Sales data processing device and program

Abstract

To eliminate waste due to duplication of works when making an additional purchase to cover the shortage in applicable amount of money in a tax exemption application procedure for a settled transaction.SOLUTION: A sales data processor for returning an amount of money to be determined according to a total amount of prices of tax exemption object commodities for which tax exemption has not been applied yet among sold commodities under the condition that the total amount is equal to or more than a prescribed amount includes calculation means, holding means and restart means. The calculation means calculates the total amount on the basis of data of a settled transaction. The holding means stores tax exemption information including at least the total amount in a prescribed storage part under the condition that the total amount calculated by the calculation means is less than the prescribed amount. The restart part reads the tax exemption information from the storage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a sales data processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the past, there was a so-called tax exemption system that exempts businesses that operate export goods sales outlets (duty-free shops) from taxes such as consumption tax on sales items when they sell products to non-residents such as foreign tourists. This tax exemption system applies when the total sales amount of goods in the tax-exempt category is equal to or exceeds a certain amount.

[0003] The total sales amount does not have to be the amount related to a single transaction, but can be the total amount of multiple transactions made on the same day at the same store. When applying tax exemption based on the total amount of multiple transactions, a procedure must be carried out for the transaction that has already been paid for, but sales data processing devices with the function for this procedure already exist. The function of this existing device improves the cumbersome process of canceling a transaction that has already been paid for and then performing a new transaction that applies tax exemption, and applies tax exemption to the transaction that has already been paid for.

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned existing device, if the total amount of multiple payments does not reach a certain amount, the customer is informed that tax exemption cannot be applied and the process ends. If the customer (the non-resident) makes an additional purchase to cover the shortfall and the total amount reaches the amount for which tax exemption is applicable, the customer and the operator must start the procedure of reading receipts, etc. again from the beginning. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to eliminate waste due to duplication of work when an additional purchase is made to make up for a shortfall in the applicable amount during the tax exemption application procedure for a settled transaction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sales data processing device of the embodiment includes a tax exemption processing means for performing a tax exemption process for exempting payment of tax on tax-exempt items in a transaction that satisfies a predetermined condition, and a post-payment tax exemption application means for performing a post-payment tax exemption application process for refunding the tax amount when the total amount of a plurality of settled transactions to which the tax on the tax-exempt items is added does not satisfy the condition and satisfies the condition. The tax exemption processing means branches off from a series of processes including a sales registration process for registering product information when a first operator accepts an operation of the series of processes and executes the tax exemption process, and the post-payment tax exemption application means branches off from a series of processes including a sales registration process for registering product information when a second operator accepts an operation of the series of processes and executes the tax exemption process. accepts an input for designating a plurality of settled transactions to which the tax on the tax-exempt items has been added, calculates a total amount excluding tax of the tax-exempt items traded in the designated settled transactions, determines whether the total amount satisfies the condition, and if the determination determines that the condition is satisfied, refunds the tax added to the tax-exempt items. After the payment, the tax exemption application process is executed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a product master file. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of the tax-free category file. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of the tax exemption setting value file. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the transaction history. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the stored contents of the reservation history in a table format. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the POS terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a normal receipt. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of normal tax exemption processing. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the error screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase pledge. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase record slip. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt for a tax-free transaction. [Figure 20-1] FIG. 20-1 is a flowchart showing an outline of the flow of the post-payment tax exemption application process. [Figure 20-2] FIG. 20-2 is a flowchart showing an outline of the flow of the post-payment tax exemption application process. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a transaction search screen. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the list screen. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the registration details screen. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of (a) a tallying screen and (b) a completion screen. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a payment screen. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a refund receipt. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of a reserved receipt. [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In the embodiment, the tax exemption process (post-payment tax exemption application process) performed for a transaction in which a product is sold to a customer including tax (sales transaction including tax) will be described using a POS (Point Of Sales) system used in a tax-free shop as an example. Note that a tax-free shop is an export goods sales outlet that sells items (products) for everyday use to non-residents such as foreign tourists in a certain way. The post-payment tax exemption application process is performed based on the history information of past transactions (i.e., transactions that have already been paid).

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment. The POS system 1 includes a plurality of POS terminals 2 (two in the figure), a network 3, and a server 4. The POS terminal 2 is an example of a sales data processing device, and is installed in a duty-free shop. The network 3 is a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, and connects the POS terminals 2 and the server 4. The server 4 centrally manages the plurality of POS terminals 2 via the network 3.

[0010] The server 4 is responsible for the overall control of the POS system 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 4. The server 4 is, for example, an information processing device having a general computer configuration, and includes a control unit 400 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, etc.

[0011] The server 4 also includes a controller 44, a keyboard 45, a display unit 46, a printer 47, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 48, a bus 49, and a communication I / F (interface) 50.

[0012] The bus 49 connects the control unit 400 to the above-mentioned units (the controller 44, the HDD 48, and the communication I / F 50). The communication I / F 50 connects the server 4 to the network 3. This connection allows the control unit 400 and the multiple POS terminals 2 to communicate with each other online.

[0013] The keyboard 45, the display unit 46, and the printer 47 are connected to the control unit 400 via the controller 44 and the bus 49. The keyboard 45 accepts operations from the server administrator. The display unit 46 displays information for the server administrator as images. The printer 47 outputs printed matter.

[0014] The HDD 48 stores various control programs 481 for operating the control unit 400. The HDD 48 also stores a product master file F1, a tax exemption category file F2, and a tax exemption setting value file F3.

[0015] Furthermore, HDD 48 holds a transaction history DB1. Transaction history DB1 is a database for accumulating history information of the above-mentioned settled transactions, that is, information on transactions that have been processed for sales registration at POS terminal 2. HDD 48 also holds a pending history DB2. The pending history DB2 holds processing data for when the above-mentioned post-payment tax exemption application process is pending midway. The post-payment tax exemption application process is a process for applying tax exemption to tax-inclusive sales transactions among settled transactions.

[0016] The control program 481 executed by the server 4 in the embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, and may be configured to be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Such a recording medium may be a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc.

[0017] Furthermore, the control program 481 executed by the server 4 of the embodiment may be configured to be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the control program 481 executed by the server 4 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0018] Next, the product master file F1 and the product classification (classification) set in the product master file F1 will be described. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the product master file F1. As shown in Fig. 3, the product master file F1 stores product information such as the product name, product price (unit price), classification code (classification 1 code, classification 2 code), tax-free classification code, and dangerous goods classification code in association with the product code (product identification information) of each product to be registered for sale. The dangerous goods classification code is assigned to products that require careful handling, such as sprays that are prohibited from being carried on aircraft.

[0019] Products are classified according to a number of classification codes, and these classifications are structured hierarchically.

