Merchandise sales data processing device and program

Abstract

To efficiently perform tax exemption procedures.SOLUTION: A commodity sales data processing device includes registration means, display control means and tax exemption processing means. The registration means registers a commodity. The display control means allows display of commodity information indicating the commodity registered by the registration means. The tax exemption processing means performs tax exemption processing for the commodity registered by the registration means. The display control means controls to display a duty-free target commodity and prevent display of a duty-free non-target commodity when the tax exemption processing is performed by the tax exemption processing means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device. ,oh and programs. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, products purchased by foreign tourists and the like are exempt from consumption tax (hereinafter referred to as "tax-free") when taken out of the country. Tax-free products are classified into tax-free categories, for example, consumables category and general goods category. Products classified into the consumables category are products (items) that are consumed domestically, such as food and beverages. Products classified into the general goods category are products other than the consumables category, such as products (items) used in everyday life, such as clothing and home appliances.

[0003] Products that fall into either the consumables category or the general goods category are eligible for tax exemption if they meet certain conditions set forth for each category. For example, products classified as consumables are eligible for tax exemption if the daily purchase amount is within a certain amount and they are packaged in a specified way so that they will not be consumed within Japan.

[0004] There are also some products that are not tax-exempt. Specifically, products that are not tax-exempt include service charges and repair fees. When carrying out tax-exemption procedures, tax-exemption processing is carried out. In this tax-exemption processing, the POS (Point of Sales) register displays products by tax-exempt category, and the store clerk can change the tax-exempt category.

[0005] A related technology is a cash register that registers products into tax-free categories for consumables and general goods, and prints the product information's tax-free category on a receipt by decoding the barcode attached to the product (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-232773 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the conventional technology has a problem that there is a risk that products that should not be tax-exempt may be exempted from tax, making it difficult to carry out tax-exemption procedures efficiently. For example, there is a risk that a store clerk may exempt products that are not eligible for tax exemption during tax-exemption processing. In addition, for example, if a customer has taken the trouble to purchase a product that is prohibited from being brought into a country, there is a risk that the store clerk may exempt a product that should not be tax-exempt from tax.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a technique that enables efficient tax exemption procedures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device that comprises a registration means for registering products, a display control means for displaying product information indicating products registered by the registration means, and a tax exemption processing means for performing tax exemption processing on the products registered by the registration means, wherein when the tax exemption processing is performed by the tax exemption processing means, the display control means controls to display tax-exempt products that are eligible for tax exemption, while controlling to not display non-tax-exempt products that are not eligible for tax exemption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic external view of a POS register 3. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a POS register 3. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a product master 400. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a product registration process performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the POS register 3 when a subtotal key is pressed. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of tax exemption processing performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a first tax-exemption category change process performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second tax-free category change process performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a passport information input process performed by the POS register 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 21 when registering a product. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of tax-free category when the total price of products in the consumables category exceeds the tax-free amount. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change acceptance screen in the case where, if an exclusion candidate is excluded from the consumables category, the amount is no longer subject to tax exemption. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen that appears when a confirmation button 1204 is pressed when there is a tax exemption category that is not eligible for tax exemption. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a screen when inputting passport information and a screen thereafter. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 21 when registering a product. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of tax-free category when the total price of products in the consumables category does not reach the tax-free amount. [Figure 18] 10 shows an example of a screen that appears after the tax-free category is changed when the total price of products in the consumables category does not reach the tax-free amount. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 21 when registering a product. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of tax-free category when the total price of general goods does not reach the tax-free amount. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sub-plan view 2100 after tax exemption processing. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a prohibited product table 2200 showing prohibited products. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for determining prohibited products, which is performed by a POS register 3 according to a first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 2, a POS register 3, and other devices, which are connected by wire or wirelessly via a communication line 6 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Although Fig. 1 shows a plurality of POS registers 3, there may be only one.

[0012] The store controller 2 is a management device that performs administrative tasks such as managing product information, compiling sales records at the store (duty-free shop), and managing customer information. The store controller 2 also stores a product master 400 (see FIG. 4) that stores member information and product information for each product. The product information stored in the product master 400 is described in detail below, but is, for example, information that associates product codes, product names, prices, etc. for each product.

[0013] The POS register 3 is an example of a product sales data processing device. The POS register 3 is a cash register device equipped with a product registration processing unit and a settlement processing unit. The product registration processing unit executes product registration processing to register products. Specifically, the product registration processing unit generates registration information indicating products to be purchased by a customer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "purchased products"). The settlement processing unit executes settlement processing to settle the total amount of the purchased products (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "purchase amount") based on the registration information generated by the product registration processing unit.

[0014] Here, transactions include normal transactions that are subject to consumption tax (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "non-tax-exempt transactions") and tax-exempt transactions that are exempt from consumption tax. Tax-exempt transactions are transactions that are exempt from tax when a non-resident temporarily residing in Japan purchases a product, provided that the product is taken out of the country. Non-residents include foreign tourists and Japanese nationals who have temporarily returned to Japan. Non-residents possess a passport or similar document. When a non-resident purchases a product at a domestic store, depending on the product, the product may be exempt from tax if the purchase amount is a specified amount (hereinafter referred to as the "tax-exempt amount").

[0015] Products (goods) that are eligible for tax exemption are classified into one of the tax exemption categories. Tax exemption categories include, for example, consumable goods and general goods. Products classified into the consumable goods category include, for example, food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, etc. The tax exemption conditions for products in the consumable goods category to be tax exempt include, for example, the condition that the total purchase amount of the consumable goods category by the same non-resident (such as a foreign purchaser) at the same store in one day is the tax exemption amount for the consumable goods category (within the range of 5,000 yen or more and 500,000 yen or less).

[0016] Furthermore, the condition for exempting products from tax is that they are specially packaged in a specified manner to prevent them from being consumed within Japan. Special packaging means, for example, sealing the product with a sticker that makes it possible to visually identify the opening if it is opened, or attaching a purchase record slip (stick-on receipt) that shows the contents of the packaged product.

[0017] Furthermore, goods (items) classified in the general goods category are goods other than those in the consumable goods category, such as goods that are primarily used in everyday life. Specifically, goods classified in the general goods category include home appliances, kimonos, clothes, bags, etc. The conditions for tax exemption for general goods include the condition that the total sales amount of general goods in one day at the same store to the same non-resident (foreign buyer, etc.) must be equal to or exceed the tax exemption amount for the general goods category (5,000 yen or more).

[0018] In addition, products classified as general goods can be reclassified to the consumable goods category if certain conditions are met. Specifically, even if a product is classified as general goods, it can be reclassified to the consumable goods category if the total price of the product and a product classified as consumable goods is 5,000 yen or more and 500,000 yen or less.

[0019] The POS register 3 can perform not only normal product registration processing (non-tax-exempt processing) that levies the consumption tax rate, but also tax-exempt processing, which is product registration processing for tax exemption. In the tax-exempt processing, processing is performed according to the tax-exempt category.

[0020] Furthermore, in tax-free transactions, the POS register 3 generates and prints tax-free documents. Tax-free documents include receipts to be attached to product packaging and documents to be attached to passports (purchase record slips and purchaser's pledges). However, if the store transmits information equivalent to the purchase record slip to a designated institution (for example, the National Tax Agency), it is not necessary to issue a purchase record slip. Furthermore, if the store explains the necessary matters (such as not disposing of consumables within the country) to the purchaser, it is not necessary to issue a purchaser's pledge. In this embodiment, neither a purchase record slip nor a purchaser's pledge is issued.

[0021] Any of the multiple POS registers 3 in the POS system 1 may be used as a service counter terminal. The service counter terminal accepts shipments, returns, and ordering of products purchased by customers, as well as the sale of gift certificates. For example, the service counter terminal receives and manages transaction information indicating the products and amounts for each transaction at each POS register 3 from each POS register 3. The service counter terminal also manages transaction information related to tax-free transactions performed at each POS register 3. Tax-free transactions may be performed at the service counter terminal rather than at each POS register 3.

[0022] The POS system 1 may also include a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal is a terminal device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet device carried by a store clerk. The mobile terminal may be loaned to each store clerk or may be owned by each store clerk. In response to a call request from the POS register 3 (including the service counter terminal), the mobile terminal notifies the request or receives the call.

[0023] (Example of the appearance of POS register 3) FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the general appearance of the POS register 3. In this embodiment, FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of the POS register 3 as seen from the operator (store clerk) side. FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view of the POS register 3 as seen from the customer side. As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the POS register 3 includes a store clerk display unit 21, a key operation unit 22, a customer display unit 23, a card payment unit 24, and a printing unit 25.

[0024] The clerk display unit 21 is a touch display operated by the clerk. The clerk display unit 21 displays preset keys and the like, displays various information to the clerk, and accepts various inputs from the clerk.

[0025] The key operation unit 22 is a keyboard provided with various keys. The key operation unit 22 accepts various inputs from the store clerk. The various keys are operation keys (hardware keys or buttons) such as numeric keys for inputting the quantity and price, keys corresponding to products for registering products, and a closing key for finalizing the transaction.

[0026] The customer display unit 23 is a touch display that displays various information to the customer. The customer display unit 23 displays various information to the customer and accepts various inputs from the customer. For example, when a product that requires age verification is registered, the customer display unit 23 displays an age verification screen and accepts an operation from the customer indicating that the customer is over the target age.

[0027] The card payment unit 24 is a payment mechanism that uses contact cards (for example, magnetic cards). The card payment unit 24 is equipped with a reading device that reads cart information, and performs payment using the information read by the reading device. Cards that can be read by the card payment unit include credit cards, point cards, prepaid cards, etc. The card payment unit 24 also includes a payment mechanism that uses contactless cards (IC cards). The reading device equipped in the card payment unit 24 may be an externally connected device.

[0028] The printing unit 25 is a printer device that prints out detailed statements of purchased items as various forms (receipts). In addition to receipts, the printing unit 25 also prints tax-free documents for tax-free transactions.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS register 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the POS register 3 includes, in addition to the components shown in Fig. 2, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a communication unit 34, a scanner unit 35, and a drawer 36. The components shown in Fig. 3 are connected to each other via an internal bus and a communication line.

[0030] The CPU 31 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the POS register 3 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 32 . The ROM 32 is a read-only memory that stores various programs such as the product sales data processing program according to this embodiment, as well as various types of information used by the CPU 31.

[0031] The RAM 33 is a readable and writable memory that stores various types of information. For example, the RAM 33 stores information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing. The information acquired from the outside is, for example, product information 401 acquired from a product master 400 (see FIG. 4) stored in the store controller 2. The information generated during processing includes, for example, registration information generated during product registration processing and settlement information generated during settlement processing. In addition to the RAM 33, the POS register 3 may also include other memories such as a hard disk.

[0032] The communication unit 34 transmits and receives information to and from the store controller 2 and other POS registers 3.

