JP7874772B2 - Sales data processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sales data processing device and a program.

Traditionally, there has been a so-called tax exemption system that exempts businesses operating export goods sales outlets (duty-free shops) from consumption tax and other taxes when selling goods to non-residents such as foreign tourists. This tax exemption system applies when the total sales amount of goods in the tax-exempt category exceeds a specified amount.

The above total sales amount does not have to be the amount for a single transaction; it can be the sum of multiple transactions from the same store on the same day. When applying tax exemption based on the sum of multiple transactions, the procedure will be applied to already-accounted transactions. Sales data processing devices with the functionality for this procedure already exist. The functionality of these existing devices improves upon the complexity of having to cancel already-accounted transactions and then create new tax-exempt transactions; instead, they apply tax exemption to already-accounted transactions.

However, with the existing device described above, if the total amount of multiple transactions does not reach a predetermined amount, the system terminates the transaction by informing the customer that the tax exemption cannot be applied. Then, if the customer (the non-resident) makes additional purchases exceeding the shortfall, bringing the total amount to the tax exemption threshold, the customer and operator restart the receipt scanning and other procedures from the beginning.

The problem this invention aims to solve is to eliminate the waste caused by duplication of work when additional purchases are made to cover insufficient tax exemption amounts in the tax exemption application process for settled transactions.

The sales data processing device of the embodiment includes: a first acquisition means for acquiring a transaction number; a second acquisition means for acquiring a product code corresponding to the transaction number from a storage unit that stores the transaction number and product code in association, based on the transaction number acquired by the first acquisition means; a third acquisition means for calculating a total amount excluding tax corresponding to the product code acquired by the second acquisition means; a determination means for determining whether the total amount excluding tax calculated by the third acquisition means satisfies the conditions for tax exemption; a display means for displaying the insufficient amount corresponding to the tax exemption category if the determination means determines that the conditions for tax exemption are not met; an additional means for accepting the purchase of additional tax-exempt goods and adding the price of those goods to the total amount if the determination means determines that the conditions for tax exemption are not met; and a refund means for refunding a refund amount determined based on the total amount if the total amount after the addition by the additional means satisfies the conditions for tax exemption.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the server's hardware configuration. Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of a product master file. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of a tax exemption classification file. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of a tax exemption setting value file. Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of a transaction history. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a POS terminal. Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a POS terminal. Figure 9 shows the contents of the hold history in a table format. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing for a POS terminal. Figure 11 shows an example of a product registration screen. Figure 12 shows an example of a typical receipt. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the normal tax exemption process. Figure 14 shows an example of a confirmation screen. Figure 15 shows an example of an error screen. Figure 16 shows an example of a product registration screen. Figure 17 shows an example of a purchase agreement. Figure 18 shows an example of a purchase record sheet. Figure 19 shows an example of a receipt for a tax-free transaction. Figure 20-1 is a flowchart that schematically shows the flow of the post-payment tax exemption application process. Figure 20-2 is a flowchart that schematically shows the flow of the post-payment tax exemption application process. Figure 21 shows an example of a transaction search screen. Figure 22 shows an example of a list screen. Figure 23 shows an example of a confirmation screen. Figure 24 shows an example of the registration details screen. Figure 25 shows examples of (a) the aggregation screen and (b) the completion screen. Figure 26 shows an example of a payment screen. Figure 27 shows an example of a refund receipt. Figure 28 shows an example of a confirmation screen. Figure 29 shows an example of a pending receipt. Figure 30 shows an example of a confirmation screen.

In this embodiment, the tax exemption processing (post-settlement tax exemption processing) performed on transactions in which goods are sold to customers including tax (tax-inclusive sales transactions) will be explained using a POS (Point of Sales) system used in a duty-free shop as an example. A duty-free shop is an export goods sales outlet that sells goods (items) for everyday use to non-residents such as foreign tourists in a specific manner. Furthermore, the post-settlement tax exemption processing described above is performed based on historical information of past transactions (i.e., settled transactions).

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment. The POS system 1 comprises multiple POS terminals 2 (two in the figure), a network 3, and a server 4. The POS terminals 2 are examples of sales data processing devices and are installed in duty-free shops. The network 3 is a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, connecting the POS terminals 2 and the server 4. The server 4 centrally manages the multiple POS terminals 2 via the network 3.

Server 4 is responsible for controlling the entire POS system 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of Server 4. Server 4 is, for example, a general computer-configured information processing device, and includes a control unit 400 composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, etc.

Furthermore, server 4 includes a controller 44, a keyboard 45, a display unit 46, a printer 47, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 48, a bus 49, and a communication interface 50.

Bus 49 connects the control unit 400 to the aforementioned components (controller 44, HDD 48, and communication interface 50). The communication interface 50 connects the server 4 to the network 3. This connection enables the control unit 400 and multiple POS terminals 2 to communicate online with each other.

The keyboard 45, display unit 46, and printer 47 are connected to the control unit 400 via the controller 44 and bus 49. The keyboard 45 accepts input from the server administrator. The display unit 46 displays information for the server administrator as an image. The printer 47 outputs printed materials.

HDD 48 stores various control programs 481 that operate the control unit 400. HDD 48 also stores the product master file F1, the tax exemption classification file F2, and the tax exemption setting value file F3.

Furthermore, HDD48 holds the transaction history DB1. Transaction history DB1 is a database for storing historical information on the settled transactions mentioned above, that is, information on transactions registered for sale by the POS terminal 2. HDD48 also holds the pending history DB2. Pending history DB2 holds processing data for cases where the post-settlement tax exemption application process mentioned above is suspended midway. The post-settlement tax exemption application process is the process of applying tax exemption to tax-inclusive sales transactions among the settled transactions.

Furthermore, the control program 481 executed on the server 4 of this embodiment may be configured to be an installable or executable file, and to be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium. Such recording media include CD-ROMs, flexible disks (FDs), CD-Rs, DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), etc.

