exemption category for each item at that store. Then, purchase information showing the tax exemption category and price for each purchased item is generated. Since the tax exemption categories for items, which may differ from store to store, are identified using the store database, information for tax exemption procedures can be accurately obtained based on the results of character recognition of the purchase receipt. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, information for tax exemption procedures can be accurately obtained based on the results of character recognition of purchase receipts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of how the tax-free system is applied. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of an issuing terminal (tax-free system). [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of the computers that make up the issuing terminal. [Figure 4] This is an example of a purchase receipt. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the issuing terminal. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the process for generating purchase information. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the process for identifying the details on a purchase receipt. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of how user information and purchase information are displayed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes various examples in this disclosure in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, identical or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [System Configuration] The tax exemption system described in this disclosure is a computer system that performs processing for tax exemption procedures (tax refund procedures). The tax exemption system acquires receipt data obtained by performing character recognition on purchase receipts showing goods purchased at stores, and generates purchase information used for tax exemption procedures based on that receipt data. A purchase receipt is issued for each purchase procedure (i.e., each transaction). In this disclosure, the store that issues the purchase receipt and is identified by the tax exemption system is also referred to as the "target store."

[0011] Figure 1 shows an example of the application of the tax exemption system described herein. In this example, the tax exemption system described herein is applied to one or more issuing terminals 10. The issuing terminal 10 is a computer that transmits purchase record information used by a user to receive tax exemption procedures to the National Tax Agency. The issuing terminal 10 may be installed in a store, or it may be installed in a tax exemption counter capable of handling tax exemption procedures for purchases from one or more stores in a single transaction. Such a tax exemption counter is typically located in a place with multiple stores, such as a shopping mall or a commercial complex. The issuing terminal 10 may be a kiosk terminal that allows the user to perform the tax exemption procedures themselves, or it may be a computer operated by staff at the store or tax exemption counter. Alternatively, a user terminal such as a smartphone or tablet may function as the issuing terminal 10.

[0012] Each issuing terminal 10 connects to the store database 20 and the management server 30 via a communication network N. The management server 30 connects to the purchase record database 40 and the NTA system 50 via the communication network N. The communication network N may be constructed as the internet, an intranet, or a combination thereof. The communication network N may be constructed as a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof. The store database 20 is a storage device that stores store data used to process receipt data. The management server 30 is a computer that centrally manages purchase record information based on purchase information. The management server 30 is typically operated by a Tax Refund Operator (TRO). The purchase record database 40 is a storage device that stores the purchase record information. The NTA system 50 is the National Tax Agency's computer system. The NTA system 50 manages tax exemptions for individual users based on the purchase record information provided by the management server 30.

[0013] In this disclosure, "user" means a person who is eligible to enjoy the benefit of tax exemption and who purchases goods at a store. Typically, users are non-residents, such as foreign tourists. A store is typically a duty-free shop that is able to sell goods to such users in a way that exempts them from taxes on the goods in real time or ultimately. The exempted taxes are typically value-added taxes (VAT), such as sales tax.

[0014] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration of the issuing terminal 10. In this example, the issuing terminal 10 comprises a user processing unit 11, a receipt processing unit 12, a display control unit 13, and a record generation unit 14 as functional modules. The user processing unit 11 is a functional module that performs processing related to the user. The receipt processing unit 12 is a functional module that performs processing related to purchase receipts. The receipt processing unit 12 acquires receipt data, identifies predetermined data items on the purchase receipt based on the receipt data, and makes decisions on several data items. The display control unit 13 is a functional module that displays purchase information based on these processes. The record generation unit 14 is a functional module that generates purchase record information based on the purchase information and transmits this purchase record information to the management server 30.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 100 that constitutes an issuing terminal 10 (duty-free system). For example, the computer 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, a communication control unit 104, an input device 105, and an output device 106. The processor 101 is an arithmetic circuit that executes an operating system and application programs. The main memory unit 102 is composed of, for example, a ROM and a RAM. The auxiliary storage unit 103 is composed of, for example, a hard disk or a flash memory and generally stores a larger amount of data than the main memory unit 102. The communication control unit 104 is composed of, for example, a network card or a wireless communication module. The input device 105 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a card reader, a scanner, a camera, a voice input device, a biometric authentication device, etc. The output device 106 is composed of, for example, a monitor (display device), a speaker, a printer, a card writer, etc.

[0016] Each functional module of the issuing terminal 10 (duty-free system) is realized by a duty-free program 110 stored in advance in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The processor 101 executes the duty-free program 110 loaded onto the main memory unit 102. The processor 101 operates the communication control unit 104, the input device 105, or the output device 106 according to the duty-free program 110, and reads and writes data in the main memory unit 102 or the auxiliary storage unit 103. Each functional module of the issuing terminal 10 is realized by such control.

[0017] The duty-free program 110 may be provided after being recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the duty-free program 110 may be provided via a communication network as a data signal superimposed on a carrier wave.

[0018] [Data Structure] The store data pre-stored in the store database 20 is electronic data indicating information for processing receipt data corresponding to each of a plurality of stores. In one example, each data record of the receipt data includes, as data items, a store ID, a store name, a store phone number, duty-free classification information, tax display information, tax rate information, verification method information, specific tax rate information, and shopping bag information. That is, the store data indicates these data items for each of the plurality of stores.

[0019] The store ID is a store identifier that uniquely identifies a store. For example, a registration number as an eligible claimant may be used as the store ID.

[0020] The store name can function as a store identifier similar to the store ID. Considering the possibility of misreading in character recognition for receipts, multiple types of character strings may be preset for one store name. For example, when the store name is "GIFT MARKET TOKYO", there is a possibility that the alphabetic "I" may be misread as the numeric "1". Considering this possibility, a character string obtained by replacing the alphabetic "I" in "GIFT" with the numeric "1" may be set as the store name in addition to the correct character string.

