Transaction processing device and information processing program

Abstract

The system allows users to change whether or not to print a certificate corresponding to a particular system for each transaction. [Solution] The transaction processing device of the embodiment comprises a registration means, an instruction receiving means, a control means, and a first output means. The registration means registers one or more goods that are the subject of a single transaction. The instruction receiving means receives an instruction to output a qualifying certificate for each transaction. The control means controls the registration means so as not to include goods that are not covered by the system as the subject of a transaction for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means. The first output means displays the transaction details for the goods registered by the registration means in a manner that satisfies the requirements stipulated in a predetermined system, and outputs a certificate representing the seller's identifier for transactions for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction processing apparatus and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In a transaction processing apparatus such as a POS terminal device, it may be necessary to output a receipt or other document in accordance with various systems such as the tax system. However, since there are cases where the recipients of the documents to which the systems apply are limited, depending on the business form of the store or the like where the transaction processing apparatus is used, there may be no need to issue a document corresponding to a certain system.

[0003] For example, as one of the various systems, there is the "Qualified Invoice Preservation Method" introduced from October 2023. This system is also referred to as the "Invoice System", and this name will be used in the following description. In this Invoice System, requirements for a formal certificate (qualified invoice, or invoice, hereinafter referred to as invoice) for input tax credit corresponding to a multiple tax rate system for consumption tax are defined. Therefore, there is no need to issue an invoice to general consumers who are not subject to input tax credit.

[0004] However, for example, even in a store where most customers are general consumers, if there is a possibility that a customer may need an invoice, the transaction processing apparatus must always be set to issue an invoice. Under such circumstances, it has been desired that whether to output a document corresponding to a certain system can be switched for each transaction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a transaction processing device and an information processing program that can switch on a transaction-by-transaction basis whether or not to output a certificate corresponding to a certain system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The transaction processing device of the embodiment comprises a registration means, an instruction receiving means, a control means, and a first output means. The registration means registers one or more goods that are the subject of a single transaction. The instruction receiving means receives an instruction to output a qualifying certificate for each transaction. The control means controls the registration means so as not to include goods that are not covered by the system as the subject of transactions for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means. The first output means represents the transaction details of the goods registered by the registration means in a manner that satisfies the requirements stipulated in a predetermined system, and outputs a certificate representing the seller's identifier for transactions for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a POS system according to one embodiment, and the main circuit configurations of the POS terminal device and POS server. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the structure of transaction data in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Transaction processing flowchart. [Figure 4] Transaction processing flowchart. [Figure 5] Transaction processing flowchart. [Figure 6] Transaction processing flowchart. [Figure 7] A diagram representing the registration screen. [Figure 8] A diagram representing the registration screen. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an error screen. [Figure 10] A diagram representing the registration screen. [Figure 11] Figure showing the registration screen. [Figure 12] Figure showing the warning screen. [Figure 13] Figure showing the first invoice receipt. [Figure 14] Figure showing the first invoice receipt. [Figure 15] Figure showing the second invoice receipt. [Figure 16] Figure showing the second invoice receipt. [Figure 17] Figure showing the overall receipt. [Figure 18] Figure showing the third invoice receipt. [Figure 19] Figure showing the tax-free receipt.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a POS system 1 according to the present embodiment and the main circuit configurations of a POS terminal device 100 and a POS server 200. The POS system 1 is configured such that the POS terminal device 100 and the POS server 200 can communicate via a communication network 2.

[0010] The POS terminal device 100 performs processing for selling products to customers in a store. That is, the POS terminal device 100 is an example of a transaction processing device that performs processing related to transactions for product sales between a store operator and a customer. The POS terminal device 100 is a so-called face-to-face type, and mainly a store clerk serves as its operator. The POS terminal device 100 is installed in a store or the like in a state facing the workspace for the store clerk. Customers usually wait in a waiting space defined separately from the workspace. Therefore, hereinafter, based on the POS terminal device 100, the workspace side and the waiting space side will be respectively referred to as the store clerk side and the customer side.

[0011] The POS terminal device 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, a store clerk side touch panel 104, a keyboard 105, a fixed scanner 106, a handy scanner 107, a credit card reader 108, a proximity communication unit 109, a card reader / writer 110, a receipt printer 111, a change unit 112, a customer side touch panel 113, a communication unit 114, and a transmission path 115. And the processor 101, the main memory unit 102, the auxiliary storage unit 103, the store clerk side touch panel 104, the keyboard 105, the fixed scanner 106, the handy scanner 107, the credit card reader 108, the proximity communication unit 109, the card reader / writer 110, the receipt printer 111, the change unit 112, the customer side touch panel 113, and the communication unit 114 are connected to the transmission path 115.

[0012] The processor 101, the main memory unit 102, and the auxiliary storage unit 103 are connected by the transmission path 115 to form a computer for executing information processing related to the control of the POS terminal device 100. The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 101 controls each part of the POS terminal device 100 to realize various functions of the POS terminal device 100 by executing information processing based on information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main memory unit 102 and the auxiliary storage unit 103.

[0013] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 stores a part of the above information processing program in the read-only memory area. Also, the main memory unit 102 may store data necessary for the processor 101 to execute processing for controlling each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 101.

[0014] The auxiliary storage unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 103 includes well-known storage devices such as EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), HDD (hard disk drive), and SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 in performing various information processing tasks, and data generated by processing performed by the processor 101. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may also store the information processing program described above. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 103 stores the transaction processing program PRA. The transaction processing program PRA is an application program that describes the processing procedures related to information processing described later for processing transactions. A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 103 is used as an area for storing transaction data DAA. Transaction data DAA is data that represents the content of a single transaction.

[0015] The employee-side touch panel 104 is positioned facing the employee. The employee-side touch panel 104 displays a screen for presenting information to the employee. The employee-side touch panel 104 also accepts instructions from the employee via touch operations on the screen. Keyboard 105 is equipped with numerous keys to facilitate operation by store staff. Keyboard 105 receives instructions from store staff by pressing these keys.

[0016] The fixed scanner 106 has a reading window facing the store clerk. The fixed scanner 106 captures an image of the product held in front of the reading window and then recognizes the barcode information represented by the barcode formed on the product through image processing. The fixed scanner 106 then outputs the information to the processor 101. The fixed scanner 106 can also utilize other types of well-known devices that optically read barcodes using the reflection of laser light. Alternatively, the fixed scanner 106 can utilize a well-known type of device that has the function of identifying products using object recognition technology from the image of the product itself obtained by capturing the product.

[0017] The handheld scanner 107 is used by a store employee and optically reads the barcode placed opposite the reader. The handheld scanner 107 outputs the barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 101. The credit card reader 108 reads card information from a credit card.

[0018] The proximity communication unit 109 performs proximity wireless communication with a nearby wireless tag and acquires data stored in the wireless tag. The proximity communication unit 109 also writes arbitrary information to the wireless tag through the proximity wireless communication described above. The card reader / writer 110 reads card data recorded on predetermined cards such as membership cards and prepaid cards. The card reader / writer 110 can also write arbitrary data to membership cards.