Furthermore, the control program 481 executed on the server 4 of the embodiment may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the control program 481 executed on the server 4 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Next, we will explain the product master file F1 and the product classifications (categories) set in product master file F1. Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of product master file F1. As shown in Figure 3, product master file F1 contains product information such as product name, product price (unit price), classification code (classification 1 code, classification 2 code), duty-free classification code, and hazardous materials classification code, associated with the product code (product identification information) of each product subject to sales registration. The hazardous materials classification code is assigned to products that require special handling, such as sprays that are prohibited from being carried onto aircraft.

The products are categorized using multiple classification codes, and these classifications are structured hierarchically.

In other words, as shown in Figure 3, products are divided into multiple categories by a broad classification, Category 1 (higher-level classification). Furthermore, each Category 1 is further subdivided by a more detailed classification, Category 2 (lower-level classification). That is, each higher-level Category 1 is further subdivided by lower-level Categories 2, and each Category 1 contains at least one lower-level Category 2.

Furthermore, given its hierarchical structure, the product code assigned to each product can be considered a lower classification than Classification 2. The product code can be considered the most detailed classification, i.e., the lowest level classification.

Next, we will explain the tax exemption category file F2. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the tax exemption category file F2. As shown in Figure 4, the tax exemption category file F2 has tax exemption category names associated with the tax exemption category codes. The tax exemption category names are "Consumables," "General Goods," and "Non-Tax Exempt." "Consumables" are tax-exempt items sold to non-residents such as foreign tourists, and include items such as food, beverages, medicines, and cosmetics. "General Goods" are also tax-exempt items, and are items used for ordinary daily life other than consumables. "Non-Tax Exempt" are items that are not eligible for tax exemption. The tax exemption category code for "Consumables" is "01." The tax exemption category code for "General Goods" is "02." The tax exemption category code for "Non-Tax Exempt" is "03."

Next, we will explain the tax exemption setting value file F3. Figure 5 shows an example of the data structure of the tax exemption setting value file F3. As shown in Figure 5, the tax exemption setting value file F3 has setting values associated with the tax exemption category code. The setting values serve as a guideline for registering sales as tax exemption in each category. In the example shown in Figure 5, the setting value for consumables with tax exemption category code "01" is 5,000 yen to 500,000 yen. Also, the setting value for general goods (items used for ordinary daily life other than consumables) with tax exemption category code "02" is an amount exceeding 10,000 yen.

Next, we will explain the transaction history DB1. Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of the transaction history DB1. As shown in Figure 6, the transaction history DB1 stores transaction information for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 2 as the transaction history.

The transaction history includes a transaction number (stored in the Transaction Number DB11) to identify each transaction, the date and time of the transaction (stored in the Transaction Date and Time DB12), and the register number (stored in the Register Number DB13) to identify the POS terminal 2 on which the transaction took place. The transaction history also includes the product code, unit price, and quantity (stored in the Product Information DB15) for each product registered for sale. Furthermore, a flag (stored in the Flag DB14) is set in the transaction history DB1, associated with the transaction number. This flag is used to determine whether or not tax exemption processing was applied to that transaction, as described later.

In the example shown in Figure 6, a flag of "0" indicates a transaction that has not been tax-exempted, while a flag of "1" indicates a transaction that has been tax-exempted. Therefore, in Figure 6, transaction number "0425" is tax-exempt, while transactions "0426" and "0427" are not.

Furthermore, Transaction History DB1 functions as an electronic journal, storing transaction history data.

The control unit 400, following the control program 481, distributes the product master file F1, the tax exemption classification file F2, and the tax exemption setting value file F3 to the POS terminal 2 at predetermined timings.

The pending history DB2 will be discussed later.

Next, we will explain POS terminal 2. POS terminal 2 is assigned a unique register number and is located at the checkout counter. POS terminal 2 is a terminal used to process transactions based on the product code entered by the operator (cashier).

POS terminal 2 processes transactions related to the sale of goods sold in the store. When an operator operates POS terminal 2, it executes sales registration and payment processing for the sold goods. The combined process of sales registration and payment processing is called transaction processing.

Sales registration processing refers to the process of optically reading barcodes or other codes attached to products being sold, inputting the product code, displaying the product name and price (product information) based on the input product code, and storing the product information in a buffer. Settlement processing refers to the process of displaying the total transaction amount based on the product information stored in the buffer following sales registration processing, calculating and displaying the change based on the amount received from the customer, instructing the change dispenser to issue change, and issuing a receipt printed with product information and settlement information (total amount, amount received, change amount, etc.).

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2. As shown in Figure 7, the POS terminal 2 includes a control unit 300 with a computer configuration consisting of a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, etc.

The CPU 31 performs various calculations and controls each component. The ROM 32 stores fixed data permanently. The RAM 33 stores variable data in a rewritable format and is used as a work area. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are connected via the bus 34.

RAM 33 contains a tax-exempt amount table T, which aggregates the tax-exempt amounts described later.

Furthermore, the POS terminal 2 also includes a controller 35, a keyboard 21, a display unit 22, a printer 23, a scanner 24, a passport reader 25, a communication interface 26, and a memory unit 27.

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

The display unit 22 is an example of a display device, a liquid crystal display device with a touch panel on its display surface, which displays operator information as images. The touch panel and keyboard 21 accept operator input. The printer 23 prints receipts and journals. The scanner 24 optically reads barcodes, QR codes, and other codes attached to products.

The keyboard 21 arranges various keys in blocks. These keys include, for example, a quantity key for entering product codes and amounts, a subtotal key for declaring the calculation of the total sales amount, a current total key for declaring cash closing in the sales process, a PLU key for specifying various products, a confirmation key for confirming quantity input using the quantity keys, a clear key, and so on.

Furthermore, the keyboard 21 includes a tax exemption declaration key K1, a product list output key K2, a post-settlement tax exemption application key K3, and a register minus key K4. The tax exemption declaration key K1 is an operator used to declare that tax exemption processing will be applied to the transaction in question. The product list output key K2 is an operator used to instruct the output of a list of tax-exempt items (product list). The post-settlement tax exemption application key K3 is an operator used to declare that post-settlement tax exemption processing will be applied to apply tax exemption processing to past transactions. The register minus key K4 is an operator used to declare the cancellation of a transaction.

The passport reader 25 is a reader device that reads information contained in a passport. In this embodiment, the passport reader 25 has an optical character recognition (OCR) function that optically reads the characters written on the passport.

