JP2017505478A - System and method for obtaining a tax refund associated with a purchase - Google Patents

Abstract

A refund system is provided for detecting user eligibility for refunds and uses tokens to identify purchases and obtain information about those purchases in order to process refunds related to those purchases. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

background

  The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for obtaining a tax refund associated with a purchase.

  In many countries, tax refund systems are provided to travelers. Providing duty-free shopping is attractive to visitors to the country and can help promote tourism. However, conventionally, the management of the tax-free shopping system has been based on paper, in which a store issues a receipt or a bill at the time of sale, and then the customs confirms the take-out of goods at the border. The rules vary from country to country, but the traditional procedure for providing duty-free shopping is to identify the domestic store that the user (customer) is a visiting traveler who is entitled to a tax refund. And confirm, and then issue a receipt containing details about the user and the purchased item, after which the customs will match the item taken abroad and the item and traveler identified on the receipt It is to confirm when leaving the country. A refund can be made thereafter. The tax refund company will work with the store and customs to facilitate this process and manage the related paperwork.

  Such a process conventionally requires a very large labor and cost. Furthermore, as described above, one aspect of the process is to determine whether the user is a traveler who is eligible for a tax refund. Various approaches have been proposed to automatically make such a determination. For example, WO 2004/081838 proposes that a user carry an information carrier such as a card for identifying the user, which can be read by a terminal. In WO 2005/057453, it is proposed that the user is provided with a smart card that identifies the user and the country of residence of the user. However, the user needs to carry a card in addition to the card used for payment. International Publication No. 03/079249 proposes to determine the eligibility for VAT refund based on the issuer code read from the payment card. However, maintaining an accurate issuer record in the terminal system and / or the host connected to the terminal system is a critical technology because it is necessary to update the record and keep it available to the terminal. Poses a challenge.

  The present application aims to provide an automatic determination of eligibility to receive a tax refund based on the payment card used by the user without having to rely on the storage and maintenance of the issuer code. The present invention seeks to provide a technical solution to such problems.

Overview

  Aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

An exemplary embodiment includes a computer-implemented method of processing a transaction, the method comprising:
Determining account currency information identifying the currency associated with the user's account to process transactions for the user;
Comparing account currency information with reference currency information identifying a reference currency;
Starting to provide a tax refund to the user for the transaction if the account currency information is different from the reference currency information.

  An exemplary embodiment includes determining whether an account currency code propagated by a payment card read by a card reader of a transaction terminal system is different from the currency code for the transaction terminal system, and the payment read by the card reader Automatically providing a tax refund to a user if the account currency code propagated by the card is determined to be different from the currency code for the transaction terminal system. I will provide a.

  Exemplary embodiments provide a program product that includes program instructions for performing such computer-implemented methods.

  An exemplary embodiment provides a system comprising at least one processor that determines account currency information that identifies a currency associated with a user's account to process transactions for the user. Compare the account currency information with the base currency information that specifies the base currency, and if the account currency information that specifies the account currency is different from the base currency specified by the base currency information, provide a tax refund to the user regarding the transaction Configured to start.

  While various aspects of the invention are presented in the accompanying claims, other aspects of the invention may be practiced not only in the combinations explicitly presented in the appended claims, but also in the described embodiments. It includes any combination of features from the dependent claims having the form and / or features of the appended independent claims.

  Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of a simple refund approach.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a refund system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operation. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operation. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operation.

FIG. 6 is a schematic system overview.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operation. FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operation. FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary operation.

Detailed description

  FIG. 1 illustrates a simple approach for obtaining a tax refund associated with a purchase. The approach shown in FIG. 1 involves a user (traveler) receiving a traditional store receipt from a store at the time of purchase. The store receipt is then submitted to customs along with the merchandise. Customs then determines eligibility and inspects the store receipt. The tax authority then receives the inspected receipt, performs tax refund processing, and pays the user.

  From both a commercial and technical point of view, such a system has several drawbacks. Stores in such a system have no relationship with travelers. There is no further in-store activity to stimulate tourist sales unless the traveler has previously been aware of his eligibility for tax refunds. Without a refund, the traveler's perception after purchase is not positive, and with this simple system, there are a large number of customers who are eligible but not refunded. Furthermore, a traveler cannot request a refund if he forgets to receive the necessary paperwork at the time of departure.

  In addition, tax authorities need to issue refund forms, collect completed forms and receipts, process requests, and make payments. The management of keeping track of store receipts with travelers and each store is voluminous, and this needs to be able to coordinate tax returns from stores. In addition, dispute resolution and inquiries from travelers and merchants must be handled by the tax authorities.

  While the exemplary embodiment remains simple to operate, it addresses the shortcomings of both the consistency and usefulness of previous approaches. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one system uses the user's payment card to integrate the purchase and refund process. At least one system may be operated by a tax refund company (TRO).

  TRO not only manages refund operations, but can also provide education for travelers and shops throughout the process. The TRO can ensure system consistency through the use of information technology systems.

  FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method, apparatus and system for managing a refund process. In the exemplary process, shopping and receipt receipt (issuing 30) are further separated from previous processes (acquiring 32, authorization 34, and payment 36).

  As with credit and debit cards, there can be multiple providers for the issue service and multiple acquirers for transactions and processing. For example, there can be multiple TROs. Transaction issuance can follow standard message types for transmission to authorization and payment systems. A wide range of point-of-sale (POS) devices and in-store support for travelers shopping can be provided.

  In the exemplary embodiment, the merchant system uses TRO-provided POS devices and / or software to issue transactions 30, the TRO host system performs acquiring 32, and the customs authorization system uses authorization. 34, the TRO host system executes a refund payment 36 using a kiosk (inspection station) at the point of departure from the territory. In an exemplary embodiment, the eligibility determination for the refund is based on reading information from the payment card. The exemplary embodiment can provide simplicity using the approach described with reference to FIG. 1, as understood by the user of the system, while providing improved consistency.

  In the traditional approach, store clerks and account cashiers are expected to be able to confirm eligibility for tax refunds by examining traveler passports. In reality, many travelers do not want to carry their passports while going out for shopping, so in practice, stores are required on the refund receipt after the traveler leaves the store. Allows such details to be entered.

  In contrast, in the exemplary embodiment, potential eligibility can be automatically determined from the payment card used by the traveler. By providing automatic eligibility determination, reliance on less well-trained people can be reduced.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal system reads information from a payment card, and the payment card is an EMV card (named after Europay, MasterCard, and Visa, which developed the technology), which is a card with an electronic chip. ) And if the payment card is an EMV card, the card propagates ACC to determine whether the application currency code (ACC) is the same as the currency used by the terminal system. It is operable to determine whether to do so. In the latter case, it may be determined that the payment card is for a “foreign” currency that the terminal system uses, and a tax refund offer may be provided to the user accordingly.

  In an exemplary embodiment, for a domestic terminal system where only an EMV card is issued, if it is determined that the payment card is not an EMV card, the card was issued in a different jurisdiction than that of the terminal system; and It can be automatically determined that a tax refund offer can be made to the user. For example, for a card with a magnetic stripe, there is an indicator (the first digit of the service code) on both tracks 1 and 2 of the magnetic stripe to indicate whether the card is an EMV chip card. Therefore, if a magnetic stripe card is used and the first digit of the service code is not 2 or 6, it can be determined that the card is not an EMV card but a magnetic stripe only card.