[0020] That is, as shown in Figure 3, products are divided into multiple categories based on category 1 (higher category), which is a broad category. Each category 1 is further divided into more detailed categories (lower category), which are finer categories. That is, the higher category 1 is divided into multiple categories based on category 2, which is lower than category 1, and includes at least one lower category 2.

[0021] In terms of being hierarchically structured, the product code given to each product can be considered as a classification lower than classification 2. The product code can be considered as the most detailed classification, i.e., the lowest classification.

[0022] Next, the tax-free category file F2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the tax-free category file F2. As shown in FIG. 4, in the tax-free category file F2, tax-free category names are set in association with tax-free category codes. The tax-free category names are "consumables", "general goods", and "non-tax-free". "Consumables" are tax-free goods that are exempt from tax on goods sold to non-residents such as foreign tourists, and are goods such as food, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics. "General goods" are also tax-free goods, and are goods used in everyday life other than consumables. "Non-tax-free" are non-tax-free goods that are not subject to tax exemption. The tax-free category code for "consumables" is "01". The tax-free category code for "general goods" is "02". The tax-free category code for "non-tax-free" is "03".

[0023] Next, the tax-exempt setting value file F3 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the tax-exempt setting value file F3. As shown in Fig. 5, a setting value is set in the tax-exempt setting value file F3 in association with a tax-exempt category code. The setting value serves as a guide for tax-exempt sales registration in each category. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the setting value for consumables with tax-exempt category code "01" is 5,000 yen to 500,000 yen. Also, the setting value for general goods (goods used in everyday life other than consumables) with tax-exempt category code "02" is an amount exceeding 10,000 yen.

[0024] Next, the transaction history DB1 will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the transaction history DB1. As shown in Fig. 6, the transaction history DB1 stores transaction information of transactions processed by each POS terminal 2 as transaction history.

[0025] The transaction history includes a transaction number (stored in transaction number section DB11) for identifying each transaction, the transaction date and time when the transaction was performed (stored in transaction date and time section DB12), and a register number (stored in register number section DB13) for identifying the POS terminal 2 when the transaction was performed. The transaction history also includes the product code, unit price, and number of items (stored in product information section DB15) of each product registered for sale. Furthermore, a flag (stored in flag section DB14) is set in the transaction history DB1 in association with the transaction number. The flag is used to determine whether or not the transaction has been subjected to tax exemption processing, which will be described later.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 6, a transaction with a flag of "0" means that the transaction has not been processed for tax exemption, and a transaction with a flag of "1" means that the transaction has been processed for tax exemption. Therefore, in the case of Figure 6, the transaction with transaction number "0425" has been processed for tax exemption, while the transactions with transaction numbers "0426" and "0427" have not been processed for tax exemption.

[0027] The transaction history DB1 functions as an electronic journal that stores transaction history data.

[0028] The control unit 400, in accordance with the control program 481, distributes the merchandise master file F1, the tax exemption category file F2, and the tax exemption setting value file F3 to the POS terminal 2 at a predetermined timing.

[0029] The reservation history DB2 will be described later.

[0030] Next, the POS terminal 2 will be described. The POS terminal 2 is assigned a unique register number and is placed at the checkout location. The POS terminal 2 is a terminal for carrying out transaction processing based on a product code entered by an operator (cashier).

[0031] The POS terminal 2 performs transaction processing related to the sale of products sold in the store. When an operator operates the POS terminal 2, the POS terminal 2 executes sales registration processing and settlement processing for the products sold. The combined processing of the sales registration processing and settlement processing is called transaction processing.

[0032] The sales registration process refers to a process of optically reading a code such as a barcode attached to a product being sold, inputting the product code, displaying the product name and price (product information) of the product read based on the input product code, and storing the product information in a buffer. The settlement process refers to a process of displaying the total amount of the transaction based on the product information stored in the buffer in conjunction with the sales registration process, calculating and displaying the change based on the deposit received from the customer, instructing the change dispenser to issue the change, and issuing a receipt on which the product information and settlement information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) are printed.

[0033] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the POS terminal 2 includes a control unit 300 having a computer configuration including a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, and the like.

[0034] The CPU 31 executes various arithmetic processes and controls each section. The ROM 32 stores fixed data in a fixed manner. The RAM 33 stores variable data that can be freely rewritten and is used as a work area. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are connected via a bus 34.

[0035] In the RAM 33, a tax exemption amount table T for tallying up tax exemption amounts, which will be described later, is created.

[0036] The POS terminal 2 further includes a controller 35 , a keyboard 21 , a display unit 22 , a printer 23 , a scanner 24 , a passport reader 25 , a communication I / F 26 , and a memory unit 27 .

[0037] The keyboard 21, the display unit 22, the printer 23, the scanner 24, and the passport reader 25 are connected to the control unit 300 via the controller 35 and the bus 34. The control unit 300 controls each of the above units (the keyboard 21, the display unit 22, the printer 23, the scanner 24, and the passport reader 25).

[0038] The display unit 22 is an example of a display device, and is a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel on the display surface, and displays information for the operator as an image. The touch panel and keyboard 21 accept operations by the operator. The printer 23 prints receipts and journals. The scanner 24 optically reads codes such as bar codes and two-dimensional codes attached to products.

[0039] The keyboard 21 has various keys arranged in blocks, such as a number entry key for entering a product code or price, a subtotal key for declaring the calculation of the total sales price, a running total key for declaring the closing of the sales process with cash, a PLU key for specifying various products, a confirmation key for confirming the number entry made with the number entry key, a clear key, etc.

[0040] The keyboard 21 also has a tax exemption declaration key K1, a product name list output key K2, a post-payment tax exemption application key K3, and a cash register minus key K4. The tax exemption declaration key K1 is an operator for declaring that tax exemption processing will be performed for the transaction. The product name list output key K2 is an operator for instructing the output of a list of products that are subject to tax exemption (product name list). The post-payment tax exemption application key K3 is an operator for declaring that post-payment tax exemption application processing will be performed in order to perform tax exemption processing for a past transaction. The cash register minus key K4 is an operator for declaring the cancellation of a transaction.

[0041] The passport reader 25 is a reader device that reads information held in a passport. In the embodiment, the passport reader 25 has an optical character recognition (OCR) function that optically reads character strings written on a passport.

[0042] The communication I / F 26 connects the POS terminal 2 to a network 3 provided in a store. This connection allows the server 4, which is a higher-level device, and the control unit 300 to communicate with each other online.

[0043] The memory unit 27 is composed of a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), a flash memory, or the like, and maintains the stored contents even when the power is cut off.

[0044] The memory unit 27 stores an operating system, a control program 271 such as various computer programs, and various data files. The data files include a product master file F1, a tax-exempt category file F2, and a tax-exempt setting value file F3, which are distributed from the server 4.