The communication interface 26 connects the POS terminal 2 to the network 3 located within the store. This connection enables online communication between the server 4 (a higher-level device) and the control unit 300.

The memory unit 27 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, etc., and retains its stored contents even when the power is cut off.

The memory unit 27 stores the operating system, control programs 271 such as various computer programs, and various data files. These data files include the product master file F1, the tax exemption classification file F2, and the tax exemption setting value file F3, which are distributed from the server 4.

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

Furthermore, the control program 271 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the control program 271 executed by the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Furthermore, the control program 271 executed by the POS terminal 2 of this embodiment may be pre-installed and provided in ROM 32 or the like.

Next, the control process executed by the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 2 in accordance with the control program 271 will be described.

Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal 2. The control unit 300 operates the tax exemption processing means 310 and the post-payment tax exemption application means 320 by following various programs, including the control program 271 stored in the ROM 32 and memory unit 27.

The tax exemption processing means 310 is a functional unit that performs tax exemption processing, thereby exempting tax payments from goods that are eligible for tax exemption. This tax exemption processing by the tax exemption processing means 310 is performed at the time of settlement.

The post-payment tax exemption application means 320 is a functional unit that performs a post-payment tax exemption processing, which refunds the tax portion from the total amount paid for tax-exempt goods in a transaction that has already been paid for and includes tax. This post-payment tax exemption application means 320 includes the following functional units: designation means 321, calculation means 322, detail display means 323, hold means 324, resume means 325, add means 326, refund means 327, and receipt issuance means 328.

The designation means 321 designates transactions that are not eligible for tax exemption, i.e., transactions for which tax exemption processing was not performed. Specifically, this designation involves extracting one or more transactions from the transaction history DB 1 that include tax-exempt goods for which tax exemption was not applied, based on information entered by the operator. The information entered by the operator is, for example, the signal output by the scanner 24 when the operator has the scanner 24 read the barcode attached to the receipt. This signal corresponds to the barcode, and the barcode contains information that identifies past transactions displayed on the receipt (e.g., transaction number). While a barcode is used as an example here, a two-dimensional code or other method may be used in practice.

The calculation means 322 calculates the total price of tax-exempt goods that are not subject to tax exemption (hereinafter referred to as "processed goods") based on the data of one or more transactions extracted by the designation means 321. Together, the designation means 321 and the calculation means 322 realize an aggregation means that calculates the above total amount based on the data of settled transactions.

The details display means 323 displays the registration details screen G8 (see Figure 24, described later) on the display unit 22. The registration details screen G8 displays a list summarizing the names and prices of the items processed, which were included in the total amount calculated by the calculation means 322.

The holding means 324 stores tax-exempt information in a predetermined storage unit if the total amount calculated by the calculation means 322 falls below a predetermined value (the standard amount defined in the tax-exemption system). The tax-exempt information is data (processing data) used for post-settlement tax-exemption processing, and consists of various information about the products subject to processing. The predetermined storage unit is, for example, the HDD 48 of the server 4. The processing data is stored in the holding history DB 2 held by the HDD 48.

Here, Figure 9 shows the contents of the hold history DB2 in table format. The hold history DB2 stores, for example, transaction number, hold date, register number, receipt amount, hold number, etc. These are stored in the transaction number section DB21, hold date section DB22, register number section DB23, receipt amount section DB24, and hold number section DB25, respectively.

In the Hold History DB2, for example, one record is created for each receipt handed to the operator by a customer. The transaction number is a number that identifies the transaction indicated on the receipt. This transaction number is identical to that in the Transaction Number Section DB11 of the Transaction History DB1. In other words, the transaction identified by the transaction number recorded in the Transaction Number Section DB11 is the same transaction as the transaction identified by the transaction number recorded in the Transaction Number Section DB21. Furthermore, the register number and receipt amount are information about the transaction identified by the above transaction number, and are based on the information recorded in the Transaction History DB1.

The hold date is the date on which the post-payment tax exemption processing was suspended midway, i.e., the date on which the record is being registered. The hold number is an example of an identification code; it is common to all records related to a single hold and is unique for each hold.

Furthermore, the holding mechanism 324 saves processing data to the holding history DB2 and also causes the printer 23 to issue a holding receipt R5 (see Figure 29, described later). The holding receipt R5 is an example of a holding slip, and it has the identification code, total amount, and deficit amount printed on it. The deficit amount here is the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount from the minimum tax exemption threshold. The identification code is indicated by a barcode or two-dimensional code readable by the scanner 24.

The resume means 325 reads the relevant processing data from the hold history DB 2, provided that a predetermined operation has been performed. The predetermined operation is, for example, having the scanner 24 read the identification code of the hold receipt received by the operator from the customer. The resume means 325 identifies the relevant processing data using the identification code.

The additional purchase means 326 accepts the purchase of additional tax-exempt goods on the spot if the total amount calculated by the calculation means 322 falls below a predetermined amount, and adds the price of the additional purchased goods to the total amount.

The refund mechanism 327 manages the refund of the difference (i.e., the tax amount) between the tax-inclusive price paid by the customer at the time of purchase and the price after tax exemption. In other words, the refund mechanism 327 instructs the operator to refund a predetermined amount to the customer and updates the transaction history DB1 and the pending history DB2 as appropriate.

The receipt issuance means 328 has the function of printing and issuing receipts, etc., that include information on goods that have been exempted from tax through post-payment tax exemption processing.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the control process flow of the POS terminal 2. The control unit 300 determines whether a product code identifying a product has been entered using the scanner 24 (step S11). If it determines that a product code has been entered (Yes in step S11), the control unit 300 searches the product master file F1 according to the entered product code and, based on the product information such as product name and unit price obtained, executes a sales registration process to calculate the registered amount of the product. Next, the control unit 300 stores the product information of the product whose sales registration process has been completed in the RAM 33 (step S12). At this time, the display unit 22 displays the product registration screen G1 according to the control of the control unit 300. Figure 11 shows an example of the product registration screen G1.