[0021] The phone number is the phone number of the store. Since the same phone number may be assigned to multiple stores in a certain complex commercial facility, the store ID and the phone number do not necessarily have a 1:1 correspondence, and may also have an N:1 correspondence.

[0022] Duty-free classification information indicates the duty-free classification of goods eligible for duty exemption. Duty-free classifications are determined, for example, based on duty-free conditions. Duty-free classification information may also indicate whether the goods eligible for duty exemption are general goods or consumables. Consumables include items such as food, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics. General goods are items other than consumables, such as home appliances, watches, bags, and clothing. The duty-free condition for consumables is that the total amount of pre-tax sales by the same user at the same store in one day is between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen. The duty-free condition for general goods is that the total amount of pre-tax sales by the same user at the same store in one day is 5,000 yen or more. As an example other than "general goods" and "consumables," duty-free classification information may also indicate whether the goods eligible for duty exemption are luxury goods or general goods. Alternatively, duty-free classification information may also indicate whether the goods eligible for duty exemption are subject to inspection by customs. As yet another example, tax exemption category information may also indicate which of several price ranges, based on the price of the product, the tax-exempt item belongs to. Tax exemption category information is prepared taking into account that the tax exemption category for the same product may differ from store to store. In the following explanation, we will assume that the tax exemption categories are "general goods" and "consumable goods".

[0023] Tax information is data that indicates whether the price of an item displayed on a purchase receipt is tax-exclusive or tax-inclusive for each of multiple stores. This tax information is prepared considering that the format in which product prices are displayed may differ from store to store.

[0024] Tax rate information indicates the default tax rate for goods sold in a store. This default rate may be the standard rate or a specific rate. The default tax rate at a store can vary depending on various factors such as the store's format (type) and the range of goods it carries. To improve the accuracy of reading purchase receipts, tax rate information is provided for each individual store, taking this into consideration.

[0025] The verification method information indicates whether the type of base amount is the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, or the difference between the total amount including tax and the total tax amount. The base amount is used for verifying the total amount, which is the sum of the purchase amounts in a single purchase, and refers to the amount based on the description on the purchase receipt. The verification method information is prepared taking into account that the format in which the total amount is displayed may differ from store to store.

[0026] Specific tax rate information refers to the information indicating the specific tax rate displayed on the purchase receipt. A specific tax rate is one of several tax rates. An example of a specific tax rate is a reduced tax rate. Specific tax rate information is prepared considering that the indicator for the specific tax rate may differ from store to store.

[0027] Shopping bag information is information that indicates a threshold for determining the charge for shopping bags used to hold purchased goods. Examples of shopping bags include plastic shopping bags and paper bags. Shopping bag information is prepared taking into account that the charge for shopping bags may vary from store to store.

[0028] The issuing terminal 10 can also access a predetermined database that stores designated product information. Designated product information is information that indicates one or more designated strings to identify designated products for which the tax exemption category is set to a predetermined value. In the following description, it is assumed that the predetermined value is "consumable goods". For example, each designated string is a string related to the name or category of the product. The designated strings may be written using regular expressions. Designated product information is prepared taking into consideration that a particular tax exemption category may be set for a particular product.

[0029] The purchase record information stored in the purchase record database 40 is electronic data that shows information about individual purchase procedures. For example, each data record of the purchase record information includes a purchase record ID, user information, and purchase information as data items.

[0030] The purchase record ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies each piece of purchase record information.

[0031] User information is information that identifies a user who has purchased tax-exempt goods. In one example, user information may include data items such as name, nationality, date of birth, date of entry into the country, passport number, residence status, and planned date of departure. In this disclosure, a passport is shown as the user's identification document. However, other identification documents recognized under the laws of the territory may be used in place of a passport, for example, the identification document may be another document such as an entry certificate.

[0032] Purchase information is information about the purchase procedure at the target store. For example, purchase information may include store ID, store name, purchase date, purchase time, receipt number, total purchase amount for general goods, total purchase amount for consumables, and purchase details. Purchase details include, for each of the one or more purchased items, the tax exemption category, product name, quantity, unit price, purchase amount, and specific tax rate category. The receipt number is an identifier that uniquely identifies the purchase receipt at the target store. The purchase amount is usually the unit price multiplied by the quantity. The specific tax rate category is information indicating the specific tax rate applicable to the purchased item. The specific tax rate category may at least indicate whether a specific tax rate applies to the purchased item, and may further indicate the type of specific tax rate (type of tax rate value) that applies.

[0033] [Purchase receipt] Figure 4 shows an example of a purchase receipt. The purchase receipt 200 shown in this example includes the store name 201, store address 202, store phone number 203, receipt number 204, date of purchase (date of receipt issuance 205), purchase details 206, subtotal (total amount excluding tax) 207, breakdown of subtotal 208, total (total amount including tax) 209, and tax amount 210.

[0034] Purchase details 206 provide information for each of the one or more purchased items. In this example, purchase details 206 shows that the user purchased 5 chocolates G, 1 watch X, and 5 cosmetic items Q. The asterisk "*" in the column for chocolates G indicates that the reduced tax rate (specific tax rate) was applied to chocolates G. In purchase receipt 200, the quantity is omitted if the purchase quantity is 1. The amounts in purchase details 206 are pre-tax prices. The subtotal breakdown 208 shows the pre-tax total amount and tax amount for each tax rate (for the standard tax rate of 10% and the reduced tax rate of 8%).

[0035] [System operation] Referring to Figure 5, the operation of the issuing terminal 10 will be explained as an example of the tax exemption method related to this disclosure. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing that operation as the processing flow S1.