[0033] The scanner unit 35 optically reads code information (for example, barcodes or two-dimensional codes) attached to products and store clerk codes attached to store clerk name tags. The scanner unit 35 also reads code information written on product catalogs and product order sheets. In addition to these, the scanner unit 35 can also read codes printed on receipts (registered trademark) in which registration information generated in other POS registers 3 is coded, gift coupons, and various cards.

[0034] The drawer 36 is a storage section for storing banknotes and coins. The drawer 36 is designed to be pulled out in response to operation of the key operation section 22. The audio output unit 37 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 37 outputs a sound when the scanner unit 35 reads a product, an operation sound when the key operation unit 22 is operated, a predetermined warning sound, audio guidance, etc.

[0035] The POS register 3 may also be equipped with an automatic change dispenser (not shown). The automatic change dispenser is a mechanism for making payments in cash. The automatic change dispenser has a deposit slot for banknotes and coins and a change outlet for banknotes and coins. The automatic change dispenser calculates the amount of money inserted into the deposit slot and the change amount, which is the difference between the amount inserted and the purchase amount, and dispenses the calculated change amount from the change outlet. The deposit slot and change outlet may be positioned facing the customer, i.e., the customer may insert cash and receive change themselves.

[0036] (About the data structure of Product Master 400) 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the product master 400. The product master 400 is a table that stores product information for each product. The product master 400 is stored in the store controller 2, for example.

[0037] 4, product master 400 includes items such as product code, product name, tax-free category, price, and whether the tax-free category can be changed. By setting information in each item, product information 401 is stored as a record. Note that the items in product master 400 shown in FIG. 4 are just an example, and other items may be included, such as an item indicating the product category, an item indicating the discount rate if a discount is applicable, and an item indicating whether age verification is required.

[0038] The product code is identification information uniquely assigned to a product. The product name is the name of the product. For example, the product code "12345678" is assigned to the product name "XX lotion" indicated in the product information 401a.

[0039] The tax-free category includes the consumables category and the general goods category. For example, the product name "XX lotion" shown in product information 401a indicates the consumables category, and the product name "XX metal bat" shown in product information 401b indicates the general goods category. Furthermore, the product name "shoe sole repair" (labor costs) shown in product information 401c indicates a product that is not eligible for tax-free exemption and does not fall into either of the tax-free categories. Non-tax-free products do not fall into any of the tax-free categories because they are clearly intended for consumption domestically. Non-tax-free products include products that indicate the provision of services such as "shoe sole repair," as well as products that indicate the provision of services such as accommodation and food and drink, and other products.

[0040] The price is the selling price of the product (or the provision of the service). For example, the price of the product name "XX lotion" indicated in the product information 401a is 500,000 yen. Note that in FIG. 4, the price is shown excluding tax.

[0041] Furthermore, the item for whether the tax-free category can be changed shows either "○" which indicates that the tax-free category can be changed, or "×" which indicates that the category cannot be changed. For example, products in the consumables category cannot be changed to the general goods category. For example, the product name "XX lotion" shown in product information 401a cannot be changed to a tax-free category. Furthermore, products in the general goods category can be changed to the consumables category. For example, the product name "XX metal bat" shown in product information 401b can be changed to a consumables category. Furthermore, the product "shoe sole repair", which does not fall into any of the tax-free categories, cannot be changed to a tax-free category.

[0042] 4, all products in the general goods category can be changed to the consumable goods category. However, although not shown, the product master 400 also stores products that cannot be changed to the consumable goods category. Specifically, general goods that cannot be changed to the consumable goods category are, for example, products priced at 500,000 yen or more, or products that are too large to be packaged together with consumable goods.

[0043] (Functional configuration of POS register 3) Next, the functional configuration of the POS register 3 will be described. The POS register 3 includes a registration unit, a tax exemption processing unit, a display control unit, an exclusion acceptance unit, and a change acceptance unit. Each unit is realized by the CPU 31. That is, the CPU 31 executes a sales data processing program stored in the ROM 32, thereby realizing the function of each unit.

[0044] The registration unit performs a product registration process to register a product. The product registration process performs a non-tax-exempt process to register a product by imposing consumption tax. The display control unit displays product information indicating the product registered by the registration unit (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "registered product"). Specifically, the display control unit displays product information indicating the registered product on the clerk display unit 21 and the customer display unit 23.

[0045] The tax-free processing unit performs tax-free processing on registered products. Tax-free processing is a process of registering registered products without imposing consumption tax according to each tax-free category. The tax-free processing unit performs tax-free processing when an instruction to start a tax-free transaction is received. Specifically, the tax-free processing unit performs tax-free processing when a button to start a tax-free transaction (tax-free declaration button) is pressed. When tax-free processing is being performed, the display control unit displays a dedicated screen (tax-free processing in progress screen) on the clerk display unit 21, indicating that tax-free processing is being performed.

[0046] (Regarding control of display of tax-exempt and non-tax-exempt products) The display control unit controls the display of tax-exempt products that are eligible for tax exemption when tax-exempt processing is performed by the tax-exempt processing unit. On the other hand, the display control unit prevents the display of non-tax-exempt products that are not eligible for tax exemption when tax-exempt processing is performed. Tax-exempt products are products that can be tax-exempt. Specifically, tax-exempt products include products in the general goods category, whose tax-exempt classification can be changed, and products in the consumables category, whose tax-exempt classification cannot be changed. The consumables category is an example of the first tax-exempt category. The general goods category is an example of the second tax-exempt category. Non-tax-exempt products include products that offer services such as "shoe sole repair," products that offer services such as accommodation and food and drink, and other products.

[0047] (Regarding display control of general goods category products and consumable goods category products) When tax-free processing is performed by the tax-free processing unit, the display control unit controls the display of products in the general goods category and the consumable goods category. Specifically, when tax-free processing is performed by the tax-free processing unit, the display control unit controls the display of products in each tax-free category based on the total amount of each tax-free category for the general goods category and the consumable goods category and the tax-free amount for each tax-free category. The tax-free amount for the general goods category is an amount of 5,000 yen or more. The tax-free amount for the consumable goods category is an amount of 5,000 yen or more and 500,000 yen or less. The control of the display of products in each tax-free category will be specifically described below.

[0048] (When the total amount of consumables exceeds 500,000 yen) If the total amount of the consumable goods category exceeds the upper limit of the tax-exempt amount for the consumable goods category (500,000 yen), the display control unit controls not to display products in the general goods category, from the viewpoint of not changing products in the general goods category to the consumable goods category. Also, if the total amount of the consumable goods category exceeds the upper limit of the tax-exempt amount for the consumable goods category (500,000 yen), the display control unit controls to display products in the consumable goods category, from the viewpoint of notifying that fact and details. Note that the display control unit may extract products that exceed 500,000 yen and display those products.

[0049] Furthermore, if the total price of the consumable goods category exceeds the upper limit of the tax-exempt amount for the consumable goods category (500,000 yen), the exclusion receiving unit accepts an operation to exclude the products in the consumable goods category displayed by the display control unit from the tax-exempt items. Specifically, the exclusion receiving unit accepts an operation to exclude the products in the consumable goods category so that the total price of the consumable goods category falls within the tax-exempt amount (below 500,000 yen). Excluding products from the tax-exempt items includes at least one of deleting them from the registered products and making them non-tax-exempt.

[0050] (When the total amount of either the general goods category or the consumables category is less than 5,000 yen) The display control unit performs control not to display products in the consumables category from the viewpoint that products in the consumables category will not be changed to the general goods category when at least one of the total amount of the general goods category and the total amount of the consumables category is less than the lower limit (5,000 yen).Furthermore, the display control unit performs control to display products in the general goods category from the viewpoint that products in the general goods category may be changed to the consumables category when at least one of the total amount of the general goods category and the total amount of the consumables category is less than the lower limit (5,000 yen).

[0051] For example, if the total amount of the general goods category is less than the lower limit (5,000 yen), the display control unit may display the general goods category products (change candidates) if there are any general goods category products that, when changed to the consumable goods category, would become tax-exempt items (change candidates).On the other hand, if there are no change candidates, the display control unit may not display the general goods category products.

[0052] Furthermore, when the total amount of the consumable goods category is less than the lower limit (5,000 yen), if there are any products in the general goods category (change candidates) that would become tax-exempt by changing them to the consumable goods category, the display control unit may display the general goods category products (change candidates).On the other hand, if there are no change candidates, the display control unit may not display the general goods category products.

[0053] The change receiving unit receives an operation to change the general goods category of products displayed by the display control unit to the consumable goods category. Specifically, the change receiving unit receives an operation to change the general goods category of products to the consumable goods category so that the total amount of the consumable goods category or the total amount of the general goods category becomes the tax-exempt amount. If there is a change candidate, the change receiving unit receives an operation to change the change candidate to the consumable goods category.

[0054] Furthermore, when the exclusion acceptance unit accepts exclusion from tax exemption or when the change acceptance unit accepts a change candidate, the display control unit removes the display restriction on products in the general goods category or the consumables category. In other words, the display control unit displays all tax exemption-related products (excluding products not eligible for tax exemption) at the time when the tax exemption treatment for the products is confirmed.

[0055] Furthermore, the display control unit controls the display of tax-exempt products and non-tax-exempt products after the completion of tax-exemption processing by the tax-exemption processing unit. Specifically, when the tax-exemption processing by the tax-exemption processing unit is completed, the display control unit closes the tax-exemption processing in progress screen and displays the normal product registration screen on the clerk display unit 21.

[0056] (Example of processing performed by the POS register 3) Next, the processing performed by the POS register 3 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0057] (Example of product registration process) Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a product registration process performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 5, the POS register 3 determines whether a product code has been input (step S501). The product code is input, for example, by reading a barcode attached to the product with the scanner unit 35. The barcode referred to here is, for example, a PLU code (price look-up code), a JAN code (Japanese Article Number code), or an in-store code. In addition to scanning with the scanner unit 35, the product code can also be input by tapping a preset key displayed on the store clerk display unit 21 or operating the key operation unit 22.

[0058] The POS register 3 waits until a product code is input (step S501: NO). When a product code is input (step S501: YES), the POS register 3 refers to the product information 401 (see FIG. 4), identifies the price of the product indicated by the product code, and calculates the amount multiplied by the consumption tax rate (step S502). The POS register 3 then refers to the product information 401 (see FIG. 4), identifies the tax-free category of the product, and calculates the total amount for each tax-free category (step S503). Next, the POS register 3 registers the product (step S504). The POS register 3 then displays the registered product price multiplied by the consumption tax rate (step S505), and ends the series of processes.

[0059] The total amount for each tax-free category calculated in step S503 is not displayed if tax-free processing is not performed (if tax-free declaration is not accepted). Also, if tax-free processing is not performed, the processing of step S503 may not be performed.

[0060] (An example of processing when the subtotal key is pressed) Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the POS register 3 when the subtotal key is pressed. In Fig. 6, the POS register 3 determines whether the subtotal key (or subtotal button) has been pressed (step S601). The POS register 3 waits until the subtotal key is pressed (step S601: NO). When the subtotal key is pressed (step S601: YES), the POS register 3 displays the subtotal screen (step S602).