  As a result of determining that the ACC code is for a “different” currency and / or that the payment card is not an EMV card (if applicable), then a tax refund offer may then be made automatically. In one example, a refund transaction record automatically initiates an association between a payment card or another token and a transaction identifier (eg, a sales receipt) for a purchase transaction for at least one purchase. can do. In another example, the merchant may receive a message that encourages the user to go to a tax refund issuance desk to process the refund. In various examples, payment cards or other tokens can subsequently be used to obtain transaction record (s) upon departure from the territory to inspect refunds upon purchase.

  In the following, a system and method of an exemplary embodiment of a tax refund system for territory will be described with reference to FIG. In the above system, a plurality of TROs cooperate with a merchant to provide tax refunds to travelers through a self-service kiosk 22 user at a departure point from the territory.

  In the first stage 102, the user can optionally associate a payment card or another token with the user, and this information can be stored in a central record. This can be done before entering or entering the territory, or at the point of sale. The user can select a payment card or token to use. The user can specify a particular token to be used, for example, via a website, at a point-of-sale terminal, or in response to being queried by a merchant. For example, users can register their details by registering on a website provided by TRO and associate their details with a payment card or token. The TRO can then provide the user with information about refund opportunities and processing. Alternatively or in addition, the user may be issued a token (eg, a visitor card). The user details can then be recorded at the entry point local entry station, eg at the point of entry or at the point of sale, or the issued token is linked to the user details pre-entered on the TRO website. Can be done. Suitable input stations include, for example, at least one input interface in the form of at least one of a computer processor and memory, a keypad, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen, a card reader, a machine readable identifier reader, a document scanner, and voice activated input. And at least one output interface in at least one of a display, a printer, a card writer, and a speaker. The input station can be equipped with fingerprint reading technology and / or camera technology for verifying biometric information held in a machine readable user identifier (eg, an ID document such as a passport).

  Along with user (traveler) details, a token identifier (eg, token unique number) and / or payment card details are provided to the acquiring host server system 20 where the identifier and user details are recorded (stored). 103 and can be held. The host server system 20 can include at least one server computer, each server computer including at least one processor and memory located in a single location or distributed system. When the identifier and user details about the token are transferred to the host server system and recorded in real time, the efficiency of the system is improved.

  In the next stage 104, the user 12 can make a purchase at a store, for example. FIG. 3 shows an example of step 104 in more detail.

  Referring to FIG. 3, when a user provides a payment card for payment, a payment card reader (eg, magnetic stripe reader, contact chip reader, or near field communication (NFC) card reader). Can be operable to read information from the payment card.

  For example, if the terminal system reads a card using a magnetic stripe reader in step 302, the terminal system has 2 or 6 in the first digit in step 304 (eg, track 1 or 2 of the magnetic stripe). The service code (above) can be operable to determine whether the magnetic stripe on the card includes. If at step 304 it is determined that the magnetic stripe on the card contains a service code whose first digit is 2 or 6 (eg, on track 1 or 2 of the magnetic stripe), the terminal system determines that the card is an EMV. If the terminal system determines that the card is a card, the terminal system displays a message on the display of the terminal system to the user and / or the store in order to prompt the user to supply the payment card to the contact chip reader for the EMV card. Can be operational.

  In other words, when reading a card via a magnetic stripe reader, the contact chip capable device looks up the service code on the magnetic stripe to determine if the card is chip ready (2xx or 6xx). If the service code indicates that the card is chip-enabled, the device prompts the card owner or merchant to insert the card into the contact chip reader unless operating under fallback conditions.

  If the terminal is in a country where only an EMV card is issued, it is determined in step 304 that the first digit of the service code (eg, on track 1 or 2 of the magnetic stripe) is either 2 or 6 Then, it can be automatically determined that the payment card is a foreign card and a tax refund can be provided to the user at step 306 as described below.

  If at step 308 or 310 the chip of the EMV card is read by the contact chip reader of the transaction terminal system or at step 312 if it is read via the near-field communication (NFC) interface of the transaction terminal system, step 314 Then, it is determined whether the applicable currency code (ACC) is provided on the EMV chip.

  If, at step 314, the ACC is read from the card, at step 316, the trading terminal system associates with the trading terminal system, where the currency represented by the ACC can be represented as a terminal currency code (TCC). It is operable to determine whether it is identical to a given currency (hereinafter also referred to as a local currency). In this step, in order to determine whether the currency represented by ACC is the same as the currency associated with the transaction terminal system, the ACC read from the card is stored in the storage device of the transaction terminal system. Can be compared to the TCC.

  If it is determined by the transaction terminal system that the ACC is not the same as the TCC at step 316, the payment card is a foreign card, and when the tax refund provision can be started for the user at step 306, which will be described later, automatically. Can be determined automatically.

  In step 316, if the transaction terminal system determines that the ACC is the same as the TCC, the payment card is a local card, and in step 318 the transaction is automatically executed without providing a tax refund. Can be determined automatically.

  If it is determined at step 314 that the ACC is not read from the EMV chip, at step 320, the transaction terminal system can initiate an alternative process. For example, the user may be asked by the store whether the user is a traveler and whether he wishes to receive a tax refund.

  The transaction terminal system may be programmed to perform the steps shown in FIG. 3 by program code held in a storage device of the transaction terminal system and operable to control at least one processor of the transaction terminal system.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the process for step 306 for initiating and executing tax refund provision.

  In step 400, a process for generating a transaction record begins.

  The payment card number for the payment card (eg, credit card number CC #), which may be used in step 402 by the transaction terminal system to access user details from the traveler record over the network, or step 404 Any of the other token identifiers that may be used in the TRO host system 20 storage that generates the transaction record. The transaction terminal system can generate a transaction record using the acquired user details.

  At step 406, optionally, the store or user may be prompted to enter passport details. This can be accomplished by manual entry of a passport number or other traveler identifier, or by reading user details from a passport or other travel document using a passport reader. The transaction terminal system can be operable to add this information to the transaction record and / or to verify information obtained from the traveler record held in the storage device at the TRO host system 20. .

  In step 408, the transaction terminal system adds the purchase details regarding purchase information scanned or otherwise entered in the transaction terminal system and the store details about the transaction terminal system to the transaction record. Can be operational.

  In step 410, the transaction terminal system can optionally add a category of product identifiers to the transaction terminal. The product category can identify, for example, a tax refund category.

  At step 412, the transaction terminal system may be operable to issue a tax refund transaction. This may be in the form of sending a tax refund transaction record to the TRO host to associate the transaction record with a user record maintained in the TRO host system. In addition, or alternatively, a tax refund account or other confirmation can be output (eg, printed) to the user.

  FIG. 5 shows another example of a process for step 306 for initiating and executing a tax refund offer.

  The process begins at step 500, and at step 502, a message is displayed at the merchant to encourage the user to go to the tax refund issuance desk for tax refund processing. The tax refund process performed at the tax refund issuance desk may generate a tax refund record, for example, as described with reference to FIG.

  In another example, the tax refund provision may be in the form of, for example, presenting to the user whether or not to proceed with the tax refund process. This may be in the form of, for example, displaying options to the user so that the user can accept or refuse to proceed with the refund request, for example, via a touch screen panel or other user input.