[0045] The control program 271 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment is provided in an installable or executable format file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0046] The control program 271 executed in the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The control program 271 executed in the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0047] Furthermore, the control program 271 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided by being pre-installed in the ROM 32 or the like.

[0048] Next, a control process executed by the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 2 according to the control program 271 will be described.

[0049] 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal 2. The control unit 300 causes a tax exemption processing means 310 and a post-payment tax exemption application means 320 to function in accordance with various programs including a control program 271 stored in the ROM 32 and the memory unit 27.

[0050] The tax exemption processing means 310 is a functional unit that performs tax exemption processing to exempt tax-exempt products from payment. The tax exemption processing by the tax exemption processing means 310 is performed at the time of payment.

[0051] The post-payment tax exemption application means 320 is a functional unit that performs post-payment tax exemption application processing to refund the tax amount from the total amount paid for the tax-exempt product in the tax-inclusive transaction that has already been paid. The post-payment tax exemption application means 320 includes the following functional units: designation means 321, calculation means 322, detail display means 323, hold means 324, resume means 325, addition means 326, refund means 327, and receipt issuing means 328.

[0052] The designation means 321 designates transactions for which tax exemption is not applied, i.e., transactions for which tax exemption processing was not implemented. Specifically, designation here means extracting from the transaction history DB1 one or more transactions that include products that are eligible for tax exemption and for which tax exemption is not applied, based on information entered by the operator. The information entered by the operator is, for example, a signal output by the scanner 24 when the operator has the scanner 24 read a barcode attached to a receipt. The signal corresponds to the barcode, and the barcode contains information (e.g., a transaction number) that identifies the past transaction displayed on the receipt. Note that, although a barcode is used here as an example, a two-dimensional code or the like may also be used in practice.

[0053] The calculation means 322 calculates the total amount of the prices of products that are subject to tax exemption but to which tax exemption has not been applied (hereinafter referred to as target products) based on data of one or more transactions extracted by the designation means 321. The designation means 321 and the calculation means 322 realize a tallying means that calculates the total amount based on data of settled transactions.

[0054] The details display means 323 displays a registration details screen G8 (see FIG. 24, described later) on the display unit 22. The registration details screen G8 displays a list that summarizes the names and prices of the target products that the calculation means 322 included in the total amount.

[0055] The reservation means 324 stores the tax exemption information in a predetermined storage unit when the total amount calculated by the calculation means 322 falls below a predetermined value (a base amount set by the tax exemption system). The tax exemption information is data (processing data) used for post-payment tax exemption application processing, and is various information on the above-mentioned target product. The predetermined storage unit is, for example, the HDD 48 of the server 4. The processing data is stored in the reservation history DB2 held by the HDD 48.

[0056] 9 is a diagram showing the contents stored in the reservation history DB2 in table format. The reservation history DB2 stores, for example, the transaction number, reservation date, register number, receipt amount, reservation number, etc. These are stored in the transaction number section DB21, the reservation date section DB22, the register number section DB23, the receipt amount section DB24, and the reservation number section DB25, respectively.

[0057] In the pending history DB2, for example, one record is created for each receipt handed over by a customer to an operator. The transaction number is a number that identifies the transaction indicated by the receipt. This transaction number is the same as that in the transaction number section DB11 of the transaction history DB1. In other words, the transaction identified by the transaction number recorded in the transaction number section DB11 and the transaction identified by the transaction number recorded in the transaction number section DB21 are the same transaction. Furthermore, the register number and receipt amount are information on the transaction identified by the transaction number, and are based on the information recorded in the transaction history DB1.

[0058] The reservation date is the date on which the post-payment tax exemption application process was suspended, that is, the date on which the record was registered. The reservation number is an example of an identification code, which is common to all records related to one reservation and is unique for each reservation.

[0059] The reservation means 324 also stores the processing data in the reservation history DB2 and causes the printer 23 to issue a reservation receipt R5 (see FIG. 29, described below). The reservation receipt R5 is an example of a reservation slip, and has the above-mentioned identification code, total amount, and shortfall amount printed on it. The shortfall amount here is the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount from the lower limit for tax exemption. The identification code is indicated by a barcode or two-dimensional code that can be read by the scanner 24.

[0060] On the condition that a predetermined operation has been received, the resuming means 325 reads out the corresponding processing data from the pending history DB 2. The predetermined operation is, for example, the operator having the scanner 24 read the identification code of the pending receipt received from the customer. The resuming means 325 identifies the corresponding processing data by the identification code.

[0061] If the total amount calculated by the calculation means 322 falls below a predetermined amount, the adding means 326 accepts an additional purchase of a tax-exempt product on the spot and adds the price of the additional purchase to the total amount.

[0062] The refund means 327 manages the refund of the difference between the price including tax paid by the customer when purchasing the product and the price after tax exemption (i.e., the tax amount). In other words, the refund means 327 instructs the operator to refund a specified amount to the customer, and also appropriately updates the transaction history DB1 and the reserved history DB2.

[0063] The receipt issuing means 328 has a function of printing and issuing a receipt or the like including information on the product exempted from tax by the tax exemption application process after settlement.

[0064] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of the control process of the POS terminal 2. The control unit 300 judges whether or not a product code for identifying a product has been input using the scanner 24 (step S11). If it is judged that a product code has been input (Yes in step S11), the control unit 300 executes a sales registration process to calculate the registered amount of the product based on product information such as the product name and unit price obtained by searching the product master file F1 according to the input product code. Next, the control unit 300 stores the product information of the product for which the sales registration process has been performed in the RAM 33 (step S12). At this time, the display unit 22 displays a product registration screen G1 under the control of the control unit 300. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen G1.

[0065] Furthermore, if it is determined that a product code has not been entered (No in step S11), the control unit 300 determines whether or not a cash total key provided on the keyboard 21, which is used to declare the end of the transaction, has been operated (step S13). If it is determined that the cash total key has been operated (Yes in step S13), the control unit 300 executes a settlement process for calculating the total amount for the transaction based on the registered product prices and product information (step S14). In this settlement process, the control unit 300 calculates the total amount including the amount of taxes levied on the products purchased by the customer, such as consumption tax.

[0066] Next, the control unit 300 issues a receipt R0 on which the purchase details x, the settlement record y, etc. are printed on the receipt paper (step S15). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a normal receipt R0. The purchase details x are details of the purchased items (a record of the item name, number of items purchased, and price). The settlement record y is a record of monetary transactions such as the payment, the deposit amount, and the change. In addition to the above items, the receipt R0 displays the business name a, the transaction date d, a transaction number e that identifies the transaction, the register number f, and a barcode w. In place of the business name a, letters or a logo indicating the name or title of the business operator who runs the store are displayed. The barcode w is a coded version of the transaction number e.