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

Next, the control unit 300 issues a receipt R0 with purchase details x and settlement record y printed on the receipt paper (step S15). Figure 12 shows an example of a typical receipt R0. Purchase details x are details of the purchased items (records of item name, quantity purchased, and price). Settlement record y is a record of monetary transactions, such as payment, amount received, and change. In addition to the above items, receipt R0 displays the business name a, transaction date d, transaction number e, register number f, and barcode w. The business name a section displays the name or logo of the business operating the store. The barcode w is a coded representation of the transaction number e.

Next, the control unit 300 transmits product information (transaction number, transaction date and time, register number, product code, unit price, quantity, etc.) of the processed goods to the server 4 (step S16). The server 4 stores the received information in the transaction history DB 1. Specifically, the control unit 400 of the server 4 stores the transaction number in the transaction number section DB 11. The control unit 400 stores the transaction date and time in the transaction date and time section DB 12. The control unit 400 stores the register number of the POS terminal 2 that processed the transaction in the register number section DB 13. The control unit 400 stores the product code, unit price, and quantity of the traded goods in the product information section DB 15. Furthermore, the control unit 400 stores a flag "0" indicating that no tax exemption processing was performed for the transaction in the flag section DB 14, corresponding to the transaction number of the transaction.

Furthermore, if it is determined that the current calculation key has not been operated (No. in step S13), the control unit 300 determines whether or not the tax exemption declaration key K1 has been operated (step S21). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S21), the control unit 300 assumes that a tax exemption declaration has been made and executes the tax exemption process shown in Figure 13 (step S22).

[Normal tax exemption processing]
Here, using Figures 13 to 19, the normal tax exemption process performed in step S22 when the tax exemption declaration key K1 is operated will be explained in detail. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the normal tax exemption process. The control unit 300 operates the passport reader 25. Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the passport reader 25 has read a predetermined string from the passport (step S51). Such a string may include, for example, the passport number, name, nationality, date of birth, etc. Until the predetermined string is read from the passport, the control unit 300 displays on the display unit 22 that the passport is being read.

The control unit 300 displays a guide screen (not shown) on the display unit 22 prompting the user to scan the passport. The operator of the POS terminal 2 opens the passport presented by the customer (non-resident) to the page containing information related to the tax exemption system and holds that page over the passport reader 25. In response to this action, the control unit 300 reads a predetermined string of characters from the passport.

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

Figure 14 shows an example of confirmation screen G2, which reads the strings for the passport number, name, nationality, and date of birth from the items listed in the passport. Confirmation screen G2 displays the strings read in step S51 for each item.

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

Furthermore, the control unit 300 displays a confirmation button B2, a re-read button B3, and a cancel button B4 on the confirmation screen G2, corresponding to the confirmation receiving means of the embodiment. Next, if the control unit 300 determines that the delete button B1 has not been operated (No in step S53), it determines whether the re-read button B3 has been operated (step S55). If it determines that the re-read button B3 has been operated (Yes in step S55), the control unit 300 returns to step S51 to read the string from the passport again. The control unit 300 deletes the previously read string in response to the operation of the re-read button B3.

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

Furthermore, if the control unit 300 determines that the cancel button B4 has not been pressed (No. in step S56), it determines whether the confirmation button B2 has been pressed (step S58). If the control unit 300 determines that the confirmation button B2 has been pressed (Yes in step S58), it executes a tax exemption process as the tax exemption processing means 310, exempting the payment of consumption tax and other taxes (step S59). If the control unit 300 determines that the confirmation button B2 has not been pressed (No. in step S58), it returns to step S53.

Next, we will explain the tax exemption process in step S59.

First, the control unit 300 determines the existence of tax-exempt products by referring to the tax exemption classification code in the product master file F1 for already registered products. If tax-exempt products exist, the control unit 300 adds the tax-exempt amount for each group of registered products (general goods group and consumables group) to the tax-exempt amount table T (RAM 33).

The handling of tax-exempt goods based on tax type will be as follows:

If a registered product eligible for tax exemption includes tax in its price, the control unit 300 adds the tax-exclusive amount of the registered price to the tax-exempt amount table T as the tax-exempt amount. More specifically, in the case of a tax-inclusive product, the control unit 300 uses the difference between the pre-tax-exempt registered price and the post-tax-exempt registered price as the tax-exempt amount. An example can be expressed as follows:
Pre-tax price 1080 yen - Post-tax price 1000 yen = Tax exemption amount 80 yen

If a registered product eligible for tax exemption is subject to external tax, the control unit 300 adds the registered amount to the tax-exempt amount table T as the tax-exempt amount. More specifically, in the case of a product subject to external tax, the control unit 300 uses the amount of external tax on the registered amount as the tax-exempt amount.

Furthermore, if the registered product is not eligible for tax exemption, the control unit 300 will not add the registered amount to the tax-exempt amount table T as it is an eligible tax-exempt amount.

Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the tax-exempt amount in the tax-exempt amount table T meets the setting value (standard amount) in the tax-exempt setting value file F3. In the tax-exempt setting value file F3 of this embodiment, the setting value for food products, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, and other consumables is between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen. The setting value for general goods (items used for everyday life other than consumables) is an amount exceeding 10,000 yen.

The control unit 300 determines that the tax-exempt amount for consumables meets a set value (5,000 yen to 500,000 yen) and performs a tax exemption process to exempt the tax on the tax-exempt amount. Furthermore, the control unit 300 determines that the tax-exempt amount for general goods (items other than consumables used for everyday life) meets a set value (an amount exceeding 10,000 yen) and performs a tax exemption process to exempt the tax on the tax-exempt amount.

Furthermore, if the tax-exempt amount for consumables in the tax-exempt amount table T exceeds the set upper limit (500,000 yen), the control unit 300 displays an error on the display unit 22.

Figure 15 shows an example of the error screen G3. On the error screen G3, the control unit 300 displays a message in text, such as "The tax-free limit has been exceeded. Please cancel the order. Overage amount: XX,XXX yen." If the clear key on the keyboard 21 is pressed while the error screen G3 is displayed, the control unit 300 clears the error screen G3.

On the other hand, if the tax-exempt amount falls below the standard amount, the control unit 300 conventionally displays an error message (not shown) indicating that the standard amount is not met, similar to the case where the tax-exempt limit is exceeded. In this case, the transaction is either settled as a transaction not eligible for tax exemption, or the transaction is canceled.

