JP2019117643A - Computer-implemented method and system for processing transactions - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an apparatus, a system and a method for obtaining a tax refund associated with a purchase.SOLUTION: A refund system detects a user's eligibility for a refund, uses tokens to identify purchases, and obtains information about the purchases in order to process the refund for the purchases.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

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 rebate systems are provided to travelers. Providing tax 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 paper-based such that a store issues a receipt or bill at the time of sale, and then the customs confirms the export of goods at the border. Although the rules vary from country to country, the traditional procedure for providing tax-free shopping has identified a domestic merchant that the user (customer) is a visiting traveler who is entitled to a tax refund. And confirm, and then issue a receipt including details about the user and the purchased item, after which the customs will ensure that the item being taken out of the country and the user match the item and traveler identified on the receipt. It is something to confirm at the time of departure. A refund may be made thereafter. Tax refunders work with stores and customs to facilitate the processing of this process and to manage related paperwork.

  Such treatment conventionally requires a great deal of labor and cost. Furthermore, as noted above, one aspect of the process is to determine whether the user is a traveler eligible for a tax refund. Various approaches have been proposed to try to make such a decision automatically. For example, WO 2004/081 838 proposes that the user carry an information carrier, such as a card identifying the user, which can be read by the terminal. WO 2005/057453 proposes that the user be provided with a smart card which 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. In WO 03/079249, it is proposed to determine the eligibility for VAT refund based on the issuer code read from the payment card. However, maintaining an accurate issuer record for the terminal system and / or the host connected to the terminal system is a serious technology because it is necessary to update the record and keep it available from the terminal. Pose a critical challenge.

  The present application aims to provide an automatic determination of the 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 a currency associated with the user's account to process transactions for the user;
Comparing account currency information to reference currency information identifying a reference currency;
Initiating provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction if the account currency information is different from the reference currency information.

  An exemplary embodiment comprises determining whether an account currency code propagated by a payment card read by a card reader of a transaction terminal system is different from a currency code for the transaction terminal system; and a payment read by the card reader Automatically providing the user with a tax refund provision if it is determined that the account currency code propagated by the card is different from the currency code for the transaction terminal system. I will provide a.

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

  The illustrative embodiment provides a system comprising at least one processor, the system determining account currency information identifying a currency associated with the user's account to process transactions for the user. , Compare the account currency information with the reference currency information specifying the reference currency, and provide the user with a tax refund for the transaction when the account currency information specifying the account currency is different from the reference currency specified by the reference currency information Configured to start.

  While various aspects of the present invention are presented in the appended claims, other aspects of the present invention may be practiced as well as the combinations explicitly presented in the appended claims. Including any combination of features from the dependent claims having the features of the form and / or attached independent claims.

  Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a refunding system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 6 is a schematic system outline.

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

Detailed description

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

  There are several drawbacks to such systems, both from commercial and technical standpoints. Stores within such a system do not have a relationship with the traveler. There is no further in-store activity to stimulate traveler sales unless the traveler has previously been aware of his eligibility for a tax refund. If you do not receive a refund, the perception of the traveler after purchase is not positive, and this simple system has a large number of customers who are eligible but have not received a refund. Furthermore, travelers can not request a refund if they forget 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 the receipt of the store with the traveler and each store is bulky, which needs to be able to adjust the tax returns from the store. In addition, dispute resolution and inquiries from travelers and shops must also be handled by the tax authorities.

  The exemplary embodiment, while maintaining simplicity of operation, addresses the shortcomings of both the integrity and usefulness of the previous approach. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one system integrates the processing of purchases and refunds using a user's payment card. At least one system may be operated by a tax refunder (TRO).

  The TRO not only manages reimbursement operations, but can also educate the travelers and the shops throughout the process. TRO can ensure the integrity of the system through the use of information technology systems.

  FIG. 2 shows an exemplary method, apparatus and system for managing a refund process. In the exemplary process, shopping and receipt of receipt (Ishing 30) is further separated from further processing (acquiring 32, authorization 34 and payment 36).

  Similar to credit and debit cards, there may be multiple providers for issuing services and multiple acquirers for transactions and processing. For example, there may be multiple TROs. Transaction issuing 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 shopping for travelers may be provided.