[0061] The POS register 3 then determines whether or not a tax exemption declaration has been accepted (step S603). Accepting a tax exemption declaration means, for example, pressing the tax exemption declaration button. If a tax exemption declaration has not been accepted (step S603: NO), the POS register 3 determines whether or not a settlement has started (step S604). The start of settlement means, for example, pressing the settlement button. If a settlement has not started (step S604: NO), the POS register 3 returns to step S603.

[0062] If it is time to start payment (step S604: YES), the POS register 3 performs payment processing (step S605) and ends the series of processes. The payment processing involves accepting the payment type, inputting the amount received from the customer, and displaying the input amount. The payment processing also involves printing a receipt and printing the number of tax-free documents accepted in the tax-free processing.

[0063] In step S603, if the tax exemption declaration is accepted (step S603: YES), the POS register 3 executes the tax exemption process (see FIG. 7) (step S606). Then, the POS register 3 executes the passport information input process (see FIG. 10) and returns to step S602.

[0064] (An example of tax exemption processing) Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of tax exemption processing performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 7, the POS register 3 hides products that are not eligible for tax exemption (step S701). Then, the POS register 3 determines whether the total amount of the consumable goods exceeds 500,000 yen (the tax exemption amount) (step S702). If the total amount of the consumable goods exceeds 500,000 yen (step S702: YES), the POS register 3 displays a message that the consumable goods exceed the tax exemption amount and the amount of the excess (the difference) (step S703).

[0065] Then, the POS register 3 hides the general goods category products (step S704), performs the first tax-free category change process (see FIG. 8) to accept an operation to exclude consumable goods category products from the tax-free category (step S705), and ends the process. After completing the series of processes shown in this flowchart, the POS register 3 proceeds to the passport information input process (see FIG. 10).

[0066] In step S702, if the total amount of the consumables category does not exceed 500,000 yen (step S702: NO), the POS register 3 determines whether the total amount of the consumables category is less than 5,000 yen (step S706).If the total amount of the consumables category is less than 5,000 yen (step S706: YES), the POS register 3 displays a message that the consumables category is below the tax-exempt amount and the amount of the shortfall (the difference) (step S707).

[0067] Then, the POS register 3 hides the products in the consumables category (step S708), and performs a second tax-free category change process (see Figure 9) to change the products in the general goods category to the consumables category (step S709), thereby completing the series of processes.

[0068] In step S706, if the total amount of the consumables category is not less than 5,000 yen (step S706: NO), the POS register 3 determines whether the total amount of the general goods category is less than 5,000 yen (step S710). If the total amount of the general goods category is less than 5,000 yen (step S710: YES), the POS register 3 displays a message that the general goods category is less than the tax-exempt amount and the amount of the shortfall (the difference) (step S711), and proceeds to step S708.

[0069] On the other hand, if the total amount of the general goods category is not less than 5,000 yen (step S710: NO), that is, if each tax-free category is within the tax-free range, the POS register 3 proceeds to step S710. In this case, it may be displayed that each tax-free category is within the tax-free range. Even in this case, it may be possible to accept a change in the tax-free category.

[0070] Next, the POS register 3 determines whether or not it has accepted the end of the tax-free process (step S712). Accepting the end of the tax-free process means, for example, accepting the pressing of a button (the confirmation button 1204 in FIG. 12(A)) that accepts the confirmation of the tax-free transaction. The POS register 3 waits until it accepts the end of the tax-free process (step S712: NO), and when it accepts the end of the tax-free process (step S712: YES), it ends the series of processes.

[0071] (Example of the first tax-exempt category change process) Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the first tax-free category change process performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 8, the POS register 3 determines whether or not it has received a selection of a candidate (product) to be excluded from the consumable category (step S801). If it has not received a selection of a candidate to be excluded from the consumable category (step S801: NO), the POS register 3 proceeds to step S804.

[0072] When the selection of a candidate to be excluded from the consumables category is accepted (step S801: YES), the POS register 3 calculates and displays the total price (the total price of both the consumables category and the general goods category) when the candidate (candidate to be excluded) is excluded (step S802).The POS register 3 then displays a display to accept changes to the candidate to be excluded, specifically, displays a delete button 1208 (see FIG. 12(A)) to accept deletion of the candidate to be excluded and a non-tax exemption button 1209 (see FIG. 12(A)) to accept taxation of the candidate to be excluded (not tax exempt) (step S803).

[0073] If excluding an exclusion candidate from the consumable goods category would cause the total price of the consumable goods category to fall below 5,000 yen, i.e., if the amount would no longer be eligible for tax exemption, a warning to that effect may be displayed. Also, if excluding an exclusion candidate from the consumable goods category would cause the total price of the consumable goods category to fall below 5,000 yen, the exclusion candidate may not be displayed in advance as an exclusion candidate.

[0074] Then, the POS register 3 determines whether or not pressing of the delete button (confirm button) has been accepted (step S804). If pressing of the delete button has been accepted (step S804: YES), the POS register 3 deletes the product (candidate for removal) (step S805) and proceeds to step S808.

[0075] If the deletion button is not pressed (step S804: NO), the POS register 3 determines whether the non-tax-exempt button (confirm button) has been pressed (step S806). If the non-tax-exempt button has been pressed (step S806: YES), the POS register 3 applies consumption tax to the product (candidate for exclusion) and displays it (step S807).

[0076] Next, the POS register 3 determines whether or not it has accepted the end of the tax-free process (step S808). Accepting the end of the tax-free process means, for example, accepting the pressing of a button (the Confirm button 1204 in FIG. 12(A)) that accepts the confirmation of the tax-free transaction. If the POS register 3 does not accept the end of the tax-free process (step S808: NO), it returns to step S801. That is, the POS register 3 can execute the process including steps S801 to S807 until it accepts the end of the tax-free process. On the other hand, if it accepts the end of the tax-free process (step S808: YES), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes.

[0077] If pressing of the non-tax exemption button is not accepted (step S806: NO), the POS register 3 determines whether cancellation of the tax exemption declaration has been accepted (step S809). If cancellation of the tax exemption declaration has not been accepted (step S809: NO), the POS register 3 returns to step S801. If cancellation of the tax exemption declaration has been accepted (step S809: YES), the POS register 3 proceeds to step S602 in FIG. 6.

[0078] In step S805, the product may not only be deleted from the registered products, but also the text representing the product may be crossed out to indicate that the product has been deleted. In step S807, the product may be marked as non-tax-exempt (for example, by displaying "Non"), or the product may be deleted from the list display.

[0079] (Example of second tax-exempt category change processing) Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the second tax-free category change process performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 9, it is determined whether or not a commodity in the general goods category has been registered (step S901).

[0080] If no general goods category products are registered (step S901: NO), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes. After completing the series of processes shown in this flowchart, the POS register 3 proceeds to step S710 in Fig. 7. If general goods category products are registered (step S901: YES), the POS register 3 determines whether or not there are any general goods category products that cannot be changed to the consumables category (step S902). Products that cannot be changed to the consumables category are products whose total price in the consumables category would exceed 500,000 yen if they were changed to the consumables category, or large-sized products that cannot be packed together with products in the consumables category.

[0081] If there are no products that cannot be changed to the consumables category (step S902: NO), that is, if all registered general goods can be changed to the consumables category, the POS register 3 proceeds to step S904. If there are any products that cannot be changed to the consumables category (step S902: YES), the POS register 3 hides the products (step S903).

[0082] Then, the POS register 3 determines whether or not a selection of a candidate for category change has been accepted from among the general goods category products (step S904). If a selection of a candidate for category change has not been accepted (step S904: NO), the POS register 3 proceeds to step S907.

[0083] When the selection of a candidate for category change is accepted (step S904: YES), the POS register 3 calculates and displays the total price (total price for each of the consumables category and the general goods category) when the candidate is changed to the category (step S905).The POS register 3 then displays a display to accept the change of the category of the product, and more specifically, displays a category change button (for example, category change button 1701 in FIG. 17(A)) to accept the change of the category of the product (step S906).

[0084] Then, the POS register 3 determines whether or not confirmation of the category change (for example, pressing the category change button 1701 in FIG. 17A) has been received (step S907). If confirmation of the category change has been received (step S907: YES), the POS register 3 registers and displays the products in the consumables category according to the received content (step S908).

[0085] Next, the POS register 3 determines whether or not it has accepted the end of the tax-free process (step S909). Accepting the end of the tax-free process means, for example, accepting the pressing of a button that accepts confirmation of the tax-free transaction (the Confirm button 1204 in FIG. 18(A) or the Confirm button 1204 in FIG. 20(B)). If the POS register 3 does not accept the end of the tax-free process (step S909: NO), it returns to step S904. That is, the POS register 3 can execute the process including steps S904 to S908 until it accepts the end of the tax-free process. On the other hand, if it accepts the end of the tax-free process (step S909: YES), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes.

[0086] On the other hand, if confirmation of the classification change is not accepted in step S907 (step S907: NO), the POS register 3 determines whether cancellation of the tax exemption process (tax exemption declaration) has been accepted (step S909). If cancellation of the tax exemption process has not been accepted (step S909: NO), the POS register 3 returns to step S904. If cancellation of the tax exemption process has been accepted (step S909: YES), the POS register 3 returns to step S602 in FIG. 6.

[0087] (An example of passport information input processing) Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of passport information input processing performed by the POS register 3. In Fig. 10, the POS register 3 determines whether there is any tax-free category that does not satisfy the tax-free conditions (step S1001). If there is no tax-free category that does not satisfy the tax-free conditions (step S1001: NO), that is, if each tax-free category satisfies the tax-free conditions, the POS register 3 proceeds to step S1004. If there is a tax-free category that does not satisfy the tax-free conditions (step S1001: YES), the POS register 3 displays a confirmation screen (see Figs. 14(A) to (C)) (step S1002).

[0088] Then, the POS register 3 determines whether or not to perform tax exemption processing for the product in the tax exemption category that does not meet the tax exemption conditions (step S1003). If tax exemption processing is not to be performed for the product in the tax exemption category that does not meet the tax exemption conditions (step S1003: NO), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes. Note that, upon completing the series of processes shown in this flowchart, the POS register 3 proceeds to step S602 in Fig. 6.

[0089] When tax exemption processing is to be performed on products in the tax-free category that do not meet the tax exemption conditions (step S1003: NO), specifically, when a selection to perform tax exemption processing on products in the tax-free category that do not meet the tax exemption conditions is accepted, the POS register 3 reads the passport information from the passport presented by the customer (step S1004).Then, the POS register 3 reflects the read passport information on the screen (step S1005).

[0090] Furthermore, the POS register 3 determines whether or not a correction to the passport information has been accepted (step S1006). If a correction to the passport information has not been accepted (step S1006: NO), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes. If a correction to the passport information has been accepted (step S1006: YES), the POS register 3 reflects the correction (step S1007) and ends the series of processes.