Return to the flowchart (Figure 13). Following the tax exemption process (step S59), the control unit 300 displays the product registration screen G4 (step S60). Figure 16 shows an example of the product registration screen G4. The product registration screen G4 displays a tax exemption indicator I labeled "Tax Exempt." The control unit 300 informs the operator that the transaction is tax exempt by displaying the tax exemption indicator I on the product registration screen G4. On the product registration screen G4, the tax amount is displayed as "0 yen" due to the tax exemption process (step S59), and the total displayed amount is the amount after the tax exemption process (the amount after deducting the exempted tax). Furthermore, in the product information list on the product registration screen G4, the word "Exempt" is displayed in the row of the product to which the tax exemption applies.

The control unit 300 determines whether the current transaction key has been operated (step S61). In step S61, the control unit 300 waits until the key is operated (No. in step S61). If it determines that the key has been operated (Yes in step S61), the control unit 300 executes a settlement process to settle the price of the goods for that transaction (step S62). In this settlement process, the amount settled is the tax-exempt amount after applying the tax exemption, without adding consumption tax or other taxes to the sold goods.

Next, the control unit 300 transmits product information (transaction number, transaction date and time, register number, product code, unit price, quantity, etc.) of the processed goods to the server 4 (step S63). Upon receiving the product information, the server 4 stores the received information in the transaction history DB 1. Specifically, the control unit 400 of the server 4 stores the transaction number in the transaction number section DB 11. The control unit 400 stores the transaction date and time in the transaction date and time section DB 12. The control unit 400 stores the register number of the POS terminal 2 that processed the transaction in the register number section DB 13. The control unit 400 stores the product code, unit price, and quantity of the traded goods in the product information section DB 15. Finally, the control unit 400 stores a flag "1" indicating that tax exemption processing was performed for the transaction in the flag section DB 14, corresponding to the transaction number of the transaction.

Next, the control unit 300 prints product information, payment information, tax-free amount, etc., on a receipt form and issues it (step S64). In this step, the control unit 300 prints, for example, one purchase agreement, two purchase record forms, and one receipt.

Figure 17 shows an example of a Purchase Pledge Form R1. The Purchase Pledge Form R1 certifies the purchase of duty-free goods. The Purchase Pledge Form R1 is submitted to the duty-free shop operator as a store copy, attached to a prescribed document (Purchaser Pledge Form (separate from the receipt-format Purchase Pledge Form R1)).

The Purchase Agreement R1 includes the name of the business operator of the duty-free shop (a), the name of the competent tax office (b), the location of the duty-free shop (c), the date of the transaction (d), the transaction number (e), the register number (f), details of the goods (g, item name, quantity and price of each item, h), the total value of all goods (i), the total value of general goods and consumables (j), and the tax exemption amount (k).

Furthermore, the Purchase Agreement R1 has fields for printing the strings of each item confirmed on the confirmation screen G2. Specifically, the Purchase Agreement R1 will have the strings of the following items confirmed on the confirmation screen G2 printed on it.
• Passport number …
• Buyer's nationality …m
• Purchaser's name …n
• Purchaser's date of birth …o

Furthermore, for items (strings) deleted by clicking the delete button B1 on confirmation screen G2, only the item name will be printed. In this case, the operator will directly fill in the content of the item on the document (purchaser's pledge).

Furthermore, the layout of the Purchase Agreement R1 is not limited to the example in Figure 17. For example, it may include a clause pledging to export the goods after purchase (or, in the case of consumables, a clause pledging to export them within 30 days of purchase) and a space for the purchaser's signature.

Next, we will explain the purchase record slip, which serves as a receipt. Figure 18 shows an example of a purchase record slip R2. The purchase record slip R2 certifies the purchase of duty-free goods. Two copies of the purchase record slip R2 are printed: one for attachment to the designated document (purchase record slip (separate from the receipt-style purchase record slip R2)) and one for the store's records. The attachment copy of the purchase record slip R2 is affixed to the designated document (purchase record slip). This document (purchase record slip) is then affixed to the passport and stamped.

Purchase record slip R2 includes the name of the business operator of the duty-free shop (a), the name of the competent tax office (b), the location of the duty-free shop (c), the date of the transaction (d), the transaction number (e), the register number (f), details of the goods (g, item name, quantity and price of each item, h), the total value of all goods (i), the total value of general goods and consumables (j), and the tax exemption amount (k).

Furthermore, purchase record sheet R2 has fields for printing the strings of each item confirmed on confirmation screen G2. Specifically, the strings of the following items confirmed on confirmation screen G2 will be printed on purchase record sheet R2.
• Passport number …
• Buyer's nationality …m
• Purchaser's name …n
• Purchaser's date of birth …o

Furthermore, for items (strings) deleted by clicking the delete button B1 on confirmation screen G2, only the item name will be printed, similar to the purchase agreement R1, and the information should be entered directly on the document (purchase record sheet). Also, the layout of the purchase record sheet R2 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 18.

Next, we will explain receipts. Figure 19 shows an example of a receipt R3 for a tax-free transaction. Receipt R3 is given to the purchaser after the transaction.

Receipt R3 includes the name of the business operator of the duty-free shop (a), the date of the transaction (d), the transaction number (e), the register number (f), details of the goods (g, item name, quantity and price of each item, h), and the total amount (i) of all items. In receipt R3, the character "免" (men) is added to the name of the duty-free item (p). Receipt R3 also has the message "A duty-free transaction has been made." (q) printed on it, indicating that it is a duty-free transaction. Furthermore, receipt R3 has a barcode (w) printed on it, which is a coded representation of the transaction number (e).

Furthermore, if the information stored in the transaction history DB1 does not function as a journal, the control unit 300 will perform journal printing corresponding to the purchase record slip R2 and receipt R3. In this case, the control unit 300 will print all or some of the strings of the items confirmed on the confirmation screen G2 to the journal corresponding to receipt R3.