[0036] In step S11, the user processing unit 11 acquires user information. The user has a reader such as a scanner or camera read their passport, and the user processing unit 11 acquires the read passport information. The reader for the passport may be a component of the issuing terminal 10. Alternatively, a user terminal such as a smartphone may function as its reader, and the user processing unit 11 may receive the passport information from that user terminal. The user processing unit 11 may, if necessary, request additional information other than passport information from the user and acquire the entered additional information. The user processing unit 11 acquires user information that includes at least the passport information and, if necessary, further includes the acquired additional information.

[0037] In step S12, the receipt processing unit 12 acquires receipt data for each of the one or more purchase procedures performed by the user, that is, for each of the one or more purchase receipts the user possesses. The receipt data is obtained by performing character recognition on the purchase receipts showing one or more purchased items at the target store. Character recognition may be implemented, for example, by optical character recognition (OCR). The user has a reader such as a scanner or camera read the purchase receipt, and the receipt processing unit 12 acquires the read receipt data. The reader for the purchase receipt may be a component of the issuing terminal 10. Alternatively, a user terminal such as a smartphone may function as its reader, and the receipt processing unit 12 may receive the receipt data from that user terminal. In one example, the receipt processing unit 12 acquires receipt data written according to a predetermined notation that represents individual data objects by key-value pairs. An example of such a notation is JSON.

[0038] In step S13, the receipt processing unit 12 generates purchase information based on the receipt data. The details of this process will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of this process.

[0039] In step S131, the receipt processing unit 12 selects the receipt data of one purchase receipt from the receipt data of one or more acquired purchase receipts.

[0040] In step S132, the receipt processing unit 12 determines whether the purchase date on the purchase receipt is valid. Based on the selected receipt data, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the purchase date written on the purchase receipt. The receipt processing unit 12 compares this purchase date with the system date. If the purchase date matches the system date (i.e., the current date), the process proceeds to step S133. If the purchase date differs from the system date, the receipt processing unit 12 displays a date error on the display device indicating that the tax exemption procedure cannot be performed for the selected receipt data (i.e., the selected purchase receipt). If the purchase date could not be identified based on the receipt data, the receipt processing unit 12 may ask the user whether the purchase date of the selected receipt data is the current date (i.e., the system date). If the user selects that the purchase date is the current date, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the purchase date is valid, and the process proceeds to step S133. If the user selects that the purchase date is not the current date, the receipt processing unit 12 displays a date error on the display device. If a date error is displayed, the receipt processing unit 12 terminates processing of the selected receipt data, and the process returns to step S131.

[0041] In step S133, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the store identifier of the target store. As described above, the store data shows the correspondence between telephone numbers and store identifiers for each of the multiple stores. The receipt processing unit 12 identifies the telephone number based on the selected receipt data. Then, the receipt processing unit 12 refers to the store database 20 and searches for the store identifier corresponding to that telephone number. For example, the receipt processing unit 12 extracts a pair of store ID and store name as the store identifier. If only one store identifier exists in the store data corresponding to the identified telephone number, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies this single store identifier as the store identifier of the target store. On the other hand, if two or more store identifiers exist in the store data corresponding to the identified telephone number, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the store identifier written on the purchase receipt as the base identifier from the receipt data. For example, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies at least one of the store ID and store name as the base identifier. From the two or more store identifiers extracted from the store data, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies one store identifier corresponding to the base identifier as the store identifier of the target store. The store identifiers corresponding to the reference identifier are, for example, store identifiers that match the reference identifier, store identifiers that contain the reference identifier, or store identifiers with the highest degree of similarity to the reference identifier.

[0042] If the phone number cannot be identified based on the selected receipt data, the receipt processing unit 12 may use a reference identifier to identify the store identifier of the target store. The receipt processing unit 12 refers to the store database 20 and identifies one store identifier corresponding to the reference identifier as the store identifier of the target store.

[0043] In step S134, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the details of the purchase receipt (purchase details) based on the selected receipt data.

[0044] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the identification process. In step S1341, the receipt processing unit 12 refers to the store database 20 to obtain the information necessary to identify the details of the purchase receipt. The receipt processing unit 12 extracts tax exemption category information, tax display information, tax rate information, specific tax rate information, and shopping bag information corresponding to the identified store identifier (i.e., the identified target store) from the store data.

[0045] In step S1342, the receipt processing unit 12 extracts information about a single purchased item from the receipt data. This information will also be referred to as the purchased item information below. For example, the purchased item information includes at least one of the following: product name, price, discount amount, quantity, and a mark indicating the specific tax rate.

[0046] In step S1343, the receipt processing unit 12 performs processing related to discounts. Based on the purchased product information, the receipt processing unit 12 determines whether or not a discount has been applied to the purchased product. For example, the receipt processing unit 12 performs this determination process based on a predetermined rule regarding the display of discounts. This rule may be set to determine whether or not the discount amount is expressed as a positive or negative value. Alternatively, the rule may be set to determine whether or not a currency unit has been added to the discount amount. If no discount has been applied, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the extracted price as the price of the purchased product. On the other hand, if a discount has been applied, the receipt processing unit 12 ultimately identifies the price of the purchased product as the price minus the discount amount. In other words, the receipt processing unit 12 ultimately identifies the price of the purchased product in the form in which the discount has been applied.

[0047] In step S1344, the receipt processing unit 12 performs processing related to the shopping bag. Based on the purchased item information, the receipt processing unit 12 determines whether the identified price is less than or equal to the threshold indicated in the shopping bag information. If the price is greater than the threshold, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the purchased item is not a shopping bag. If the price is less than or equal to the threshold, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the purchased item is a shopping bag.

[0048] In step S1345, the receipt processing unit 12 performs processing related to the specific tax rate. If the purchased product information includes a mark indicated by the specific tax rate information, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the specific tax rate is applied to the purchased product. In other words, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the purchased product to which the specific tax rate applies. Then, the receipt processing unit 12 associates the specific tax rate with the purchased product. On the other hand, if the purchased product information does not include that mark, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the specific tax rate is not applied to the purchased product.