[0067] Next, the control unit 300 transmits the product information of the processed product (transaction number, transaction date and time, register number, product code, unit price, number of items, etc.) to the server 4 (step S16). The server 4 stores the received information in the transaction history DB1. Specifically, the control unit 400 of the server 4 stores the transaction number in the transaction number section DB11. The control unit 400 stores the transaction date and time in the transaction date and time section DB12. The control unit 400 stores the register number of the POS terminal 2 that processed the transaction in the register number section DB13. The control unit 400 stores the product code, unit price, and number of items of the processed product in the product information section DB15. The control unit 400 also stores a flag "0" indicating that the transaction was not tax-free processed in the flag section DB14 in association with the transaction number of the transaction.

[0068] If it is determined that the current total key has not been operated (No in step S13), the control unit 300 determines whether the tax exemption declaration key K1 has been operated (step S21). If it is determined that the tax exemption declaration key K1 has been operated (Yes in step S21), the control unit 300 determines that a tax exemption declaration has been made and executes the tax exemption processing shown in FIG. 13 (step S22).

[0069] [Normal tax exemption processing] Here, the normal tax exemption process executed in step S22 when the tax exemption declaration key K1 is operated will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 13 to 19. Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing the flow of the normal tax exemption process. The control unit 300 operates the passport reader 25. Next, the control unit 300 judges whether the passport reader 25 has read a predetermined character string from the passport (step S51). Such character strings include, for example, a passport number, a name, a nationality, and a date of birth. Until the control unit 300 reads the predetermined character string from the passport, it displays on the display unit 22 a message indicating that the passport is being read.

[0070] The control unit 300 causes a guide screen (not shown) that prompts the user to read the passport to be displayed on the display unit 22. The operator of the POS terminal 2 opens the passport presented by the customer (non-resident) to a page that describes matters related to the tax exemption system, and holds the page over the passport reader 25. In response to this action, the control unit 300 reads a predetermined character string from the passport.

[0071] The control unit 300 waits until the passport is read (No in step S51), and if it determines that the passport has been read (Yes in step S51), it displays a confirmation screen G2 (see Figure 14) on the display unit 22 to allow the user to confirm the character string read in step S51 (step S52).

[0072] 14 is an example of a confirmation screen G2 in which character strings for the passport number, name, nationality, and date of birth are read from among the items written on a passport. The character strings read in step S51 are displayed for each item (item) on the confirmation screen G2.

[0073] Here, a delete button B1 is associated with each item on the confirmation screen G2. The control unit 300 judges whether or not the delete button B1 has been operated (step S53). If it is judged that the delete button B1 has been operated (Yes in step S53), the control unit 300 deletes the character string read for the corresponding item (step S54) and returns to step S53. For example, if there is an error in the character string of any of the items read in step S51, the erroneous character string can be deleted by operating the delete button B1. The control unit 300 displays the confirmation screen G2 with the character string of the item deleted in step S54 left blank.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 300 displays a Confirm button B2, a Reread button B3, and a Cancel button B4 on the confirmation screen G2, which correspond to the confirmation receiving means of the embodiment. Next, if the control unit 300 determines that the Delete button B1 has not been operated (No in step S53), it determines whether or not the Reread button B3 has been operated (step S55). If it determines that the Reread button B3 has been operated (Yes in step S55), the control unit 300 returns the process to step S51, thereby re-reading the character string from the passport. In response to the operation of the Reread button B3, the control unit 300 deletes the character string previously read.

[0075] Furthermore, if it is determined that the reread button B3 has not been operated (No in step S55), the control unit 300 determines whether or not the cancel button B4 has been operated (step S56). If it is determined that the cancel button B4 has been operated (Yes in step S56), the control unit 300 deletes all the read character strings (step S57) and returns to step S51. In response to the operation of the cancel button B4, the control unit 300 returns the display screen of the display unit 22 from the confirmation screen G2 to the product registration screen G1.

[0076] Furthermore, if it is determined that the Cancel button B4 has not been operated (No in step S56), the control unit 300 determines whether or not the Confirm button B2 has been operated (step S58). If the control unit 300 determines that the Confirm button B2 has been operated (Yes in step S58), it executes tax exemption processing to exempt the payment of taxes such as consumption tax as the tax exemption processing means 310 (step S59). If it is determined that the Confirm button B2 has not been operated (No in step S58), the control unit 300 returns the processing to step S53.

[0077] Next, the tax exemption process in step S59 will be described.

[0078] First, the control unit 300 judges the presence of a product eligible for tax exemption by referring to the tax exemption category code in the product master file F1 for the registered products that have already been registered. If a product eligible for tax exemption exists, the control unit 300 performs a process of adding the tax exemption amount for each registered product group (general goods group / consumables group) that is eligible for tax exemption to the tax exemption amount table T (RAM 33).

[0079] The tax-exempt items are handled according to the tax type as follows:

[0080] If the registered product eligible for tax exemption is tax-inclusive, the control unit 300 adds the registered amount excluding tax as the tax exemption amount to the tax exemption amount table T. More specifically, for a tax-inclusive product, the control unit 300 determines the tax exemption amount to be the difference between the registered amount before tax exemption and the registered amount after tax exemption. An example formula is shown below. Price before tax exemption: 1,080 yen - Price after tax exemption: 1,000 yen = Tax exemption amount: 80 yen

[0081] If the registered product eligible for tax exemption is a tax-exclusive product, the control unit 300 adds the registered amount as the tax exemption amount to the tax exemption amount table T. More specifically, in the case of a tax-exclusive product, the control unit 300 sets the tax-exclusive amount for the registered amount as the tax exemption amount.

[0082] If the registered product is not eligible for tax exemption, the control unit 300 does not add the registered amount to the tax exemption amount table T as the tax exemption amount.

[0083] Next, the control unit 300 judges whether the tax exemption amount in the tax exemption amount table T meets the set value (reference amount) in the tax exemption set value file F3. In the tax exemption set value file F3 of the embodiment, the set value for food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, and other consumables is 5,000 yen to 500,000 yen. In addition, the set value for general goods (goods used in everyday life other than consumables) is an amount exceeding 10,000 yen.

[0084] When the control unit 300 determines that the tax-free amount for consumables meets the set value (5,000 yen to 500,000 yen), it performs a tax-free process to exempt the tax on the tax-free amount. Also, when the control unit 300 determines that the tax-free amount for general goods (goods used in everyday life other than consumables) meets the set value (amounts exceeding 10,000 yen), it performs a tax-free process to exempt the tax on the tax-free amount.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 300 displays an error message on the display unit 22 when the tax exemption amount for the consumable item in the tax exemption amount table T exceeds the upper limit of the set value (500,000 yen).