In this manner, the control unit 300 uses the passport reader 25 to read a predetermined string from the passport and displays this string on the confirmation screen G2 for the operator to confirm. Next, after confirmation by the operator, the control unit 300 prints the string displayed on the confirmation screen G2 onto the purchase agreement form R1, etc. As a result, with the POS terminal 2 of this embodiment, cumbersome procedures such as handwriting on purchase agreement forms and purchase record sheets for each product purchase are eliminated, thus enabling efficient processing of tax exemption procedures.

Furthermore, the control unit 300 automatically performs tax exemption processing when the tax exemption threshold (5,000 yen for consumables, 10,000 yen for general goods) is exceeded for each tax exemption category (consumables, general goods). This eliminates the need for operator-initiated tax exemption registration and allows for the execution of product sales registration processing that corresponds to revisions to the tax exemption system.

Furthermore, when the control unit 300 receives an operation on the product name list output key K2, it executes a printing process to output a product name list (not shown) of the tax-exempt products. The timing of receiving the operation on the product name list output key K2 is not particularly specified. For example, if the operation on the product name list output key K2 is received during the sales registration process, the control unit 300 executes the list printing process along with the printing process described above. If the operation on the product name list output key K2 is received outside of the sales registration process, the control unit 300 prompts the user for input of the transaction number, etc., of the transaction to be printed, and then executes the list printing process.

In this embodiment, the list printing process prints one product list. The product list is a document listing the products eligible for tax exemption. The product list is attached to the bag or box packaging the tax-exempt products.

The product list includes the name of the business operator of the duty-free shop, the name of the product eligible for duty-free processing, the quantity, and the price of each product. Alternatively, only consumables among the duty-free products may be printed in the product list. In this case, the determination of whether a product is a consumable or not shall be based on the duty-free classification code in the product master file F1 or the duty-free classification file F2. Furthermore, if the POS terminal 2 is equipped with a separate label printer, the control unit 300 may print the product list using that label printer.

Thus, the POS terminal 2 can output a list of product names of tax-exempt items in response to the operation of the product name list output key K2. Therefore, with the POS terminal 2 of this embodiment, when it is legally required to indicate the product name on the packaging of tax-exempt items, a product name list can be easily issued, thus enabling efficient processing of tax exemption procedures.

Return to the flowchart (Figure 10). If it is determined in step S21 that the tax exemption declaration key K1 has not been operated (No. in step S21), the control unit 300 determines whether the post-settlement tax exemption application key K3 for processing tax exemptions for past transactions has been operated (step S31). If it is determined that it has been operated (Yes in step S31), the control unit 300, as the post-settlement tax exemption application means 320, executes the post-settlement tax exemption application process (step S32).

[Post-payment tax exemption processing]
Figures 20-1 and 20-2 are flowcharts illustrating the general flow of the post-payment tax exemption processing. First, the control unit 300 executes the processes in steps S71 to S78. The processes in steps S71 to S78 are the same as those in steps S51 to S58 described above, so their explanation is omitted. If the cancel button B4 is pressed (Yes in step S76), the control unit 300 deletes all the characters read from the passport (step S77) and then returns to step S71.

Next, the control unit 300, acting as the designation means 321, performs a transaction designation process (step S81). In this process, the control unit 300 first displays the transaction search screen G5 on the display unit 22.

Figure 21 shows an example of the transaction search screen G5. The transaction search screen G5 includes fields for Register No. (A51), Date (A52), Transaction No. (A53), Receipt Amount (A54), Confirm button (B51), and Back button (B52).

The Register No. field A51 is for entering the register number that identifies the POS terminal 2 where the transaction to be processed for tax exemption (hereinafter referred to as the transaction to be processed) took place. Initially, field A51 displays the register number assigned to the POS terminal 2 equipped with the display unit 22 that is currently displaying the transaction search screen G5. The Date field A52 is for entering the date the transaction to be processed took place (transaction date), and initially displays the current date. The Transaction No. field A53 is for entering the transaction number of the transaction to be processed. The Receipt Amount field A54 is for entering the amount settled in the transaction to be processed.

The confirmation button B51 is used to confirm the input contents of fields A51 to A54 and declare that the user will proceed to the next process. The back button B52 is used to return to the previous screen. In other words, when the back button B52 is pressed, the control unit 300 stops the transaction specification process and returns the display on the display unit 22 to the confirmation screen G2.

Next, the control unit 300 reads the barcode w printed on the receipt R0 in step S15 using the scanner 24 and determines whether the transaction number e contained in the barcode w has been entered. It waits until the transaction number e is entered, and if it determines that it has been entered, the control unit 300 queries the server 4 and receives historical information of past transactions corresponding to the relevant transaction number e from the server 4's transaction history DB1. Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the transaction in the received historical information satisfies the following three conditions.

The first condition is that the flag stored in the flag unit DB14 for the transaction read from the transaction history DB1 is "0". The second condition is that the transaction history DB1 includes tax-exempt goods. The third condition is that the transaction date is the same as the transaction date read earlier from the transaction history DB1. If all three of these conditions are met, the control unit 300 displays the list screen G6 (see Figure 22) on the display unit 22 based on the received transaction history information.

Furthermore, if the transaction corresponding to the entered transaction number does not meet one or more of the three conditions, the control unit 300 displays an error message (not shown) on the display unit 22 indicating that the transaction is not eligible for tax exemption, and waits for the next operation.

Figure 22 shows an example of the list screen G6. This list screen G6 includes a list table L1, a confirmation button B61, a cancel button B62, and a manual button B63. The list screen G6 is displayed when one transaction is identified while the transaction search screen G5 is being displayed. The control unit 300 accepts transaction selections during the display of this list screen G6 using the same operations as during the display of the transaction search screen G5. When a transaction is selected, the number of transactions displayed in the list table L1 increases.

List L1 displays the identification information (register number, transaction date, transaction number, receipt amount) for each transaction to be processed. Confirm button B61 is used to confirm the transaction selection (step S81) and declare that the system will proceed to the next process (step S82). Cancel button B62 is used to return to the previous screen. In other words, when the Cancel button B62 is pressed, the control unit 300 clears the selected transaction and returns the display unit 22 to the transaction search screen G5. Manual button B63 is used to display or enable the use of numerical keys, etc., for manual input.