[0049] In step S1346, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the quantity of the purchased item. As with the purchase receipt 200 described above, if the quantity is 1, the quantity may not be displayed on the purchase receipt. If the purchase item information does not include the quantity, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the quantity of the purchased item as 1. If the purchase item information includes the quantity, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies that quantity as is.

[0050] In step S1347, the receipt processing unit 12 performs processing related to tax display. Based on the tax display information, the receipt processing unit 12 selects either tax-exclusive or tax-inclusive display as the tax display format for the purchase receipt. If the tax display information indicates tax-exclusive display, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the specified price is the tax-exclusive price. If the tax display information indicates tax-inclusive display, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the specified price is the tax-inclusive price.

[0051] In step S1348, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the tax rate for the purchased item. In one example, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the default value indicated in the tax rate information as the tax rate for the purchased item, with the following exceptions: The first exception is when a specific tax rate applies to the purchased item, as described above. The second exception is when the purchased item is a shopping bag; in this case, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the standard tax rate as the tax rate for the purchased item, regardless of the tax rate information.

[0052] In step S1349, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the tax exemption category of the purchased goods. In one example, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the tax exemption category indicated in the tax exemption category information as the tax exemption category of the purchased goods, with the following exceptions. As a first exception, if a specific tax rate is applied to the purchased goods, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies "consumable goods" as the tax exemption category of the purchased goods. As a second exception, if the purchased goods are shopping bags, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies "general goods," the tax exemption category corresponding to shopping bags, as the tax exemption category of the purchased goods. As a third exception, if the product name (name of the purchased goods) contains any of the specified strings indicated in the specified product information stored in a predetermined database, that is, if a purchased goods containing the specified string is identified, the receipt processing unit 12 sets the predetermined value "consumable goods" of the tax exemption category corresponding to the specified product information as the tax exemption category of the purchased goods.

[0053] As shown in step S1350, the receipt processing unit 12 executes the processes in steps S1342 to S1349 for each of the one or more purchased items indicated in the selected receipt data. If there are any unprocessed purchased items (NO in step S1350), the process returns to step S1342. In the repeated step S1342, the receipt processing unit 12 extracts purchased item information for the next purchased item from the receipt data. In the repeated steps S1343 to S1349, the receipt processing unit 12 performs identification and determination processes for the next purchased item. If all purchased items indicated in the selected receipt data have been processed (YES in step S1350), step S134 ends.

[0054] Returning to Figure 6, in step S135, the receipt processing unit 12 determines the validity of the total amount identified from the receipt data.

[0055] The receipt processing unit 12 identifies each of the at least one total amounts written on the purchase receipt as a base amount based on the selected receipt data. The purchase receipt includes the total amount including tax, and at least one of the total amount excluding tax and the total tax amount. In response to the information on such a purchase receipt, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies at least one of the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, and the difference between the total amount including tax and the total tax amount as a base amount.

[0056] The receipt processing unit 12 extracts matching method information corresponding to the identified target store from the store data and selects the type of base amount. The receipt processing unit 12 calculates the sum of the prices of one or more purchased items and compares this sum with the base amount corresponding to the selected type. If the sum matches the base amount, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the prices of each purchased item and the total amount are consistent in the receipt data. If the sum does not match the base amount, the receipt processing unit 12 displays a monetary error on the display device indicating that monetary information may not have been read correctly from the purchase receipt. A monetary error may occur because some of the details on the purchase receipt were not read correctly.

[0057] The receipt processing unit 12 may compare the sum of the prices of one or more purchased items with each of at least one specified reference amounts. That is, the receipt processing unit 12 compares the sum with at least one of the following: the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, and the difference in amounts. For example, if the matching method information for the specified target store is not registered, the receipt processing unit 12 may use such a comparison method. If the sum matches any of the reference amounts, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the price of each purchased item and the total amount are consistent in the receipt data. If the sum does not match any of the reference amounts, the receipt processing unit 12 displays an amount error on the display device.

[0058] In step S136, the receipt processing unit 12 determines the validity of the total number of purchases identified from the receipt data. Based on the selected receipt data, the receipt processing unit 12 identifies the total number of purchases written on the purchase receipt. The receipt processing unit 12 calculates the sum of the quantities of one or more purchased items and compares this sum with the identified total number of purchases. If the sum matches the total number of purchases, the receipt processing unit 12 determines that the quantity of each purchased item and the total number of purchases are consistent in the receipt data. If the sum does not match the total number of purchases, the receipt processing unit 12 displays a quantity error on the display device, indicating that the quantity information may not have been read correctly from the purchase receipt. Similar to the amount error, the quantity error may also occur if some of the details on the purchase receipt were not read correctly.

[0059] In step S137, the receipt processing unit 12 generates purchase information. For each data item of the purchase information, the receipt processing unit 12 may set the value as shown in the receipt data, or it may set it based on the details of the identified purchase receipt (i.e., the result of step S134).

[0060] If the price of one or more purchased items is specified as the price excluding tax, the receipt processing unit 12 calculates the price including tax for each of the purchased items based on the specified price and the specified tax rate. The receipt processing unit 12 also calculates the total purchase amount for general goods and the total purchase amount for consumables. The receipt processing unit 12 generates purchase information that includes these calculation results.

[0061] The receipt processing unit 12 generates purchase information that shows the identified store identifier (i.e., the store identifier of the target store) and the pre-tax price, tax-inclusive price, tax exemption category, and tax rate for each of the one or more purchased items. One of the pre-tax price and tax-inclusive price is identified based on the tax display format, and the other is calculated from the identified price and the tax rate. The purchase information shows the pre-tax price and tax-inclusive price of discounted purchased items in the format to which the discount has been applied. If a purchased item to which a specific tax rate applies is identified, the purchase information shows the correspondence between that purchased item and the specific tax rate. The purchase information may also show the tax exemption category of the shopping bag.