[0019] The receipt printer 111 prints an image of a receipt, invoice, or sales slip onto the receipt paper. The receipt printer 111 then ejects the receipt paper with the printed image from the receipt output slot to the outside. The change unit 112 counts the coins inserted through the coin slot and stores them in an internal storage compartment. The change unit 112 then discharges the coins stored in the storage compartment into a coin tray via a coin discharge port. The change unit 112 counts the banknotes inserted through the banknote slot and stores them in an internal storage compartment. The change unit 112 then discharges the banknotes stored in the storage compartment through a banknote discharge port. The banknote discharge port holds the discharged banknotes with a portion of them exposed to the outside. The customer-side touch panel 113 is positioned facing the customer. The customer-side touch panel 113 displays a screen for presenting information to the customer. The customer-side touch panel 113 also accepts input from the customer through touch operations on the screen.

[0020] The communication unit 114 performs communication processing for the processor 101 to exchange various data with any device, such as a POS server 200, via the communication network 2. Typically, a LAN (local area network) is used as the communication network 2. However, in addition to a LAN, the communication network 2 can also use the internet, VPN (virtual private network), public communication network, mobile communication network, etc., either alone or in appropriate combinations. The communication unit 114 can use a well-known device that conforms to the communication method of the communication network 2. The transmission path 115 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, etc. The transmission path 115 transmits data and signals exchanged between the connected parts.

[0021] As the basic hardware of the POS terminal device 100, for example, the hardware of another existing POS terminal device can be used. In this case, the transfer of the POS terminal device 100 is generally carried out with the transaction processing program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. However, the hardware of the POS terminal device 100 and the transaction processing program PRA may be transferred separately, without the transaction processing program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The transaction processing program PRA may then be written to the auxiliary storage unit 103 in response to an operation by any worker. Alternatively, the hardware of the POS terminal device 100 and the transaction processing program PRA may be transferred separately, with a different version of the same type of information processing program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The transaction processing program PRA may then be written to replace the information processing program already stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The transfer of the transaction processing program PRA can be carried out by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication over a network. The transaction processing program PRA may be stored in the main storage unit 102.

[0022] The POS server 200 includes a processor 201, a main storage unit 202, an auxiliary storage unit 203, a communication unit 204, and a transmission line 205, etc. The processor 201, the main storage unit 202, the auxiliary storage unit 203, and the communication unit 204 are able to communicate with each other via the transmission line 205.

[0023] By connecting the processor 201, the main memory unit 202, and the auxiliary memory unit 203 with a transmission line 205, a computer is configured to perform information processing for controlling the POS server 200. The processor 201 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 201 performs information processing to control each part in order to realize various functions as a POS server 200, in accordance with information processing programs such as the operating system and application programs.

[0024] The main memory unit 202 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The main memory unit 202 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 202 stores a portion of the information processing program described above in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 202 may also store data necessary for the processor 201 to perform processing to control each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 202 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 201.

[0025] The auxiliary storage unit 203 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 203 can utilize, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or various other well-known storage devices. The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores data used by the processor 201 in performing various processes and data generated by the processing performed by the processor 201. The auxiliary storage unit 203 may also store the information processing program described above. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 203 stores the management processing program PRB, which is one of the information processing programs. The management processing program PRB is an application program that represents the information processing procedure for managing transactions processed by the POS terminal device 100.

[0026] A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 203 is used to store the product master data DAB, journal file FIA, and transaction file FIB. The product master data DAB is a database containing various information about products that may be the subject of transactions processed by the POS terminal device 100. The product information includes, for each individual product, at least the product code as an identifier, product name, unit price, tax category, and tax rate. The journal file FIA ​​is a data file that aggregates journal data generated for each transaction. The transaction file FIB is a data file that aggregates transaction data generated for each transaction by the POS terminal device 100.

[0027] The communication unit 204 performs communication processing for data communication via the communication network 2. The communication unit 204 can use, for example, an existing communication device for the internet. The transmission line 205 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts.

[0028] For the hardware of the POS server 200, for example, a general-purpose server device can be used. Generally, the transfer of the POS server 200 is carried out with the management processing program PRB stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203, but without the product master data DAB, journal file FIA, and transaction file FIB. However, the hardware of the POS server 200 in a state where the management processing program PRB is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 and the management processing program PRB may be transferred separately. The management processing program PRB may be written to the auxiliary storage unit 203 in response to an operation by any worker. Alternatively, the hardware in a state where a different version of the same type of application program as the management processing program PRB is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203 and the management processing program PRB may be transferred separately. The POS server 200 may then be configured by writing the management processing program PRB to the auxiliary storage unit 203 in response to an operation by any worker. The transfer of the management processing program PRB can be carried out by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication over a network.

[0029] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the transaction data DAA. Transaction data DAA is generated for transactions being processed by the POS terminal device 100 and stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The transaction data DAA includes fields FAA and FAB. The transaction data DAA may contain any number of fields starting from field FAC. Field FAA is set with the transaction code as the identifier for the transaction in question. Field FAB is set with the invoice flag, indicating whether or not an invoice is set to be issued. If there are registered goods (hereinafter referred to as transaction goods) that are the subject of the transaction in question, fields FAC, FAD, ... associated with each transaction goods are added to the transaction data DAA. Fields FAC, FAD, ... are set with product data for each separate transaction goods.

[0030] A single product data entry includes the fields FBA, FBB, FBC, FBD, FBE, and FBF. The FBA field contains the product code, which serves as the identifier for the associated transaction product. The FBB field contains the product name defined for the associated transaction product. The FBC field contains the unit price of the associated transaction product. The FBD field contains the tax classification code representing the tax classification of the associated transaction product. The tax classification can be one of the following: "external tax," "internal tax," "tax-exempt," or "tax-free." The FBE field contains the tax rate of the associated transaction product. The FBF field contains the quantity of the associated transaction product. Product data may also contain various other information, such as discount information. Thus, transaction data represents a list of transaction products that are the subject of a transaction.

[0031] Next, we will explain the operation of POS system 1, which is configured as described above. Note that the following explanation will focus on the characteristic operations, and will omit explanations of some operations performed in existing similar POS systems. Furthermore, the following explanation is just one example, and the order of some operations or the omission of some operations can be done as appropriate. When the POS terminal device 100 is started up in an operational state for transaction processing, the processor 101 starts information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA (hereinafter referred to as transaction processing).

[0032] Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 are flowcharts of the transaction process. As ACT11 in Figure 3, the processor 101 generates new transaction data DAA for the new transaction to be processed and stores it in the auxiliary storage unit 103. For example, the processor 101 determines a new transaction code different from the transaction code already assigned to other transactions according to predetermined rules and sets this transaction code in the field FAA of the new transaction data DAA. For example, the processor 101 sets the invoice flag, which has a predetermined initial state, in the field FAB of the new transaction data DAA. The initial state of the invoice flag is expected to be a state indicating that the setting is not to issue an invoice (hereinafter referred to as the non-issue setting) (hereinafter referred to as the non-issue state). However, the initial state of the invoice flag may also be a state indicating that the setting is to issue an invoice (hereinafter referred to as the issue setting) (hereinafter referred to as the issue state), and this may be determined as appropriate by the designer or administrator of the POS terminal device 100. The processor 101 does not include product data in the new transaction data DAA.