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

  In a conventional approach, it is believed that clerks and cashiers can check tax return eligibility by examining the traveler's passport. In reality, many travelers do not want to carry their passport while going out shopping, so in fact, a store is needed on a refund receipt after the traveler leaves the store Permit to fill in such details.

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

  In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal system reads the information from the payment card, and the payment card is an EMV card, a card having an electronic chip (named after Europay, MasterCard, and Visa who developed the technology) ), And if the payment card is an EMV card, the card propagates ACC to determine if the applicable currency code (ACC: Application Currency Code) is the same as the currency used by the terminal system. It is operable to determine whether to In the latter case, the payment card may be determined to be for a "foreign currency" from that used by the terminal system and, accordingly, a tax refund provision may be provided to the user.

  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, both tracks 1 and 2 of the magnetic stripe have an indicator (first digit of service code) to indicate whether the card is an EMV chip card. Thus, if a magnetic stripe card is used, and the first digit of the service code is not 2 or 6, the card may be determined to be a magnetic stripe only card, not an EMV card.

  As a result of determining that the ACC code is for a "different" currency and / or the payment card (if applicable) is not an EMV card, 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 (e.g., a sales receipt) for a purchase transaction for at least one purchase. can do. In another example, the merchant may receive a message that recommends the user to go to the tax refunding desk to process the refund. In various examples, payment cards or other tokens may be subsequently used to obtain transaction record (s) upon departure from the territory to check the refund at the time of purchase.

  In the following, the system and method of an exemplary embodiment of a tax rebate system for a territory are described with reference to FIG. In the above system, a plurality of TROs cooperate with a store to provide tax rebates to travelers through users of the self-service kiosk 22 at the point of departure from the territory.

  In a first step 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 may be done before entering or upon entering the territory, or at the point of sale. The user can select the payment card or token to use. The user may specify a particular token to be used, for example via a website, or at a point of sale terminal, or in response to being interrogated by a merchant. For example, users can register their details and associate their details with payment cards or tokens by registering on a TRO-provided website. The TRO can then provide the user with information about refund opportunities and processing. Alternatively or additionally, the user may be issued a token (e.g., a visitor card). The details of the user can then be recorded at the entry station at the point of issue, for example at the entry point or point of sale, or the issued token is linked to the details of the user pre-entered on the TRO website It can be done. Suitable input stations include, for example, a computer processor and memory, 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 machine readable identifier reader, a document scanner, a 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 a speaker. The input station may be equipped with fingerprint reading technology and / or camera technology to verify the biometric information held in the machine readable user identifier (e.g. an ID document such as a passport).

  A token identifier (for example, a token specific number) and / or payment card details, as well as user (traveler) details, are provided to the acquiring host server system 20 where the identifiers and user details are recorded (stored) 103 and can be held. The host server system 20 can include at least one server computer, and each server computer includes at least one processor and memory located in a single location or distributed system. The efficiency of the system is improved if the identifier for the token and the user's details are transferred to the host server system and recorded in real time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  At step 314, if ACC is read from the card, at step 316, the transaction terminal system associates with the transaction terminal system the currency represented by ACC may be represented as a terminal currency code (TCC). It is operable to determine if it is identical to the currency (also referred to below as the local currency). In this step, the ACC read from the card is stored in the storage of the transaction terminal system to determine whether the currency represented by the ACC is identical to the currency associated with the transaction terminal system. It can be compared to the current TCC.

  If it is determined by the transaction terminal system that the ACC is not identical to the TCC in step 316, then the payment card is a foreign card and in step 306 described below it is automatic if tax refund offering can be initiated to the user Can be determined.

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

  If it is determined at step 314 that the ACC can not be read from the EMV chip, then at step 320, the transaction terminal system may begin alternate processing. For example, the user may be asked by the merchant whether the user is a traveler and whether they wish to receive a tax refund offer.

  The transaction terminal system may be programmed to perform the steps shown in FIG. 3 by means of program code held in the storage 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 to initiate and execute a tax refund offer.

  At step 400, the process of generating a transaction record begins.