[0091] (Example of the screen displayed on POS register 3 during tax exemption processing) Next, an example of a screen displayed on the clerk display unit 21 of the POS register 3 during the tax exemption process will be described. Note that the image displayed on the clerk display unit 21 described below may also be displayed on the customer display unit 23. The language displayed on the customer display unit 23 may be a language appropriate to the customer (the customer's native language). The language appropriate to the customer may be specified by an operation of the clerk on the clerk display unit 21, or may be specified by an operation of the customer on the customer display unit 23. When specifying a language appropriate to the customer, a screen for specifying the language may be displayed on the clerk display unit 21 or the customer display unit 23.

[0092] (Screen transitions when processing tax exemptions) Next, we will explain the transition of screens displayed on the clerk display unit 21 of the POS register 3 when performing tax exemption processing. First, using Figs. 11 to 13, we will explain the screen transition when changing the tax exemption category when the total amount of products in the consumables category exceeds the tax exemption amount. Note that the screen transition when the total amount of products in the consumables category does not reach the tax exemption amount will be described later using Figs. 16 to 18. Also, the screen transition when the total amount of products in the general goods category does not reach the tax exemption amount will be described later using Figs. 19 to 21.

[0093] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen for registering a product, which is displayed on the store clerk display unit 21. Fig. 11(A) shows a product registration screen 1100. The product registration screen 1100 is a screen that includes a registered product display area 1101, a registered product list area 1102, a total display area 1103, a subtotal button 1104, and a tax-exemption declaration button 1105.

[0094] The registered product display area 1101 is an area for displaying the product name and price of the most recently registered product. The registered product list area 1102 is an area for displaying a list of registered products. In the registered product list area 1102, the products registered earlier are displayed at the bottom, and the products registered later are displayed at the top. That is, in chronological order, the products registered later are displayed higher. The total display area 1103 is an area for displaying the total score and total price of the registered products.

[0095] For the prices displayed in each of the areas 1101 to 1103, the character "including tax" is displayed in association. The display of "including tax" indicates that it is the price including tax. Note that the prices displayed in each of the areas 1101 to 1103 may be displayed as the price excluding tax. In this case, the character "excluding tax" indicating that it is the price excluding tax may be displayed in association with the prices displayed in each of the areas 1101 to 1103. Whether to use the notation of the price including tax or the notation of the price excluding tax may be switchable according to the operation of the store clerk.

[0096] The subtotal button 1104 is a button for accepting the calculation of the subtotal amount. The tax exemption declaration button 1105 is a button for accepting the start of a tax-exempt transaction. Note that in FIG. 11(A), the tax exemption declaration button 1105 is displayed in a grayed-out state, indicating that the button is invalid. When the registration of a product is completed on the product registration screen 1100 and the subtotal button 1104 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 11(B) is transitioned to.

[0097] FIG. 11(B) shows the master plan screen 1110. The master plan screen 1110 is a screen including a registered product list area 1111, a total display area 1112, a settlement button 1113, an estimated tax-free amount display area 1114, and a tax-free declaration button 1105. The registered product list area 1111 is an area that displays a list of registered products. The total display area 1112 is an area that displays the total number of registered products and the total amount. The content displayed in the total display area 1112 includes the total taxable amount (amount excluding tax) and the total tax amount. Note that the amount displayed in the registered product list area 1111 and the total amount in the total display area 1112 are displayed inclusive of tax (amount including tax).

[0098] The settlement button 1113 is a button that accepts the start of settlement. When the settlement button 1113 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen that accepts the selection of the payment method, such as cash payment or card payment, and the settlement process begins. During the settlement process, it is possible to print receipts and tax-free documents.

[0099] The estimated tax-free amount display area 1114 shows the estimated tax-free amount (estimated tax-free amount) if a tax-free transaction is made. In the illustration, the estimated tax-free amount display area 1114 shows "51,300 yen." This is the estimated tax-free amount if "XX lotion," "XX battery," and "XX metal bat" are tax-free. The POS register 3 selects the most suitable products (candidates) eligible for tax-free exemption and calculates the estimated tax-free amount. However, without being limited to this, the POS register 3 may also display the tax-free amount when all products eligible for tax-free exemption (all products in the general goods category and consumables category) are tax-free.

[0100] On the subtotal screen 1110, the tax exemption declaration button 1105 is no longer grayed out on the product registration screen 1100 (FIG. 11(A)), indicating that pressing this button is valid. That is, when the subtotal button 1104 is pressed on the product registration screen 1100 of FIG. 11(A), the tax exemption declaration button 1105 becomes valid. When the tax exemption declaration button 1105 is pressed on the subtotal screen 1110, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 12(A).

[0101] Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of tax-free category when the total price of products in the consumables category exceeds the tax-exempt amount. Fig. 12(A) shows a category change acceptance screen 1200 when the total price of products in the consumables category exceeds the tax-exempt amount. The category change acceptance screen 1200 is a screen that includes a list area 1201 of products to be changed, a total display area 1202, a warning display 1203, a confirm button 1204, a tax-exemption cancellation button 1205, a guidance display 1206, an estimate display 1207, a delete button 1208, and a non-tax-exempt button 1209.

[0102] Of the registered products, only products in the consumables category (○○ lotion, ○○ seaweed, ○○ rice cracker) are displayed in the change target product list area 1201. In other words, products for which the tax-exempt category can be changed are not displayed in the change target product list area 1201, and specifically, products in the general goods category (○○ battery and ○○ metal bat) and products not eligible for tax exemption (shoe sole repair) are not displayed. Furthermore, in the change target product list area 1201, each product is displayed with the word "exempt" indicating that it is tax-exempt, and the word "consumable" indicating the consumables category. Furthermore, the amount displayed in the change target product list area 1201 indicates the tax-exempt amount.

[0103] The total display area 1202 shows the total amount for each tax-free category, including the consumables category and the general goods category. In Figure 12(A), the total amount for the consumables category is "¥522,000," which indicates that the amount is not eligible for tax exemption. The total amount for the general goods category is "¥13,000," which indicates that the amount is eligible for tax exemption.

[0104] The warning message 1203 indicates that the consumables category is not eligible for tax exemption and shows the amount (difference) that exceeds the eligible amount for tax exemption. Specifically, the warning message 1203 indicates that the total amount of the consumables category exceeds the upper limit of the eligible amount for tax exemption by 22,000 yen.

[0105] The Confirm button 1204 is a button that accepts confirmation of the tax-free transaction with the content displayed on the classification change reception screen 1200. When the Confirm button 1204 is pressed with the content shown in FIG. 12(A), the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 14. The Tax-free Cancellation button 1205 is a button that accepts cancellation of the tax-free transaction. When the Tax-free Cancellation button 1205 is pressed, the screen transitions to the sub-screen shown in FIG. 11(B).

[0106] The guidance display 1206 displays a message that the consumable goods category will become tax-exempt by excluding from the consumable goods category the items corresponding to the amount exceeding the tax-exempt amount. The cursors 1210 (1210a, 1210b) are operated by the store clerk to point to candidates (items) to be excluded from the consumable goods category. The guidance display 1206 indicates that the consumable goods category will become tax-exempt by excluding the items indicated by the cursor 1210. Specifically, the guidance display 1206 indicates that the consumable goods category will become tax-exempt by deleting or taxing the "XX seaweed" item indicated by the cursor 1210a and the "XX rice cracker" item indicated by the cursor 1210b. Note that the cursor 1210 may be configured to automatically indicate the most suitable candidate in advance by the POS register 3. Specifically, the POS register 3 may select the cheapest combination of excess products (for example, XX seaweed and XX rice cracker) and point it with the cursor 1210.

[0107] When a candidate indicated by cursor 1210 is selected, trial calculation display 1207 shows the trial calculation when that product is excluded from the consumables category. Specifically, when the product (candidate) "XX Nori" and the product (candidate) "XX Rice Cracker" are selected from the products in the consumables category shown in change target product list area 1201, trial calculation display 1207 displays the amount of the consumables category (500,000 yen) when "XX Nori" (20,000 yen) and "XX Rice Cracker" (2,000 yen) are excluded from the consumables category. Note that in FIG. 12(A), the amount of the "total amount of consumables category" shown in total display area 1202 may also be changed and displayed to the amount corresponding to the selected candidate.

[0108] In FIG. 12(A), when the product "XX seaweed" is pressed, the selection by the cursor 1210a is cancelled, and when the product "XX rice cracker" is pressed, the selection by the cursor 1210b is cancelled.

[0109] The delete button 1208 is a button that accepts the deletion of a product (candidate: product indicated by cursor 1210) selected in the change target product list area 1201 from among the registered products. When the delete button 1208 is pressed on the category change reception screen 1200 shown in FIG. 12(A), the products "XX nori" and "XX rice cracker" are deleted from the display screen from among the registered products. Note that when the delete button 1208 is pressed, the product to be deleted is not necessarily deleted from the display screen, but the text indicating the product to be deleted may be struck through to indicate that the product has been deleted.

[0110] The non-tax-free button 1209 is a button that accepts taxation (non-tax-free) of the product (for example, XX seaweed and XX rice cracker) selected in the change target product list area 1201. When the non-tax-free button 1209 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 12(B).

[0111] FIG. 12(B) shows an example of a screen after the tax-free category has been changed. In the change completion screen 1220 shown in FIG. 12(B), all tax-free items (excluding items not eligible for tax-free) are displayed, as a result of the product (e.g., XX nori seaweed and XX rice cracker) selected in the change target product list area 1201 in FIG. 12(A) being confirmed as taxable (non-tax-free). To specifically explain the change completion screen 1220 shown in FIG. 12(B), the change completion screen 1220 is a screen including a registered product list area 1211, a total display area 1202, and a change completion display 1212. The registered product list area 1211 displays products excluding items not eligible for tax-free items (shoe sole repair). In the registered product list area 1211, each product is displayed with the word "exempt," indicating that it is tax-free, and either "consumables" or "general goods," indicating the tax-free category of either the consumables category or the general goods category.

[0112] Note that the display mode of products classified into the consumables category and the display mode of products classified into the general goods category may be different in the registered product list area 1211. The different display modes may include, for example, using different colors for the text or background, or using different fonts.

[0113] Also, in the registered product list area 1211, for the products "XX Nori" and "XX Senbei", instead of the character "Exempt" indicating that they are tax-exempt, "Non" indicating that they are not tax-exempt is displayed. Furthermore, although the products "XX Nori" and "XX Senbei" are products classified as consumables, "Consumables → Taxable Products" is displayed indicating that they are not tax-exempt. Note that for the products "XX Nori" and "XX Senbei", the character "Non" indicating that they are not tax-exempt may not be displayed, and the character "Exempt" may simply be hidden.

[0114] The total price of the consumables category in the total display area 1202 is "500,000 yen," which indicates the tax-exempt amount. The taxable amount of consumables in the total display area 1202 is "22,000 yen," which indicates the total price excluding tax for the products "XX Nori" and "XX Rice Crackers."

[0115] The change completion display 1212 indicates that the products "XX seaweed" and "XX rice cracker" are now taxable and that the amount of the consumable goods category has become the tax-exempt amount. In this way, even if the total amount of the products in the consumable goods category exceeds the tax-exempt amount, the total amount of the products in the consumable goods category can be made the tax-exempt amount.

