Commodity sales data processing apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales data processor and a program capable of efficiently executing the tax-free procedure.SOLUTION: A commodity sales data processor comprises: tax-free means for performing tax-free processing for tax exemption from a sum of commodities being tax-free objects; read means for reading information corresponding to a part or all of subjects to be described determined by law of tax-free system from a passport; display means for displaying the information read by the read means on a display; confirmation acceptance means for accepting confirmation of the information displayed on the display; and print means for, when the tax-free processing is performed, printing a document containing specifications of commodities subjected to the tax-free processing and information that the confirmation acceptance means accepted confirmation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Traditionally, there has been a so-called tax exemption system in place that exempts goods from consumption tax when businesses operating export goods sales outlets (duty-free shops) sell goods to non-residents such as foreign tourists.

[0003] The procedures for foreign travelers to use such tax-free systems are cumbersome, including the need to present their passports and fill out necessary forms.

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

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product sales data processing device and program that can efficiently carry out procedures related to tax exemption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A product sales data processing device according to an embodiment includes a tax exemption means, a reading means, a display means, a confirmation receiving means, and a printing means. The tax exemption means performs a tax exemption process that exempts tax from the price of products eligible for tax exemption. The reading means reads information from the passport that corresponds to some or all of the information that must be filled out as stipulated by laws and regulations related to the tax exemption system. The display means displays the information read by the reading means on a display. The confirmation receiving means receives confirmation of the information displayed on the display. When the tax exemption process is performed, the printing means prints a document including details of the products subject to the tax exemption process and the information confirmed by the confirmation receiving means. Furthermore, the display means displays an indicator on the display indicating that the transaction is tax-free, provided that the confirmation receiving means receives the confirmation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store server. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the product master file. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the tax-free category file. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the tax exemption setting value file. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the transaction history. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the general flow of the normal tax exemption process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the guide screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the confirmation screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the error 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 warning screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase pledge. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase record slip. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the product name list. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the outline of the flow of the tax exemption recounting process. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the tax exemption recount screen. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of the tax exemption recount screen. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a refund receipt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In this embodiment, a POS (Point Of Sales) system used in export goods sales outlets (duty-free shops) that sell goods for everyday use to non-residents such as foreign tourists in a certain way will be described. This embodiment is an example in which the system is applied to a POS terminal installed in a duty-free shop as a product sales data processing device.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the POS system 1 includes a plurality of POS terminals 2 (two in the figure) and a store server 4, which is an information processing device that connects these POS terminals 2 via a network 3 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and centrally manages them.

[0010] The store server 4 is responsible for overall control of the POS system 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store server 4. The store server 4 has a control unit 41 with a computer configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0011] The control unit 41 is connected to a communication I / F (interface) 43 and an I / O device control unit 44 via a bus 42. The store server 4 communicates online with multiple POS terminals 2 via the communication I / F 43 and the network 3 (see FIG. 1). The control unit 41 is also connected to a keyboard 45, a display 46, a printer 47, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 48 via the bus 42 and the I / O device control unit 44. The HDD 48 stores various control programs that operate the CPU of the control unit 41. The HDD 48 also stores a product master file F1, a tax exemption category file F2, and a tax exemption setting value file F3. The HDD 48 also holds a transaction history DB1 as a database for accumulating information about transactions registered for sale at the POS terminal 2.

[0012] The program executed by the store server 4 of this embodiment is a file in an installable or executable format, and may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Such recording media include CD-ROMs, flexible disks (FDs), CD-Rs, and DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks).

[0013] Furthermore, the program executed by the store server 4 of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the program executed by the store server 4 of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0014] Next, we will explain the product master file F1 and the product classifications (classifications) set in the product master file F1. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the product master file F1. As shown in Fig. 3, the product master file F1 stores product information such as the product name, product price (unit price), classification code (classification 1 code, classification 2 code), duty-free classification code, and dangerous goods classification code in association with the product code (product identification information) of each product to be registered for sale. The dangerous goods classification code is assigned to products that require careful handling, such as sprays that are prohibited from being carried on aircraft.

[0015] Products are classified into multiple classification codes, and these classifications are structured hierarchically.

[0016] That is, as shown in Figure 3, products are divided into multiple categories based on Category 1 (higher category), which is a broad category. Furthermore, each Category 1 is further divided into more detailed categories based on Category 2 (lower category). That is, the higher Category 1 is divided into multiple categories based on Category 2, which is lower than Category 1, and includes at least one lower Category 2.

[0017] In terms of being structured hierarchically, the product code assigned to each product can be considered a classification lower than Classification 2. The product code can be considered the most detailed classification, i.e., the lowest classification.