  In the alternative process described at 320, various options are available. For example, a message may be displayed at the merchant to ask the user if a tax refund is required, and then enter a code or display button or to confirm whether to accept the refund request Press the physical button. Following this manual selection process, a refund record may be generated, for example, using the process described with reference to FIG. Alternatively, the user may be encouraged to proceed to the in-store refund processing desk in preparation for a refund account or the like.

  The merchant system 14 can include at least one computer, each computer including at least one processor and memory located in a single location or distributed system.

  Since there are multiple TROs on the market, there may be multiple acquiring system hosts 20. The relationship between the store and the TRO is the relationship between the store and the acquirer (using the example of a credit / debit card). Each TRO is responsible for the integrated software that joins its own merchant and generates point-of-sale (POS) devices and tax refund transactions.

  Returning to FIG. 2, a transaction message containing information about the transaction record may thus be sent 105 to the TRO acquiring host system 20 where further processing may be performed. The format of the transaction message between the POS and acquiring host can take any suitable form, which it can be dedicated to. In one example, the transaction message sent between the merchant system 14 and the acquiring host 20 includes a token identifier (eg, token number), a receipt identifier (eg, receipt number), a purchased product reference number, and a merchant identifier. , TRO identifier, time and date stamp, and security hash (used to prevent tampering). The transaction message may further include information regarding the tour guide, promotional code, or any other data that the TRO wishes to collect.

  An individual acquiring host system 20 can be provided for each TRO so that commercial sensitive information is kept separately in each TRO, and only each TRO sees transactions that occur at the merchant that it subscribes to. be able to. All tax refund transactions that occur at participating merchants can be stored in the database of the acquiring host system 20. Transaction records stored in the acquiring host system's memory include, for example, a token identifier (eg, token number), a receipt identifier (eg, receipt number), a reference number of at least one product or purchased product, a store identifier, As well as time and date stamps. The acquiring host system 20 can also assign a unique transaction identifier (eg, a unique transaction number) to the transaction so that a unique number can be utilized within the system to track the transaction being processed.

  Message interface 24 (also referred to herein as a message switch) provides a neutral place for all messages to be received and transmitted and for messages to be properly formatted and sent. For example, the transaction message may include a transaction identifier (eg, transaction number), token identifier (eg, payment card number or other token number), receipt identifier (eg, receipt number), purchased product reference number, store identifier, It may include at least one of a TRO identifier, a time and date stamp, and a security hash (used to prevent tampering). The message switch 24 may be a separate system from the customs approval system 26, or may be coupled to the customs approval system 26, depending on the particular implementation.

  Transactions received by each of the acquiring host systems 20 may be forwarded to the customs approval system 26 through message switch 24. The customs approval system can include at least one computer, each computer comprising at least one processor and memory.

  Transaction messages received by the TRO at the acquiring host system 20 may be formatted according to a standard (eg, ISO 8583 or variations thereof) and sent to the message switch 24. As shown in FIG. 2, GBISO is an ISO 8583 message format having a private field into which TFS or DCC related information is placed. The message switch can be operable to pass the transaction message to the customs approval system 26.

  The customs approval system 26 provides an authorization system for authorizing refunds and may be implemented by customs authorities or on behalf of a third party. The customs approval system 26 can automatically approve or reject the tax refund transaction based on the rules set in the system by the customs. The customs approval system 26 can also be accessed manually by customs officials.

  A self-service inspection station (kiosk) 22 at the departure point of the territory can be connected to a message switch 24. The inspection station 22 may be configured to encourage the user to submit an identifier (eg, payment card or other token) that is to be read. The inspection station 22 includes, for example, at least one input interface in at least one of a keypad, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen, a card reader, a scanner, and a voice activated input, and, for example, a display, a printer, a card writer, and a speaker. At least one output interface in at least one form. The inspection station 22 may optionally include fingerprint reading technology and / or camera technology to verify biometric information held in a machine readable user identifier (eg, an ID document such as a passport).

  The inspection station 22 may be operative to prompt the user to submit a payment card or token that is associated with payment for a tax refund. If the user submits a token, the inspection station 22 passes at least one inspection request message to the customs authorization system 26 through the message switch 24 and operates to request a list of all tax refund transactions from all TROs. It may be possible.

  The customs approval system 26 can be operable to respond to a verification request message to obtain all transactions associated with the token from its own database and / or from the acquiring host system 20; Rules established to determine approval or rejection can be applied.

  In one example, the customs approval system 26 automatically approves the transaction based on established rules (“green channel”), or is again based on rules established within the customs approval system 26. Can be set to either automatically identify that a customs officer needs to inspect the item for approval ("red channel").

  When the customs approval system 26 makes a decision about the transaction (approval / rejection), an authorization message (inspection request response message) is automatically sent to the appropriate acquiring host system 20 through the message switch 24. The acquiring host system 20 updates the existing tax refund transaction record for transactions involving authorization messages (approval, submission for approval, changes).

  Since the TRO is responsible for the transaction with respect to the tax authorities, the decision to make a refund depends on the TRO. For this reason, the customs authorization host does not function as a payment authorization host, rather the TRO acquiring host system 20 is a system for recording.

  Each acquiring host system 20 formats and sends a refund message to the inspection station indicating which transactions have been approved for “green channel” automatic payments. The TRO that issued the token is given the initial location on the inspection station and the transaction for that TRO is displayed.

  If all acquired transactions have an approved code, the user is given a “green channel” service and asked how the refund should be paid. If any of the transactions are not automatically approved, the user is given a “red channel” service and is asked to appear at a customs officer for further processing.

  If the refund selection is via a payment card (e.g., a credit card), the refund can be made automatically to a registered payment card. If the payment card is not registered, the inspection station can prompt the user to swipe the card that is to be refunded.

  When the user requests a cash equivalent to the refund and uses the token issued by TRO that can store the cash amount, the refund amount can be applied to the token.

  If the user requests cash equivalent to the refund and the user has not used the token issued by the TRO, a value holding card may be issued from the inspection station 22.

  The process described above may be repeated for each remaining TRO that has a transaction associated with the token.

  If red channel processing is indicated, the inspection station prompts the user to submit a token and identifier to the customs officer, who can use the token to begin processing. Customs officials may be provided with an approval station that is linked to or forms part of the customs approval system 26. On the other hand, in other examples, the approval station may be separated from the customs approval system and / or remote, eg, communicated via a message switch.

  In response to entering a token identifier (eg, by swiping the card if the token is a magnetic stripe card), the authorization station uses the token identifier to send an information retrieval message to the customs authorization system 26. Can be configured as follows. The customs approval system 26 can then obtain a list of approved and rejected transactions associated with the token.

  The customs officer can then approve or reject each transaction or change the amount. The customs officer can enter the results of his decision using the input device (s) of the approval station 28. The result of the customs officer's decision is communicated by the customs approval system 26 to the appropriate acquiring host system 20 through the message switch 24. Acquiring host system 20 now includes a tax refund transaction with an authorization code (approval, rejection, value change).

  The user then returns to the inspection station 22, submits his token again, and is prompted for a refund method as described above.