[0116] Note that when the delete button 1208 is pressed on the category change reception screen 1200 shown in Fig. 12(A), the products "XX Nori" and "XX Rice Crackers" will be deleted (or crossed out). In this case as well, the total amount of the consumables category in the total display area 1202 in Fig. 12(B) will become "500,000 yen," and a screen will be displayed indicating that this is an amount eligible for tax exemption. Furthermore, by confirming the deletion of "XX Nori" and "XX Rice Crackers," all products related to tax exemption (products excluding those not eligible for tax exemption) will be displayed.

[0117] On the change completion screen 1220, the total amount of the consumables category is 500,000 yen, which is the upper limit for tax exemption, so the category cannot be changed from the general goods category to the consumables category, but if the total amount of the consumables category is below 500,000 yen, a change from the general goods category to the consumables category may be accepted. For example, on the change completion screen 1220, a button for accepting the category change may be displayed, and when the button is pressed, the products to be changed from the general goods category to the consumables category may be accepted.

[0118] (An example of a case where excluding exemption candidates from the consumables category would result in the amount no longer being eligible for tax exemption) Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a change acceptance screen in the case where, if an exclusion candidate is excluded from the consumables category, the price would no longer be eligible for tax exemption. On the category change acceptance screen 1300 shown in Figure 13, two products, "XX Nori" and "XX Lotion," have been selected as candidates for exclusion from the consumables category, as indicated by cursors 1210a and 1210c, due to a store clerk's mistake or a customer's request. When "XX Nori" and "XX Lotion" are selected, the estimated price display 1207 displays the price (¥2,000) of the consumables category when "XX Nori" (¥20,000) and "XX Lotion" (¥500,000) are excluded from the consumables category.

[0119] Here, the tax-exempt amount for the consumable goods category is between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen. Therefore, if "XX Nori" and "XX Lotion" were deleted or made non-tax-exempt, the purchase amount for the consumable goods category would be 2,000 yen, which would fall outside the tax-exempt amount range. Therefore, when the products "XX Nori" and "XX Lotion" are selected, the POS register 3 displays a warning, as shown in the guidance display 1206, indicating that the amount will no longer be tax-exempt.

[0120] When the delete button 1208 is pressed while the two products "XX nori" and "XX lotion" are selected, the products "XX nori" and "XX lotion" are deleted from the registered products (or a strikethrough is added). When the non-tax-free button 1209 is pressed, the products "XX nori" and "XX lotion" become non-tax-free. In FIG. 13, when the area showing either the product "XX nori" or the product "XX lotion" is pressed, the selection made by the cursor 1210 is cancelled, and the total price of the consumables category corresponding to the cancelled product is displayed in the estimate display 1207.

[0121] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, when the total price of consumable goods exceeds the tax-exempt amount, only consumable goods are displayed, and general goods and non-tax-exempt goods (shoe sole repairs) are not displayed. This prevents store clerks from accidentally selecting general goods or non-tax-exempt goods, making the tax-exemption process more efficient.

[0122] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen that appears when the Confirm button 1204 is pressed when there is a tax-free category that does not qualify for tax exemption. Fig. 14(A) shows a confirmation screen 1400 when the total price of the consumable goods category products is not the tax-free price, and the total price of the general goods category products is the tax-free price. Fig. 14(B) shows a confirmation screen 1410 when neither the total price of the consumable goods category products nor the total price of the general goods category products is the tax-free price. Fig. 14(C) shows a confirmation screen 1420 when the total price of the general goods category products is not the tax-free price, and the total price of the consumable goods category products is the tax-free price.

[0123] The confirmation screens 1400, 1410, and 1420 each include a guidance display 1401, a back button 1402, a tax exemption rejection button 1403, and a tax exemption acceptance button 1404. The guidance display 1401 indicates that the total price of the products in the consumables category or general goods category is not eligible for tax exemption.

[0124] The back button 1402 is a button that accepts returning to the previous screen (for example, the classification change acceptance screen 1200 in FIG. 12(A)). The tax exemption rejection button 1403 is a button that accepts settlement without tax exemption. When the tax exemption rejection button 1403 is pressed, the tax exemption is canceled and the screen transitions to, for example, the sub-screen 1110 shown in FIG. 11(B).

[0125] The tax exemption acceptance button 1404 is a button that accepts tax exemption. Here, it should be noted that tax-free transactions can be carried out even if the amount is not within the tax-exempt amount. Products in the consumables category can be subject to tax exemption if they meet the tax-exemption condition that the total amount of the consumables category in one day at the same store is more than 5,000 yen and less than 500,000 yen. Therefore, even if the total amount of the consumables category in this transaction does not reach the tax-exempt amount, it may reach the tax-exempt amount depending on subsequent transactions on the same day. For this reason, tax-free transactions can be carried out even if the amount is not within the tax-exempt amount.

[0126] When the tax exemption approval button 1404 is pressed, the screen changes to the screen shown in Fig. 15(A). When the tax exemption approval button 1404 is pressed, predetermined warning information may be output. The predetermined warning information may be output, for example, by displaying the difference between the total amount for each tax exemption category and the tax exemption amount on the clerk display unit 21 or printing it on the receipt. This notifies the customer that the amount is not tax exempt and of the difference, thereby encouraging the customer to spend the difference.

[0127] If there is a tax-free category that is not eligible for tax exemption, a hold button may be displayed, and when the hold button is pressed, the transaction may be temporarily suspended. During this suspension, the customer may return to the sales floor and pick up items to make the amount eligible for tax exemption. When the customer brings back new items, the suspension may be lifted, and the items may be registered and the tax exemption process may be carried out. In this way, if there is a tax-free category that is not eligible for tax exemption, the customer may be encouraged to make a purchase, and the amount may be adjusted to the eligible amount before the tax exemption process is carried out.

[0128] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen when entering passport information and a subsequent screen. Figure 15(A) shows a passport information entry screen 1500. The passport information entry screen 1500 displays entry items such as "Type of passport, etc." indicating the type of personal identification such as a passport, "Number" indicating the identification number of the passport, etc., the person's "Purchaser's Name," "Date of Birth," and "Nationality," as well as "Status of Residence" and "Date of Arrival."

[0129] On the passport information input screen 1500, when the code printed on the passport is read by the scanner unit 35, the information is entered into the input items. If there is any correction to be made to the entered information, the input content can be corrected by pressing the input item and operating the input. When information is entered into each input item and the confirm button 1501 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 15(B).

[0130] FIG. 15(B) shows the master plan screen 1510. The master plan screen 1510 is a screen including a registered product list area 1111, a total display area 1112, a checkout button 1113, and a tax-exemption declaration button 1105. The registered product list area 1111 displays all registered products. That is, products that are not eligible for tax exemption ("shoe sole repair") and products that are excluded from tax exemption ("XX seaweed", "XX rice cracker") are also displayed. In the registered product list area 1111, the word "exempt" is displayed for products that are eligible for tax exemption, and the price without consumption tax is displayed. Furthermore, for products that are not eligible for tax exemption and products that are excluded from tax exemption, the price is displayed including tax.

[0131] The contents displayed in the total display area 1112 include the total taxable amount (amount excluding tax), the total tax amount, the total amount of the consumables category, and the total amount of the general goods category. When the settlement button 1113 is pressed on the small-scale plan screen 1510, the settlement process is carried out with the contents shown on the small-scale plan screen 1510. Note that on the small-scale plan screen 1510 in Fig. 15(B), the estimated tax-free amount display area 1114 (see Fig. 11(B)) is not displayed because the tax-free process has been completed.

[0132] As shown in Figure 15(B), the master plan screen 1510 displays all products, including those not eligible for tax exemption and those excluded from tax exemption. This allows the store clerk to check all registered products. Therefore, even though tax exempt products are not displayed during the tax exemption process, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency related to product registration and payment.

[0133] (Screen transition when the total amount of consumables does not reach the tax exemption amount) Next, using FIGS. 16 to 18, we will explain the screen transitions when the total amount of the consumable goods category does not reach the tax-exempt amount. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on the clerk display unit 21 when registering a product. FIG. 16(A) shows a product registration screen 1600. Compared to the product registration screen 1100 (see FIG. 11), different products are registered on the product registration screen 1600. Specifically, products that may be eligible for tax exemption ("○○ rice cracker," "○○ shirt," "○○ towel," "○○ road bike") and products that are not eligible for tax exemption ("shoe sole repair") are registered. Note that "○○ rice cracker" is a product classified in the consumable goods category, while "○○ shirt," "○○ towel," and "○○ road bike" are products classified in the general goods category. When product registration is completed on the product registration screen 1600 and the subtotal button 1104 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 16(B).

[0134] Fig. 16(B) shows a small plan screen 1610. The tax exemption declaration button 1105 is enabled on the small plan screen 1610. When the tax exemption declaration button 1105 is pressed on the small plan screen 1610, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 17(A).

[0135] Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of tax-free category when the total price of products in the consumables category does not reach the tax-free amount. Fig. 17(A) shows a category change acceptance screen 1700 when the total price of products in the consumables category does not reach the tax-free amount.

[0136] On the category change reception screen 1700, of the registered products, only products in the general goods category (XX shirt, XX towel) are displayed in the change target product list area 1201. In other words, products that cannot be changed in category are not displayed in the change target product list area 1201, and specifically, products in the consumables category (XX rice crackers) and products that are not eligible for tax exemption (shoe sole repair) are not displayed.

[0137] Furthermore, on the category change reception screen 1700, the "XX Road Bike" in the general goods category is not displayed in the list of products to be changed area 1201. This is because although the "XX Road Bike" is a general goods category product, its price is 499,000 yen, and if it were to be reclassified into the consumables category, that is, if the price were added to the price of the XX rice crackers (2,000 yen), the total would exceed the upper limit of 500,000 yen for tax exemptions in the consumables category.

[0138] In addition, in the change target product list area 1201, the word "exempt" indicating that the product is tax-exempt or the word "general product" indicating the general product category is displayed for each product. Also, the amount displayed in the change target product list area 1201 indicates the tax-exempt amount.

[0139] The total display area 1202 shows the total amount for each tax-free category, including the consumables category and the general goods category. In Figure 17(A), the total amount for the consumables category is "¥2,000," which indicates that it is not eligible for tax exemption. The total amount for the general goods category is "¥508,000," which indicates that it is eligible for tax exemption.

[0140] The warning display 1203 indicates that the consumables category is not eligible for tax exemption and indicates the amount (difference) that does not reach the eligible amount for tax exemption. Specifically, the warning display 1203 indicates that the total amount of the consumables category is 3,000 yen short of the lower limit of the eligible amount for tax exemption (5,000 yen).

[0141] The cursor 1210 is operated by a store clerk to indicate a candidate (item) for changing the general goods category to a consumable goods category. The guidance display 1206 indicates that by changing the "XX towel" product indicated by the cursor 1210 to a consumable item, the consumable goods category can be adjusted to the tax-exempt price. The cursor 1210 may automatically indicate a candidate for changing from the general goods category to the consumable goods category. Specifically, the POS register 3 may select a product (or a combination of products) with an amount that can be used to replenish the remaining amount so that the consumable goods category becomes the tax-exempt price, and point it with the cursor 1210.