[0062] As described above, the receipt processing unit 12 refers to the store database 20 (store data) to determine the tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased items at the identified target store. This determination process includes cases where the tax exemption category for each purchased item is determined based on the tax exemption category information without using specific tax rate information, shopping bag information, and designated product information. This determination process also includes cases where the tax exemption category for at least one of the one or more purchased items is determined using at least one of the specific tax rate information, shopping bag information, and designated product information.

[0063] As described above, the receipt processing unit 12 refers to the store database 20 (store data) to determine the tax rate for each of the one or more purchased items at the identified target store. This determination process includes cases where the tax rate for each purchased item is determined based on the tax rate information without using the specific tax rate information and shopping bag information. This determination process also includes cases where the tax rate for at least one of the one or more purchased items is determined using at least one of the specific tax rate information and shopping bag information.

[0064] As shown in step S138, the receipt processing unit 12 performs the processes in steps S131 to S137 for the receipt data of all acquired purchase receipts. If there is unprocessed receipt data (NO in step S138), the process returns to step S131. In the repeated step S131, the receipt processing unit 12 selects the receipt data of the next purchase receipt. In the repeated steps S132 to S137, the receipt processing unit 12 performs the processing for the selected receipt data. If all receipt data has been processed (YES in step S138), step S13 ends.

[0065] Returning to Figure 5, in step S14, the display control unit 13 displays user information and purchase information on the display device. Figure 8 shows an example of the display of user information and purchase information. In this example, the display control unit 13 displays a screen 300 written in English on the display device. This screen 300 includes a passport information area 310 that displays passport information which may be used as user information, a purchase information area 320 that displays purchase information, and an issue button 330 for generating and transmitting purchase record information.

[0066] The passport information area 310 displays passport information read from the passport (for example, the user's name and date of birth).

[0067] The purchase information area 320 includes a combo box 321 for selecting the target store, a detail area 322 showing the details of the purchase at the selected target store, and a summary area 323 showing a summary of the purchase at the selected target store. The detail area 322 shows the store name (SHOP), purchase date (RECEIPT DATE), receipt identification number (RECEIPT NO.), product name (PRODUCT), quantity of purchased items (QTY), net price of purchased items (NET AMT.), gross price of purchased items (GROSS AMT.), tax rate of purchased items (VAT), and tax exemption category of purchased items (CONSUMABLE). In this example, the tax exemption category is displayed by a toggle switch, with ON and OFF representing "consumable goods" and "general goods," respectively. The summary area 323 displays the non-consumable total for general goods, the consumable total for consumables, the total purchase total, the total VAT total, the fee for the tax exemption procedure paid to the TRO, and the refund total for the user. The information displayed in the purchase information area 320 corresponds to the purchase receipt 200 shown in Figure 4.

[0068] Returning to Figure 5, in step S15, the record generation unit 14 generates purchase record information corresponding to each of the one or more purchase receipts based on the user information and purchase information. For example, the record generation unit 14 generates purchase record information in response to a predetermined user operation.

[0069] In step S16, the record generation unit 14 transmits the purchase record information to the management server 30 at a predetermined timing. The management server 30 receives the purchase record information and stores it in the purchase record database 40. The transmission of the purchase record information to the management server 30 is an example of a process that outputs the purchase record information in order to store it in the purchase record database 40.

[0070] In the example shown in Figure 8, an operator such as a user or staff member checks the information on the screen 300 and then clicks or taps the issue button 330. The record generation unit 14 then generates and transmits purchase record information in response to the user's operation (steps S15, S16).

[0071] The management server 30 transmits the purchase record information from the purchase record database 40 to the NTA system 50 at a predetermined time. The NTA system 50 inspects the purchase record information and returns the reception result to the management server 30. The purchase record information received by the NTA system 50 can be referenced by customs officers. Based on this purchase record information, the user can receive the prescribed tax exemption procedure.

[0072] [Differentiation] The technology relating to this disclosure has been described in detail above based on various examples. However, this disclosure is not limited to the examples given above. The technology relating to this disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from its essence.

[0073] In this disclosure, the expression "at least one processor executes the first process, the second process, ... the nth process," or a corresponding expression, is a concept that includes cases where the entity executing the n processes from the first process to the nth process changes midway through. In other words, this expression represents a concept that includes both cases where all n processes are executed by the same processor and cases where the processor changes at an arbitrary rate for the n processes.

[0074] The processing steps for a method executed by at least one processor are not limited to the examples above. For example, some of the steps described above may be omitted, or each step may be performed in a different order. Also, any two or more of the steps described above may be combined, or some of the steps may be modified or deleted. Alternatively, other steps may be performed in addition to each of the steps described above.

[0075] For example, with respect to the process of identifying the details of the purchase receipt (step S134), the receipt processing unit 12 does not have to perform at least one of the steps S1343 to S1349 above, and may perform only one of the steps S1343 to S1349.

[0076] As another example of the process for identifying the details of a purchase receipt (step S134), the receipt processing unit 12 may, in addition to at least one of steps S1343 to S1349 above, identify the product category to which the purchased items belong. A product category refers to information indicating the type of product, such as "food / beverages," "clothing," "cosmetics," or "home appliances." In this case, the receipt processing unit 12 refers to a predetermined product database that stores the consumption categories of individual products to identify the product category corresponding to the product name. The receipt processing unit 12 then generates purchase information that further includes the product category for each of the one or more purchased items. Based on this purchase information, the record generation unit 14 generates and outputs purchase record information that further includes the product category for each of the one or more purchased items.