Furthermore, transactions displayed on the list screen G6 can be excluded (deleted) from processing via the keyboard 21 or touch panel. Alternatively, selecting a transaction displayed on the list screen G6 may display a list of tax-exempt items included in that transaction.

In step S82, the control unit 300, using the calculation means 322, calculates the total price of the items to be processed included in the transaction (transaction to be processed) specified in step S81. Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the total amount calculated in step S82 has reached the reference amount (step S83).

In step S83, if the total amount has reached the target amount (Yes in step S83), the control unit 300 first displays confirmation screen G7 on the display unit 22. Figure 23 shows an example of confirmation screen G7. Here, the confirmation screen G7 shown in Figure 23 is for when the total amount has reached a predetermined amount. Confirmation screen G7 is a screen for showing the total amount and has a confirmation button B71 and a list button B72.

When the list button B72 is pressed on the confirmation screen G7, the control unit 300 displays the registration details screen G8 as the details display means 323. Figure 24 shows an example of the registration details screen G8.

The registration details screen G8 displays a list of the names and prices of the processed items that formed the basis of the total amount calculated in step S82. In the example shown in Figure 24, the registration details screen G8 displays the product code, product name, quantity, unit price, discount or reduction, amount, and category (consumable goods or general goods) for each item. While the registration details screen G8 is displayed, the control unit 300 accepts requests for deletion of processed items or correction of values.

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

When the confirmation button B71 is pressed on the confirmation screen G7, the control unit 300 performs the refund process (step S84). In this refund process, the control unit 300 calculates the refund amount based on the total amount as the refund means 327 and updates the transaction history DB1. Specifically, the control unit 300 changes the flag stored in the flag unit DB14 of the transaction history DB1 for the transaction being processed from "0" to "1". Furthermore, the control unit 300 newly registers the refund record in a predetermined storage unit (e.g., transaction history DB1). During this registration, the control unit 300 assigns a new transaction number to the refund. This transaction number allows the predetermined storage unit to identify the refund record. For example, if the transaction history DB1 also serves as the storage unit for registering refund records, this can be handled by entering a code indicating the refund process in the product code field and the refund amount in the unit price field.

Furthermore, upon receiving the confirmation button B71 mentioned above, the control unit 300, acting as the receipt issuing means 328, causes the printer 23 to print and issue a receipt containing information about the processed product. The documents issued at this time are the purchase agreement R1 (Figure 17), the purchase record sheet R2 (Figure 18), and the refund receipt R4 (Figure 27, described later).

Furthermore, upon receiving the confirmation button B71 mentioned above, the control unit 300 displays the aggregation screen G9, shown as an example in Figure 25(a), on the display unit 22. The aggregation screen G9 indicates to the operator that processing is underway and the progress of the processing using text and image indicators. Then, after the DB update and printing/issuance are complete, the control unit 300 displays the completion screen G10, shown as an example in Figure 25(b), on the display unit 22.

The completion screen G10 has a close button B101. When the close button B101 is pressed, the control unit 300, acting as a refund means 327, instructs the operator to refund a predetermined amount to the customer. In other words, the control unit 300 displays the payment screen G11 on the display unit 22.

Figure 26 shows an example of payment screen G11. Payment screen G11 displays the refund amount and includes instructions for the operator, such as "Please don't forget to hand over your receipt," using text and illustrations.

If there is a change dispenser (not shown) linked to POS terminal 2, when the close button B101 on the completion screen G10 is pressed, the change dispenser dispenses the amount of the refund. The operator then compares this amount with the amount shown on the payment screen G11 and returns it to the customer along with the refund receipt R4, etc.

Furthermore, if the POS terminal 2 is linked to a cash drawer (not shown) rather than a change dispenser, the drawer opens when the close button B101 on the completion screen G10 is pressed. The operator then takes the amount of money indicated on the payment screen G11 from the drawer and returns it to the customer along with the refund receipt R4, etc.

Figure 27 shows an example of a refund receipt R4. A refund receipt R4 is a document that lists the transaction being processed and the refund amount. The refund receipt R4 is given to non-resident customers.

Furthermore, the refund receipt R4 includes the name or designation (a) of the business operator managing the duty-free shop, the transaction date (d) on which the post-payment tax exemption processing was performed, the transaction number (e), and the register number (f). The refund receipt R4 also includes the transaction number (r), register number (s), and refund amount (t) for each transaction processed. Additionally, the refund receipt R4 has a message (u) indicating that the post-payment tax exemption was applied: "Tax exemption has been applied to the above transaction." Furthermore, the refund receipt R4 has a barcode (w) printed on it, which is a coded representation of the transaction number (e) of the aforementioned post-payment tax exemption processing.

The payment screen G11 has a close button B111. When the close button B111 is pressed, the control unit 300 completes the refund process (step S84), finishes the post-payment tax exemption process (step S32), and returns to step S11.

Next, we will explain the case where the total amount has not reached the target amount (No. in step S83). In this case, the control unit 300 first displays a status confirmation screen G7, an example of which is shown in Figure 28, on the display unit 22. In this case, the confirmation screen G7 displays the status shown in Figure 23, as well as the hold button B73, the add button B74, and the message M1. When the confirmation screen G7 is displayed, the control unit 300 disables the confirm button B71.

Message M1 indicates a shortfall in the total amount. Specifically, Message M1 shows that the total price of the items to be processed does not reach the target amount, and displays the difference between the target amount and the total price. The Hold button B73 accepts an operation to initiate the hold process (step S85). The Add button B74 accepts an operation to initiate the add process (step S86).

In the hold processing (step S85), the control unit 300 first saves the processing data in the hold history DB2. The control unit 300 also prints and issues a hold receipt R5, an example shown in Figure 29, using the printer 23. The hold receipt R5 is an example of a hold slip and includes the hold number e2 as the identification code, a barcode w that encodes the hold number e2, explanations v1 to v3, and the register number f2 of the POS terminal 2 that issued the hold receipt R5.

Explanation v1 indicates the reason why the tax exemption cannot be applied, for example, "The total purchase amount does not reach the eligible amount." Explanation v2 indicates the current status, for example, "The tax exemption application process has been put on hold." Explanation v3 informs the customer of the amount needed to qualify for the tax exemption. Here, the amount needed is the total amount minus the minimum tax exemption threshold. For implementation purposes, the held receipt R5 only needs to have the above-mentioned hold number printed on it, either as text or a scanner-readable code image.