[0033] As ACT12, processor 101 displays the registration screen on the store clerk's touch panel 104. The registration screen is a GUI (graphical user interface) screen that shows the registration status of the transaction items and receives various instructions for the POS terminal device 100. Figure 7 is a diagram representing the registration screen SCA. Figure 7 shows the status of the registration screen SCA displayed by the processor 101 as ACT12. In other words, Figure 6 shows the registration screen SCA when no trading products have been registered. Note that the registration screen SCA and the various screens described later illustrate the main display objects, but some display objects may be omitted. For example, some buttons displayed on the various screens may be omitted. Also, the registration screen SCA and the various screens described later are examples and may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the creator of the transaction processing program PRA.

[0034] The registration screen SCA consists of an image IMA and buttons BUA and BUB. The image IMA shows the details of the target transaction. In Figure 7, no transaction items have been registered, so product names and other details are not displayed. Button BUA is a soft key for receiving instructions to start accounting for registered transaction items. Button BUB is a soft key for receiving instructions to change whether or not to issue an invoice.

[0035] After completing ACT12 in Figure 3, processor 101 proceeds to ACT13. As ACT13, processor 101 checks whether an instruction to set the issue configuration has been given. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT14. As ACT14, processor 101 checks whether an instruction to disable the issuing setting has been given. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT15.

[0036] In ACT15, processor 101 checks whether the product to be traded has been specified. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT16. As ACT16, processor 101 checks whether or not the commencement of accounting has been instructed. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT13. Thus, processor 101 awaits instructions as ACT13 to ACT16 to be made to set up or not set up for issuance, to specify the goods, or to start accounting.

[0037] The customer picks up the items they wish to purchase from the products displayed on the sales floor, takes the items to the checkout counter, and hands them to the store clerk who is in charge of operating the POS terminal 100. In the following, we will provide one product with product name "AAAAA", unit price "100 yen", tax category "external tax", and tax rate "8%", one product with product name "BBBBB", unit price "200 yen", tax category "tax-free", and tax rate "8%", two products with product name "CCCCC", unit price "300 yen", tax category "external tax", and tax rate "10%", and a product with product name "DDDDD", unit price "400 yen", tax category "external tax", and tax rate "10% The explanation will include a concrete example of a customer handing over the following items to a store employee: one item with a tax rate of 10%, two items with the product name "EEEEE", a unit price of 500 yen, a tax category of "tax-exempt", and a tax rate of 10%, one item with the product name "FFFFF", a unit price of 600 yen, a tax category of "external tax", and a tax rate of 10%, and one item with the product name "GGGGG", a unit price of 700 yen, a tax category of "external tax", and a tax rate of 8%. The store operator is assumed to be a registered business under the invoice system. Furthermore, the store is assumed to be selling goods sold by non-taxable businesses on consignment as goods exempt from consumption tax. In the following, goods with a tax category of "external tax" or "internal tax" will be referred to as taxable goods. Goods with a tax category of "tax-exempt" will be referred to as tax-exempt goods.

[0038] If a customer requests the issuance of an invoice, the store clerk can instruct them to set the issuance setting by performing a predetermined operation, such as tapping the BUB button on the registration screen, before they begin specifying the items to be traded. Note that the operation for this instruction, as well as the operations for the various instructions described later, are all performed by tapping buttons displayed on the screen, i.e., soft keys, but it may also be by pressing a key on the keyboard 105, i.e., a hard key, or any other operation. If, for example, the processor 101 is set not to issue an invoice and button BUB is tapped, it determines YES in ACT 13, indicating that it has been instructed to set the invoice issuance setting, and proceeds to ACT 18. At this point, the processor 101 has received an instruction to output an invoice as an example of a qualified document. Thus, by executing information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central component functions as an instruction receiving means.

[0039] As ACT17, processor 101 checks whether the first mode is set as the invoice issuance mode. There are three modes for invoice issuance: the first, second, and third modes. Which of these three modes is set as the issuance mode is determined as appropriate by the administrator of the POS terminal device 100 and is defined as an operating setting of the POS terminal device 100. If the first mode is set, processor 101 determines YES and proceeds to ACT18.

[0040] In ACT18, processor 101 checks whether the registered transaction items include tax-exempt items. If the instruction to set the invoice issuance mode was given before the specification of transaction items began, the transaction items will not include tax-exempt items. In this case, processor 101 determines NO in ACT18 and proceeds to ACT19. If the first mode is not set as the invoice issuance mode, processor 101 determines NO in ACT17, skips ACT18, and proceeds to ACT19.

[0041] As ACT19, processor 101 sets the issue setting. That is, processor 101 changes the invoice flag set in field FAB of the transaction data DAA to the issue state. After this, processor 101 returns to ACT12. At this time, in ACT12, processor 101 updates the registration screen SCA to indicate that the issue setting has been set. For example, processor 101 changes the display color of button BUB to the color that represents the issue setting. The methods for making store staff or customers aware that the issuance setting is enabled are not limited to those described above. For example, the background color of the entire registration screen SCA could be changed. Such a method is suitable, for example, when using a hard key instead of a button BUB. Alternatively, the display state of an indicator (not shown) separately provided on the registration screen SCA could be changed. Furthermore, the illumination state of an indicator lamp (not shown) separately provided on the POS terminal device 100 could also be changed.

[0042] If a store employee wants to change the invoice issuance setting to non-issuance, for example, if a customer requests to cancel the issuance of an invoice or if the invoice issuance setting was accidentally enabled, they can instruct the system to disable the invoice issuance setting through a predetermined operation, such as tapping button BUB on the registration screen. If, for example, button BUB is tapped while the invoice is in the issuance setting, processor 101 determines that the instruction to disable the invoice is enabled is being given, and determines YES in ACT14, then proceeds to ACT20.

[0043] As ACT20, processor 101 sets the invoice to non-issuance. That is, processor 101 changes the invoice flag set in field FAB of the transaction data DAA to non-issuance. After this, processor 101 returns to ACT12. At this time, in ACT12, processor 101 updates the registration screen SCA to indicate that the invoice is non-issuance. For example, processor 101 changes the display color of button BUB to a color that indicates the non-issuance setting.

[0044] The store clerk performs a registration operation to register each item handed over by the customer as a transaction item. The registration operation may involve, for example, having the barcode displayed on the item read by the fixed scanner 106 or the handheld scanner 107, or touching the clerk's touch panel 104 to specify the item. If such a registration operation is performed, the processor 101 determines that the item has been specified and responds with YES in ACT 15, and proceeds to ACT 31 in Figure 4.

[0045] As ACT31, processor 101 checks whether the specified product is a tax-exempt product. For example, if the product code of the specified product is associated with a tax classification code representing "tax-exempt" in the product master data DAB, processor 101 determines that it is a tax-exempt product and proceeds to ACT32. Note that when processor 101 refers to the product master data DAB in this process and subsequent processes, it may query the POS server 200 each time, or it may refer to the product master data DAB that has been previously obtained from the POS server 200 and stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103.