[0018] Next, the tax-free category file F2 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the tax-free category file F2. As shown in Fig. 4, in the tax-free category file F2, tax-free category names are set in association with tax-free category codes. The tax-free category names are "consumables," "general goods," and "non-tax-free." "Consumables" are tax-free goods that are exempt from tax on goods sold to non-residents such as foreign tourists, and include items such as food, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics. "General goods" are also tax-free goods, and are goods used for everyday life other than consumables.

[0019] Next, the tax exemption setting value file F3 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the tax exemption setting value file F3. As shown in Fig. 5, setting values ​​are set in the tax exemption setting value file F3 in association with tax exemption category codes. The setting values ​​serve as a guide for registering sales as tax exempt in each category. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the setting value for consumables with tax exemption category code "01" is 5,000 to 500,000 yen. Furthermore, the setting value for general goods (goods used in everyday life other than consumables) with tax exemption category code "02" is an amount exceeding 10,000 yen.

[0020] Next, the transaction history DB1 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the transaction history DB1. As shown in FIG. 6, the transaction history DB1 stores sales data of transactions processed by each POS terminal 2 as transaction history. The transaction history includes a transaction number for identifying each transaction, the transaction date and time when the transaction was performed, and the register number for identifying the POS terminal 2 where the transaction was performed. The transaction history also includes the product code, unit price, and number of items for each product registered for sale. In addition, a flag is set in the transaction history DB1 in association with the transaction number. The flag serves as a guide for determining whether the transaction is subject to the tax-exemption process described below. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a transaction with a flag of "0" means that the transaction is not subject to the tax-exemption process, and a transaction with a flag of "1" means that the transaction is subject to the tax-exemption process.

[0021] The control unit 41 of the store server 4 according to this embodiment distributes the product master file F1, the tax exemption category file F2, and the tax exemption setting value file F3 to the POS terminal 2 at predetermined timings in accordance with the control program.

[0022] Next, a description will be given of the POS terminal 2. The POS terminal 2 is assigned a unique register number and is placed at the checkout location. The POS terminal 2 is a terminal used by an operator (cashier) to perform sales registration processing.

[0023] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the POS terminal 2 is connected to a keyboard 21, a display 22 which is a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel on the display surface, a printer 23, a card reader / writer (R / W) 24, a code scanner 25 which optically reads barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. attached to products, an HDD 26 which is a storage device, a passport reader 27, etc.

[0024] The keyboard 21 has an exterior structure in which various keys are arranged in blocks. The various keys include, for example, quantity keys for inputting product codes and amounts, a subtotal key for declaring the calculation of the total sales amount, a deposit / cash total key for declaring cash closing in the sales process, a PLU key for specifying various products, a confirmation key for confirming the quantity input using the quantity keys, and a clear key. The keyboard 21 also has a tax exemption declaration key K1, a product name list output key K2, and a tax exemption re-tally key K3. The tax exemption declaration key K1 is an operator for declaring a tax exempt transaction. The product name list output key K2 is an operator for instructing the output of a list of products eligible for tax exemption (product name list). The tax exemption re-tally key K3 is an operator for declaring a tax exemption re-tally, which will be described later.

[0025] The passport reader 27 is a reader device that reads information stored in a passport. In this embodiment, the passport reader 27 has an optical character recognition (OCR) function that optically reads character strings written on a passport.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 7, the POS terminal 2 has a microcomputer 30. The microcomputer 30 is configured by connecting a CPU 31 that executes various arithmetic processes and controls each section to a ROM 32 that permanently stores fixed data and a RAM 33 that rewritably stores variable data and is used as a work area via a bus line 34. The microcomputer 30 constitutes an information processing section that executes information processing.

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

[0028] The keyboard 21, display 22, printer 23, card reader / writer 24, code scanner 25, HDD 26, and passport reader 27 are also connected to the microcomputer 30 via a bus line 34. The keyboard 21, display 22, printer 23, card reader / writer 24, code scanner 25, HDD 26, and passport reader 27 are controlled in operation by the microcomputer 30.

[0029] Furthermore, the POS terminal 2 is provided with a communication interface (I / F) 28 for data communication with a store server 4, which is a higher-level device, via a network 3 provided in the store. This communication interface 28 is also connected to the bus line 34.

[0030] An operating system, various computer programs, and various data files are stored in the HDD 26 of the POS terminal 2. 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 store server 4.

[0031] The operating system and computer programs executed by the POS terminal 2 of this embodiment are provided as installable or executable files 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).