[0077] The tax exemption system relating to this disclosure may be applied to computers or computer systems other than the issuing terminal 10. In connection with this, the tax exemption system does not have to perform processing related to user information or processing related to purchase record information.

[0078] When comparing the relative magnitudes of two numbers in a computer system or within a computer, either the two criteria "greater than or equal to" and "greater than" may be used, or either the two criteria "less than or equal to" and "less than" may be used.

[0079] [Note] As can be seen from the various examples above, this disclosure includes the following aspects: (Note 1) Equipped with at least one processor, The at least one processor, By performing character recognition on purchase receipts showing one or more items purchased at the target store, we obtain receipt data. The price of each of the one or more purchased items is identified based on the receipt data. Based on the aforementioned receipt data, the target store is identified, Referencing a store database that stores store store data including tax exemption category information indicating the tax exemption category of a product for each of multiple stores, the tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store is determined. The system generates purchase information indicating the specified price and specified tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased items. Tax-free system. (Note 2) The store data further includes tax information indicating whether the price displayed on the purchase receipt is tax-exclusive or tax-inclusive for each of the multiple stores, The at least one processor, Based on the tax display information corresponding to the identified target store, one of the tax-exclusive display and the tax-inclusive display is selected as the tax display format for the purchase receipt. Based on the receipt data and the selected tax display format, the system generates purchase information for each of the one or more purchased items, showing either the price excluding tax or the price including tax as the specified price. The tax exemption system described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The store data further includes tax rate information indicating the default tax rate for each of the multiple stores sold at that store. The at least one processor, Based on the receipt data and the tax rate information corresponding to the identified target store, the tax rate for each of the one or more purchased items is identified. The purchase information is generated to further indicate the tax rate for each of the one or more specified purchase items. The tax exemption system described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) The at least one processor, Used for verifying the total amount, at least one reference amount is identified based on the receipt data, where the at least one reference amount is at least one of the following: the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, and the difference between the total amount including tax and the total tax amount. The sum of the prices of each of the one or more purchased items is calculated, If the calculated total differs from any of the specified reference amounts, an amount error is displayed on the display device. The tax exemption system described in any one of the appendices 1-3. (Note 5) The store data further includes matching method information indicating, for each of the multiple stores, whether the type of the base amount is the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, or the difference in amount. The at least one processor, Based on the matching method information corresponding to the identified target store, select the type of the identified standard amount. If the calculated total differs from the base amount corresponding to the selected type, the amount error will be displayed. The tax exemption system described in Appendix 4. (Note 6) The at least one processor, The quantity of each of the one or more purchased items is identified based on the receipt data, The sum of the specified quantities for each of the one or more purchased items is calculated. If the calculated total differs from the total number of items purchased as indicated by the receipt data on the purchase receipt, a quantity error will be displayed on the display device. The tax exemption system described in any one of the appendices 1-5. (Note 7) The aforementioned store data further includes, for each of the plurality of stores, the correspondence between the store's telephone number and a store identifier that uniquely identifies the store. The at least one processor, Based on the aforementioned receipt data, the phone number is identified. Based on the aforementioned store data, the store identifier corresponding to the identified telephone number is identified as the store identifier of the target store. The purchase information further indicating the identified store identifier is displayed on the display device. The tax exemption system described in any one of the appendices 1-6. (Note 8) If at least one of the processors has two or more store identifiers in the store data corresponding to the identified telephone number, The store identifier described on the purchase receipt is identified as a reference identifier from the receipt data. From the two or more store identifiers mentioned above, one store identifier corresponding to the standard identifier is identified as the store identifier of the target store. The tax exemption system described in Appendix 7. (Note 9) The at least one processor, The purchase date written on the purchase receipt is identified based on the receipt data, If the purchase date differs from the system date, a date error will be displayed on the display device. The tax exemption system described in any one of the appendices 1-8. (Note 10) The store data further includes specific tax rate information indicating the specific tax rate displayed on the purchase receipt for each of the multiple stores, The at least one processor, Based on the specified tax rate information corresponding to the identified target store, it is determined whether or not there is a purchased item to which the specified tax rate applies among the one or more purchased items. When the purchased goods to which the specified tax rate applies are identified, the purchase information is generated that further indicates the correspondence between the identified purchased goods and the specified tax rate. The tax-free system described in any one of the appendices 1-9. (Note 11) The at least one processor, Access a predetermined database that stores designated product information, which indicates one or more designated strings for identifying designated products for which the tax exemption category is set to a predetermined value. Determine whether the purchased product containing the specified string corresponding to the identified target store is present among the one or more purchased products. When the purchased product containing the specified string is identified, the purchase information is generated indicating the predetermined value as the tax exemption category for the identified purchased product. The tax-free system described in any one of the appendices 1-10. (Note 12) The at least one processor, For each of the one or more purchased items mentioned above, determine whether or not a discount was applied to that item. For the purchased goods to which the aforementioned discount has been applied, the purchase information is generated showing the price excluding tax and the price including tax in the format to which the aforementioned discount has been applied. The tax-free system described in any one of the appendices 1-11. (Note 13) The store data further includes shopping bag information indicating a threshold for each of the multiple stores for determining the cost of a shopping bag to hold the purchased goods, The at least one processor, Determine whether or not a price below the threshold corresponding to the identified target store exists in the receipt data. When a price below the threshold is identified, it is determined that the purchased item corresponding to the identified price is the shopping bag. The purchase information is generated further including the identified shopping bag and the tax-free category corresponding to the identified shopping bag. The tax-free system described in any one of the appendices 1 through 12. (Note 14) The at least one processor, Based on the aforementioned purchase information, purchase record information corresponding to the purchase receipt is generated. To store the aforementioned purchase record information in the purchase record database, the purchase record information is output. The tax exemption system described in any one of the appendices 1-13. (Note 15) A tax exemption method implemented by a tax exemption system having at least one processor, The steps include obtaining receipt data by performing character recognition on purchase receipts showing one or more items purchased at the target store, and The steps include: identifying the price of each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; The steps include identifying the target store based on the receipt data, The steps include: referring to a store database that stores store store data including tax exemption category information indicating the tax exemption category of a product for each of multiple stores, and identifying the tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store; A step of generating purchase information indicating the specified price and specified tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased items, Tax-free methods including those mentioned. (Note 16) The steps include obtaining receipt data by performing character recognition on purchase receipts showing one or more items purchased at the target store, and The steps include: identifying the price of each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; The steps include identifying the target store based on the receipt data, The steps include: referring to a store database that stores store store data including tax exemption category information indicating the tax exemption category of a product for each of multiple stores, and identifying the tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store; A step of generating purchase information indicating the specified price and specified tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased items, A tax-free program that causes a computer to execute a tax-free procedure.