[0046] As ACT32, processor 101 checks whether the invoice setting is active or not. For example, if the invoice flag set in field FAB of the transaction data DAA is active, processor 101 determines that the invoice setting is active and YES, and proceeds to ACT33. In ACT33, processor 101 checks whether the first mode is set as the invoice issuance mode. If it is not the first mode, processor 101 determines NO and proceeds to ACT34. If the product code of the specified product does not have a tax classification code representing "tax-free" associated with it in the product master data DAB, processor 101 determines NO in ACT31, indicating that it is not a tax-free product, and proceeds to ACT34. Alternatively, if the invoice flag set in the FAB field of the transaction data DAA is in the non-issued state, processor 101 determines NO in ACT32, indicating that it is not set to issue, and proceeds to ACT34. In short, if the conditions that "the specified product is a tax-free product, is set to issue, and the first mode is set" are not met, processor 101 proceeds to ACT34.

[0047] As ACT34, processor 101 registers the specified product as a transaction product. That is, processor 101 adds a new field after the last field of the transaction data DAA and sets new product data for the specified product in that field. In the product data set here, processor 101 sets the product code of the specified product in field FBA, and sets the product name, unit price, tax classification code, and tax rate included in the product master data DAB in relation to that product code in fields FBB to FBE, respectively. Processor 101 also sets "1" as the score in field FBF. Alternatively, processor 101 may accept a score specification and set the specified score in field FBF. Thus, by processor 101 executing information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central part functions as a registration means.

[0048] After completing ACT34, processor 101 returns to ACT12 in Figure 3. At this time, in ACT12, processor 101 updates the registration screen SCA according to the updated transaction data DAA as described above. Figure 8 is a diagram representing the registration screen SCA. Figure 8 shows the state of the registration screen SCA after updating from the state shown in Figure 7, when a product named "AAAAA" is registered as the first trading product.

[0049] Now, if processor 101 confirms that the first mode is set as the invoice issuance mode in ACT33 in Figure 4, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT35. As ACT35, processor 101 displays an error screen on the store clerk's touch panel 104. The error screen is intended to inform the operator that tax-free goods cannot be registered as transaction items.

[0050] Figure 9 shows the error screen SCB. Figure 9 shows the state of the error screen SCB when a tax-exempt product is specified while the registration screen SCA shown in Figure 8 is displayed. The error screen SCB is a screen that displays the window WIA overlaid on the registration screen SCA. The window WIA displays a text message informing the user that the previously specified product is a tax-exempt product and therefore cannot be included in the current transaction, and should be included in a separate transaction, along with a button BUC. The button BUC is a soft key that accepts the command to end the display of the error screen SCB.

[0051] Processor 101 waits for a predetermined condition to be met for the error screen to end, then terminates ACT35 and returns to ACT12 in Figure 3. At this time, in ACT12, processor 101 returns the display on the store clerk's touch panel 104 to the registration screen SCA. The condition for the error screen to end is, for example, "button BUC is tapped." This condition may also be another condition, such as "the duration of the error screen display has reached a predetermined time," or it may be when any one of multiple conditions is met.

[0052] Thus, when the processor 101 is set to issue an invoice and the first mode is set as the invoice issuance mode, it registers only goods other than tax-exempt goods as transaction goods. In this specific example, the goods with the product name "BBBBB" and the goods with the product name "EEEEE" cannot be registered as transaction goods. In other words, for transactions for which an invoice issuance instruction has been received, the processor 101 does not include tax-exempt goods, which are not subject to the invoice system, as transaction goods. Thus, by having the processor 101 execute information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central component functions as a control means.

[0053] Figure 10 is a diagram representing the registration screen SCA. Figure 10 shows the registration screen SCA after the issuance settings are enabled and the first mode is set as the invoice issuance mode, and all registerable products among the specific target products, i.e., all taxable products, have been registered as transaction products.

[0054] Now, if the processor 101 is set to not issue, or if it is set to issue but the second or third mode is set as the issue mode, it will also register tax-exempt goods as transaction goods. Figure 11 is a diagram representing the registration screen SCA. Figure 11 shows the registration screen SCA after all the target products, including tax-free goods, have been registered as transaction items, as described above.

[0055] The store clerk can instruct the customer to enable issuance even after they have started registering the items for sale, or after they have finished registering all the items for sale. When the customer is instructed to enable issuance in this way, the items for sale may include tax-exempt items. This situation corresponds, for example, to when the customer is instructed to enable issuance by tapping the button BUB on the registration screen SCA shown in Figure 10.

[0056] In this case, if the first mode is set as the invoice issuance mode, the processor 101 determines YES at ACT13 in Figure 3 and proceeds to ACT18. Then, it determines YES at both ACT17 and ACT18 and proceeds to ACT20. As ACT20, processor 101 displays a warning screen on the store clerk's touch panel 104. The warning screen is intended to inform the operator that the transaction cannot be processed because the registered transaction items include tax-exempt items.

[0057] Figure 12 is a diagram representing the warning screen SCC. Figure 12 shows the state of the warning screen SCC when the issuance setting is instructed while the registration screen SCA shown in Figure 11 is displayed. The warning screen SCC is a screen that displays a window WIB overlaid on the registration screen SCA. The window WIB displays a text message instructing the user that the registration of the tax-exempt goods as trading items should be canceled and the items should be subject to a different transaction.

[0058] Once the store clerk has reviewed the information displayed on the warning screen (SCC), they will perform a predetermined operation to specify the tax-free items included in the transaction. This operation may be similar to, for example, a registration operation. As ACT22, processor 101 waits for the product to be canceled to be specified. Then, if the product is specified as described above, processor 101 determines YES and proceeds to ACT23.

[0059] As ACT23, processor 101 removes the specified product from the transaction items. In other words, processor 101 removes the product data from the transaction data DAA where the product code of the specified product is set in the field FBA. After this, processor 101 returns to ACT18. Thus, processor 101 repeats ACT20 to ACT23 until the transaction items no longer include tax-exempt items. Once processor 101 no longer includes tax-exempt items, it determines NO in ACT18 and proceeds to ACT19, where it sets the issue as described above. Alternatively, processor 101 may repeatedly accept designations for items to be deleted until all tax-free items are designated as items to be deleted, and then delete all items designated for deletion from the trading inventory.

[0060] Processor 101 may accept the designation of "all tax-free goods" in ACT22, for example, by tapping a button prepared for that purpose, and remove all tax-free goods included in the transaction goods according to this designation. Alternatively, processor 101 may wait in ACT21 for a predetermined termination condition to be met and return to the waiting state of ACT13-ACT16. In this case, tax-free goods may be removed from the transaction goods by the normal process for removing transaction goods, which is not shown in Figure 3.