[0142] When a candidate indicated by cursor 1210 is selected, trial calculation display 1207 shows the trial calculation when the product is changed from the general goods category to the consumable goods category. Specifically, when the product (candidate) "XX towel" is selected from the general goods category products shown in change target product list area 1201, trial calculation display 1207 displays the total price (5,000 yen) for the consumable goods category, which is the sum of "XX rice cracker" (2,000 yen) and "XX towel" (3,000 yen: 1,000 yen x 3). Note that in FIG. 17(A), the "total price for the consumable goods category" and "total price for the general goods category" shown in total display area 1202 may also be changed to the prices corresponding to the selected candidate.

[0143] The category change button 1701 is a button for accepting a category change of a product selected in the change target product list area 1201. When the category change button 1701 is pressed on the category change acceptance screen 1700 shown in Fig. 17(A), the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 17(B).

[0144] Fig. 17(B) shows a quantity specification screen 1710 that accepts specification of the quantity of the product to be changed to the consumables category. Quantity specification screen 1710 includes quantity specification display 1711. Quantity specification display 1711 accepts the quantity of "XX towels" to be changed to the consumables category. In the illustration, a quantity of "3" has been entered. When the quantity is accepted and decision button 1712 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 18(A).

[0145] The unit price of "XX towels" is 1,000 yen. Since the total amount of the consumable goods category is 3,000 yen short of the lower limit of 5,000 yen for tax exemption, if the quantity of "XX towels" specified in the quantity specification display 1711 is "2" or less, even if "XX towels" is changed to a consumable goods category, the total amount of the consumable goods category will not reach the lower limit for tax exemption. Therefore, if the quantity of "XX towels" is "2" or less, pressing the confirm button 1712 may be invalidated, or a warning may be displayed when the confirm button 1712 is pressed, indicating that the total amount of the consumable goods category does not reach the lower limit for tax exemption. Furthermore, it may be made impossible to input a quantity of "XX towels" of "2" or less. Furthermore, "3" may be entered in advance as the quantity of "XX towels" in the quantity specification display 1711. Furthermore, a notification may be displayed to encourage the user to specify a quantity of "3" or more.

[0146] Furthermore, it may be possible to accept a correction to the product for which the tax-free category is to be changed after the specification of the quantity on the quantity specification screen 1710 is completed. Specifically, it may be possible to change the product for which the tax-free category is to be changed from "XX towel" to "XX shirt." Specifically, even after the specification of the quantity on the quantity specification screen 1710 is completed, "XX shirt" may be displayed so that it can be selected. Then, when "XX shirt" is selected, a guidance display 1206 and an estimate display 1207 for when "XX shirt" is selected may be displayed, and the correction may be completed by accepting the pressing of the category change button 1701.

[0147] FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen that appears after the tax-free category has been changed when the total price of the consumable goods category items does not reach the tax-free amount. The change completion screen 1800 shown in FIG. 18(A) displays all tax-free goods (excluding non-tax-free goods) because the change of the category of three "XX shirts" to the consumable goods category has been confirmed. To specifically explain the change completion screen 1800 shown in FIG. 18(A), for example, the registered goods list area 1211 displays goods excluding non-tax-free goods (shoe sole repairs). In the registered goods list area 1211, in addition to the character "exempt" indicating that each product is tax-free, the character "consumable goods" indicating the consumable goods category and the character "general goods" indicating the general goods category are also displayed for each product.

[0148] Furthermore, in the registered product list area 1211, the product "XX Towel" is marked "General Goods → Consumables," indicating that the tax-free category has been changed from the general goods category to the consumables category. Furthermore, the tax-free amount for the consumables category in the total display area 1202 is "5,000 yen," indicating that it is the tax-free amount. The change completion display 1212 indicates that the "XX Towel" has been reclassified to the consumables category and that the amount for the consumables category has become the tax-free amount. In this way, even if the total amount for the consumables category is less than the tax-free amount, by reclassifying the products in the general goods category, the total amount for the consumables category can be made the tax-free amount.

[0149] In addition, since the total amount of the consumable goods category is less than 500,000 yen on the change completion screen 1800, and other general goods categories (e.g., XX shirts) are also eligible for tax exemption even if they are changed to the consumable goods category, it is also possible to accept a change in the category of general goods to the consumable goods category. For example, the change completion screen 1800 may display a button for accepting the category change, and when the button is pressed, the product to be changed from the general goods category to the consumable goods category is accepted.

[0150] When the confirm button 1204 is pressed on the change completion screen 1800, passport information is entered, and when the entry of passport information is completed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 18(B).

[0151] 18(B) shows the small print screen 1810 after the tax exemption process. In the small print screen 1810, all registered products are displayed in the registered product list area 1111. That is, products that are not eligible for tax exemption (for example, "shoe sole repair") are also displayed. In addition, the word "exempt" is displayed on tax-exempt products, indicating that they are tax-exempt.

[0152] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, if the total amount of consumable goods does not reach the tax-exempt amount, only general goods are displayed, and consumable goods and non-tax-exempt goods (shoe sole repairs) are not displayed. This prevents store clerks from accidentally selecting consumable goods or non-tax-exempt goods, making the tax-exemption process more efficient.

[0153] (Screen transition when the total amount of general goods does not reach the tax exemption amount) Next, using Figs. 19 to 21, we will explain the screen transitions when the total amount of the general goods category does not reach the tax-exempt amount. Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen displayed on the clerk display unit 21 when registering goods. Fig. 19(A) shows a product registration screen 1900. In comparison with the product registration screen 1100 (see Fig. 11), different goods are registered on the product registration screen 1900. Specifically, goods that may be eligible for tax exemption ("XX seaweed", "XX shirt") and goods that are not eligible for tax exemption ("shoe sole repair") are registered. Note that "XX seaweed" is a product classified in the consumables category, and "XX shirt" is a product classified in the general goods category. When product registration is completed on the product registration screen 1900 and the subtotal button 1104 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 19(B).

[0154] Fig. 19(B) shows a sub-plan screen 1910. The tax exemption declaration button 1105 is enabled on the sub-plan screen 1910. When the tax exemption declaration button 1105 is pressed on the sub-plan screen 1910, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 20(A).

[0155] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen for accepting a change of tax-free category when the total amount of general goods does not reach the tax-free amount. Figure 20(A) shows a category change acceptance screen 2000 when the total amount of general goods does not reach the tax-free amount.

[0156] On the category change reception screen 2000, of the registered products, only the general goods category product (XX shirt) is displayed in the change target product list area 1201. In other words, the change target product list area 1201 does not display products that cannot be changed in category, and specifically, it does not display products in the consumables category (XX seaweed) or products that are not eligible for tax exemption (shoe sole repair).

[0157] Additionally, the items displayed in the change target item list area 1201 are marked with the word "non," indicating that they are not tax-exempt, or the word "general item," indicating that they are classified as general items. Additionally, the amount displayed in the change target item list area 1201 indicates the amount including consumption tax.

[0158] The total display area 1202 shows the total amount for each tax-free category, including the consumables category and the general goods category. In Figure 20(A), the total amount for the consumables category is "¥20,000," which indicates that the amount is eligible for tax exemption. The total amount for the general goods category is "¥3,000," which indicates that the amount is not eligible for tax exemption.

[0159] The warning display 1203 indicates that the general goods category is not eligible for tax exemption and indicates the amount (difference) that does not reach the eligible amount for tax exemption. Specifically, the warning display 1203 indicates that the total amount of the general goods category is 2,000 yen short of the lower limit of the eligible amount for tax exemption (5,000 yen).

[0160] The cursor 1210 is operated by a store clerk to indicate a candidate (item) for changing from the general goods category to the consumable goods category. The guidance display 1206 indicates that changing the "XX shirt" item indicated by the cursor 1210 to a consumable item will make the general goods category eligible for tax exemption. The guidance display 1206 may be displayed on the subdivision screen 1910 of FIG. 19(B), and in this case, may remain displayed even after transitioning to the category change reception screen 2000. The cursor 1210 may automatically indicate a candidate for changing from the general goods category to the consumable goods category. Specifically, the POS register 3 may select a product (or a combination of products) with a price sufficient to replenish the remaining balance so that the general goods category becomes eligible for tax exemption, and point it with the cursor 1210. As shown in the change target product list area 1201 in FIG. 20(A), since only one product is registered, the cursor 1210 may be configured to point to the change candidate ("XX shirt") without requiring any operation (selection) by the store clerk.

[0161] When a candidate indicated by cursor 1210 is selected, trial calculation display 1207 shows the trial calculation when the product is changed from the general goods category to the consumable goods category. Specifically, when a product (candidate) "XX shirt" is selected from the general goods category products shown in change target product list area 1201, trial calculation display 1207 displays the total price (5,000 yen) for the consumable goods category, which is the sum of "XX seaweed" (2,000 yen) and "XX shirt" (3,000 yen). Note that in Figure 20(A), the "total price for the consumable goods category" and "total price for the general goods category" shown in total display area 1202 may also be changed to the prices corresponding to the selected candidate.

[0162] The category change button 1701 is a button for accepting a category change for a product selected in the change target product list area 1201. When the category change button 1701 is pressed on the category change acceptance screen 2000 shown in Fig. 20(A), the screen transitions to the screen shown in Fig. 20(B).

[0163] FIG. 20(B) shows an example of a screen that appears after the tax-free category has been changed when the total price of the consumable goods items does not reach the tax-free amount. The change completion screen 2010 shown in FIG. 20(B) displays all tax-free items (excluding items not eligible for tax-free) because the change of the three "XX shirts" to the consumable goods category has been confirmed. To specifically explain the change completion screen 2010 shown in FIG. 20(B), for example, the registered goods list area 1211 displays items excluding items not eligible for tax-free items (shoe sole repairs). In the registered goods list area 1211, each item is displayed with the word "exempt," indicating that it is tax-free, the word "consumable," indicating the consumable goods category, and, if there are any items in the general goods category, the word "general goods," indicating the general goods category.

[0164] Furthermore, in the registered product list area 1211, the product "XX shirt" is marked with "General goods → Consumables," indicating that the tax-free category has been changed from the general goods category to the consumables category. Furthermore, the tax-free amount for the general goods category in the total display area 1202 is "¥0," indicating that there are no tax-free items in the general goods category. The change completion display 1212 indicates that the "XX shirt" has been reclassified to the consumables category and that the product "XX shirt" is now eligible for tax-free shopping. In this way, even if the total amount of the general goods category does not reach the tax-free amount, the general goods category item can be made eligible for tax-free shopping by reclassifying it as a consumable item.

[0165] In addition, before transitioning from the classification change acceptance screen 2000 in Figure 20(A) to the change completion screen 2010 in Figure 20(B), a screen that accepts the specification of the quantity of the product to be classified, equivalent to the quantity specification screen 1710 in Figure 17(B), may be displayed.