[0032] The operating system and computer programs executed by the POS terminal 2 of this embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network.The operating system and computer programs executed by the POS terminal 2 of this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0033] The operating system and computer programs executed by the POS terminal 2 of this embodiment may be provided in advance by being stored in a ROM or the like.

[0034] The following describes the processing that the microcomputer 30 of the POS terminal 2 (hereinafter referred to as the POS terminal 2) according to this embodiment executes in accordance with a computer program.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 8, the computer program executed by the POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment has a modular configuration including each unit (input means 301, sales registration means 302, tax exemption declaration means 303, determination means 304, reading means 305, display means 306, adding means 307, base amount determination means 308, tax exemption means 309, and printing means 310) described below. In terms of actual hardware, the CPU 31 reads out and executes the computer program from the HDD 26, thereby generating each of the above units on the RAM 33.

[0036] An input means 301 inputs a product code and a sales quantity. A sales registration means 302 executes a sales registration process to calculate the registration price of the product to be sold based on the unit price and sales quantity obtained by searching the product master file F1 according to the product code input by the input means 301.

[0037] The tax exemption declaration means 303 declares a tax-exempt transaction in response to the operation of the tax exemption declaration key K1 or the tax exemption recount key K3. When a tax-exempt transaction is declared by the tax exemption declaration means 303, the determination means 304 determines whether the product to be sold is a tax-exempt product by referring to the tax exemption classification in the product master file F1. Specifically, the determination means 304 determines whether products for which sales registration processing was executed by the sales registration means 302 before the tax exemption declaration and products for which product codes were entered after the declaration are tax-exempt products. The determination means 304 also determines whether products included in the transaction history are tax-exempt products.

[0038] When a tax-free transaction is declared by the tax-exempt declaration means 303, the reading means 305 works in cooperation with the passport reader 27 to read a predetermined character string from the character string written on the passport. Here, the character string to be read is information corresponding to some or all of the items (items to be written) that must be written under the laws and regulations related to the tax-exemption system. Examples of such character strings include a passport number, a name, a nationality, and a date of birth. Specifically, the reading means 305 detects the names of the items to be written from the character string (information) acquired by the passport reader 27, and reads each of the character strings written in association with this item name. Note that when the character strings corresponding to the items to be written are written on the passport in a coded (digitized) form, the reading means 305 decodes the character string from the read code.

[0039] The display means 306 controls the display device 22 to display various information (screens) on the display device 22. For example, the display means 306 displays an operation screen related to sales registration processing. Furthermore, when the reading means 305 reads a predetermined character string from the passport, the display means 306 displays a confirmation screen for the operator to confirm the character string. Furthermore, when the duty-free product is classified as a dangerous item, the display means 306 displays a warning.

[0040] When the determination means 304 determines that the product is eligible for tax exemption, the addition means 307 adds the registered amount of the product as the tax exemption amount. The standard amount determination means 308 determines whether the tax exemption amount added by the addition means 307 meets a predetermined standard amount. When the standard amount determination means 308 determines that the standard amount is met, the tax exemption means 309 performs tax exemption processing to exempt the tax on the tax exemption amount.

[0041] The printing means 310 controls the printer 23 to print various information. For example, the printing means 310 prints a document (receipt) including details of the products related to the sales registration process and including the transaction number of the transaction. Furthermore, when the tax exemption process is executed by the tax exemption means 309, the printing means 310 prints a document including details of the products related to the tax exemption process and including all or part of the information that must be included as stipulated by laws and regulations related to the tax exemption system. Furthermore, when the tax exemption process is executed by the tax exemption means 309, the printing means 310 accepts operation of the product name list output key K2 and prints a product name list including the product names and quantities of the products subject to tax.

[0042] The POS terminal 2 according to this embodiment generally executes the following process.

[0043] The POS terminal 2 (input means 301) reads the product code attached to each product in the form of a barcode, two-dimensional code, etc. using the code scanner 25. Then, the POS terminal 2 (sales registration means 302) searches the product master file F1 according to the read product code, reads out product information corresponding to the relevant product code, and acquires the unit price of the product, etc. The POS terminal 2 (sales registration means 302) also executes a sales registration process to calculate the total price of the purchased products based on the unit price and number of products sold.

[0044] Thereafter, when the POS terminal 2 (sales registration means 302) completes the sales registration process in response to the operation of the deposit / cash total key, etc., it transmits the transaction details of that transaction as a transaction history to the store server 4. When the store server 4 receives the transaction history transmitted from the POS terminal 2, it stores it in the transaction history DB1. Furthermore, when the POS terminal 2 (printing means 310) completes the sales registration process in response to the operation of the deposit / cash total key, etc., it executes a printing process to print the transaction details of that transaction.