  The customs approval system 26 may be configured to operate in one or both of two modes of operation. In both modes of operation, information for the transaction is stored in the respective acquiring host system 20. In the first mode of operation, the customs approval system 26 is operable to obtain transaction information from the respective acquiring host system 20 to verify the refund. The result of the authorization is communicated to the appropriate acquiring host system 20 through the message switch 24. Here, the acquiring host system 20 includes a tax refund transaction having an approval code (approval, rejection, value change). In the second mode of operation, the customs approval system 26 (CAS) maintains a copy of each transaction in the database of the customs approval system 26 in association with not only the associated token identifier but also the acquiring host system identifier. . In this case, the customs approval system 26 also passes the transaction and approval code to the related acquiring host system 20. The difference between the two modes is that in the second mode, the CAS keeps a copy of all data from all acquiring host systems 20.

  Secure transmissions, messages and protocols can be used to communicate information using existing software, equipment and processes for handling secure financial transactions, known for electronic payments. Therefore, a standards-based message format can be used for the transmission of refund transactions. Multiple TRO providers may be allowed to use a standard message format while ensuring that customs and domestic tax revenue services need only handle a single system for approval.

  By recording the transaction on the acquiring host system 20 and / or the customs authorization system 26 using the transaction identifier, purchase price and payment card or other token identifier, and user details linked to the token identifier By maintaining further records at the acquiring host system 20, the customs approval system 26 indicates a “Yes / No” response to the request for a refund authorization and sends the result to the acquiring host system 20. It may be operable to obtain a refund transaction from the TRO acquiring host system 20 based on the token presentation for transmission.

  In the illustrated example, communication between the acquiring host system (s) 20 and the customs approval system 26 may be implemented by a message switch 24. The message switch 24 can provide a dedicated network between the customs authorization system 26 and the acquiring host system 20 for at least one TRO. If anything, communication can be performed via a secure switching channel operating on a public line such as the Internet rather than a dedicated network.

  In an exemplary embodiment, an automated inspection station (kiosk) 22 may allow automatic preliminary inspection of refund transactions to generate a “red channel / green channel” response without human intervention. The automatic preliminary inspection process may be implemented at the departure point from the territory, for example, using an inspection station 22 (eg, kiosk).

  An inspection station 22 or an approval system (eg, a customs approval system 26) that communicates with the inspection station 22 includes, for example, a “red channel” for high-value purchases and / or for certain types of purchases. Rules can be provided that define the requirements. The “Red Channel” behavior may be that the user needs to submit a token, shopping receipt, passport, and purchased merchandise to a customs officer for approval.

  The inspection station 22 or a customs approval system 26 that communicates with the inspection station includes an automatic “green channel” approval, such as for low-priced items and / or for purchases by travelers from certain countries. Rules may be provided that define the circumstances under which

  FIG. 6 is a schematic system diagram illustrating an overview of the overall exemplary system configuration of an exemplary embodiment.

  FIG. 6 shows various systems connected via a network 15, for example, the Internet.

  FIG. 6 shows a plurality of network connectable computing devices 13 (eg, desktops, laptops, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, etc.) connected to the network 15. The user computer 13 can be used by a user (eg, a traveler) to access a website and register a token. The website may be provided by a tourist or travel organization or authority, one of a plurality of TROs, but this is just one example. As will be described below, such a network connectable computing device 13 may also be used to initiate or process a transaction.

  FIG. 6 shows a plurality of input stations 17 connected to the network 15. The input station 17 may be provided, for example, at an entry point (eg, an airport immigration area), a tourist information center, a retailer, or the like. The input station 17 includes, for example, a keypad, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen, a passport reader or other ID document reader, a card reader, a scanner, at least one input interface in the form of voice activated input, and For example, at least one output interface in the form of at least one of a display, a printer, a card writer and / or a card dispenser, and a speaker can be provided. In the exemplary embodiment, input station 17 may be operable to issue a token, eg, a card having a unique identifier.

  FIG. 6 shows a plurality of store systems 14 connected to the network 15. Each store system 14 may include at least one computer system, each computer system including at least one processor and memory and at least one point-of-sale device. The point-of-sale device includes, for example, at least one input interface in at least one of a keypad, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen, a card reader, a scanner, and a voice activated input, and a display, a printer, a card writer, a speaker, for example. And at least one output interface in at least one form.

  FIG. 6 shows a plurality of TRO acquiring host systems 20 connected to the network 15. Each acquiring host system 20 can include at least one computer system, and each computer system includes at least one processor and memory.

  FIG. 6 shows a message switch 24 (corresponding to the message interface 24 of FIG. 2) connected to the network 15. In this example, the message switch 24 functions as a communication interface between the acquiring host system 20, the inspection station 22 and the customs approval system 26.

  FIG. 6 shows a plurality of inspection stations 22 connected to the network 15. The inspection station 22 can be located at a departure point (eg, an airport departure area). The inspection station 22 includes, for example, at least one input interface in the form of at least one of a keypad, keyboard, touch-sensitive screen, passport reader or other ID document reader, card reader, scanner, voice activated input, And at least one output interface in the form of at least one of a display, a printer, a card writer and / or a card dispenser, and a speaker. The inspection station 22 may comprise at least one device for inputting user biometric information, such as a fingerprint scanner or a camera.

  The fact that the user is familiar with an automatic teller machine or the like means that the self-service kiosk-type inspection station 22 at the departure point is appreciated by the user.

  As described above, in one example, the inspection station 22 may include a reader for automatically reading a machine readable identifier (eg, a machine readable identification document such as a machine readable passport), so that the user for refund Can automatically check the identity and eligibility. The inspection station 22 can prompt the user to submit a token identifier. As indicated above, the token may be in the form of a magnetic stripe card, chip card, barcode, number to be entered on the keypad, or the like.

  The inspection station 22 then defines a customs approval system 26 or TRO acquiring host system that defines at least one purchase associated with the identifier to determine whether to inspect a refund associated with the at least one purchase. Based on the information held at 20, the eligibility for the refund can be determined. Optionally, the test station 22 may receive biometric information and cross check the information held in the machine readable identifier for confirming the identity of the user with the biometric information.

  In one example, the inspection station 22 sends a request to the server for information defining at least one purchase associated with the identifier in response to the input of the token identifier and defines at least one purchase associated with the identifier. Compare the information received from the server with a predefined rule for determining whether to check the refund and whether the refund was automatically checked (ie whether the check is done automatically) ) Can be displayed on the output interface to the user. If the refund is inspected, the inspection station 22 can send a confirmation to the server that the inspection has been performed for the refund.

  In another example, the verification station 22 responds to the input of the token identifier by sending a request to the server to determine whether to verify the refund and whether the refund for at least one purchase has been verified. In response to the response from the server shown, whether the refund has been verified (i.e., whether the check is automatically performed) can be displayed to the user on the output interface.

  Alternatively, the user may be prompted to appear for a manual inspection check by a customs officer.

  The inspection station 22 may also operate to prompt the user to specify how a refund should be made (eg, on a credit card or in cash). If the user selects a credit card, the transaction can be automatically refunded. If the user selects cash, the user may be issued a fully valid debit card with a refund amount or may be prompted to go to a refund counter on the airside to receive cash. .

  If the resulting response is “Red Channel”, the user may be prompted to indicate how a refund should be made in case of an approval, and then the user can go to the customs desk for further checking. I can head.