[0080] According to appendices 1, 15, and 16, the target store is identified based on the receipt data obtained through character recognition of the purchase receipt, and the tax exemption category for each purchased item at that target store is identified by referring to store data that indicates the tax exemption category for each item at that store. Then, purchase information showing the tax exemption category and price of each purchased item is generated. Since the tax exemption categories for items, which may differ from store to store, are identified using the store database, information for tax exemption procedures can be accurately obtained based on the results of character recognition of the purchase receipt.

[0081] According to Appendix 2, the tax display format on the purchase receipt is selected by referring to store data that indicates the tax display format for each individual store. Based on the selected tax display format, it is then determined whether the price of each purchased item is the tax-exclusive price or the tax-inclusive price. Since the tax display format, which may differ from store to store, is identified using the store database, accurate information for tax-free procedures can be obtained.

[0082] According to Appendix 3, the tax rate for each purchased item is determined by referring to store data that shows the default tax rate for each store. The default tax rate at a store may vary depending on various factors such as the type of store and the range of products it carries. Since this default value is determined using the store database, accurate information for tax exemption procedures can be obtained.

[0083] According to Appendix 4, the total price of the purchased items is compared with at least one of the following reference amounts written on the purchase receipt (the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, and the difference between the total amount including tax and the total tax amount), so the purchase amount can be checked efficiently. In addition, if the total price of the purchased items differs from any of the reference amounts, a monetary error is displayed, prompting users and other stakeholders to take measures such as re-running character recognition when processing the purchase receipt.

[0084] According to Appendix 5, the type of base amount used for comparison with the total price of purchased items is selected by referring to store data that indicates the type of base amount used for comparison with each individual store. Although the format in which the total amount is displayed may differ from store to store, the type of base amount is selected using the store database, which allows for more reliable verification of purchase amounts.

[0085] According to Appendix 6, the total number of purchased items is compared with the total number of items purchased as written on the purchase receipt, allowing for efficient verification of the number of items purchased. Furthermore, if the total number of purchased items differs from the total number of items purchased, a quantity error is displayed, prompting the user to take corrective action, such as re-running character recognition, when processing the purchase receipt.

[0086] According to Appendix 7, the store identifier is identified from the phone number in the receipt data by referring to store data that includes the correspondence between the store's phone number and the store identifier. The accuracy of character recognition for phone numbers, which consist of numbers, is relatively high. Since the store identifier is identified using that phone number and the store data, information for tax exemption procedures can be accurately obtained.

[0087] According to Appendix 8, if two or more store identifiers exist in the store data corresponding to a store's phone number, the store identifier written on the purchase receipt (base identifier) ​​is used to ultimately identify the store identifier. Only when a single store identifier cannot be identified from the phone number alone, which has relatively high character recognition accuracy, is the store identifier on the purchase receipt used, thereby enabling accurate acquisition of information for tax exemption procedures.

[0088] According to Appendix 9, a date error will be displayed if the purchase date differs from the system date (i.e., the current date). For example, if a purchase receipt is not processed on the day of issue, the tax exemption procedure cannot be performed for that purchase receipt. By introducing a mechanism to check the validity of the purchase date, it is possible to prevent situations where tax exemption procedures are performed for inappropriate purchase receipts.

[0089] According to Appendix 10, by referring to store data that shows the specific tax rate for each store, the purchased goods to which the specific tax rate applies can be identified. Since the specific tax rate mark, which may be displayed in a different format on the purchase receipt from store to store, is identified using the store database, accurate information for tax exemption procedures can be obtained.

[0090] According to Appendix 11, the purchased items to which the tax exemption category should be set are identified by referring to designated product information that indicates one or more designated strings for identifying products to which the tax exemption category should be set to a predetermined value. By using designated strings, it is possible to accurately determine which purchased items should have the tax exemption category set with flexibility.

[0091] According to Appendix 12, the price of the purchased goods is shown in a format that takes into account any applicable discounts. Therefore, even if the price of a purchased item that may be eligible for tax exemption is discounted, accurate information for tax exemption procedures can still be obtained.

[0092] According to Appendix 13, whether or not a shopping bag is included as a purchased item can be determined by referring to store data that indicates a threshold for determining the price of a shopping bag. By providing a threshold for determining whether a shopping bag has a different price at each store as a data item in the store data, accurate information for tax-free procedures can be obtained.

[0093] According to Appendix 14, based on the generated purchase information, purchase record information corresponding to the purchase receipt is generated and output. Since purchase information for tax exemption procedures can be accurately obtained, it becomes possible to prepare accurate purchase record information to be stored in the purchase record database. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10...Issuing terminal, 11...User processing unit, 12...Receipt processing unit, 13...Display control unit, 14...Record generation unit, 20...Store database, 30...Management server, 40...Purchase record database, 50...NTA system, 110...Tax-free program, 200...Purchase receipt, 300...Screen, 310...Passport information area, 320...Purchase information area, 330...Issue button.