[0166] When the confirm button 1204 is pressed on the change completion screen 2010, passport information is entered, and when the entry of passport information is complete, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG.

[0167] 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the small print screen 2100 after tax exemption processing. In the small print screen 2100, all registered products are displayed in the registered product list area 1111. That is, products that are not eligible for tax exemption (for example, "shoe sole repair") are also displayed. In addition, the word "exempt" is displayed on tax-exempt products, indicating that they are tax-exempt.

[0168] As shown in Figures 19 to 21, if the total amount of general goods does not reach the tax-exempt amount, only general goods are displayed, and consumable goods and non-tax-exempt goods (shoe sole repairs) are not displayed. This prevents store clerks from accidentally selecting consumable goods or non-tax-exempt goods, making the tax-exemption process more efficient.

[0169] As described above, the POS register 3 of this embodiment controls the display of tax-exempt items when tax-free processing is performed, while controlling the display of non-tax-exempt items. This prevents non-tax-exempt items from being displayed during tax-exempt processing, thereby preventing store clerks from mistakenly selecting non-tax-exempt items as tax-exempt. This allows the tax-exemption procedure to be performed efficiently.

[0170] Furthermore, when performing tax exemption processing, the POS register 3 of this embodiment controls the display of products in the consumables category and the general goods category based on the total amount of each of the consumables category and the general goods category and the tax exemption amount for each tax exemption category. This makes it possible to hide consumable goods when changing a general goods category product to a consumables category, or to hide general goods when excluding a consumable goods category product. This prevents products other than those candidates for change or exclusion from being displayed, thereby preventing store clerks from mistakenly selecting those products. This reduces operational errors when changing the category of a product or excluding it from tax exemption, and allows for efficient tax exemption procedures.

[0171] Furthermore, the POS register 3 of this embodiment displays products in the consumables category but does not display products in the general goods category when the total amount of the consumables category exceeds the upper limit of the tax-free amount. This makes it possible to prevent products in the general goods category from being displayed when excluding products in the consumables category. This prevents products in the general goods category from being displayed, thereby preventing store clerks from mistakenly selecting products in the general goods category. This reduces operational errors when excluding products in the consumables category from the tax-free range, and allows for efficient tax-free procedures.

[0172] In addition, the POS register 3 of this embodiment is configured to accept an operation to exclude consumable goods from the tax-free items. This allows the clerk to easily exclude consumable goods from the tax-free items when the amount of the consumable goods exceeds the upper limit of the tax-free items.

[0173] Furthermore, the POS register 3 of this embodiment controls the display of general goods category items when at least one of the total amount of the consumable goods category and the total amount of the general goods category is below the lower limit, but does not display consumable goods category items. This makes it possible to prevent consumable goods category items from being displayed when changing general goods category items to consumable goods category items. This prevents consumable goods category items from being displayed, and prevents store clerks from mistakenly selecting consumable goods category items. This reduces operational errors when changing the category of general goods category items, and allows for efficient tax exemption procedures.

[0174] In addition, the POS register 3 of this embodiment accepts an operation to change a general item to a consumable item. This allows a store clerk to easily change a general item to a consumable item when at least one of the total amounts for the consumable item and the general item is below the lower limit.

[0175] Furthermore, the POS register 3 of this embodiment is configured to display tax-exempt and non-tax-exempt items after the tax-exemption process is completed. This allows the store clerk to check all registered items. Therefore, even though non-tax-exempt items are not displayed during the tax-exemption process, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency related to product registration and payment.

[0176] (Modification of the embodiment) Next, modified examples of the embodiment will be described. Note that in the following modified examples, the content explained in the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the following modified examples and the above-mentioned embodiment can be combined with each other.

[0177] (Variation 1) First, a first modification of the embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which products prohibited from being brought into each country are not particularly taken into consideration when performing tax-free processing. In the first modification, a configuration will be described in which, in addition to or instead of such a configuration, products prohibited from being brought into each country are taken into consideration when performing tax-free processing.

[0178] Prohibited items (hereinafter referred to as "prohibited items") are items that are prohibited from being brought into each country due to the laws or religious reasons of that country. The store controller 2 according to the first modification stores a prohibited item table 2200 that indicates the prohibited items. The prohibited item table 2200 does not necessarily have to be stored in the store controller 2, but may also be stored in the POS register 3 or an external device (for example, an external server).

[0179] 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a prohibited product table 2200 that shows prohibited products. The prohibited product table 2200 includes fields for data number, product code, product name, and country of prohibited import. By setting information in each field, prohibited import information 2201 is stored as a record.

[0180] The data number is identification information that identifies the import prohibition information 2201. The product code corresponds to the product code stored in the product master 400 (see FIG. 4). The product name is the name of the product. The import prohibition country indicates the name of the country where the product is prohibited from being brought into. For example, the import prohibition information 2201a is information indicating that the data number is "0001", the product code is "12345678", and the product name is "XX Roast Pork", and that the product is prohibited from being brought into Iran.

[0181] The POS register 3 according to the first modification includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and an output control unit in addition to the functional units described in the embodiment. The acquisition unit acquires information indicating the country into which the product is to be brought (hereinafter referred to as "country of arrival information"). The country of arrival information is acquired from passport information. Specifically, the acquisition unit acquires information indicating the country of residence and nationality indicated in the passport information as the country of arrival information. Note that the country of arrival information may also be acquired by operational input.

[0182] The determination unit determines whether or not the products subject to tax exemption processing include products that are prohibited from being brought into the country indicated by the information acquired by the acquisition unit. Specifically, when the acquisition unit acquires the passport information, the determination unit refers to the prohibited product table 2200 and determines whether or not the products that have been tax exempted include products that are prohibited from being brought into the country indicated by the passport information (prohibited products).

[0183] The output control unit outputs the determination result made by the determination unit. The determination result includes a determination result indicating the presence of prohibited items and a determination result indicating the absence of prohibited items. The output control unit outputs the determination result to the store clerk display unit 21, thereby causing the store clerk display unit 21 to display the determination result. Furthermore, if the determination determines that prohibited items are present, the output control unit notifies the store clerk display unit 21 that a prohibited item is present. On the other hand, if the determination determines that prohibited items are not present, the output control unit may notify the store clerk that a prohibited item is not present, or may not notify the store clerk at all.

[0184] In this embodiment, the process of determining whether or not there are any prohibited products is performed after the passport information input process (see step S607 in FIG. 6). If the determination process is performed after the passport information input process, the output control unit may display the determination result by the determination unit in the language obtained by the passport information input process.

[0185] However, this determination process may be performed before the passport information input process, or may be performed during the tax-free process (see step S606 in FIG. 6), for example. Specifically, when starting the tax-free process, the acquisition unit acquires carry-in country information by operational input. Then, in the tax-free process, if prohibited items are included in the tax-free items, a notification to that effect may be given to the prohibited items. Specifically, for example, on a screen such as that shown in FIG. 12(A), the prohibited items may be marked with the word "exempt" along with the word "prohibited" to indicate that they are prohibited items. Also, an operation to exclude prohibited items from the tax-free items may be accepted. This allows prohibited items to be excluded from the tax-free items during the tax-free process.

[0186] Next, the processing performed by the POS register 3 according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing for determining prohibited items performed by the POS register 3 according to Modification 1. Note that the processing shown in Fig. 23 is assumed to be performed after, for example, step S607 (passport information input processing) in Fig. 6.

[0187] 23, the POS register 3 determines whether the input of passport information is complete (step S2301). The POS register 3 waits until the input of passport information is complete (step S2301: NO), and when the input of passport information is complete (step S2301: YES), the POS register 3 regards the country indicated by the passport information as the country of import and identifies the country of import (step S2302).

[0188] Then, the POS register 3 refers to the prohibited product table 2200 (step S2303) and determines whether or not any of the products eligible for tax exemption are prohibited products (step S2304). If there are no prohibited products among the products eligible for tax exemption (step S2304: NO), the POS register 3 ends the series of processes. After completing the series of processes, the POS register 3 proceeds to step S602 in FIG. 6.

[0189] If the tax-exempt items include prohibited items (step S2304: YES), the POS register 3 notifies the user that such items are included (step S2305). The POS register 3 then performs tax-exemption exclusion processing (step S2306) and ends the series of processes. In the tax-exemption exclusion processing in step S2306, a screen is displayed that accepts the exclusion of the prohibited items from the tax-exempt items, and the process of excluding the prohibited items from the tax-exempt items is performed. Specifically, the tax-exemption exclusion processing accepts whether the prohibited items should be made non-tax-exempt or deleted from registration, and the process is performed according to the accepted content.

[0190] According to the first modification, prohibited items purchased to be brought into one's own country can be prevented from being tax-free. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary tax-free procedures, thereby enabling the tax-free procedures to be carried out efficiently. It also prevents customers from mistakenly purchasing prohibited items, thinking that they can be brought into their own country.

[0191] (Regarding Modification 2) Next, a second modification of the embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which passport information input processing is performed after tax exemption processing has been described. In the second modification, a configuration in which passport information input processing is performed before tax exemption processing in addition to or instead of such a configuration will be described.

[0192] In the second modification, the POS register 3 is configured not to perform the tax-exempt category change process until the passport information input process is completed. Specifically, the POS register 3 may hide or disable the tax-exempt declaration button 1105 (see FIG. 11) until the passport information input process is completed. Then, after the passport information input process is completed, the tax-exempt declaration button 1105 may be enabled.

[0193] In addition, in the second modification, the language displayed on the customer display unit 23 during the tax exemption process may be a language based on the passport information. The language based on the passport information is the language of the customer's country of residence (or nationality) obtained from the passport information.

[0194] According to the second modification, the tax exemption procedure can be carried out after the customer presents their passport. This prevents the tax exemption procedure from going to waste, for example, when the customer starts the tax exemption procedure but is unable to complete it because they do not have their passport. Therefore, the tax exemption procedure can be carried out efficiently.

[0195] (Regarding Modification 3) Next, a third modification of the embodiment will be described. In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which products that are not eligible for tax exemption (for example, "shoe sole repair") are not displayed during the tax exemption process (see FIG. 12). In the third modification, a configuration will be described in which, in addition to or instead of this configuration, products that are not eligible for tax exemption are displayed during the tax exemption process.

[0196] In the third modification, the POS register 3 displays the non-tax-exempt items (shoe sole repairs) on, for example, the category change acceptance screen 1200 (see FIG. 12(A)) or the change completion screen 1220 (see FIG. 12(B)). In this case, however, the product name and quantity may be displayed but the price may not be displayed. Furthermore, the non-tax-exempt items may be displayed in a sorted order so as not to interfere with the operations related to the tax-exemption process. Furthermore, the non-tax-exempt items may be displayed in characters that are less visible (for example, smaller characters) than the tax-exempt items. Furthermore, the non-tax-exempt items may be displayed with a message that they are not subject to tax exemption.