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

  At step 406, optionally, a merchant or user may be prompted to enter passport details. This may be accomplished by manually entering a passport number or other traveler identifier, or by reading the user's details from a passport or other travel document using a passport reader. The transaction terminal system may be operable to add this information to the transaction record and / or to confirm the information obtained from the traveler record held in storage at the TRO host system 20 .

  At step 408, the transaction terminal system adds to the transaction record the purchase details regarding the purchase information scanned or otherwise entered at the transaction terminal system and the merchant details for the transaction terminal system It can be operable.

  At step 410, the transaction terminal system may optionally add a category of product identifiers to the transaction terminal. The category of goods may, for example, identify 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 in order to associate the transaction record with the user record maintained at the TRO host system. Additionally or alternatively, a tax refund bill or other confirmation may be output (eg, printed) to the user.

  FIG. 5 shows another example of the process for step 306 to initiate and execute a tax refund offer.

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

  In another example, the tax refund provision may be in the form of, for example, presenting the user as to whether to proceed with the tax refund process. This may be, for example, in the form of displaying options to the user, allowing the user to accept or decline to proceed with the refund request, for example by means of 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 store to ask the user if a tax refund is necessary and then enter a code or a display button or to confirm whether to accept the request for a refund Press 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 advised to go to the in-store refund processing desk for the preparation of a refund statement or the like.

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

  Because there are multiple TROs in 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 credit / debit card example). Each TRO is responsible for joining its own merchant and for integrated software that generates point-of-sale (POS) devices and tax refund transactions.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the transaction message containing the information about the transaction record may thus be sent 105 to the TRO acquiring host system 20 and further processing may be performed at the TRO acquiring host system 20. The format of the transaction message between the POS and the acquiring host may take any suitable form, which may be proprietary. In one example, the transaction message sent between merchant system 14 and acquiring host 20 may be a token identifier (eg, token number), a receipt identifier (eg, receipt number), a reference number of the purchased item, a merchant identifier. TRO identifier, time and date stamps, and security hashes (used for tamper resistance). The transaction message may further include information on the tour guide, the promotional code, or any other data that the TRO wants to collect.

  An individual acquiring host system 20 can be provided for each TRO, so that commercially sensitive information is kept separately for each TRO, and only each TRO sees transactions that occur at a participating merchant be able to. All tax refund transactions occurring at participating merchants may be stored in the acquiring host system 20 database. The transaction record stored in the memory of the acquiring host system may, for example, be a token identifier (e.g. a token number), a receipt identifier (e.g. a receipt number), a reference number of at least one item or a purchased item, a store identifier, And can include time and date stamps. The acquiring host system 20 can also assign a unique transaction identifier (e.g., a unique transaction number) to the transaction so that a unique number can be utilized within the system to track the transaction being processed.

  The message interface 24 (also referred to herein as a message switch) provides a neutral place for all messages to be received and sent, and for the messages to be properly formatted and sent. For example, the transaction message may include a transaction identifier (eg, transaction number), a token identifier (eg, payment card number or other token number), a receipt identifier (eg, receipt number), a reference number of the purchased item, a merchant identifier, It may include at least one of a TRO identifier, a time and date stamp, and a security hash (used for tamper resistance). 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 according to a particular implementation.

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

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

  The customs approval system 26 provides an authorization system for authorizing a refund and may be implemented by the customs authority 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 may also be accessed manually by customs personnel.

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

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

  The customs approval system 26 may be operable to respond to inspection request messages for acquiring all transactions associated with the token from its own database and / or from the acquiring host system 20, Rules defined to determine approval or rejection may apply.

  In one example, the customs approval system 26 automatically approves the transaction based on the set rules ("green channel"), or based again on the rules set in the customs approval system 26. It may be set to either automatically identify that the customs officer needs to inspect the item for approval ("red channel").

  When the customs approval system 26 makes a decision on the transaction (approval / rejection), an approval 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).

  Because TRO is responsible to the tax authorities for the transaction, the decision to reimburse refunds rests with TRO. For that reason, the customs approval host does not act 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 automatic payment of the "Green Channel". The TRO that issued the token is given an initial position on the inspection station and the TRO's trade 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 asked to appear at a customs officer for further processing.