  At the customs desk, the customs officer can use the authorization station to obtain information from the server system using the token identifier.

  The approval station is, for example, at least one input interface in the form of at least one of a keypad, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen, a card reader, a scanner, and a voice activated input, and among, for example, a display, a printer, a card writer, and a speaker At least one form of at least one output interface.

  Using the token identifier, customs officers can retrieve transaction information from the server system, inspect documents and merchandise, and decide whether to approve or reject the refund.

  If the refund is approved and the user requests a credit card refund, a credit card transfer may be performed automatically in response to a customs officer approving the refund using an approval station. Alternatively, a debit card may be generated by an approval station or by an inspection station 22.

  FIG. 7 illustrates that a user leaves a territory and, at 710, a token (eg, payment card) or machine-readable ID (eg, a payment card) reader or ID reader at an exit station from the territory (kiosk). , Shows an example of steps that are executed in response to presenting a passport.

  In this example, at 712, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the kiosk operates to identify the user based on stored information in response to reading a token or in response to reading an ID. Can be possible.

  If, at 714, the user is not recognized as a qualified user, the user will be provided with an appropriate message at the kiosk and the process ends at 716. For example, a user may be called to a customs desk for manual processing.

  Alternatively, if eligibility is detected based on the machine readable ID, at 718, the user may be encouraged to present a token associated with the user to obtain a transaction record for the user. is there.

  At 720, the kiosk can read the token (eg, using a card reader if the token is a card) and can send an inspection request to the customs approval system 26, including the token identifier.

  At 722, the authorization system checks the transaction (available in the authorization system and / or available from the acquiring host system as needed) using the token identifier to obtain the relevant transaction. Can do.

  If the approval is not automatically granted at 724, further processing at 730 is described with reference to FIG.

  Alternatively, if an approval is automatically granted at 724, at 726, the approval system can send an approval message to the respective acquiring host system for each approved transaction, further processing at 728. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  Turning to FIG. 8, for each acquiring host system that receives an approval message from the approval system, at 810, the acquiring host system can send an appropriate approval message to the kiosk.

  At 812, the kiosk can prompt the user to select a payment method.

  At 814, the kiosk can perform the payment, for example, by asking the user to enter the payment to be refunded or by withdrawing the card with the refund amount added.

  Turning to FIG. 9, if approval is not automatically granted at 724, then at 910, the approval system can send an unapproved message to the respective acquiring host system for each transaction that is not approved.

  At 912, the acquiring host system that received such an unacknowledged message sends an appropriate unacknowledged message to the kiosk.

  At 914, if the kiosk receives a non-approval message, the kiosk can prompt the traveler to appear at customs for a manual inspection check.

  At 916, the customs officer can receive a token from the user or can encourage the user to place the token at a customs approval station.

  At 918, the approval station sends an information request including the token identifier to the approval system.

  At 920, the authorization system uses the token identifier to identify the associated transaction to obtain transaction information (available in the authorization system and / or available from the acquiring host system as needed). And return transaction information.

  At 922, if the customs officer does not approve the transaction, an approval system related to the user (traveler) being informed by the customs officer that the transaction is not approved and no approval for a refund for a given transaction, and The process ends at 924 when a message is returned from the approval station to the acquiring host.

  Alternatively, if an approval is given for the refund at 922, then at 926, the approval station sends the appropriate approval via the approval system to the acquiring host system associated with the approval for the given transaction. Send a message.

  At 928, the user can present the token to the kiosk and a refund message can be sent to the acquiring host for the transaction associated with the token.

  As indicated at 930, the process resulting in a refund, illustrated at steps 810-814 of FIG.

  A refund system is provided to detect a user's eligibility for a refund and uses the token to identify the purchase and obtain information about the purchase to process the refund related to the purchase.

  Combining the use of payment cards and optionally the use of token identifiers to provide a system that is integrated with the information available from the server system, the purchase is associated with the traveler and the departure point after the purchase transaction In eligibility can be determined.

  In the above example, it is assumed that payment is made using a payment card using a transaction terminal system.

  It should be noted that the term “payment card” as used herein is used in a general way to describe a token or device or carrier used to effect a transaction based on an associated account. is there. The “payment card” does not need to take the form of a conventional rectangular plastic credit card or the like, and can be an integrated chip, but the “payment card” has the meaning applied in this specification. It should be noted that within the scope, it may take credit, debit, or any other form of payment token, device, or any other form operable as a carrier. For example, within the meaning of the term “payment card” as used herein, a payment system may use a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other information carrier as a “payment card”. It may be based or may be enabled to use. A mobile phone configured as a payment card may include, for example, a circuit or software having a function equivalent to the function of the chip of the chip-type payment card or other functions, for example in the form of an electronic wallet. Thus, when referring to a payment card herein, a “payment card” is, for example, a suitable software means for transmitting information with a payment terminal system (eg, by contact or in a contactless manner) and / or It is understood in the above examples that the mechanism can take any suitable form operable as a payment token, device or carrier configured to process transactions based on an associated account. Should.

  Exemplary embodiments that operate without using a trading terminal system are also envisioned.

In one example, a purchase is made on a payment channel using a network-connected computing device 13 (eg, a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone, tablet, wearable portable computing device) shown in FIG. It may be processed by connecting (for example, wirelessly). In an exemplary embodiment, determining the currency information in the account information that identifies the currency associated with the user's account is a network-connectable computing device or an application on the network-connectable computing device 13 (eg, Identifying an account currency code associated with at least one of a shopping application, an electronic wallet, etc.). In an exemplary embodiment, reference currency information identifying a reference currency is determined, and the reference currency is used to process a transaction.
The location at which the networkable computing device is connected to the network, and / or
A terminal is associated with the location of the terminal operable to receive account currency information from a network-connected computing device.

  In exemplary embodiments, the determination of account currency information and reference currency information may be made by a terminal through which network-connectable computing device 13 connects to the network or by payment (eg, at TRO host system 20). This is done by at least one processor of at least one computer system in the channel or directly or indirectly connected to the payment channel. Network-connected computing device applications (eg, shopping applications, electronic wallets, etc.) must be determined by the appropriate terminal or computer system (s) when the application is used to make a purchase. Configured to guarantee. For example, the application may provide details of the transaction, the payment channel used (e.g., identifying the payment account and the ACC of the payment account), and the account currency information from the network connectable computing device or network connectable computing device. May be operable to send a message including geolocation information regarding the current location of a terminal operable to receive the TRO host system over the network.

  The network-connected computing device 13 can be connected to the network 15 by, for example, a mobile phone connection (for example, cellular connection), a WiFi connection, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection, a near field communication (NFC) connection, an Ethernet (registration). (Trademark) connection, or at least one of any wireless or wired connection.

  In an exemplary embodiment, at least one processor of at least one computer system in, or directly or indirectly connected to, a payment channel (eg, in a TRO host system) is, for example, at least one Criteria for determining account currency information identifying a currency associated with a user's account for processing transactions for the user from a user record stored in a storage device associated with the computing system and identifying a reference currency Compare the currency information with the account currency information, and start providing tax refunds to the user for the transaction when the account currency information identifies an account currency that is different from the reference currency identified by the reference currency information Programmed. As indicated above, at least one processor of at least one computing system is connected to a network for a network-capable computing device to process a transaction (eg, using geolocation technology). A base currency based on the location of the terminal and / or the location of the terminal operable to receive account currency information from a network connectable computing device (eg, using stored information regarding the location of the terminal) May be operable to determine. For example, at least one processor maps or associates such a position with a reference currency to determine a reference currency associated with the position (eg, maintained in a storage device of at least one computer system). It may be operable to access stored information.