[0197] According to the third modification, the store clerk can check the items that are not eligible for tax exemption even during the tax exemption process. This makes it possible to make the items that are not eligible for tax exemption less noticeable during the tax exemption process, which prevents the store clerk from mistakenly selecting items that are not eligible for tax exemption as eligible for tax exemption. This allows the tax exemption procedure to be carried out efficiently.

[0198] The following is a summary of the embodiments. [Title of invention] Product sales data processing device, product sales data processing method, and program TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device, a product sales data processing method, and a program. [Background technology] Conventionally, products purchased by foreign tourists and the like are exempt from consumption tax (hereinafter referred to as "tax-free") when taken out of the country. Tax-free products are classified into tax-free categories, for example, consumables category and general goods category. Products classified into the consumables category are products (items) that are consumed domestically, such as food and beverages. Products classified into the general goods category are products other than the consumables category, such as products (items) used in everyday life, such as clothing and home appliances. Products that fall into either the consumables category or the general goods category are eligible for tax exemption if they meet certain conditions set forth for each category. For example, products classified as consumables are eligible for tax exemption if the daily purchase amount is within a certain amount and they are packaged in a specified way so that they will not be consumed within Japan. There are also some products that are not tax-exempt. Specifically, products that are not tax-exempt include service charges and repair fees. When carrying out tax-exemption procedures, tax-exemption processing is carried out. In this tax-exemption processing, the POS (Point of Sales) register displays products by tax-exempt category, and the store clerk can change the tax-exempt category. A related technology is a cash register that registers products into tax-free categories for consumables and general goods, and prints the product information's tax-free category on a receipt by decoding the barcode attached to the product (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-232773 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, the conventional technology has a problem that there is a risk that products that should not be tax-exempt may be exempted from tax, making it difficult to carry out tax-exemption procedures efficiently. For example, there is a risk that a store clerk may exempt products that are not eligible for tax exemption during tax-exemption processing. In addition, for example, if a customer has taken the trouble to purchase a product that is prohibited from being brought into a country, there is a risk that the store clerk may exempt a product that should not be tax-exempt from tax. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a technique that enables efficient tax exemption procedures.

[0199] [Means for solving the problem] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device comprising a registration means for registering products, a display control means for displaying product information indicating products registered by the registration means, and a tax exemption processing means for performing tax exemption processing on the products registered by the registration means, wherein when the tax exemption processing is performed by the tax exemption processing means, the display control means controls the display of tax-exempt products that are eligible for tax exemption (products in the consumables category and products in the general goods category), while controlling the display of non-tax-exempt products that are not eligible for tax exemption (for example, products that indicate the provision of services such as "shoe sole repair"). According to the above configuration, since non-tax-exempt products can be hidden during the tax-exemption process, it is possible to prevent the store clerk from mistakenly selecting a non-tax-exempt product as tax-exempt, thereby enabling the tax-exemption procedure to be carried out efficiently.

[0200] In the above configuration, the tax-exempt products include products in a first tax-exempt category (e.g., consumables category) whose tax-exempt category cannot be changed, and products in a second tax-exempt category (e.g., general goods category) whose tax-exempt category can be changed, and when the tax-exempt processing is performed, the display control means may control the display of products in the first tax-exempt category and the second tax-exempt category based on the total amount of each tax-exempt category of the first and second tax-exempt categories ("5,000 yen or more" for the general goods category, and "5,000 yen or more and 500,000 yen or less" for the consumables category) and the tax-exempt amount of each tax-exempt category.

[0201] According to the above configuration, when changing a product in the second tax-free category to the first tax-free category, it is possible to prevent the display of products in the first tax-free category, and when excluding products in the first tax-free category, it is possible to prevent the display of products other than those candidates for change or exclusion, and to prevent the store clerk from mistakenly selecting the product. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation when changing the category of the product or excluding it from tax-free eligibility, and to efficiently carry out the tax-free procedure.

[0202] In the above configuration, the display control means may be configured to control the display of products in the first tax-free category while not displaying products in the second tax-free category when the total amount in the first tax-free category exceeds the upper limit of the tax-free amount for the first tax-free category (for example, 500,000 yen). According to the above configuration, when excluding products in the first tax-free category, products in the second tax-free category can be hidden from display. This prevents products in the second tax-free category from being displayed, and prevents store clerks from mistakenly selecting products in the second tax-free category. This prevents erroneous operations when excluding products in the first tax-free category from tax-free items, and allows for efficient tax-free procedures.

[0203] In the above configuration, an exclusion reception means may be provided that receives operations to exclude products in the first tax-free category displayed by the display control means from the tax-exempt items (to make them taxable or to delete them from the registered items). According to the above configuration, when the price of a product in the first tax-free category exceeds the upper limit of the tax-free amount, the product in the first tax-free category can be easily excluded from the tax-free items in response to an operation by a store clerk.

[0204] In the above configuration, the display control means may be configured to control the display of products in the second tax-free category when at least one of the total amount of the first tax-free category and the total amount of the second tax-free category is below a lower limit (for example, less than 5,000 yen), while controlling the display of products in the first tax-free category not to be displayed. According to the above configuration, when changing a product in the second tax-free category to the first tax-free category, it is possible to prevent the product in the first tax-free category from being displayed. This prevents the product in the first tax-free category from being displayed, and prevents the store clerk from mistakenly selecting the product in the first tax-free category. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation when changing the category of a product in the first tax-free category, and to efficiently carry out the tax-free procedure.

[0205] In the above configuration, the display device may further comprise a change acceptance means for accepting an operation to change the second tax-free category product displayed by the display control means to the first tax-free category product. According to the above configuration, if at least one of the total price of the consumables category and the total price of the general goods category is below the lower limit, products in the general goods category can be easily changed to the consumables category in response to an operation by a store clerk.

[0206] In the above configuration, the display control means may perform control to display the tax-exempt products and the tax-exempt products after the tax-exemption process is completed. According to the above configuration, the store clerk can check all registered products. Therefore, even though tax-exempt products are not displayed during the tax-exemption process, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency related to product registration and payment.

[0207] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing method, which is a product sales data processing method performed by a product sales data processing device, and includes: a registration step for registering products; a display control step for displaying product information indicating the products registered in the registration step; and a tax exemption processing step for performing tax exemption processing on the products registered in the registration step, wherein in the display control step, when the tax exemption processing is performed in the tax exemption processing step, control is performed to display tax exempt products that are eligible for tax exemption, while control is performed to not display non-tax exempt products that are not eligible for tax exemption. According to the above configuration, since non-tax-exempt products can be hidden during the tax-exemption process, it is possible to prevent the store clerk from mistakenly selecting a non-tax-exempt product as tax-exempt, thereby enabling the tax-exemption procedure to be carried out efficiently.

[0208] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer used in a product sales data processing device to function as a registration means for registering products, a display control means for displaying product information indicating the products registered by the registration means, and a tax exemption processing means for performing tax exemption processing on the products registered by the registration means, and the display control means is a program that, when the tax exemption processing is performed by the tax exemption processing means, controls to display tax exempt products that are eligible for tax exemption, while controlling to not display non-tax exempt products that are not eligible for tax exemption. According to the above configuration, since non-tax-exempt products can be hidden during the tax-exemption process, it is possible to prevent the store clerk from mistakenly selecting a non-tax-exempt product as tax-exempt, thereby enabling the tax-exemption procedure to be carried out efficiently.

[0209] Furthermore, a product sales data processing device according to another aspect of the present invention comprises: a registration means for registering a product; a tax exemption processing means for performing tax exemption processing on the products registered by the registration means; A means of obtaining information indicating the country into which the goods are to be brought (for example, from passport information), a determining means for determining whether or not the goods subject to the tax exemption process include goods that are prohibited from being brought into the country indicated by the information acquired by the acquiring means; an output means for outputting a determination result by the determination means (for example, a notification that a prohibited product is present); The present invention is a product sales data processing device comprising: According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent products that are prohibited from being brought into one's own country from being tax-free. This makes it possible to avoid unnecessary tax-free procedures, thereby making the tax-free procedures more efficient. It is also possible to prevent customers from mistakenly purchasing prohibited products, thinking that they can be brought into their own country.

[0210] In the above description, the registration unit, tax exemption processing unit, display control unit, exclusion reception unit, change reception unit, acquisition unit, determination unit, and output control unit are configured to be included in the POS register 3. However, these functional units may be included in other computer devices. For example, these functional units may be included in the store controller 2, or in a computer device other than the store controller 2 (e.g., a monitoring terminal or an external server). Furthermore, the number of computer devices including these functional units is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, some of the functional units may be included in one computer device, and other functional units may be included in another computer device. In the above description, the product master 400 and the prohibited product table 2200 are configured to be stored in the store controller 2. However, this is not limiting, and they may be stored in other computer devices (e.g., the POS register 3 or an external server).

[0211] The program for implementing the POS system 1 and POS register 3 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and loaded into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain the program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage medium to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. The term "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium capable of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be used to implement part of the aforementioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0212] 1. POS system 2. Store controller 3...POS register 21...Display section for clerk 22...Key operation section 23…Customer display section 24...Card Payment Department 25…Printing Department 31...CPU 32...ROM 33...RAM 34…Communications Department 35...Scanner section 36...Drawer 37...Audio output section

Claims

1. a registration means for registering a product; a display control means for displaying product information indicating the products registered by the registration means; a tax exemption declaration means for accepting a tax exemption declaration for tax-exempt processing of the merchandise registered by the registration means; a tax exemption processing means for performing tax exemption processing on tax exempt eligible products that are eligible for tax exemption among the products registered by the registration means when the tax exemption declaration means receives the tax exemption declaration; Equipped with The display control means controls to display, on the same screen, a list of the tax-exempt products and non-tax-exempt products registered by the registration means and an estimated tax-exempt amount when the tax-exemption process is performed on the tax-exempt products before the tax-exemption declaration means receives the tax-exemption declaration. A product sales data processing device characterized by:

2. the display control means controls to display on the same screen the tax amount in the case where the tax exemption processing is not performed for the tax-exempt product registered by the registration means; 2. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1.

3. The display control means controls to display a taxable amount indicating the total amount of taxable products on the same screen.

3. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the tax exemption processing means performs the tax exemption processing, the display control means controls the display of the tax exemption eligible products, but controls the display of the tax exemption eligible products not to be displayed.

4. The merchandise sales data processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

5. A computer used in a product sales data processing device, a registration means for registering the product; a display control means for displaying product information indicating the products registered by the registration means; a tax exemption declaration means for accepting a tax exemption declaration for tax-exempt processing of the merchandise registered by the registration means; a tax exemption processing means for performing tax exemption processing on the tax exempt eligible goods that are eligible for tax exemption among the goods registered by the registration means when the tax exemption declaration means receives the tax exemption declaration; It functions as The display control means controls to display, on the same screen, a list of the tax-exempt products and non-tax-exempt products registered by the registration means and an estimated tax-exempt amount when the tax-exemption process is performed on the tax-exempt products before the tax-exemption declaration means receives the tax-exemption declaration. A program characterized by:

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