Once the holding process is complete, the control unit 300 terminates the post-settlement tax exemption application process (step S32) and returns to step S11.

The pending receipt R5 is used when a customer who received receipt R5 makes a purchase (additional purchase) for an amount exceeding the deficit and requests the post-payment tax exemption processing again (i.e., restarts the post-payment tax exemption processing). When restarting this processing, in transaction designation (step S81), the control unit 300 functions not only as a designation means 321 but also as a restart means 325. Here, the control unit 300, as the designation means 321, causes the scanner 24 to read the barcode w displayed on the additional purchase receipt R0.

The control unit 300, acting as the restart means 325, reads the held receipt R5, retrieves the record identified by the held number e2 indicated on the held receipt R5 from the held history DB2, and retrieves the transaction records from the transaction history DB1 for each transaction at the time the held receipt R5 was issued. This eliminates the need to reread receipt R0 for each transaction at the time the held receipt R5 was issued.

Next, the additional processing (step S86) will be explained. When the additional button B74 is pressed on the status confirmation screen G7 shown in Figure 28, the control unit 300 performs the additional processing. In this additional processing, the control unit 300 accepts the additional purchase on the spot. That is, when the operator informs the customer of the remaining amount and the customer presents the items to be purchased on the spot, the POS terminal 2 accepts the registration of sales data for those items and further adds the price of those items to the total amount.

Figure 30 shows an example of confirmation screen G7 after one of the two types of deficit amounts has been covered by the additional processing. In this case, confirmation screen G7 displays message M2. Message M2 informs the user of the deficit amount that has been changed by the additional purchase. Furthermore, when this confirmation screen G7 is displayed, the control unit 300 changes the confirmation button B71 to an enabled state.

Thus, according to this embodiment, since tax exemption processing can be performed on one or more transactions designated as processing targets after transaction processing, even if tax exemption procedures are to be performed again after the sale of the items for sale, tax exemption processing can be carried out without canceling the transaction.

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

In a series of transactions, the post-settlement tax exemption process can only be applied once. Therefore, if there is an error in the goods to which the post-settlement tax exemption was applied, or if you wish to apply the tax exemption again for any other reason, you must first cancel the previously applied post-settlement tax exemption (a "cancellation of post-settlement tax exemption" process) before applying the tax exemption again. Details regarding the cancellation of post-settlement tax exemption are omitted here.

If, in step S42, it is determined that the post-settlement tax exemption key K3 has not been operated (No. in step S42), the control unit 300 executes a cancellation process for, for example, the transaction settled in step S14 or the transaction for which tax exemption was processed in step S22 (step S44). Details of the cancellation process are omitted.

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

Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to perform a post-settlement tax exemption cancellation process for one or more transactions designated as processing targets without canceling the transaction to which the post-settlement tax exemption was applied.

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

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

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transaction number is entered by reading the barcode printed on the receipt. However, the system is not limited to this; for example, the operator may input the transaction number printed on the receipt using the keyboard 21. In this case, the receipt does not need to have a barcode printed on it.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transaction history DB1 is provided on server 4, but it may also be provided on other devices, such as POS terminal 2.

Furthermore, while the embodiment described products as an example of a target product for sale, other targets for sale (e.g., services) may also be used.

Furthermore, although the server 4 was described as an example of an information processing device in this embodiment, the invention is not limited to this; for example, a personal computer installed at a service counter or the like may also be used as an information processing device.

1...POS system 2...POS terminal 4...Server 300...Control unit 310...Tax exemption processing means 320...Post-payment tax exemption application means 321...Designation means (part of the aggregation means)
322...Calculation means (part of the aggregation means)
323...Detail display means 324...Hold means 325...Restart means 326...Add means 327...Refund means 328...Receipt issuance means DB1...Transaction history DB2...Hold history (predetermined storage unit)
e2...Hold number (identification code)
R5...Receipt on hold (slip on hold)

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-22328 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-62496

Claims (4)

The first means of obtaining the transaction number,
A second acquisition means retrieves a product code corresponding to a transaction number from a storage unit that stores transaction numbers and product codes in association, based on the transaction number acquired by the first acquisition means.
A third acquisition means for calculating the total amount excluding tax corresponding to the product code obtained by the second acquisition means,
A determination means for determining whether the total amount excluding tax calculated by the third acquisition means satisfies the conditions for tax exemption,
If the tax exemption conditions are not met by the determination means, a display means is provided to display the insufficient amount corresponding to the tax exemption category.
If the tax exemption conditions are not met by the aforementioned determination means, an additional means is provided to accept the purchase of additional tax-exempt goods and add the price of those goods to the aforementioned total amount,
A refund means that, if the total amount after the addition of the above means satisfies the tax exemption conditions, refunds a refund amount determined based on the above total amount,
A sales data processing device equipped with the following features. The sales data processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a detail display means that displays a list of product information corresponding to the product code when a first operator that the display means displays together with the amount is operated. The sales data processing device according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a holding means for issuing a holding slip printed with at least the holding number , which includes a holding number for identifying the tax-exempt information, in addition to the transaction number, when a second operator displayed by the display means together with the amount is operated. The computer that controls the sales data processing device
The first means of obtaining the transaction number,
A second acquisition means retrieves a product code corresponding to a transaction number from a storage unit that stores transaction numbers and product codes in association, based on the transaction number acquired by the first acquisition means.
A third acquisition means for calculating the total amount excluding tax corresponding to the product code obtained by the second acquisition means,
A determination means for determining whether the total amount excluding tax calculated by the third acquisition means satisfies the conditions for tax exemption,
If the tax exemption conditions are not met by the determination means, a display means is provided to display the insufficient amount corresponding to the tax exemption category.
If the tax exemption conditions are not met by the aforementioned determination means, an additional means is provided to accept the purchase of additional tax-exempt goods and add the price of those goods to the aforementioned total amount,
A refund means that, if the total amount after the addition of the above means satisfies the tax exemption conditions, refunds a refund amount determined based on the above total amount,
A program that makes it function as such.