[0045] The operation of the POS terminal 2 will now be described.

[0046] [Normal tax exemption processing] First, the operation when the tax exemption declaration key K1 is operated during the sales registration process will be described as normal tax exemption processing.

[0047] 9 is a flowchart showing the general flow of the normal tax exemption process. Note that this process is performed assuming that the product registration screen G1 of FIG. 10 relating to the sales registration process is displayed on the display 22.

[0048] First, the POS terminal 2 (tax exemption declaration means 303) waits for operation of the tax exemption declaration key K1 during the sales registration process (Step S1; No). When the POS terminal 2 (tax exemption declaration means 303) receives operation of the tax exemption declaration key K1 (Step S1; Yes), it determines that a tax exempt transaction has been declared. Next, the POS terminal 2 (reading means 305) activates the passport reader 27 and waits until a predetermined character string is read from the passport (Step S2; No). Furthermore, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) switches the display screen of the display device 22 from the product registration screen G1 (FIG. 10) to a guide screen G2 (FIG. 11) until the predetermined character string is read from the passport.

[0049] Here, Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the guide screen G2. As shown in Fig. 11, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) displays the guide screen G2, which prompts the user to read the passport, on the display 22. The operator of the POS terminal 2 opens the passport presented by the customer (non-resident) to the page that describes the details related to the tax exemption system, and holds the page over the passport reader 27. In response to this action, the POS terminal 2 (reading means 305) reads a predetermined character string from the passport (step S2; Yes).

[0050] Next, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) switches the display screen of the display 22 to a confirmation screen G3 (FIG. 12) to allow the user to confirm the character string read in step S2 (step S3).

[0051] As shown in Figure 12, the confirmation screen G3 displays the character strings read in step S2 for each item (item). Figure 12 shows an example of reading character strings for the passport number, name, nationality, and date of birth from the items written on the passport.

[0052] Here, a delete button B1 is provided in association with each item on the confirmation screen G3. When the POS terminal 2 accepts the operation of this delete button B1 (step S4; Yes), it deletes the character string read for the corresponding item (step S5) and returns to step S3. For example, if there is an error in the character string of any of the items read in step S2, the erroneous character string can be deleted by operating the delete button B1. The POS terminal 2 (display means 306) displays the confirmation screen G3 with the character string of the item deleted in step S5 blank.

[0053] The confirmation screen G3 also displays a Confirm button B2, a Reread button B3, and a Cancel button B4, which correspond to the confirmation acceptance means of this embodiment. When the POS terminal 2 accepts the operation of the Reread button B3 (step S4; No → step S6; Yes), it returns to step S2 and re-reads the character string from the passport. Note that the character string previously read is deleted when the Reread button B3 is operated.

[0054] Furthermore, when the POS terminal 2 accepts the operation of the cancel button B4 (step S4; No → step S6; No → step S7; Yes), it deletes all the read character strings (step S8) and returns to the sales registration process. Note that, in response to the operation of the cancel button B4, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) returns the display screen of the display device 22 from the confirmation screen G3 to the product registration screen G1.

[0055] Furthermore, when the POS terminal 2 accepts the operation of the Confirm button B2 (Step S4; No → Step S6; No → Step S7; No → Step S9; Yes), it keeps the read character string and proceeds to Step S10. The POS terminal 2 waits until any button is operated on the confirmation screen G3 (Step S4; No → Step S6; No → Step S7; No → Step S9; No).

[0056] In step S10, the POS terminal 2 switches the display screen of the display 22 to the product registration screen G4 (FIG. 13) (step S10), and executes the tax exemption process (step S11).

[0057] As shown in Fig. 13, a tax exemption indicator I is displayed on the product registration screen G4 after the confirmation screen G3 is displayed (tax exemption declaration). By displaying the tax exemption indicator I on the product registration screen G4 in this way, the POS terminal 2 notifies the operator that the transaction is a tax exemption declaration. Note that the registered products displayed on the product registration screen G4 after nationality selection (after tax exemption declaration) remain the same as they were before the tax exemption declaration.

[0058] Here, the tax exemption process in step S11 will be described.

[0059] First, the POS terminal 2 (determination means 304) determines which products are eligible for tax exemption by referencing the tax exemption category code in the product master file F1 for products that have already been registered. If any products are eligible for tax exemption, the POS terminal 2 (addition means 307) adds the tax exemption amount for each registered product group (general goods group / consumable goods group) eligible for tax exemption to the tax exemption amount table T.