  If the choice of refund is via a payment card (e.g. a credit card), the refund may be made automatically for the registered payment card. If the payment card is not registered, the inspection station may prompt the user to swipe the card on which the refund is to be made.

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

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

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

  If red channel processing is indicated, the inspection station may prompt the user to submit a token and an identifier to the customs officer, who may use the token to begin processing. Customs personnel may be provided with an approval station linked to the customs approval system 26 or forming part of the customs approval system 26. On the other hand, in another example, the approval station may be separate and / or remote from the customs approval system and may communicate, for example, via a message switch.

  In response to entering the token identifier (e.g., by swiping the card if the token is a magnetic stripe card), the approval station sends an information retrieval message to the customs approval system 26 using the token identifier. Can be configured as follows. Customs approval system 26 may then obtain a list of approved and rejected transactions that are associated with the token.

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

  The user then returns to the inspection station 22 and submits his token once more and is prompted about the method of refund as described above.

  Customs approval system 26 may be configured to operate in one or both of two operating modes. In both modes of operation, the information for the transaction is stored in the respective acquiring host system 20. In a first mode of operation, the customs approval system 26 is operable to obtain transaction information from the respective acquiring host system 20 to check 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) associates a copy of each transaction not only with the associated token identifier but also with the acquiring host system identifier in the customs approval system 26 database. . In this case, the customs approval system 26 also passes the transaction and approval code to the relevant acquiring host system 20. The difference between the two modes is that in the second mode, the CAS maintains a copy of all data from all acquiring host systems 20.

  Secure transmissions, messages and protocols may be used to communicate information using existing software, equipment and processes for handling secure financial transactions known for electronic payments. Thus, a standard based message format may be used for transmission of the refund transaction. Multiple TRO providers may be permitted to use standard message formats, while ensuring that customs and internal 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 approval system 26 using the transaction identifier, the price of the purchase and the payment card or other token identifier, and the user details linked to the token identifier The customs approval system 26 responds to the request for permission for refunding with a "OK / NO" response by further maintaining the following record in the acquiring host system 20, and the result to the acquiring host system 20. It may be operable to obtain a refund transaction from the TRO's acquiring host system 20 based on the presentation of the token for transmission.

  In the illustrated example, communication between the acquiring host system (s) 20 and the customs approval system 26 may be implemented by the message switch 24. The message switch 24 may provide a dedicated network between the customs approval system 26 and the acquiring host system 20 for at least one TRO. Rather, communication may 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, the automated inspection station (kiosk) 22 can enable an automated preliminary inspection of a refund transaction to generate a "red channel / green channel" response without human intervention. The automated preliminary inspection process may be implemented at the point of departure from the territory, for example using the inspection station 22 (e.g. a kiosk).

  An approval system (eg, customs approval system 26) in communication with inspection station 22 or inspection station 22 may, for example, “red channel” for high-value purchases and / or for certain types of purchases. Rules defining the requirements may be provided. The behavior on the "red channel" may be that the user needs to submit tokens, shopping receipts, passports, and purchased goods to customs officials for approval.

  The inspection station 22, or a customs approval system 26 in communication with the inspection station, automatically approves the "green channel", 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 the

  FIG. 6 is a schematic system diagram outlining an exemplary system configuration of the exemplary embodiment.

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

  FIG. 6 illustrates a plurality of network connectable computing devices 13 (eg, desktops, laptops, personal digital assistants, cell phones, etc.) connected to the network 15. User computer 13 may be used by a user (e.g., a traveler) to access a website and register a token. The website may be provided by a tourist or travel organization or authority, which is one of a plurality of TROs, but this is just an example. As 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 entry control area of an airport), a tourist information center, a retailer, or the like. The input station 17 includes, for example, at least one input interface in the form of at least one of a keypad, a keyboard, a touch sensitive screen, a passport reader or other ID document reader, a card reader, a scanner, a voice activated input; 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 an exemplary embodiment, the input station 17 may be operable to issue a token, eg a card with a unique identifier.