[0061] Once the store clerk has finished registering the items to be traded, they initiate the checkout process by performing a predetermined operation, such as tapping button BUA on the registration screen SCA. In response to this instruction, processor 101 determines YES in ACT16 and proceeds to ACT41 in Figure 5. As ACT41, processor 101 performs accounting processing based on transaction data DAA. That is, processor 101 calculates the price for all transaction items represented by the transaction data and processes the payment of that price using any payment method. The details of this accounting processing may be the same as those performed in existing similar POS terminal devices.

[0062] As ACT42, processor 101 checks whether the issue setting is enabled or not. If the issue setting is enabled, processor 101 determines it is YES and proceeds to ACT51 in Figure 6. As ACT51, processor 101 checks whether the first mode is set as the invoice issuance mode. If the first mode is set, processor 101 determines it is YES and proceeds to ACT52.

[0063] As ACT52, processor 101 issues a first invoice receipt. The first invoice receipt is a receipt that represents the transaction details in a manner that meets the requirements of an invoice. In other words, the first invoice receipt is an example of a qualified document. For example, processor 101 generates an image of the first invoice receipt by expanding the information contained in the transaction data DAA on a predetermined form for the first invoice receipt. Then, for example, processor 101 issues the first invoice receipt by printing the image onto receipt paper using the receipt printer 111.

[0064] Figure 13 is a diagram representing the first invoice receipt REA. Figure 13 shows the state of the first invoice receipt REA, which is issued after the completion of an accounting transaction that was instructed to start when the registration screen SCA is in the state shown in Figure 10. When the first invoice receipt REA is issued, the first mode is set, so the transaction goods do not include tax-exempt goods. Thus, the first invoice receipt REA displays a list of transaction goods, including only taxable goods, in area ARA. The first invoice receipt REA then displays the details of the consumption tax on the transaction of those taxable goods in area ARB, and also displays the string CSA indicating the qualified invoice issuer number (hereinafter referred to as the business registration number), thereby fulfilling the requirements of an invoice. If the taxable goods included in the transaction goods are goods sold on consignment from a qualified invoice issuer, the consignor becomes the original issuer of the invoice. However, due to the intermediary issuance special provision in the invoice system, the requirements of an invoice are fulfilled by displaying the business registration number of the sales store.

[0065] After completing ACT52 in Figure 6, processor 101 proceeds to ACT53. As ACT53, the processor 101 checks whether a receipt needs to be issued. For example, the processor 101 checks whether a predetermined condition for issuing a receipt is met. This condition is expected to be defined as, "An operation to instruct the issuance of a receipt was performed within a specified time after the completion of the payment," but it may be determined as appropriate by the designer or manager of the POS terminal device 100. If the processor 101 determines that a receipt needs to be issued, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT54.

[0066] As ACT54, processor 101 issues a first invoice receipt. The first invoice receipt is a receipt that represents the transaction details in a manner that meets the requirements of an invoice. In other words, the first invoice receipt is an example of a qualified document. For example, processor 101 expands the information contained in the transaction data DAA into a predetermined form for the first invoice receipt and generates an image of the first invoice receipt. Then, for example, processor 101 issues the first invoice receipt by printing the image onto receipt paper using receipt printer 111.

[0067] Figure 14 is a diagram representing the first invoice receipt PCA. Figure 14 shows the state of the first invoice receipt PCA issued after the first invoice receipt REA is issued. The first invoice receipt PCA displays a list of transaction items, including only taxable goods, in area ARC. The first invoice receipt PCA then displays the details of the consumption tax on those taxable goods in area ARD, and also displays the string CSA indicating the business registration number, thereby fulfilling the requirements of an invoice.

[0068] In this way, the processor 101 outputs qualified certificates representing the transaction details of taxable goods subject to the invoice system, as printouts of the first invoice receipt REA and the first invoice receipt PCA on paper using the receipt printer 111. Thus, by having the processor 101 perform information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central component functions as the first output means.

[0069] If the first mode is not set as the invoice issuance mode, the processor 101 determines NO at ACT51 in Figure 6 and proceeds to ACT55. As ACT55, processor 101 checks whether the second mode is set as the invoice issuance mode. If the second mode is set, processor 101 determines it is YES and proceeds to ACT56.

[0070] As ACT56, processor 101 issues a second invoice receipt. The second invoice receipt is a receipt that represents the transaction details in a manner that meets the requirements of an invoice. In other words, the second invoice receipt is an example of a qualified document. For example, processor 101 expands the information contained in the transaction data DAA into a predetermined form for the second invoice receipt and generates an image of the second invoice receipt. Then, for example, processor 101 issues the second invoice receipt by printing the image onto receipt paper using the receipt printer 111.

[0071] Figure 15 is a diagram representing the second invoice receipt REB. Figure 15 shows the state of the second invoice receipt REB, which is issued after the completion of an accounting transaction that was instructed to start when the registration screen SCA is in the state shown in Figure 11. When the second invoice receipt REB is issued, the second mode is set, so the transaction goods may include both taxable and tax-exempt goods. Thus, the second invoice receipt REB displays a list of transaction goods that may include both taxable and tax-exempt goods in area ARE. The second invoice receipt REB then displays the details of the consumption tax on the transactions of the taxable goods in area ARF, and also displays the string CSA indicating the business registration number, thereby fulfilling the requirements of an invoice. In addition, area ARF also displays the details of the consumption tax that is exempt for tax-exempt goods.

[0072] After completing ACT56 in Figure 6, processor 101 proceeds to ACT57. In ACT57, processor 101 checks whether a receipt needs to be issued, similar to ACT53. If a receipt needs to be issued, processor 101 determines YES and proceeds to ACT58.

[0073] As ACT58, processor 101 issues a second invoice receipt. The second invoice receipt is a receipt that expresses the transaction details in a manner that meets the requirements of an invoice. In other words, the second invoice receipt is an example of a qualified document. For example, processor 101 expands the information contained in the transaction data DAA into a predetermined form for the second invoice receipt and generates an image of the second invoice receipt. Then, for example, processor 101 issues the second invoice receipt by printing the image onto receipt paper using receipt printer 111.

[0074] Figure 16 is a diagram representing the second invoice receipt PCB. Figure 16 shows the state of the second invoice receipt PCB issued after the issuance of the second invoice receipt REB. Note that in Figure 16, a portion of the second invoice receipt PCB is omitted from the illustration. This omitted portion may be the same as, for example, the first invoice receipt PCA. The second invoice receipt PCB displays a list of transaction items in area ARG, which may include both taxable and tax-exempt goods. The second invoice receipt PCB also displays details of the consumption tax on those taxable goods in area ARH, and a string of characters CSB indicating the business registration number, thereby fulfilling the requirements of an invoice. Area ARH also displays details of the consumption tax that is exempt for tax-exempt goods.

[0075] In this way, the processor 101 outputs qualified certificates representing the transaction details for all transaction items subject to the invoice system, as printouts of a second invoice receipt REB and a second invoice receipt PCB on paper using the receipt printer 111. Thus, by having the processor 101 perform information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central component functions as a second output means.