[0060] The tax-exempt items will be handled according to the tax type as follows:

[0061] If the registered product eligible for tax exemption includes tax, the POS terminal 2 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 POS terminal 2 determines the difference between the registered amount before tax exemption and the registered amount after tax exemption as the tax exemption amount. · Unit price before tax exemption: 1,080 yen - Unit price after tax exemption: 1,000 yen → Tax exemption amount: 80 yen

[0062] If the registered product eligible for tax exemption is priced exclusive of tax, the POS terminal 2 adds the registered amount as the tax exemption amount to the tax exemption amount table T. More specifically, for a tax-exempt product, the POS terminal 2 sets the tax exemption amount to the registered amount exclusive of tax.

[0063] If the registered product eligible for tax exemption is not subject to tax, the POS terminal 2 does not add the registered amount to the tax exemption amount table T as the tax exemption amount.

[0064] Next, the POS terminal 2 (reference amount determination means 308) determines whether the tax exemption amount in the tax exemption amount table T meets the set value (reference amount) in the tax exemption set value file F3. In the tax exemption set value file F3 of this embodiment, the set value for food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, and other consumables is 5,000 to 500,000 yen. In addition, the set value for general goods (goods used in everyday life other than consumables) is an amount exceeding 10,000 yen.

[0065] If the POS terminal 2 determines that the tax-exempt amount for consumables meets the set value (5,000 yen to 500,000 yen), it performs tax exemption processing to exempt the tax on the tax-exempt amount. Also, if the POS terminal 2 (tax exemption means 309) determines that the tax-exempt amount for general goods (goods used in everyday life other than consumables) meets the set value (amount exceeding 10,000 yen), it performs tax exemption processing to exempt the tax on the tax-exempt amount.

[0066] If the tax exemption amount for the consumable item in the tax exemption amount table T exceeds the upper limit of the set value (500,000 yen), the POS terminal 2 displays an error on the display 22.

[0067] 14 and 15 are diagrams showing examples of error screens. As shown in FIG. 14, when declaring tax exemption by operating the tax exemption declaration key K1, the POS terminal 2 displays an error screen G5 stating, "The tax exemption upper limit has been exceeded. Please cancel the product. The amount exceeded is XX,XXX yen." Also, as shown in FIG. 15, during the sales registration process after declaring tax exemption by operating the tax exemption declaration key K1, the POS terminal 2 displays an error screen G6 stating, "The tax exemption upper limit has been exceeded. This product cannot be registered. The amount exceeded is XX,XXX yen." Note that the POS terminal 2 erases the error screen when the clear key on the keyboard 21 is operated.

[0068] After the tax exemption process is executed (step S11), the POS terminal 2 re-displays the product registration screen (step S12). Here, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen G7 after the re-display. As shown in FIG. 16, the product registration screen G7 after the re-display shows the tax amount as "0 yen" due to the exemption of tax through the tax exemption process. Also, as shown in FIG. 16, the product registration screen G7 after the re-display shows the total displayed amount as the amount after the tax exemption process. Furthermore, the product registration screen G7 after the re-display shows the word "exempt" for products that are eligible for tax exemption, that is, products that have been subjected to the tax exemption process.

[0069] In addition, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) refers to the product master file F1, and if any product classified as a dangerous item is among the tax-exempt products (step S13; Yes), it pops up a warning screen on the display 22 (step S14). Here, FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the warning screen G8. As shown in FIG. 17, the POS terminal 2 displays, for example, "Aerosols are prohibited from being carried onto an aircraft" as the warning screen G8. Note that the POS terminal 2 erases the warning screen G8 when the clear key on the keyboard 21 is operated.

[0070] As described above, if the tax exemption declaration key K1 on the keyboard 21 is operated during the sales registration process, the tax exemption process in step S11 and subsequent processes are executed for the registered products that are registered for sales in the subsequent sales registration process.

[0071] Thereafter, when the POS terminal 2 accepts operation of the deposit / cash key in the sales registration process, it generates sales data indicating the details of the transaction and stores it in the transaction history DB1 as a transaction history by sending it to the store server 4. The POS terminal 2 (printing means 310) also executes printing processing. If tax exemption processing is executed in the sales registration process, the POS terminal 2 sets the value of the flag in the transaction history to be sent to "1" indicating that tax exemption processing has been executed. If tax exemption processing is not executed in the sales registration process, the POS terminal 2 sets the value of the flag in the transaction history (sales data) to "0" indicating that tax exemption processing has not been executed.

[0072] In the printing process of this embodiment, in the case of a transaction that has undergone tax exemption processing, for example, one purchase pledge, two purchase record tickets, and one receipt are printed. The POS terminal 2 also prints a journal.