[0086] 15 is a diagram showing an example of the error screen G3. In the error screen G3, the control unit 300 displays a message in text such as "The tax-free upper limit has been exceeded. Please cancel the product. The amount exceeded is XX,XXX yen." If the clear key on the keyboard 21 is pressed while the error screen G3 is being displayed, the control unit 300 erases the error screen G3.

[0087] On the other hand, if the tax exemption amount falls below the standard amount, the control unit 300 will inform the user that the standard amount is not met by displaying an error message (not shown), similar to the case where the tax exemption upper limit is exceeded. In this case, the transaction is settled as one for which tax exemption is not applicable, or the transaction is canceled.

[0088] Returning to the flowchart (FIG. 13), following the tax exemption process (step S59), the control unit 300 displays the product registration screen G4 (step S60). FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen G4. The product registration screen G4 displays a tax exemption indicator I displaying "tax exempt". The control unit 300 notifies the operator that the transaction is a tax exemption declaration transaction by displaying the tax exemption indicator I on the product registration screen G4. On the product registration screen G4, the tax amount is displayed as "0 yen" due to the tax exemption by the tax exemption process (step S59), and the total displayed amount is the amount after the tax exemption process (amount reduced by the tax exempted amount). Furthermore, in the product information list on the product registration screen G4, the word "exempt" is displayed on the row of the product to which tax exemption has been applied.

[0089] The control unit 300 determines whether the current total key has been operated (step S61). In step S61, the control unit 300 waits until it is operated (No in step S61). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S61), the control unit 300 executes a settlement process to settle the price of the product for that transaction (step S62). In this settlement process, taxes such as consumption tax are not added to the amount of the sold product, and the settlement is made at the amount after tax exemption is applied, which does not include the tax amount.

[0090] Next, the control unit 300 transmits the product information of the processed product (transaction number, transaction date and time, register number, product code, unit price, number of items, etc.) to the server 4 (step S63). When the server 4 receives the product information, etc., it stores the received information in the transaction history DB1. Specifically, the control unit 400 of the server 4 stores the transaction number in the transaction number section DB11. The control unit 400 stores the transaction date and time in the transaction date and time section DB12. The control unit 400 stores the register number of the POS terminal 2 that processed the transaction in the register number section DB13. The control unit 400 stores the product code, unit price, and number of items of the processed product in the product information section DB15. Then, the control unit 400 stores a flag "1" indicating that the tax exemption process has been performed for the transaction in the flag section DB14 in association with the transaction number of the transaction.

[0091] Next, the control unit 300 prints and issues a receipt including product information, payment information, and tax exemption amount of the processed product (step S64). In this step, the control unit 300 prints, for example, one purchase pledge, two purchase record tickets, and one receipt.

[0092] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase pledge R1. The purchase pledge R1 certifies the fact of the purchase of a duty-free item. The purchase pledge R1 is submitted to the business operator of the duty-free shop as a store copy, attached to a prescribed document (a purchaser pledge (separate from the receipt-format purchase pledge R1)).

[0093] The purchase pledge R1 includes the name or title of the business operator of the duty-free shop a, the name of the competent tax office b, the address of the duty-free shop c, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the register number f, product details (item name g, quantity and price for each item h), the total price of all items i, the total prices of general items and consumables j, and the tax-free amount k.

[0094] The purchase pledge R1 also has a field for printing the character string for each item confirmed on the confirmation screen G2. Specifically, the purchase pledge R1 prints the character string confirmed on the confirmation screen G2 for the following items: Passport number …l · Nationality of the purchaser …m ·Purchaser's name …n · Purchaser's date of birth …o

[0095] For items (character strings) deleted by operating the delete button B1 on the confirmation screen G2, only the item name is printed. In this case, the content of the item is written directly by the operator on the document (purchaser's pledge).

[0096] Furthermore, the layout of the purchase pledge R1 is not limited to the example in Fig. 17. For example, it may be printed with a statement that the product will be exported after purchase (in the case of consumables, the product will be exported within 30 days from the date of purchase), a signature space for the purchaser, etc.

[0097] Next, the purchase record ticket, which is a receipt, will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase record ticket R2. The purchase record ticket R2 certifies the fact of the purchase of a tax-free item. Two copies of the purchase record ticket R2 are printed, one to be attached to a specified document (purchase record ticket (different from the receipt-format purchase record ticket R2)) and one to be used as a store copy. The attached purchase record ticket R2 is affixed to the specified document (purchase record ticket). This document (purchase record ticket) is affixed to a passport and stamped.

[0098] Purchase record slip R2 includes the name or trade name of the business operator of the duty-free shop (a), the name of the tax office in charge (b), the address of the duty-free shop (c), the transaction date (d), the transaction number (e), the register number (f), product details (item name (g), quantity and price for each item (h)), the total price of all items (i), the total price of general goods and consumables (j), and the tax-free amount (k).

[0099] The purchase record ticket R2 also has a field for printing the text of each item confirmed on the confirmation screen G2. Specifically, the text of the following items confirmed on the confirmation screen G2 is printed on the purchase record ticket R2: Passport number …l · Nationality of the purchaser …m ·Purchaser's name …n · Purchaser's date of birth …o

[0100] For items (character strings) deleted by operating the Delete button B1 on the confirmation screen G2, only the item name is printed and the item is entered directly on the document (purchase record slip), similar to the purchase pledge R1. The layout of the purchase record slip R2 is not limited to the example in FIG.

[0101] Next, the receipt will be described. Figure 19 shows an example of a receipt R3 for a tax-free transaction. The receipt R3 is given to the purchaser after the transaction.

[0102] Receipt R3 includes the name or title a of the business operator of the duty-free shop, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the register number f, product details (product name g, quantity and price for each product h), and the total amount of all items i. In this receipt R3, the letter p "free" is added to the name of the tax-free product. In addition, receipt R3 has printed on it a message q stating "A tax-free transaction has been made," indicating that it is a tax-free transaction. In addition, receipt R3 has printed on it a barcode w encoding the transaction number e.

[0103] If the information stored in the transaction history DB1 does not function as a journal, the control unit 300 executes journal printing corresponding to the purchase record ticket R2 and receipt R3. At this time, the control unit 300 prints all or part of the character strings of the items confirmed on the confirmation screen G2 in the journal corresponding to the receipt R3.

[0104] In this way, the control unit 300 reads a predetermined character string from the passport using the passport reader 25, and displays the read character string on the confirmation screen G2 for confirmation by the operator. Next, after confirmation by the operator, the control unit 300 prints the character string displayed on the confirmation screen G2 on the purchase pledge R1, etc. As a result, the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment does not require complicated procedures such as handwriting a purchaser pledge or a purchase record ticket for each product purchase, and therefore the tax exemption procedures can be carried out efficiently.