[0076] If the third mode is set as the issuance mode, the processor 101 determines NO at ACT55 in Figure 6 and proceeds to ACT59. As ACT59, processor 101 issues a total receipt. A total receipt is a receipt that represents the transaction details without meeting the requirements of an invoice. For example, processor 101 expands the information contained in the transaction data DAA into a predetermined form for total receipts and generates an image of the total receipt. Then, processor 101 issues the total receipt by printing this image onto receipt paper using receipt printer 111.

[0077] Figure 17 is a diagram representing the entire receipt REC. Figure 17 shows the state of the overall receipt REC issued after the completion of the instructed accounting when the registration screen SCA is in the state shown in Figure 11. In this embodiment, the overall receipt REC does not represent the string CSA that is represented in the second invoice receipt REB, and therefore does not meet the requirements of an invoice.

[0078] After completing ACT59 in Figure 6, processor 101 proceeds to ACT60. As ACT60, processor 101 issues a third invoice receipt. The third invoice receipt is a receipt that shows the transaction details only for taxable goods among the traded goods in a manner that meets the requirements of an invoice. In other words, the first invoice receipt is an example of a qualified document. For example, processor 101 expands the information contained in the transaction data DAA into a predetermined form for the third invoice receipt and generates an image of the third invoice receipt. Then, for example, processor 101 issues the third invoice receipt by printing the image onto receipt paper using the receipt printer 111.

[0079] If the transaction does not include taxable goods, the processor may choose not to issue a third invoice receipt, or it may issue a third invoice receipt that does not contain specific information about the transaction. Furthermore, the processor 101 may notify the operator, through a screen display or other means, that it cannot issue a proper third invoice receipt if the transaction does not include taxable goods.

[0080] Figure 18 is a diagram representing the third invoice receipt RED. Figure 18 shows the state of the third invoice receipt RED, which is issued after the completion of an accounting transaction that was instructed to start when the registration screen SCA is in the state shown in Figure 11. When the third invoice receipt RED is issued, the third mode is set, so the transaction goods may include tax-exempt goods. However, the third invoice receipt RED displays a list of only the taxable goods among the transaction goods in area ARI. The third invoice receipt RED then displays the details of the consumption tax on the transactions of those taxable goods in area ARJ, and also displays the string CSA indicating the business registration number, thereby fulfilling the requirements of an invoice. Even if the transaction goods include tax-exempt goods, the third invoice receipt RED does not display information regarding the transactions of tax-exempt goods.

[0081] In this way, the processor 101 outputs a second document representing the transaction details of taxable goods subject to the invoice system, as a third invoice receipt RED printed on paper using the receipt printer 111. Thus, by having the processor 101 perform information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central component functions as a fourth output means.

[0082] After completing ACT60 in Figure 6, processor 101 proceeds to ACT61. As ACT61, processor 101 issues a tax-free receipt. A tax-free receipt is a receipt that shows the transaction details only for tax-free goods among the traded goods, in a manner that meets the requirements of an invoice. For example, processor 101 expands the information contained in the transaction data DAA into a predetermined tax-free receipt form and generates an image of the tax-free receipt. Then, processor 101 issues the tax-free receipt by printing this image onto receipt paper using receipt printer 111. If the transaction does not include any tax-exempt items, it is acceptable to either not issue a tax-exempt receipt at all, or to issue a tax-exempt receipt that does not contain specific information about the transaction items.

[0083] Figure 19 is a diagram representing a tax-free receipt (REE). Figure 19 shows the state of the tax-free receipt REE issued after the completion of an accounting transaction that was instructed to start when the registration screen SCA is in the state shown in Figure 11. When a tax-free receipt (REE) is issued, a third mode is set, so the transaction goods may include tax-free items. The tax-free receipt (REE) displays a list of only the tax-free items among the transaction goods in area ARK. The tax-free receipt (REE) then displays details of the sales tax that is exempt from tax for the transaction of those tax-free items in area ARL. The tax-free receipt (REE) does not display the string CSA which indicates the business registration number. Thus, the tax-free receipt (REE) does not meet the requirements of an invoice. Even if the transaction goods include taxable items, the tax-free receipt (REE) does not display information regarding the transaction of taxable items. However, due to transitional measures under the invoice system, the tax-free receipt (REE) may be valid as proof of input tax credit in some cases.

[0084] In this way, the processor 101 outputs a third document, which represents the transaction details for tax-exempt goods that are not subject to the invoice system, as a paper tax-exempt receipt REE printed using the receipt printer 111, but does not represent the business registration number as the identifier of the outputter. Thus, by having the processor 101 perform information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central component functions as a fifth output means.

[0085] After completing ACT61 in Figure 6, processor 101 proceeds to ACT62. As ACT62, processor 101 checks whether a receipt needs to be issued, similar to ACT53. If a receipt needs to be issued, processor 101 determines YES and proceeds to ACT63.

[0086] As ACT63, processor 101 issues a non-invoice receipt. A non-invoice receipt is a receipt that does not meet the requirements of an invoice and is an example of an ineligible document. For example, processor 101 expands the information contained in the transaction data DAA into a predetermined form for non-invoice receipts and generates an image of the non-invoice receipt. Then, processor 101 issues the non-invoice receipt by printing the image onto receipt paper using receipt printer 111. The non-invoice receipt is expected to be, for example, the second invoice receipt PCB shown in Figure 16 with the string CSA removed. In other words, when the third mode is set, the third invoice receipt becomes the official document under the invoice system.

[0087] If processor 101 has completed ACT54, ACT58, or ACT63, it proceeds to ACT64. Also, if processor 101 determines NO in ACT53, ACT57, or ACT62 because a receipt is not required, it skips ACT54, ACT58, or ACT63 and proceeds to ACT64.

[0088] As ACT64, processor 101 generates first journal data and first transaction data. The first journal data is digital data representing information equivalent to that expressed on the first, second, or third invoice receipt. The information contained in the first journal data does not need to be an exact match to the information expressed on the first, second, or third invoice receipt. The first transaction data is digital data representing more detailed information than the first journal data regarding the processing of the transaction being processed. For example, the first transaction data may be data representing information about each operation performed on the POS terminal device 100 in relation to the processing of the transaction being processed. The information to be included in the first journal data and the first transaction data may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the designer or manager of the POS terminal device 100. However, at least one of the first journal data and the first transaction data shall include the business registration number. Thus, at least one of the first journal data and the first transaction data becomes data for the electronic storage of invoices. In addition, instead of including the business registration number in at least one of the first journal data and the first transaction data, information indicating that the invoice has been issued may be included. This information is expected to be, for example, a text message such as "Invoice Issued." However, this information is for subsequent retrieval purposes only and will not be included in various receipts and invoices.

[0089] The processor 101 may immediately upload the generated first journal data and first transaction data to the POS server 200, or it may store them in the auxiliary storage unit 103 and upload them to the POS server 200 at a predetermined time. The POS server 200 updates the journal file FIA ​​and transaction file FIB based on the uploaded first journal data and first transaction data, through information processing by the processor 201 based on the management processing program PRB. How the first journal data and first transaction data are handled may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the designer or administrator of the POS terminal device 100. After completing ACT64, processor 101 returns to ACT11 in Figure 3 and repeats the above process for another new transaction.