  Rather than simply identifying the currency, in an exemplary implementation, the account currency information may alternatively or in addition include or identify a location, country or region associated with the account currency, It is envisioned that the reference currency information may alternatively or additionally include or identify the location, country or region where the network-connectable computing device connects to the network. In such cases, as a result of comparing the account currency information to the reference currency information, the location, country or region associated with the account currency is the location, country or region where the networkable computing device connects to the network. If different, the at least one processor is programmed to automatically begin providing tax refunds to the user for the transaction if the at least one processor determines.

  In an exemplary embodiment, at least one processor of at least one computer system is programmed to determine and compare currency information to determine whether to begin providing tax refunds to users regarding transactions. However, in another example, a network-connected computing device application may be operable to make this determination. For example, the application may determine whether the account currency represented by ACC is the same as or different from the reference currency represented by the reference currency information, and based on that, the network connectable computing device. The ACC and base currency information for the payment account associated with the application may be used to determine whether to initiate providing a tax refund to the user regarding the transaction initiated. To determine reference currency information (eg, reference currency code) associated with the current location of the network-enabled computing device, the application uses geolocation to determine the current location of the network-enabled computing device. Configured to use information to determine and map or associate a location to such base currency information (eg, held in a storage device of a network connectable computing device or accessible by a network) Can be done.

  In a further example, purchases may be processed using an e-commerce channel. In processing a purchase, a user may access a website using a browser on a network-capable computing device 13 at a given location or in a given country or region, The purchase may be processed using an account associated with the account currency (eg, a conventional credit or debit account, PayPal ™ account, etc.). The website may be provided, for example, by a server computer system that includes at least one processor. In such an example, at least one processor of the server computer system (or another system in communication with it, eg, the TRO host system 20) uses information obtained using the browser to make the browser Reference currency information that identifies the location, country or region being used, and identifies the reference currency associated with that location, country or region based on stored information and information received from browser use Is programmed to be identified. At least one processor of the server computer system (or another system in communication therewith, eg, TRO host system 20) compares the account currency information identifying the account currency with the reference currency information identifying the reference currency. If the account currency information identifies an account currency that is different from the reference currency, it may be programmed to begin providing a tax refund to the user for the transaction.

  As described above, rather than simply identifying a currency, in an exemplary implementation, the account currency may alternatively or in addition include or identify a location, country or region associated with the account currency. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the base currency information may include, alternatively or in addition, the location, country or region in which the browser is used. In such a case, as a result of comparing the account currency information with the reference currency information, if the location, country or region where the browser is used is different from the location, country or region associated with the account currency, at least 1 If one processor determines, at least one processor is programmed to automatically begin providing tax refunds to the user for the transaction.

  Initiating a tax refund offer to a user for a transaction outputs a display to the store or user indicating that the user is entitled to a tax refund offer (eg, a visual indication via a display device) Can include.

  Initiating the provision of tax refunds to a user for a transaction is a token identifier used to refer to a user record held in the remote system, information indicating the user's identity obtained from a passport or other travel document Generating transaction memory for providing tax refunds, including at least one of transaction information indicating purchased goods or services, store details for a transaction terminal system or website, or a category of goods or services obtain. Such tokens include passport number, passport, identification card number, identification card, driver's license number, driver's license, payment card number, payment card, card refunder card number, card refunder card, visitor card number , A visitor card, or a user-defined identifier.

  In some examples, printing of a tax refund transaction record may occur.

  The transaction record can be stored in a storage device associated with the host system. The transaction record identifies at least one purchase associated with the token identifier and the store identifier, and the host system stores the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase associated with the token identifier and the store identifier in the storage device. Is operable.

  Exemplary embodiments include, for example, at least a host system, a trading terminal system, a network-connected computing device, or other computer system, for example, within or connected to a payment channel. It may be implemented by at least one program product that includes program instructions that use one processor.

  The computer program product may be in the form of a computer program on a carrier medium. The carrier medium may be a storage medium such as a solid state element, magnetic, optical, magneto-optical or other storage medium. The carrier medium may be broadcast, telephone, computer network, wired, wireless, electrical, electromagnetic optical or any other transmission medium.

Aspects of the subject matter described in this specification are presented in the following numbered clauses:
1. A computer-implemented method of processing a transaction comprising:
Determining account currency information associated with the user's account to process transactions for the user;
Comparing the account currency information with reference currency information;
Starting a tax refund offer to the user for the transaction if the account currency information is different from the base currency information;
A computer-implemented method comprising:

2. Determining account currency information associated with the user's account,
Network-connected computing devices,
The computer-implemented method of clause 1, comprising identifying an account currency code associated with at least one of the network-connected computing device applications.

3. The computer-implemented method of clause 2, wherein the network-connectable computing device is a mobile communication device.

4). The computer-implemented method of clause 3, wherein the mobile communication device is a mobile phone.

5). 5. The clause 2-4, wherein the base currency information identifies a base currency associated with a location at which the networkable computing device is connected to a network to process the transaction. Computer implementation method.

6). Clause 2-5, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with a location of a terminal operable to receive the account currency information from the networkable computing device. A computer-implemented method as described.

7). The computer-implemented method of clause 1, wherein determining account currency information associated with the user's account includes identifying an account currency code propagated by a payment device read by a payment device reader of the terminal.

8). The computer-implemented method of clause 7, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with the terminal.

9. 9. The computer-implemented method of clause 7 or 8, wherein the payment device is an EMV card and the payment device reader is at least one of a contact chip card reader or a contactless chip card reader.

10. Initiating a tax refund offer to the user for the transaction,
10. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1-9, including the step of outputting to the store a display that the user is entitled to tax refund provision.

11. Initiating a tax refund offer to the user for the transaction,
An identifier for the token used to reference a user record maintained on the remote system,
Information indicating the identity of the user obtained from a passport or other travel document;
Transaction information indicating the goods or services purchased,
Details of the store about the transaction terminal system,
11. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1-10, comprising generating a transaction record for a tax refund offer that includes at least one of a category of goods or services.

12 The token is a passport number, passport, identification card number, identification card, driver's license number, driver's license, payment card number, payment card, card withdrawal company card number, card withdrawal company card, visitor card number, visit 12. The computer-implemented method of clause 11, wherein the computer-implemented method is one of a user card and a user-defined identifier.

13. 13. A computer-implemented method according to clause 11 or 12, comprising the step of printing a record of the tax refund transaction.

14 Storing a transaction record in a storage device associated with the host system, wherein the transaction record identifies at least one purchase associated with a token identifier and a store identifier, wherein the host system includes the token identifier and the store identifier. 14. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1-13, operable to store the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase related to the storage device.

15. 15. The computer-implemented method of clause 14, wherein the host system is operable to perform the method of any one of clauses 1-14.