[0105] In addition, the control unit 300 automatically performs tax exemption processing when the tax exemption unit (consumables, general goods) exceeds the tax exemption threshold amount (consumables: 5,000 yen, general goods: 10,000 yen). As a result, according to the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment, the operator's decision to register tax exemption is no longer necessary, and the sales registration processing of products corresponding to the revision of the tax exemption system can be performed.

[0106] Furthermore, when the control unit 300 receives the operation of the product name list output key K2, it executes a printing process to output a product name list (not shown) of the products that are subject to tax exemption. Here, the timing of receiving the operation of the product name list output key K2 is not particularly important. For example, when the control unit 300 receives the operation of the product name list output key K2 during the sales registration process, it executes the list printing process together with the above-mentioned printing process. Furthermore, when the control unit 300 receives the operation of the product name list output key K2 outside the sales registration process, it executes the list printing process after having the user input the transaction number, etc., of the transaction that is the subject of the list printing process.

[0107] In the list printing process of the embodiment, a product list is printed on one page. The product list is a document that lists the products that are subject to tax exemption. The product list is attached to a bag or box that contains the products that are subject to tax exemption.

[0108] The product name list includes the name or title of the business operator operating the duty-free shop, the product names of the products that are subject to the tax-free process, and the quantity and price of each product name. It is also possible to print only consumables among the products that are subject to the tax-free process in the product name list. In this case, whether a product is a consumable or not is determined based on the tax-free category code in the product master file F1 or the tax-free category file F2. Also, if the POS terminal 2 is equipped with a separate label printer, the control unit 300 may print the product name list using the label printer.

[0109] In this way, the POS terminal 2 can output a product name list of products that are eligible for tax exemption in response to the operation of the product name list output key K2. As a result, the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment can easily issue a product name list when it is stipulated by law that the product name must be indicated on the package of the product that is eligible for tax exemption, so that the tax exemption procedure can be carried out efficiently.

[0110] Returning to the flowchart (FIG. 10), if it is determined in step S21 that the tax exemption declaration key K1 has not been operated (No in step S21), the control unit 300 determines whether or not the post-payment tax exemption application key K3 for performing tax exemption processing for past transactions has been operated (step S31). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S31), the control unit 300, as the post-payment tax exemption application means 320, executes the post-payment tax exemption application processing (step S32).

[0111] [Post-payment tax exemption processing] FIG. 20-1 and FIG. 20-2 are flow charts showing the outline of the post-payment tax exemption application process. First, the control unit 300 executes the processes of steps S71 to S78. The processes of steps S71 to S78 are the same as the above-mentioned steps S51 to S58, and therefore the explanation will be omitted. If the cancel button B4 is operated (Yes in step S76), the control unit 300 deletes all the character strings read from the passport (step S77) and then returns to step S71.

[0112] Next, the control unit 300 performs a transaction designation process (step S81) as the designation means 321. In this process, the control unit 300 first causes the display unit 22 to display a transaction search screen G5.

[0113] 21 is a diagram showing an example of the transaction search screen G5. The transaction search screen G5 has a register number field A51, a date field A52, a transaction number field A53, a receipt amount field A54, a confirm button B51, and a back button B52.

[0114] The register number column A51 is a column for inputting the register number that identifies the POS terminal 2 for which the transaction for which post-payment tax exemption is to be applied (hereinafter referred to as the target transaction) was made. The column A51 displays, as an initial value, the register number assigned to the POS terminal 2 having the display unit 22 that is currently displaying the transaction search screen G5. The date column A52 is a column for inputting the date on which the target transaction was made (transaction date), and displays the current date as an initial value. The transaction number column A53 is a column for inputting the transaction number of the target transaction. The receipt amount column A54 is a column for inputting the amount settled in the target transaction.

[0115] The Confirm button B51 is a button for confirming the input contents in each of the above-mentioned fields A51 to A54 and declaring to move to the next process. The Back button B52 is a button for returning to the previous screen. In other words, when the Back button B52 is operated, the control unit 300 stops the transaction designation process and returns the display of the display unit 22 to the confirmation screen G2.

[0116] Next, the control unit 300 uses the scanner 24 to read the barcode w printed on the receipt R0 in step S15, and determines whether the transaction number e contained in the barcode w has been entered. The control unit 300 waits until the transaction number e has been entered, and if it determines that it has been entered, it queries the server 4 and receives history information of the past transaction corresponding to the relevant transaction number e from the transaction history DB1 of the server 4. Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the transaction in the received history information meets the following three conditions:

[0117] The first condition is that the flag stored in the flag section DB14 for the transaction read from the transaction history DB1 is "0". The second condition is that the transaction history DB1 includes a product eligible for tax exemption. The third condition is that the transaction date is the same as the transaction date in the previously read transaction history DB1. If all of these three conditions are met, the control unit 300 causes the display unit 22 to display the list screen G6 (see FIG. 22) based on the received transaction history information.

[0118] If the transaction with the entered transaction number does not satisfy any one or more of the three conditions, the control unit 300 will display an error message (not shown) on the display unit 22 indicating that tax exemption cannot be applied to the transaction, and will wait for the next operation.

[0119] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the list screen G6. The list screen G6 has a list L1, a confirm button B61, a cancel button B62, and a manual button B63. The list screen G6 is displayed when one transaction is identified while the transaction search screen G5 is displayed. While the list screen G6 is displayed, the control unit 300 accepts transaction designation by the same operation as when the transaction search screen G5 is displayed. When a transaction is designated, the number of transactions displayed in the list L1 increases.

[0120] List L1 displays a list of identification information (register number, transaction date, transaction number, receipt amount) for each transaction to be processed. The Confirm button B61 is a button for confirming the transaction designation (step S81) and declaring to move on to the next process (step S82). The Cancel button B62 is a button for returning to the previous screen. In other words, when the Cancel button B62 is operated, the control unit 300 clears the designated transaction and returns the display on the display unit 22 to the transaction search screen G5. The Manual button B63 is a button for displaying or enabling the use of numeric keys and the like used for manual input.

[0121] The transactions displayed on the list screen G6 can be excluded (deleted) from processing by operating the keyboard 21 or the touch panel. Also, by selecting a transaction displayed on the list screen G6, a list of tax-exempt products included in the transaction may be displayed.

[0122] In step S82, the control unit 300, as the calculation means 322, calculates the total amount of the prices of the target products included in the transaction (target transaction) specified in step S81. Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the total amount calculated in step S82 reaches the reference amount (step S83).