[0090] Now, if processor 101 is configured not to issue an invoice, it will determine NO at ACT42 in Figure 5 and proceed to ACT43. As ACT43, processor 101 issues a non-invoice receipt. A non-invoice receipt is a receipt that does not meet the requirements of an invoice and is an example of an ineligible document. For example, processor 101 expands the information contained in the transaction data DAA into a predetermined form for non-invoice receipts and generates an image of the non-invoice receipt. Then, for example, processor 101 issues the non-invoice receipt by printing the image onto receipt paper using receipt printer 111. A non-invoice receipt is assumed to be, for example, the second invoice receipt REB shown in Figure 15 with the string CSA removed.

[0091] In ACT44, processor 101 checks whether a receipt needs to be issued, similar to ACT53. If a receipt needs to be issued, processor 101 determines YES and proceeds to ACT45. As ACT45, processor 101 issues a non-invoice receipt in the same manner as ACT63.

[0092] Here, the non-invoice receipt is a receipt similar to the overall receipt, and these non-invoice receipts and overall receipts are examples of the first document when the third mode is set as the invoice issuance mode. In other words, when the third mode is set as the invoice issuance mode, the processor 101 outputs a first document that represents the transaction details for all transaction items and does not represent the business registration number as the identifier of the outputter, as a non-invoice receipt or overall receipt printed on paper using the receipt printer 111, regardless of whether it is set to issue an invoice or not. Thus, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as a third output means.

[0093] If processor 101 has completed ACT45, it proceeds to ACT46. Also, if processor 101 determines NO in ACT44 because a receipt is not required, it skips ACT45 and proceeds to ACT46. As ACT46, processor 101 generates second journal data and second transaction data. The second journal data and second transaction data may be the same as the first journal data and first transaction data. However, processor 101 does not include the business registration number in either the second journal data or the second transaction data. Thus, the second journal data and second transaction data do not become data for the electronic storage of invoices.

[0094] The processor 101 may immediately upload the generated second journal data and second transaction data to the POS server 200, or it may store them in the auxiliary storage unit 103 and upload them to the POS server 200 at a predetermined time. The POS server 200 updates the journal file FIA ​​and transaction file FIB based on the uploaded second journal data and second transaction data through information processing based on the management processing program PRB. How the second journal data and second transaction data are handled may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the designer or administrator of the POS terminal device 100. After completing ACT46, processor 101 returns to ACT11 in Figure 3 and repeats the above process for another new transaction.

[0095] As described above, the POS terminal 100 receives an instruction to set up issuance for each transaction. If the POS terminal 100 has set up issuance in accordance with the instruction, it will issue at least one of the following: the first invoice receipt, the first invoice receipt, the second invoice receipt, the second invoice receipt, and the third invoice receipt. Thus, the POS terminal 100 can switch on a transaction-by-transaction basis whether or not to output a document compliant with the invoice system.

[0096] Furthermore, if the POS terminal device 100 is set to not issue invoices, it will issue non-invoice receipts, making it possible to issue different types of receipts for each transaction: those compliant with the invoice system and those that are not.

[0097] Furthermore, the POS terminal device 100 can receive instructions to set up invoice issuance at any time within the period from before the selection of the goods to be traded until the completion of payment. Therefore, store employees can issue invoices at any time within the above period when a customer requests one.

[0098] Furthermore, if the POS terminal device 100 is set to the first mode as the invoice issuance mode, and has been set to issue an invoice according to instructions, it will exclude tax-exempt goods from the transaction goods, represent the details of the transaction concerning taxable goods in a manner that meets the requirements of the invoice system, and issue a first invoice receipt or first invoice invoice certificate that displays the business registration number. This makes it easier to manage transactions subject to the invoice system based on the first invoice receipt or first invoice invoice certificate.

[0099] Furthermore, when the POS terminal 100 is set to the first mode as the invoice issuance mode, after setting the issuance setting in response to an instruction, it does not register tax-exempt goods as transaction items. As a result, if the operator issues an instruction to set the issuance setting before specifying the items to be transaction items, there is no need to perform an operation to remove tax-exempt goods from the transaction items.

[0100] Furthermore, if the POS terminal 100 is set to the first mode as the invoice issuance mode, and an instruction is given to set the issuance setting while tax-exempt goods are included in the transaction goods, the tax-exempt goods will be removed from the transaction goods before setting the issuance setting. This makes it possible to give an instruction to set the issuance setting even after the registration of transaction goods has started or after the registration of all transaction goods has been completed.

[0101] In the case of the POS terminal device 100, if the first mode is set as the invoice issuance mode, items excluded from the transaction goods when issuing an invoice must be processed again as a separate transaction with the setting of "not issued". For this reason, if the POS terminal device 100 automatically excludes tax-exempt goods from the transaction goods, there is a risk that all or part of the relevant goods will not be processed as separate transactions. However, when the POS terminal device 100 removes tax-exempt goods from the transaction goods, it requires the operator to specify the items to be removed, so that the operator can clearly recognize the items that should be processed as separate transactions, and thus it is possible to process the transactions of the relevant items appropriately. Furthermore, in the POS terminal device 100, the designation of goods made until tax-exempt goods are no longer included in the transaction goods is received as a designation of goods to be deleted from the transaction goods. This requires the operator to specify each individual item to be deleted, but it reduces the operational burden on the operator.

[0102] Furthermore, when the POS terminal 100 is set to the second mode as the invoice issuance mode, it issues a second invoice receipt or second invoice invoice that shows the transaction details for all transaction items that may include taxable and tax-exempt items, and also shows the business registration number. Therefore, even when it is necessary to issue an invoice, it is not necessary to treat taxable and tax-exempt items as separate transactions, making the operation simpler compared to treating them as separate transactions.

[0103] Furthermore, when the POS terminal 100 is set to the third mode as the invoice issuance mode, it issues a general receipt or non-invoice receipt that shows the transaction details for all transaction items that may include taxable and tax-exempt items, but does not show the business registration number; a third invoice receipt that shows the transaction details for the taxable items included in the transaction items, and shows the business registration number; and a tax-exempt receipt that shows the transaction details for the tax-exempt items included in the transaction items, but does not show the business registration number. This allows the customer to use the third invoice receipt as an invoice under the invoice system, while confirming the details of the entire transaction with the general receipt and the transaction details for tax-exempt items with the tax-exempt receipt.

[0104] Furthermore, the POS terminal device 100 allows for the selective and arbitrary setting of a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode as the invoice issuance mode, enabling flexible operation according to, for example, the store's operating policies.

[0105] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows: The invoice issuance mode may consist of only one of the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode, or it may be possible to select from only two of these modes.

[0106] When applying the third mode as the invoice issuance mode, it is permissible to always issue a general receipt, a third invoice receipt, and a tax-free receipt, without receiving instructions to set the invoice issuance setting for each transaction. In this case, for example, it is expected that the store will operate in such a way that store staff will not provide a third invoice receipt or a tax-free receipt to customers who do not request an invoice.