16. 14. The computer-implemented method according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, executed by at least one of a computer system or a transaction terminal system.

17. 15. The computer-implemented method of clause 14, wherein the method of any one of clauses 1-13 is performed by at least one of a computer system or a transaction terminal system connected to the host system via a network.

18. A computer program product comprising program instructions for causing at least one processor to perform the method of any one of clauses 1-17.

19. 19. A computer program product according to clause 18, comprising a non-transitory storage medium holding the instructions.

20. A system comprising at least one processor,
Determining account currency information associated with the user's account to process transactions for the user;
Comparing the account currency information with reference currency information;
A system configured to initiate a tax refund offer to the user for the transaction when the account currency information is different from the base currency information.

21. Determining the account currency information associated with the user's account,
Network-connected computing devices,
21. The system of clause 20, comprising identifying an account currency code associated with at least one of the network connectable computing device applications.

22. 23. The system of clause 21, wherein the network connectable computing device is a mobile communication device.

23. 23. A system according to clause 22, wherein the mobile communication device is a mobile phone.

24. 24. The clause 21-23, wherein the base currency information identifies a base currency associated with a location at which the networkable computing device is connected to a network for processing transactions. system.

25. 25. The clause 21-24, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with a location of a terminal operable to receive the account currency information from the networkable computing device. The described system.

26. 21. The system of clause 20, wherein determining account currency information associated with a user account includes identifying an account currency code propagated by a payment device read by a payment device reader of a terminal.

27. 27. The system of clause 26, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with the terminal.

28. 28. The system of clause 26 or 27, wherein the payment device is an EMV card and the payment device reader is at least one of a contact chip card reader or a contactless chip card reader.

29. Starting to provide a tax refund to the user for the transaction,
29. The system according to any one of clauses 20 to 28, including outputting to the store an indication that the user is entitled to provide a tax refund.

30. Starting to provide a tax refund to the user for the transaction,
An identifier for the token used to reference a user record maintained on the remote system,
Information indicating the identity of the user obtained from a passport or other travel document;
Transaction information indicating the goods or services purchased,
Details of the store about the transaction terminal system,
30. The system of any one of clauses 20-29, comprising generating a transaction record for a tax refund offer that includes at least one of a category of goods or services.

31. The token is a passport number, passport, identification card number, identification card, driver's license number, driver's license, payment card number, payment card, card withdrawal company card number, card withdrawal company card, visitor card number, visit 32. The system of clause 30, wherein the system is one of a person card or a user-defined identifier.

32. 31. A system according to clause 29 or 30, comprising a printer for printing a record of the tax refund transaction.

33. The host system storing a transaction record in a storage device associated with the host system, wherein the transaction record identifies at least one purchase associated with a token identifier and a store identifier, the host system comprising the token identifier and 33. The system of any one of clauses 20-32, operable to store the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase associated with the store identifier in the storage device.

34. 34. The system of clause 33, wherein the host system comprises the at least one processor.

35. 33. A system according to any one of clauses 20 to 32, wherein a computer system or transaction terminal system comprises the at least one processor.

36. At least one of a computer system or a transaction terminal system includes the at least one processor, the at least one of the computer system or the transaction terminal system is connected to a host system via a network, and the host system includes: Operable to store a transaction record in a storage device associated with the host system, the transaction record identifying at least one purchase associated with a token identifier and a merchant identifier, wherein the host system includes the token 33. The system of any one of clauses 20-32, operable to store an identifier and the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase associated with the store identifier in the storage device.

37. A transaction terminal system comprising a card reader for reading a user's payment card, the transaction terminal system comprising a magnetic stripe reader, and a magnetic stripe on the card indicating that the card is an EMV card It is operable to determine whether to include the first digit of the code and to start providing a tax refund to the user if the first digit of the service code does not indicate that the card is an EMV card , Transaction terminal system.

38. If the first digit of the service code indicates that the card is an EMV card, the clause 37 prompts the user to submit the payment card for reading the EMV chip on the card. The transaction terminal system described.

39. 39. The transaction terminal system according to clause 38, comprising a card reader that is at least one of a contact chip card reader or a non-contact chip card reader.

40. In response to the user submitting the payment card for reading the EMV chip on the card,
The transaction terminal system
Determining whether an account currency code propagated by a payment card read by at least one of a contact chip card reader or a contactless chip card reader is different from the currency code for the transaction terminal system;
If the account currency code propagated by the payment card read by the card reader is determined to be different from the currency code for the transaction terminal system, it is operable to start providing a tax refund to the user. The transaction terminal system according to clause 37 or 38.

41. Starting to provide a tax refund for the user,
41. The transaction terminal system according to any one of items 37 to 40, including outputting to a store a display indicating that a user is entitled to provide a tax refund.

42. Starting the provision of tax refund for the user, the transaction terminal system,
An identifier for the token used to reference a user record maintained on the remote system,
Information indicating the identity of the user obtained from a passport or other travel document;
Transaction information indicating the goods or services purchased,
Details of the store about the transaction terminal system,
Product or service category,
42. The transaction terminal system according to any one of clauses 37 to 41, including generating a transaction record for providing a tax refund, including at least one of the items.

43. The token is a passport number, passport, identification card number, identification card, driver's license number, driver's license, payment card number, payment card, card withdrawal company card number, card withdrawal company card, visitor card number, visit 43. The transaction terminal system according to clause 42, wherein the transaction terminal system is one of a person card or a user-defined identifier.

44. 44. A transaction terminal system according to clause 42 or 43, comprising the transaction terminal system operable to send a transaction message including the transaction record to a remote system via a network.

45. 45. The transaction terminal system according to any one of clauses 42 to 44, wherein the transaction terminal system comprises a printer and is operable to print a record of the tax refund transaction.

46. 46. A system comprising a transaction terminal system and a remote host system according to any one of clauses 37 to 45, wherein the remote host system stores a transaction record identifying at least one purchase associated with a token identifier and a store identifier. Associated with a storage device for storing, wherein the remote host system is associated with the token identifier and the merchant identifier in response to receiving a transaction message including the transaction record from the transaction terminal system over a network. A system operable to store the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase to the storage device.

47. A computer-implemented method,
Determining whether the magnetic stripe on the user's payment card, read by the magnetic stripe reader of the transaction terminal system, contains the first digit of the service code indicating that the card is an EMV card;
Starting a tax refund offer to the user if the first digit of the service code does not indicate that the card is an EMV card.

48. 48. Clause 47, wherein the first digit of the service code prompts the user to submit the payment card for reading the EMV chip on the card if the card indicates that the card is an EMV card the method of.

49. 49. The clause 48, comprising prompting the user to submit the payment card to at least one of a contact chip card reader or a contactless chip card reader for reading the EMV chip on the card. the method of.

50. In response to the user submitting the payment card for reading the EMV chip on the card,
Determining whether the account currency code propagated by the payment card read by the card reader of the transaction terminal system is different from the currency code for the transaction terminal system, the card reader being a contact card reader or a contactless card reader At least one of
Article 47 or 48, which starts providing tax refunds to the user when it is determined that the account currency code propagated by the payment card read by the card reader is different from the currency code for the transaction terminal system. The method described.

51. Starting to provide a tax refund to the user,
51. The method of any one of clauses 47-50, comprising: outputting to the store an indication that the user is entitled to a tax refund offer.