[0123] In step S83, if the total amount has reached the reference amount (Yes in step S83), the control unit 300 first causes the display unit 22 to display a confirmation screen G7. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen G7. Here, the confirmation screen G7 shown in FIG. 23 is a screen for showing the total amount and has a confirmation button B71 and a list button B72.

[0124] When the list button B72 is operated on the confirmation screen G7, the control unit 300 displays a registration details screen G8 as the details display means 323. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the registration details screen G8.

[0125] The registration details screen G8 displays a list of the names and prices of the products to be processed that are the basis of the total amount calculated in step S82. In the example shown in Fig. 24, the registration details screen G8 displays the product code, product name, quantity, unit price, discount or rebate, amount, and category (consumables or general products) for each product. While the registration details screen G8 is displayed, the control unit 300 accepts deletion of the products to be processed, correction of values, etc.

[0126] Furthermore, the registration details screen G8 has a back button B81. When the back button B81 is operated, the control unit 300 returns the display on the display unit 22 to the confirmation screen G7.

[0127] When the confirm button B71 is operated on the confirmation screen G7, the control unit 300 performs the refund process (step S84). In the refund process, the control unit 300, as the refund means 327, calculates the refund amount based on the total amount and updates the transaction history DB1. That is, the control unit 300 changes the flag stored in the flag section DB14 of the transaction history DB1 for the transaction to be processed from "0" to "1". Furthermore, the control unit 300 newly registers the record of the refund in a predetermined storage section (for example, the transaction history DB1). When registering, the control unit 300 assigns a new transaction number to the refund. The transaction number makes it possible to identify the record of the refund in the predetermined storage section. For example, if the transaction history DB1 also serves as a storage section for registering the record of the refund, it is possible to handle this by entering a code indicating the refund process in the product code field and entering the refund amount in the unit price field.

[0128] In addition, in response to the operation of the above-mentioned Confirm button B71, the control unit 300, functioning as the receipt issuing means 328, causes the printer 23 to print and issue a receipt including information on the target product. At this time, the items issued are the purchase pledge R1 (FIG. 17), the purchase record ticket R2 (FIG. 18), and the refund receipt R4 (FIG. 27, described later).

[0129] Furthermore, in response to an operation of the above-mentioned Confirm button B71, the control unit 300 causes the display unit 22 to display a tallying screen G9, an example of which is shown in Fig. 25(a). The tallying screen G9 uses text and image indicators to inform the operator that processing is in progress and the progress of the processing. Then, when the DB update and printing / issuance are completed, the control unit 300 causes the display unit 22 to display a completion screen G10, an example of which is shown in Fig. 25(b).

[0130] The completion screen G10 has a close button B101. When the close button B101 is operated, the control unit 300, which serves as the refund means 327, instructs the operator to refund a predetermined amount to the customer. In other words, the control unit 300 causes the display unit 22 to display a payment screen G11.

[0131] 26 is a diagram showing an example of the payment screen G11. The payment screen G11 shows the amount of the refund and includes instructions to the operator in the form of text and illustrations such as "Please don't forget to hand over your receipt."

[0132] If there is a change machine (not shown) linked to the POS terminal 2, when the close button B101 on the completion screen G10 is operated, the change machine will dispense the amount of the refund, and the operator will compare it with the amount shown on the payment screen G11 and return it to the customer together with a refund receipt R4, etc.

[0133] In addition, if the POS terminal 2 is linked to a drawer (not shown) rather than a change machine, the drawer will open when the close button B101 on the completion screen G10 is operated, and the operator will remove coins from the drawer in the amount shown on the payment screen G11 and return them to the customer together with a refund receipt R4, etc.

[0134] 27 is a diagram showing an example of a refund receipt R4. The refund receipt R4 is a document that lists the transaction to be processed and the refund amount. The refund receipt R4 is given to a customer who is a non-resident.

[0135] The refund receipt R4 also includes the name or business name a of the business operator of the duty-free shop, the transaction date d when the post-payment tax exemption application process was performed, the transaction number e, and the register number f. The refund receipt R4 also includes the transaction number r, register number s, and refund amount t of each transaction to be processed. The refund receipt R4 also has a message u indicating that the post-payment tax exemption was applied, "Tax exemption has been applied to the above transaction." The refund receipt R4 also has printed on it a barcode w that encodes the transaction number e of the post-payment tax exemption application process described above.

[0136] The payment screen G11 has a close button B111. When the close button B111 is operated, the control unit 300 ends the refund process (step S84), ends the post-payment tax exemption application process (step S32), and returns to step S11.

[0137] Next, a case where the total amount has not reached the reference amount (No in step S83) will be described. In this case, the control unit 300 first causes the display unit 22 to display a confirmation screen G7, an example of which is shown in FIG. 28. In this case, the confirmation screen G7 displays the Hold button B73, the Add button B74, and a message M1 in addition to the state shown in FIG. 23. When displaying the confirmation screen G7 in this state, the control unit 300 makes the Confirm button B71 inoperable.

[0138] The message M1 informs the user that the total amount is insufficient. In other words, the message M1 indicates that the total amount of the prices of the products to be processed does not reach the reference amount, and indicates the difference between the reference amount and the total amount. The Hold button B73 accepts an operation to start the hold process (step S85). The Add button B74 accepts an operation to start the add process (step S86).

[0139] In the reservation process (step S85), the control unit 300 first saves the processing data in the reservation history DB 2. The control unit 300 also causes the printer 23 to print and issue a reservation receipt R5, an example of which is shown in Fig. 29. The reservation receipt R5 is an example of a reservation slip, and includes the reservation number e2 as the identification code, a barcode w that encodes the reservation number e2, descriptions v1 to v3, and the register number f2 of the POS terminal 2 that issued the reservation receipt R5.

[0140] Explanation v1 indicates the reason why the tax exemption cannot be applied, for example, "The total amount of your purchase does not reach the applicable amount." Explanation v2 indicates the current status, for example, "The procedure for applying the tax exemption has been put on hold." Explanation v3 informs the user of the shortfall before the tax exemption can be applied. The shortfall here is the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount from the lower limit for tax exemption application. In implementing this, it is sufficient that at least the above-mentioned reserved number is printed on the reserved receipt R5 as characters or a scanner-readable code image.

[0141] When the reservation process is completed, the control unit 300 ends the post-payment tax exemption application process (step S32) and returns to step S11.

[0142] The reserved receipt R5 is used when a customer who has received the receipt R5 makes a purchase (additional purchase) for an amount equal to or greater than the shortfall and requests the post-payment tax exemption application process again (i.e., resumes the post-payment tax exemption application process). When resuming this process, in transaction designation (step S81), the control unit 300 functions as the designation means 321 as well as the resuming means 325. The control unit 300 as the designation means 321 here causes the scanner 24 to read the barcode w displayed on the receipt R0 for the additional purchase.