  FIG. 6 shows a plurality of merchant systems 14 connected to a network 15. Each merchant 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 may be, for example, a keypad, a keyboard, a touch sensitive screen, a card reader, a scanner, at least one input interface in the form of at least one of a voice activated input, and a display, a printer, a card writer, a speaker, for example. And at least one form of at least one output interface.

  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 acts 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 may be located at the departure point (e.g., the departure area of the airport). The inspection station 22 may, for example, be at least one input interface in the form of at least one of a keypad, a keyboard, a touch sensitive screen, a passport reader or other ID document reader, a card reader, a scanner, a voice activated input. 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. 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 the cash dispenser etc. means that the inspection station 22 in the form of a self-service kiosk at the departure point is to be appreciated by the user.

  As mentioned above, in one example, the inspection station 22 may comprise a reader for automatically reading a machine readable identifier (e.g. a machine readable identification document such as a machine readable passport), whereby the user for the refund Automatic verification of the identity and eligibility of The inspection station 22 may prompt the user to submit a token identifier. As also indicated above, the token may be in the form of a magnetic stripe card, a chip card, a barcode, a number to be entered on the keypad, etc.

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

  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 entry of the token identifier, and defines at least one purchase associated with the identifier. Compare the information received from the server with predefined rules for determining whether to check the refund, and whether the refund is automatically checked (ie whether the check is done automatically Can be displayed to the user on the output interface. If the refund is to be inspected, the inspection station 22 can send a confirmation to the server that the inspection has been done for the refund.

  In another example, the inspection station 22 sends a request to the server to determine whether to check the refund in response to the input of the token identifier and whether the refund for at least one purchase has been checked In response to the response from the server indicating, it can be displayed on the output interface to the user whether the refund has been checked (i.e. if the check is performed automatically).

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

  The inspection station 22 may also operate to prompt the user to identify how the refund should be made (e.g., on a credit card or in cash). If the user selects a credit card, the transaction may 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 at the air side to go to a refund counter to receive cash .

  If the resulting response is a "red channel", the user may be prompted to indicate how the refund should be made in case of approval, and then the user may go to the customs desk for further checking. Can go.

  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 includes, 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 an audio activation input, for example, a display, a printer, a card writer, and a speaker. At least one form of at least one output interface can be provided.

  Using the token identifier, the customs officer can invoke the transaction information from the server system, inspect the documents and goods, 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 automatically performed in response to the customs officer using the approval station to approve the refund. Alternatively, a debit card may be generated by the approval station or by the inspection station 22.

  FIG. 7 shows that the user leaves the territory and, at 710, at the inspection station (kiosk) at the point of departure from the territory, the token (payment card) reader or ID reader to a token (eg payment card) or a machine readable ID (eg , Passport) is shown, which is an example of the steps performed.

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

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

  Alternatively, if eligibility is detected based on the machine readable ID, at 718, the user may be offered 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 (e.g., 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 associated transaction. Can.

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

  Alternatively, if the approval is automatically given at 724, then at 726, the approval system can send an approval message to each 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 has received 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 may perform the payment, for example, by asking the user to enter a payment to be redeemed, or by withdrawing a card to which the refund amount has been added.

  Turning to FIG. 9, if no approval is automatically given at 724, then at 910, the approval system can send a disapproval message to each acquiring host system for each unacknowledged transaction.

  At 912, the acquiring host system that receives such a disapproval message sends an appropriate disapproval message to the kiosk.

  At 914, the kiosk may, upon receiving a non-approval message, 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 advise the user to enter a token at the customs approval station.

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

  At 920, the approval system obtains transaction information (available in the approval system and / or available from the acquiring host system as needed) using a token identifier to identify the associated transaction. Then return the transaction information.

  At 922, if the customs officer does not approve the transaction, an approval system relating to the user (traveler) being notified by the customs officer that the transaction is not approved and not being given approval for the refund for the given transaction and Processing is terminated at 924 by the acknowledgment station returning a message to the acquiring host.

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

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

  As indicated at 930, the process of providing a refund can continue, as shown at steps 810 to 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 for the purchase.