[0073] First, we will explain the purchase pledge. Here, Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase pledge R1. The purchase pledge R1 is a document that records the fact of the purchase of duty-free goods. The purchase pledge R1 is attached to a document (purchaser pledge) and submitted to the business operator of the duty-free store as a store copy.

[0074] As shown in Figure 18, the purchase pledge R1 includes the name or title of the business operator operating the duty-free shop a, the name of the tax authority b, the location of the duty-free shop c, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the register number f, product details (item name g, quantity and price for each item h), the total price of all items i, the total price of general goods and consumables j, and the tax-free amount k.

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

[0076] For items (character strings) deleted by operating the Delete button B1 on the confirmation screen G3, only the item name is printed and the item is to be entered directly on the document (purchase pledge). The layout of the purchase pledge R1 is not limited to the example in Figure 18. For example, it may be possible to print a statement that the purchaser will export the product after purchase (in the case of consumables, a statement that the purchaser will export the product within 30 days of the purchase date), or a space for the purchaser's signature.

[0077] Next, the purchase record ticket will be explained. Here, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a purchase record ticket R2. The purchase record ticket R2 is a document that records the purchase of duty-free goods. Two copies of the purchase record ticket R2 shown in FIG. 19 are printed, one to be attached to the document (purchase record ticket) and one to be kept as a copy at the store. The attached purchase record ticket R2 is affixed to the document (purchase record ticket). This document (purchase record ticket) is affixed to the passport and stamped.

[0078] As shown in Figure 19, purchase record slip R2 includes the name or title of the business operator of the duty-free shop a, the name of the tax authority b, the location of the duty-free shop c, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the register number f, product details (item name g, quantity and price for each item h), the total price of all items i, the total price of general goods and consumables j, and the tax-free amount k.

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

[0080] For items (character strings) deleted by pressing the Delete button B1 on the confirmation screen G3, only the item name is printed and the item is entered directly on the document (purchase record slip), just like the purchase pledge R1. The layout of the purchase record slip R2 is not limited to the example in Figure 19.

[0081] Next, the receipt will be described. Here, Fig. 20 shows an example of a receipt R3. The receipt R3 is given to the purchaser after the transaction.

[0082] As shown in Figure 20, receipt R3 includes the name or title of the business operator running the duty-free shop a, the transaction date d, the transaction number e, the register number f, product details (product name g, quantity and price for each product name h), and the total price of all items i. As shown in Figure 20, in the case of a product that is already eligible for tax exemption, "Exempt" p is printed as the tax. Also, as shown in Figure 20, in the case of a tax-exempt transaction, the tax exemption message "A tax-exempt transaction has been made." q is printed on receipt R3.

[0083] The POS terminal 2 of this embodiment executes journal printing corresponding to the purchase record slip R2 and receipt R3. At this time, the POS terminal 2 prints all or part of the text strings of the items confirmed on the confirmation screen G3 in the journal corresponding to the receipt R3.

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

[0085] Furthermore, the POS terminal 2 automatically performs tax exemption processing when the tax exemption threshold amount (consumables: 5,000 yen, general goods: 10,000 yen) is exceeded for each tax exemption category unit (consumables, general goods). As a result, the POS terminal 2 of this embodiment eliminates the need for operator-determined tax exemption registration operations, and can execute product sales registration processing in response to revisions to the tax exemption system.

[0086] Furthermore, when the POS terminal 2 (printing means 310) accepts operation of the product name list output key K2, it executes a printing process (list printing process) to output a product name list of products eligible for tax exemption. Here, the timing of accepting the operation of the product name list output key K2 is not particularly important. For example, if the operation of the product name list output key K2 is accepted during the sales registration process, the POS terminal 2 (printing means 310) executes the list printing process along with the printing process described above. Furthermore, if the operation of the product name list output key K2 is accepted outside the sales registration process, the POS terminal 2 (printing means 310) executes the list printing process after having the user input the transaction number, etc. of the transaction to be subjected to the list printing process.

[0087] In the list printing process of this embodiment, a product name list is printed on one page. Here, Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the product name list R4. The product name list R4 is a document that lists products that are eligible for tax exemption. The product name list R4 is attached to the bag or box that contains the products that are eligible for tax exemption.

[0088] As shown in Figure 21, the product name list R4 includes the name or appellation a of the business operator of the duty-free shop, the product names g of the products that are subject to the tax-free process, and the quantity and price h of each product name. Note that, among the products that are subject to the tax-free process, only consumables may be printed on the product name list R4. 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. Furthermore, if the POS terminal 2 is equipped with a separate label printer, the POS terminal 2 (printing means 310) may use the label printer to print the product name list R4.