[0143] The control unit 300, functioning as the resuming means 325, reads the reserved receipt R5, reads the record identified by the reserved number e2 indicated by that reserved receipt R5 from the reserved history DB2, and reads each transaction to be processed at the time the reserved receipt R5 was issued, which is recorded in each record, from the transaction history DB1. This eliminates the need to reread receipt R0 for each transaction to be processed at the time the reserved receipt R5 was issued.

[0144] Next, the addition process (step S86) will be described. When the Add button B74 is operated on the confirmation screen G7 shown in FIG. 28, the control unit 300 performs the addition process. In the addition process, the control unit 300 accepts an additional purchase on the spot. In other words, when the operator informs the customer of the shortfall amount and the customer presents a product to be purchased on the spot, the POS terminal 2 accepts the registration of sales data for that product and further adds the price of that product to the total amount.

[0145] 30 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen G7 in a state where one of the two types of shortfalls has been compensated for by the additional purchase. In this case, a message M2 is displayed on the confirmation screen G7. The message M2 notifies the user of the shortfall that has been changed by the additional purchase. In addition, when the confirmation screen G7 is displayed, the control unit 300 changes the confirmation button B71 to a usable state.

[0146] In this manner, according to the embodiment, for one or more transactions designated as the target for processing after transaction processing, tax exemption processing can be performed for tax-exempt items included in the transaction. Therefore, even if the tax exemption procedure is carried out again after the sale of the sales item, tax exemption processing can be executed without canceling the transaction.

[0147] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 10, in step S31, if it is determined that the post-payment tax exemption application key K3 has not been operated (No in step S31), the control unit 300 determines whether or not the cash register minus key K4 has been operated (step S41). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S41), the control unit 300 subsequently determines whether or not the post-payment tax exemption application key K3 has been operated (step S42). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S42), the control unit 300 executes post-payment tax exemption application cancellation processing (step S43).

[0148] Post-payment tax-exemption application processing can only be done once in a series of transactions. Therefore, if there is a mistake in the product to which the post-payment tax-exemption was applied, or if you want to apply post-payment tax-exemption again for a new product to which you want to apply tax-exemption, you must first cancel the post-payment tax-exemption application processing that cancels the post-payment tax-exemption application processing that has already been processed, and then apply the post-payment tax-exemption again. Details of the post-payment tax-exemption application cancellation processing will be omitted.

[0149] In step S42, if it is determined that the post-payment tax exemption application key K3 has not been operated (No in step S42), the control unit 300 executes cancellation processing of the transaction for which the payment processing was performed in step S14 or the transaction for which the tax exemption processing was performed in step S22 (step S44). Details of the cancellation processing will be omitted.

[0150] After the process of step S12, the process of step S16, the process of step S22, the process of step S32, the process of step S43, and the process of step S44, the control unit 300 returns to step S11. Also, if it is determined in step S41 that the register-minus key K4 has not been operated (No in step S41), the control unit 300 returns to step S11.

[0151] In this manner, according to the embodiment, for one or more transactions designated as the processing target, the post-payment tax exemption application cancellation process can be executed without canceling the transaction to which the post-payment tax exemption was applied.

[0152] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0153] For example, in the embodiment, the information held in the passport is read as a character string by using the optical character recognition function of the passport reader 25, but the reading method is not limited to this. Specifically, if a storage medium such as an IC tag is embedded in the passport, an RFID reader may be used as the passport reader 25 to read information corresponding to the written items from the storage medium.

[0154] In addition, in the embodiment, the transaction number is input by reading the barcode printed on the receipt, but this is not limiting, and for example, the operator may input the transaction number printed on the receipt from the keyboard 21. In this case, the receipt may not have a barcode printed on it.

[0155] In the embodiment, the transaction history DB1 is provided in the server 4, but it may be provided in another location, for example, the POS terminal 2 or the like.

[0156] Furthermore, in the embodiment, a product has been described as an example of a sales object, but a sales object other than a product (for example, a service) may also be used.

[0157] In the embodiment, the server 4 has been described as an example of an information processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a personal computer installed at a service counter or the like may be used as the information processing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1. POS system 2. POS terminal 4. Server 300...Control unit 310…Tax exemption processing method 320…Post-payment tax exemption application method 321... Designated means (part of the means of aggregation) 322...Calculation method (part of aggregation method) 323…Details display means 324...Holding means 325…Resuming means 326...Additional means 327…Refund method 328…Receipt issuing method DB1…Trading History DB2…Retention history (predefined storage area) e2...Reservation number (identification code) R5…Reserved receipt (reserved slip) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0159] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-22328 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-62496 A

Claims

1. a tax exemption processing means for performing a tax exemption process for exempting payment of tax on tax-exempt items in a transaction that satisfies a predetermined condition; a post-payment tax exemption application means for performing a post-payment tax exemption application process for refunding the tax amount when the total amount of a plurality of settled transactions to which the tax of the tax-exempt item is added does not satisfy the above condition and satisfies the above condition; Equipped with the tax exemption processing means, when a first operator accepts an operation in a series of processes including a sales registration process for registering product information, branches from the series of processes and executes the tax exemption process; When the second operator accepts an operation in the series of processes, the post-settlement tax exemption application means branches from the series of processes, accepts an input for designating a plurality of settled transactions to which the tax on the tax-exempt items has been added, calculates a total amount excluding tax of the tax-exempt items traded in the designated settled transactions, judges whether the total amount satisfies the condition, and, if the judgment judges that the condition is satisfied, executes the post-settlement tax exemption application process for refunding the tax added to the tax-exempt items. Sales data processing device.

2. A computer that controls the sales data processing device, a tax exemption processing means for performing a tax exemption process for exempting payment of tax on tax-exempt items in a transaction that satisfies a predetermined condition; a post-payment tax exemption application means for performing a post-payment tax exemption application process for refunding the tax amount when the total amount of a plurality of settled transactions to which the tax of the tax-exempt item is added does not satisfy the above condition and satisfies the above condition; Function as a the tax exemption processing means, when a first operator accepts an operation in a series of processes including a sales registration process for registering product information, branches from the series of processes and executes the tax exemption process; When the second operator accepts an operation in the series of processes, the post-settlement tax exemption application means branches from the series of processes, accepts an input for designating a plurality of settled transactions to which the tax on the tax-exempt items has been added, calculates a total amount excluding tax of the tax-exempt items traded in the designated settled transactions, judges whether the total amount satisfies the condition, and, if the judgment judges that the condition is satisfied, executes the post-settlement tax exemption application process for refunding the tax added to the tax-exempt items. program.

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