  The purchase is associated with the traveler by providing a system integrated with the information available from the server system, in combination with the use of the payment card and optionally also the use of the token identifier, the point of departure after the purchase transaction At, 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. "Payment card" does not have to take the form of a conventional rectangular plastic credit card or the like, and can be an integrated chip, but "payment card" has the meaning as applied herein. It should be noted that, within the scope, credit, debit, or any other form of payment token, device or carrier may take any other form. For example, within the meaning of the term "payment card" as used herein, the 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 used. A mobile phone configured as a payment card can include, for example, circuitry or software, having functions equivalent to those of a chip of a chip-type payment card, or even other functions, for example, in the form of an electronic wallet. Thus, when referring to a payment card herein, the "payment card" may, for example, transmit information with the payment terminal system (eg, by contact or in a contactless manner), suitable software means and / or It is understood in the above example that the mechanism can take any suitable form operable as a payment token, device or carrier configured to process transactions based on the associated account. It should.

  An exemplary embodiment operating without using a transaction terminal system is also envisaged.

In one example, purchases are made to the payment channel using a network connectable computing device 13 (eg, a mobile communication device such as a cell phone, tablet, wearable portable computing device, etc.) shown in FIG. For example, it may be processed by connecting wirelessly. In an exemplary embodiment, determining the currency information of the account information identifying the currency associated with the user's account is a network connectable computing device or an application of the network connectable computing device 13 (eg, , A shopping application, an electronic wallet, etc.), and identifying an account currency code associated with the at least one. In an exemplary embodiment, reference currency information identifying a reference currency is determined, wherein the reference currency is for processing the transaction:
Location and / or where the network connectable computing device is connected to the network
A terminal is associated with the location of the terminal operable to receive account currency information from the network connectable computing device.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the determination of the account currency information and the reference currency information may be paid by a terminal through which the network connectable computing device 13 passes to connect to the network, or (for example, in the TRO host system 20) It is performed by at least one processor of at least one computer system in the channel or connected directly or indirectly to the payment channel. The application of the network connectable computing device (e.g. a shopping application, an electronic wallet, etc.) should be determined by the appropriate terminal or computer system (s) if the application is used to make a purchase Configured to guarantee. For example, the application may specify the details of the transaction, the payment channel used (eg, identify the payment account and payment account's ACC), and account currency information from a network accessible computing device or a network accessible computing device. The terminal may be operable to send a message including geolocation information regarding the current position of the terminal operable to receive the TRO host system over the network.

  The connection of the network connectable computing device 13 to the network 15 may be, for example, mobile phone connection (eg, cellular connection), WiFi connection, Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection, near field communication (NFC) connection, Ethernet (registration) It may be via at least one of: a trademark connection, or even any wireless or wired connection.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one processor of the at least one computer system in the payment channel (e.g. in a TRO host system) or connected directly or indirectly to the payment channel is e.g. Determining account currency information identifying the currency associated with the user's account for processing transactions for the user from the user records stored in the storage device associated with the computing system, and criteria for identifying the reference currency To start providing tax refunds to the user for the transaction, comparing currency information and account currency information and identifying account currency information that is different from the reference currency identified by the reference currency information Programmed. As indicated above, at least one processor of the at least one computing system is connected to the network in order for the network connectable computing device to process the transaction (e.g. using geolocation technology) Reference currency based on the location of the terminal operable to receive account currency information from the network connectable computing device (eg, using information stored about the location of the terminal, eg, using the location of the terminal) May be operable to determine For example, at least one processor may map or associate such a location to a reference currency to determine a reference currency associated with the location (e.g., held in storage on at least one computer system) It may be operable to access stored information.

  Rather than just identifying the currency, in an exemplary implementation, the account currency information may alternatively or additionally include or identify the location, country or region associated with the account currency, It is assumed 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 a case, as a result of comparing account currency information with reference currency information, the location associated with the account currency, country or region, location with which the network connectable computing device connects to the network, country or region If different, at least one processor is programmed to automatically initiate provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction, as determined by the at least one processor.