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

[0090] [Tax exemption recounting process] Next, the operation when the tax exemption recount key K3 is operated will be described as a tax exemption recount process.

[0091] FIG. 22 is a flowchart outlining the flow of the tax-exemption recounting process. First, the POS terminal 2 (tax-exemption declaration means 303) waits for the operation of the tax-exemption recounting key K3 when the sales registration process is not being executed (step S21; No). When the POS terminal 2 (tax-exemption declaration means 303) receives the operation of the tax-exemption recounting key K3 (step S21; Yes), it determines that a tax-exempt transaction has been declared. Next, the POS terminal 2 reads character strings corresponding to the written items from the passport by performing the processes of steps S22 to S29. The processes of steps S22 to S29 are the same as the processes of steps S2 to S9 described above, and therefore their explanation will be omitted. Note that if the cancel button B4 is operated on the confirmation screen G3 (step S27; Yes), the POS terminal 2 deletes all character strings read from the passport (step S28) and then terminates this process.

[0092] In the following step S30, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) displays the tax exemption recount screen G9 on the display 22 (step S30).

[0093] 23 and 24 are diagrams showing examples of the tax exemption recount screen. As shown in Fig. 23, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) displays on the display 22 the tax exemption recount screen G9 including a message prompting the user to specify the transaction to be processed.

[0094] The POS terminal 2 waits in the background of the tax-free recount screen G9 until the transaction (transaction number) to be processed is designated (step S31; No → step S35; No). Here, the method of designating the transaction is not particularly important. For example, the POS terminal 2 may accept the designation of the transaction by reading the transaction number from the receipt R3 or the like via the code scanner 25 or passport reader 27. Alternatively, the POS terminal 2 may accept the designation of the transaction based on the transaction number entered via the keyboard 21.

[0095] When the POS terminal 2 receives the specified transaction number (Step S31; Yes), it reads out the transaction history corresponding to the transaction number from the transaction history DB1 of the store server 4 (Step S32). Next, the POS terminal 2 determines whether the conditions for applying tax exemption are met based on the transaction history read out from the transaction history DB1 (Step S33).

[0096] In the condition determination in step S33, a determination is made for each of the following conditions, for example. The first condition is that the flag of the transaction history read from the transaction history DB1 is "0". The second condition is that the transaction history includes a product eligible for tax exemption. The third condition is that the transaction date is the same as the transaction date of the previously read transaction history. The fourth condition is that the total amount of the products eligible for tax exemption included in all specified transactions (tax exemption amount) meets the setting value in the tax exemption setting value file F3.

[0097] Next, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) re-displays the tax-exempt re-tally screen with the contents of the transaction history added based on the transaction history read in step S32 (step S34). For example, when the transaction history of transaction number "0422" is read, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) adds and displays the transaction details in area A1 of the tax-exempt re-tally screen G9 shown in FIG. 23. Furthermore, every time a new transaction history is read, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) adds and displays the transaction details in area A1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 24, the tax-exempt re-tally screen G10, in which the transaction history is displayed as a list, is displayed in area A1. Note that area A1 is configured to display the transaction details, such as the transaction date and time (date and time), register number, transaction number, and tax-exempt amount (transaction amount).

[0098] Furthermore, for transaction histories that are determined not to satisfy the conditions in the condition determination in step S33, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) displays a message indicating that the transaction is already tax-exempt for the transaction history that does not satisfy the first condition, and does not display the transaction details. For transaction histories that do not satisfy the second condition, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) displays a message indicating that the transaction is not tax-exempt and does not display the transaction details. For transaction histories that do not satisfy the third condition, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) displays a message indicating that the transaction date is different from that of other transaction histories, or highlights the transaction by color, etc. For transaction histories that do not satisfy the fourth condition, the POS terminal 2 (display means 306) displays a message indicating that the tax-exempt amount is outside the set range, or highlights the transaction by color, etc.

[0099] It should be noted that transactions displayed on the tax-free re-tally screen can be excluded (deleted) from processing by operating the keyboard 21 or touch panel. Also, by selecting a transaction displayed on the tax-free re-tally screen, a list of tax-free products included in that transaction may be displayed.

[0100] Next, the POS terminal 2 determines whether or not to end the transaction designation (step S35). If a new transaction number is designated here (step S35; No → step S31; Yes), the POS terminal 2 proceeds to step S32. Furthermore, when the POS terminal 2 receives an operation to instruct confirmation from the keyboard or the like, it ends the transaction designation (step S35; Yes) and proceeds to step S36.