Claims

1. Equipped with at least one processor, The at least one processor, By performing character recognition on purchase receipts showing one or more items purchased at the target store, we obtain receipt data. The price of each of the one or more purchased items is identified based on the receipt data. Based on the aforementioned receipt data, the target store is identified, Referencing a store database that stores store store data including tax exemption category information indicating the tax exemption category of a product for each of multiple stores, the tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store is determined. The system generates purchase information indicating the specified price and specified tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased items. Tax-free system.

2. The store data further includes tax information indicating whether the price displayed on the purchase receipt is tax-exclusive or tax-inclusive for each of the multiple stores, The at least one processor, Based on the tax display information corresponding to the identified target store, one of the tax-exclusive display and the tax-inclusive display is selected as the tax display format for the purchase receipt. Based on the receipt data and the selected tax display format, the system generates purchase information for each of the one or more purchased items, showing either the price excluding tax or the price including tax as the specified price. The tax exemption system according to claim 1.

3. The store data further includes tax rate information indicating the default tax rate for each of the multiple stores sold at that store. The at least one processor, Based on the receipt data and the tax rate information corresponding to the identified target store, the tax rate for each of the one or more purchased items is identified. The purchase information is generated to further indicate the tax rate for each of the one or more specified purchase items. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The at least one processor, Used for verifying the total amount, at least one reference amount is identified based on the receipt data, where the at least one reference amount is at least one of the following: the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, and the difference between the total amount including tax and the total tax amount. The sum of the prices of each of the one or more purchased items is calculated, If the calculated total differs from any of the specified reference amounts, an amount error is displayed on the display device. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The store data further includes matching method information indicating, for each of the multiple stores, whether the type of the base amount is the total amount including tax, the total amount excluding tax, or the difference in amount. The at least one processor, Based on the matching method information corresponding to the identified target store, select the type of the identified standard amount. If the calculated total differs from the base amount corresponding to the selected type, the amount error will be displayed. The tax exemption system according to claim 4.

6. The at least one processor, The quantity of each of the one or more purchased items is identified based on the receipt data, The sum of the specified quantities for each of the one or more purchased items is calculated. If the calculated total differs from the total number of items purchased as indicated by the receipt data on the purchase receipt, a quantity error will be displayed on the display device. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned store data further includes, for each of the plurality of stores, the correspondence between the store's telephone number and a store identifier that uniquely identifies the store. The at least one processor, Based on the aforementioned receipt data, the phone number is identified. Based on the aforementioned store data, the store identifier corresponding to the identified telephone number is identified as the store identifier of the target store. The purchase information further indicates the identified store identifier, The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. If at least one of the processors has two or more store identifiers in the store data corresponding to the identified telephone number, The store identifier described on the purchase receipt is identified as a reference identifier from the receipt data. From the two or more store identifiers mentioned above, one store identifier corresponding to the standard identifier is identified as the store identifier of the target store. The tax exemption system according to claim 7.

9. The at least one processor, The purchase date written on the purchase receipt is identified based on the receipt data, If the purchase date differs from the system date, a date error will be displayed on the display device. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The store data further includes specific tax rate information indicating the specific tax rate displayed on the purchase receipt for each of the multiple stores, The at least one processor, Based on the specified tax rate information corresponding to the identified target store, it is determined whether or not there is a purchased item to which the specified tax rate applies among the one or more purchased items. When the purchased goods to which the specified tax rate applies are identified, the purchase information is generated that further indicates the correspondence between the identified purchased goods and the specified tax rate. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The at least one processor, Access a predetermined database that stores designated product information, which indicates one or more designated strings for identifying designated products for which the tax exemption category is set to a predetermined value. Determine whether the purchased product containing the specified string corresponding to the identified target store is present among the one or more purchased products. When the purchased product containing the specified string is identified, the purchase information is generated indicating the predetermined value as the tax exemption category for the identified purchased product. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The at least one processor, For each of the one or more purchased items mentioned above, determine whether or not a discount was applied to that item. For the purchased goods to which the aforementioned discount has been applied, the purchase information is generated showing the price excluding tax and the price including tax in the format to which the aforementioned discount has been applied. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The store data further includes shopping bag information indicating a threshold for each of the multiple stores for determining the cost of a shopping bag to hold the purchased goods, The at least one processor, Determine whether or not a price below the threshold corresponding to the identified target store exists in the receipt data. When a price below the threshold is identified, it is determined that the purchased item corresponding to the identified price is the shopping bag. The purchase information is generated further including the identified shopping bag and the tax-free category corresponding to the identified shopping bag. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The at least one processor, Based on the aforementioned purchase information, purchase record information corresponding to the purchase receipt is generated. To store the aforementioned purchase record information in the purchase record database, the purchase record information is output. The tax exemption system according to claim 1 or 2.

15. A tax exemption method implemented by a tax exemption system having at least one processor, The steps include obtaining receipt data by performing character recognition on purchase receipts showing one or more items purchased at the target store, and The steps include: identifying the price of each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; The steps include identifying the target store based on the receipt data, The steps include: referring to a store database that stores store store data including tax exemption category information indicating the tax exemption category of a product for each of multiple stores, and identifying the tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store; A step of generating purchase information indicating the specified price and specified tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased items, Tax-free methods including those mentioned.

16. The steps include obtaining receipt data by performing character recognition on purchase receipts showing one or more items purchased at the target store, and The steps include: identifying the price of each of the one or more purchased items based on the receipt data; The steps include identifying the target store based on the receipt data, The steps include: referring to a store database that stores store store data including tax exemption category information indicating the tax exemption category of a product for each of multiple stores, and identifying the tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased products at the identified target store; A step of generating purchase information indicating the specified price and specified tax exemption category for each of the one or more purchased items, A tax-free program that causes a computer to execute a tax-free procedure.

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