  In an exemplary embodiment, at least one processor of the at least one computer system is programmed to determine and compare currency information to determine whether to start providing tax rebates to the user for the transaction. However, in another example, an application of the network connectable computing device may be operable to make this determination. For example, the application can 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 thereon, a network connectable computing device. The ACC and base currency information for the payment account associated with the application may be configured to use to determine whether to begin providing tax rebates to the user for the transaction to be initiated. The application uses the geolocation to determine the current location of the network connectable computing device to determine the reference currency information (eg, reference currency code) associated with the current location of the network connectable computing device. Configured to use the information to determine and map or associate the location to such reference currency information (eg, held in storage of a network connectable computing device or accessible by the network) It can be done.

  In a further example, purchases may be processed using an e-commerce channel. In processing the purchase, the user may access the website using the browser of the network connectable computing device 13 at a given location or in a given country or region, given The purchase may be processed using an account associated with the account currency (e.g., a conventional credit or debit account, a PayPal (TM) 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 therewith, such as the TRO host system 20) uses the information obtained using the browser to cause the browser to Reference currency information identifying the location being used, the country or region, and identifying the reference currency associated with the location, country or region based on the stored information and the information received from the use of the browser To be identified from this. At least one processor of the server computer system (or another system in communication therewith, eg, the TRO host system 20) compares account currency information identifying the account currency with 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 start providing a tax refund to the user for the transaction.

  As mentioned above, rather than just identifying the currency, in an exemplary implementation, the account currency may alternatively or additionally include or identify a location, country or region associated with the account currency. It is assumed that the reference currency information may alternatively or additionally include the location, country or region where the browser is being used. In such a case, the location, country or region where the browser is being used is different from the location, country or region associated with the account currency as a result of comparing the account currency information to the reference currency information, at least one If one processor determines, at least one processor is programmed to automatically initiate provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction.

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

  Initiating the provision of a tax refund to the user for a transaction involves identifying the identity of the user obtained from a passport or other travel document, an identifier of the token used to reference the user record maintained at the remote system. Generating transaction storage for a tax refund provision, including at least one of: transaction information indicating purchased goods or services, merchant details for a transaction terminal system or website, or categories of goods or services obtain. Such tokens are: passport number, passport, identification card number, identification card, driver's license number, driver's license, payment card number, payment card, card withdrawal card number, card withdrawal card, visitor card number , A visitor card, or one of the user defined identifiers.

  In some instances, printing of a record of a tax refund transaction may be made to occur.

  Transaction records may be stored on storage associated with the host system. The transaction record identifies at least one purchase associated with the token identifier and the merchant identifier, and the host system stores the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase associated with the token identifier and the merchant identifier in the storage device. It is operable as.

  An exemplary embodiment is, for example, at least one of a host system, a transaction terminal system, a network connectable computing device or another computer system, for example in a payment channel or connected directly or indirectly 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 device, 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 herein 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 to reference currency information;
Initiating provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction if the account currency information is different from the reference currency information;
Computer-implemented method including:

2. Determining account currency information associated with the user's account,
Network Connectable Computing Device,
The computer-implemented method of clause 1, comprising identifying an account currency code associated with at least one of the network connectable 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. The reference currency information as set forth in any one of clauses 2-4, identifying a reference currency associated with the location at which the network connectable computing device is connected to the network to process the transaction. Computer-implemented method.

6. In any one of clauses 2-5, the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with a location of a terminal operable to receive the account currency information from the network connectable computing device. Computer-implemented method as described.

7. The computer-implemented method of clause 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 the terminal.

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

9. 7. 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 non-contact chip card reader.

10. Initiating provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction comprises:
The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1-9, including the step of outputting to the merchant an indication that the user is entitled to a tax refund offer.

11. Initiating provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction comprises:
An identifier of a token used to reference a user record held by 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,
The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1-10, including generating a transaction record for a tax refund provision that includes at least one of a category of goods or services.

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

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

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

15. 14. 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. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1-13, performed by at least one of a computer system or a transaction terminal system.

17. The computer-implemented method of clause 14, wherein the method of any one of clauses 1 to 13 is performed by at least one of a computer system or a trading 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 carry out the method according to any one of the clauses 1-17.

19. Clause 19. The computer program product of 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;
Compare the account currency information with the reference currency information,
A system configured to initiate a tax refund provision to the user for the transaction if the account currency information differs from the reference currency information.