[0101] In step S36, the POS terminal 2 executes tax exemption processing for the tax-exempt items of each transaction displayed on the tax exemption recount screen (step S36). The amount exempted by this tax exemption processing is refunded to the corresponding customer (non-resident).

[0102] The tax exemption process in step S36 is the same as the tax exemption process in step S11 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The tax exemption process in step S36 may be configured to be suspended until all the conditions in step S33 are met. The POS terminal 2 may be configured to perform the processes in steps S13 and S14 described above after the tax exemption process in step S36.

[0103] Thereafter, the POS terminal 2 generates sales data indicating the transaction details of this process and sends it to the store server 4 to store it as a transaction history in the transaction history DB1. The POS terminal 2 sets the value of the flag in the transaction history to be sent to "1" indicating that tax exemption processing has been completed. The POS terminal 2 also sets the value of the flag in the transaction history of the transaction that was subject to tax exemption in this process to "1" indicating that tax exemption processing has been completed. The POS terminal 2 (printing means 310) also executes printing processing.

[0104] In the printing process after the tax exemption recounting process, for example, one purchase pledge, two purchase record slips, one receipt, and one refund receipt are printed. The POS terminal 2 also prints a journal.

[0105] Here, we will explain the refund receipt. Fig. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a refund receipt R5. The refund receipt R5 is a document that lists the transactions that were subject to the tax exemption counting process and the amount refunded (tax exemption amount). The refund receipt R5 is given to customers who are non-residents.

[0106] As shown in Figure 25, the refund receipt R5 includes the name or title a of the business operator of the duty-free shop, the transaction date d on which the tax-free recounting process was performed, the transaction number e, and the register number f. The refund receipt R5 also includes the transaction number r, register number s, and refund amount t of each transaction that was the subject of the tax-free recounting process. Also, as shown in Figure 25, a message "Tax-free recounting has been performed." u indicating that the tax-free recounting has been performed is printed on the refund receipt R5.

[0107] In this way, the POS terminal 2 of this embodiment can perform tax exemption processing for tax-exempt items included in one or more transactions designated as the target of processing at once, thereby enabling efficient tax exemption procedures.

[0108] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0109] For example, in the above embodiment, the information stored in the passport is read as a character string using the optical character recognition function of the passport reader 27, but the reading method is not limited to this. Specifically, if a storage medium such as an IC tag is embedded in the passport, an RFID reader may be used as the passport reader 27 to read information corresponding to the written items from the storage medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 2. Product sales data processing device 301 Input Method 302 Sales Registration Instruments 303 Tax exemption declaration means 304 Judgment means 305 Reading means 306 Display means 307 Addition means 308 Standard amount determination means 309 Tax exempt means 310 Printing means [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0111] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-62496

Claims

1. a tax exemption means for performing a tax exemption process that exempts the tax from the amount of the tax-exempted product; a reading means for reading from a passport information corresponding to some or all of the items to be recorded as stipulated by laws and regulations relating to the tax exemption system; a display means for displaying the information read by the reading means on a display; confirmation receiving means for receiving a confirmation of the information displayed on the display; a printing means for printing, when the tax-free processing has been carried out, a document including details of the product subject to the tax-free processing and information confirmed by the confirmation receiving means; Equipped with The display means displays an indicator on the display device indicating that the transaction is a tax-free transaction, on condition that the confirmation receiving means receives the confirmation.

2. the display means displays the information for each item read by the reading means on the display in association with a first operator for instructing deletion of the information; 2. The merchandise sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said printing means prints the document with the information deleted when an instruction to delete information is given by operating said first operating element.

3. the display means displays a second operator on the display device to instruct the passport to be re-read; 3. The merchandise sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the reading means reads the information from the passport again when a re-reading instruction is given by operating the second operating element.

4. 4. The merchandise sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein the reading means optically reads a character string corresponding to the item from a character string that is information written on the passport.

5. 4. The merchandise sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein said reading means reads information corresponding to said items from a storage medium held in said passport.

6. Computer, a tax exemption means for performing a tax exemption process that exempts the tax from the amount of the tax-exempted product; a reading means for reading from a passport information corresponding to some or all of the items to be recorded as stipulated by laws and regulations relating to the tax exemption system; a display means for displaying the information read by the reading means on a display; confirmation receiving means for receiving a confirmation of the information displayed on the display; a printing means for printing, when the tax-free processing has been carried out, a document including details of the product subject to the tax-free processing and information confirmed by the confirmation receiving means; and make it work, The display means is a program that displays an indicator on the display device indicating that the transaction is a tax-free transaction, on condition that the confirmation receiving means receives the confirmation.

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