[0107] Some or all of the first invoice receipt, the second invoice receipt, the third invoice receipt, the first invoice receipt, and the second invoice receipt may be output by any means other than printing on paper, such as displaying them on the screen of any information and communication terminal.

[0108] Instructions to enable or disable issuance may be received, for example, as an operation by the customer on the customer-side touch panel 113. In this case, the processor 101 should display a button BUB on the customer-side touch panel 113 of the POS terminal device 100, and determine that instructions to enable or disable issuance have been given when the customer taps the button BUB.

[0109] It can also be configured as a device that outputs certificates that meet the requirements stipulated by systems other than the "Qualified Invoice Preservation Method."

[0110] The POS terminal device 100 in the above embodiment is a so-called face-to-face type, where registration and accounting operations are performed by a store employee. However, it is also possible to implement it as a so-called fully self-service type POS terminal device, where registration and accounting operations are performed by the customer. Alternatively, it is also possible to implement it as a so-called semi-self-service type POS terminal device, where registration is performed by a store employee and accounting operations are performed by the customer. Furthermore, when implementing it as a semi-self-service type POS terminal device, it may be either an integrated type that receives operations by both the store employee and the customer in a single device, or a separate type that receives both operations in separate devices. In these POS terminal devices, the customer also gives instructions to set the device to issue and instructions to not issue. In this case, the processor 101 should display a button BUB on the screen of the fully self-service or semi-self-service type POS terminal device, and determine that an instruction to set the device to issue and an instruction to not issue have been given when the customer taps the button.

[0111] The system can also be implemented using a mobile device owned by the customer, a mobile device lent to the customer by the store while they are in the store, or a mobile device attached to a shopping cart, with the customer performing the registration operation on these devices. In these systems, the system can receive instructions to enable or disable issuance based on the customer's operation on the mobile device or mobile device. In this case, the processor 101 can display a button BUB on the screen of the mobile device attached to the shopping cart, and determine whether an instruction to enable or disable issuance has been given when the customer taps the button. In this case, if various receipts and invoices are issued using receipt paper, it is assumed that the accounting process will be performed by an accounting device separate from the mobile device or mobile device. This accounting device can be operated by either a store employee or a customer.

[0112] If the system is designed so that customers can directly take the issued receipt, it is preferable to determine whether a receipt is required before issuing the receipt, and to issue only one of the two: the receipt or the receipt.

[0113] It is also possible to implement this as a separate device, such as a cash register, that processes transactions independently without being integrated into POS system 1.

[0114] Each function realized by the processor 101 through information processing can also be partially or entirely realized by hardware that performs non-program-based information processing, such as logic circuits. Furthermore, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above-mentioned hardware, such as logic circuits, with software control.

[0115] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1...POS system, 2...communication network, 100...POS terminal device, 101...processor, 102...main memory unit, 103...auxiliary memory unit, 104...cler's touch panel, 105...keyboard, 106...fixed scanner, 107...handheld scanner, 108...credit card reader, 109...proximity communication unit, 110...card reader / writer, 111...receipt printer, 112...change unit, 113...customer's touch panel, 114...communication unit, 115...transmission line, 200...POS server.

Claims

1. A registration means for registering one or more products that are the subject of a single transaction, A means for receiving instructions to output a qualified certificate for each individual transaction, With respect to a transaction for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, a control means controls the registration means so as not to include goods that are outside the scope of a predetermined system as the subject of the transaction. A first output means that displays the transaction details of the goods registered by the registration means in a manner that satisfies the requirements stipulated in the system, and outputs a certificate representing the seller's identifier for transactions for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, A transaction processing device equipped with the following.

2. The control means controls the registration means so as to not include goods that are not subject to the system as transaction items with respect to transactions for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means. The transaction processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control means, after receiving an output instruction from the instruction receiving means, prevents the registration means from including products that are not subject to the system as products to be traded. The transaction processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The control means, at the completion of registration by the registration means of goods subject to a transaction for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, controls the registration means to exclude goods that are not subject to the system from the goods subject to the transaction, before the output means outputs a certificate, if goods that are not subject to the system are included in the goods subject to the transaction. The transaction processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. Computers, A registration means for registering one or more products that are the subject of a single transaction, A means for receiving instructions to output a qualified certificate for each individual transaction, With respect to a transaction for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, a control means controls the registration means so as not to include goods that are outside the scope of a predetermined system as the subject of the transaction. A first output means that displays the transaction details of the goods registered by the registration means in a manner that satisfies the requirements stipulated in the system, and outputs a certificate representing the seller's identifier for transactions for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, An information processing program that enables a function to work.

6. A registration means for registering one or more products that are the subject of a single transaction, A means for receiving instructions to output a qualified certificate for each individual transaction, A second output means outputs a certificate representing the transaction details of the goods registered by the registration means, as a qualified certificate showing the identifier of the outputter for transactions for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, and as an ineligible certificate not showing the identifier of the outputter for transactions for which an output instruction has not been received by the instruction receiving means. A transaction processing device equipped with the following.

7. Computers, A registration means for registering one or more products that are the subject of a single transaction, A means for receiving instructions to output a qualified certificate for each individual transaction, A second output means outputs a certificate representing the transaction details of the goods registered by the registration means, as a qualified certificate showing the identifier of the outputter for transactions for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, and as an ineligible certificate not showing the identifier of the outputter for transactions for which an output instruction has not been received by the instruction receiving means. An information processing program that enables a function to work.

8. A registration means for registering one or more products that are the subject of a single transaction, A means for receiving instructions to output a qualified certificate for each individual transaction, Regardless of whether or not an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, a third output means outputs a first certificate that represents the transaction details of the goods registered by the registration means, but does not represent the identifier of the outputter. With respect to a transaction for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, a fourth output means outputs a second certificate that represents the transaction details of a product that is subject to a predetermined system among the products registered by the registration means, in a manner that satisfies the requirements stipulated in the system, and also represents the identifier of the outputter. A fifth output means outputs a third certificate that, with respect to a transaction for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, represents the transaction details of goods that are not subject to the system among the goods registered by the registration means, and does not represent the identifier of the outputter. A transaction processing device equipped with the following.

9. Computers, A registration means for registering one or more products that are the subject of a single transaction, A means for receiving instructions to output a qualified certificate for each individual transaction, Regardless of whether or not an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, a third output means outputs a first certificate that represents the transaction details of the goods registered by the registration means, but does not represent the identifier of the outputter. With respect to a transaction for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, a fourth output means outputs a second certificate that represents the transaction details of a product that is subject to a predetermined system among the products registered by the registration means, in a manner that satisfies the requirements stipulated in the system, and also represents the identifier of the outputter. A fifth output means outputs a third certificate that, with respect to a transaction for which an output instruction has been received by the instruction receiving means, represents the transaction details of goods that are not subject to the system among the goods registered by the registration means, and does not represent the identifier of the outputter. An information processing program that enables a function to work.

10. The aforementioned system is a qualified invoice preservation method, and the identifier of the outputter is the qualified invoice issuer number. A transaction processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8.

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