52. Starting to provide a tax refund to the user,
An identifier for the token used to reference a user record maintained on the remote system,
Information indicating the identity of the user obtained from a passport or other travel document;
Transaction information indicating the goods or services purchased,
52. Generating a transaction record for a tax refund offer that includes at least one of merchant details or a category of goods or services for the transaction terminal system, according to any one of clauses 47-51. the method of.

53. The token is a passport number, passport, identification card number, identification card, driver's license number, driver's license, payment card number, payment card, card withdrawal company card number, card withdrawal company card, visitor card number, visit 53. The method of clause 52, wherein the method is one of a person card or a user-defined identifier.

54. 54. The method of clause 52 or 53, comprising sending a transaction message including the transaction record from the transaction terminal system to a remote system over a network.

55. 55. A method according to any one of clauses 47 to 54, comprising printing a record of the tax refund transaction using a printer associated with the transaction terminal system.

56. Storing a transaction record in a storage device associated with the host system, the system including the transaction terminal system of any one of the preceding paragraphs and a remote host system, the remote host system comprising: Associated with a storage device for storing a transaction record identifying at least one purchase associated with a token identifier and a store identifier, wherein the remote host system receives the transaction record received from the transaction terminal system via the network. Any of clauses 47-55, operable to cause the storage device to store the transaction record that identifies the at least one purchase associated with the token identifier and the merchant identifier in response to a transaction message including: The method according to claim 1.

56. 57. A computer program product comprising program instructions that cause at least one processor to perform the method of any one of clauses 47-56.

57. 57. The computer program product of clause 56, comprising a non-transitory storage medium that retains the instructions.

  Although the above embodiments have been described in detail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be construed to include all such variations and modifications and their equivalents.

Claims (36)

A computer-implemented method of processing a transaction comprising:
Determining account currency information associated with the user's account to process transactions for the user;
Comparing the account currency information with reference currency information;
Automatically starting to provide a tax refund to the user for the transaction if the account currency information is different from the base currency information;
A computer-implemented method comprising: Determining account currency information associated with the user's account,
Network-connected computing devices,
The computer-implemented method of claim 1, comprising identifying an account currency code associated with at least one of the network-connected computing device applications.   The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the network-connectable computing device is a mobile communication device.   The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein the mobile communication device is a mobile phone.   5. The reference currency information according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with a location at which the networkable computing device is connected to a network for processing the transaction. A computer-implemented method as described.   The reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with a location of a terminal operable to receive the account currency information from the networkable computing device. A computer-implemented method according to claim 1.   The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein determining account currency information associated with the user's account comprises identifying an account currency code propagated by a payment device read by a payment device reader of a terminal. .   The computer-implemented method of claim 7, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with the terminal.   The computer-implemented method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the payment device is an EMV card and the payment device reader is at least one of a contact chip card reader or a contactless chip card reader. Initiating a tax refund offer to the user for the transaction,
The computer-implemented method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of outputting to the store a display indicating that the user is entitled to tax refund provision. Initiating a tax refund offer to the user for the transaction,
An identifier for the token used to reference a user record maintained on the remote system,
Information indicating the identity of the user obtained from a passport or other travel document;
Transaction information indicating the goods or services purchased,
Store details about the transaction terminal system,
11. A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising generating a transaction record for a tax refund offer, including at least one of a category of goods or services.   The token is a passport number, passport, identification card number, identification card, driver's license number, driver's license, payment card number, payment card, card withdrawal company card number, card withdrawal company card, visitor card number, visit The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the computer implemented method is one of a user card and a user-defined identifier.   13. A computer-implemented method according to claim 11 or 12, comprising the step of printing a record of a tax refund transaction.   Storing a transaction record in a storage device associated with a host system, wherein the transaction record identifies at least one purchase associated with a token identifier and a store identifier, wherein the host system includes the token identifier and the store 14. A computer-implemented method according to any one of the preceding claims, operable to store the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase associated with an identifier in the storage device.   15. A computer-implemented method according to claim 14, wherein the host system is operable to perform the method of any one of claims 1-14.   The computer-implemented method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, executed by at least one of a computer system or a transaction terminal system.   15. The computer-implemented method according to claim 14, wherein the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is performed by at least one of a computer system or a transaction terminal system connected to the host system via a network. .   A computer program product comprising program instructions for causing at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-17.   The computer program product of claim 18, comprising a non-transitory storage medium holding the instructions. A system comprising at least one processor,
Determining account currency information associated with the user's account to process transactions for the user;
Comparing the account currency information with reference currency information;
When the account currency information is different from the reference currency information, start providing tax refund for the user regarding the transaction,
Configured as a system. Determining the account currency information associated with the user's account,
Network-connected computing devices,
21. The system of claim 20, comprising identifying an account currency code associated with at least one of the network connectable computing device applications.   The system of claim 21, wherein the networkable computing device is a mobile communication device.   23. The system of claim 22, wherein the mobile communication device is a mobile phone.   24. The reference currency information according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with a location at which the network-enabled computing device is connected to a network to process the transaction. The described system.   25. The reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with a location of a terminal operable to receive the account currency information from the networkable computing device. The system described in.   21. The system of claim 20, wherein determining account currency information associated with the user's account includes identifying an account currency code propagated by a payment device read by a payment device reader of a terminal.   27. The system of claim 26, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with the terminal.   28. The system of claim 26 or 27, wherein the payment device is an EMV card and the payment device reader is at least one of a contact chip card reader or a contactless chip card reader. Starting to provide a tax refund to the user for the transaction,
29. The system according to any one of claims 20 to 28, comprising outputting an indication to the store that the user is entitled to a tax refund. Starting to provide a tax refund to the user for the transaction,
An identifier for the token used to reference a user record maintained on the remote system,
Information indicating the identity of the user obtained from a passport or other travel document;
Transaction information indicating the goods or services purchased,
Store details about the transaction terminal system,
30. The system of any of claims 20-29, comprising generating a transaction record for a tax refund offer that includes at least one of a category of goods or services.   The token is a passport number, passport, identification card number, identification card, driver's license number, driver's license, payment card number, payment card, card withdrawal company card number, card withdrawal company card, visitor card number, visit 32. The system of claim 30, wherein the system is one of a person card and a user-defined identifier.   31. A system according to claim 29 or 30, comprising a printer for printing a tax refund transaction record.   The host system storing a transaction record in a storage device associated with the host system, wherein the transaction record identifies at least one purchase associated with a token identifier and a store identifier, the host system comprising the token identifier and 33. The system of any one of claims 20 to 32, operable to store the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase associated with the store identifier in the storage device.   34. The system of claim 33, wherein the host system comprises the at least one processor.   33. A system according to any one of claims 20 to 32, wherein a computer system or transaction terminal system comprises the at least one processor.   At least one of a computer system or a transaction terminal system includes the at least one processor, the at least one of the computer system or the transaction terminal system is connected to a host system via a network, and the host system includes: Operable to store a transaction record in a storage device associated with the host system, the transaction record identifying at least one purchase associated with a token identifier and a merchant identifier, wherein the host system includes the token 33. A system according to any one of claims 20 to 32, operable to store an identifier and the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase associated with the store identifier in the storage device.

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