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

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

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

24. Clause 21-23, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with the location at which the network connectable computing device is connected to the network to process the transaction. system.

25. 21. Any of clauses 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 network connectable computing device. System described.

26. Clause 20. The system of clause 20, wherein determining account currency information associated with the user's account comprises identifying an account currency code that is propagated by the payment device read by the payment device reader of the terminal.

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

28. 26. The system according to 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. Initiating provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction is:
20. The system according to any one of clauses 20-28, including outputting to a merchant an indication that the user is entitled to a tax refund offer.

30. Initiating provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction is:
An identifier of a token used to reference a user record held by 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,
20. The system according to any one of clauses 20-29, comprising generating a transaction record for a tax refund provision that includes at least one of a product or service category.

31. The token is: passport number, passport, identification card number, identification card, driver's license number, driver's license, payment card number, payment card, card withdrawal card number, card withdrawal card, visitor card number, visit Clause 30. The system of clause 30, which is one of: a credit card, or a user-defined identifier.

32. 29. The system of clause 29 or 30, comprising a printer for printing a record of the tax refund transaction.

33. The host system stores the 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, the host system identifying the token identifier and 20. The system according to any of clauses 20-32, operable to store in the storage the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase associated with the merchant identifier.

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

35. 25. The system according to any one of clauses 20-32, 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 comprises the at least one processor, and 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 is The transaction system is 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, the host system identifying the token 20. The system according to any of clauses 20-32, operable to store in the storage the identifier and the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase associated with the merchant identifier.

37. A transaction terminal system comprising a card reader for reading a user's payment card, said transaction terminal system comprising a magnetic stripe reader, wherein a magnetic stripe on said card indicates that said card is an EMV card Determined whether it contains the first digit of the code and is operable 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 , Trading terminal system.

38. In Clause 37, prompting the user to submit the payment card for reading the EMV chip on the card, if the first digit of the service code indicates that the card is an EMV card Trading terminal system as described.

39. 39. A transaction terminal system according to clause 38, comprising a card reader, which is at least one of a contact chip card reader or a contactless 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 into at least one of a contact chip card reader or a non-contact chip card reader is different from the currency code for the transaction terminal system;
Operable to initiate provision of a tax refund to the user if 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 , A trading terminal system according to clause 37 or 38.

41. Starting providing a tax refund to the user,
The transaction terminal system according to any one of Items 37 to 40, which comprises outputting to a store an indication that the user is entitled to a tax refund provision.

42. The transaction terminal system may start providing a tax refund provision to the user,
An identifier of a token used to reference a user record held by 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,
Product or service category,
37. A transaction terminal system according to any one of clauses 37-41, comprising generating a transaction record for a tax refund provision, comprising at least one of:

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

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

45. 42. A 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. A system comprising the transaction terminal system according to any one of clauses 37-45 and a remote host system, wherein the remote host system identifies a transaction record identifying at least one purchase associated with a token identifier and a merchant identifier. Associated with a storage device for storing, the remote host system being 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 via a network A system operable to store the transaction record identifying the at least one purchase in the storage device.

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

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

49. Clause 48, comprising prompting the user to submit the payment card to at least one of a contact chip card reader or a non-contact 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;
It is determined 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
Clause 47 or 48, which starts providing tax refund provision to the user if 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 Method described.

51. Initiating provision of a tax refund to the user is:
47. A method according to any of clauses 47 to 50, including the step of outputting to the merchant an indication that the user is entitled to a tax refund offer.

52. Initiating provision of a tax refund to the user is:
An identifier of a token used to reference a user record held by 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
Generating a transaction record for a tax refund provision, including at least one of merchant details for the transaction terminal system, or a category of goods or services, as described in any one of clauses 47 to 51 the method of.

53. The token is: passport number, passport, identification card number, identification card, driver's license number, driver's license, payment card number, payment card, card withdrawal card number, card withdrawal card, visitor card number, visit 52. A method according to clause 52, which is one of: a credit card, or a user defined identifier.

54. 52. A method according to clause 52 or 53, comprising the step of transmitting a transaction message comprising the transaction record from the transaction terminal system to a remote system via a network.

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

56. Storing the transaction record in a storage device associated with the host system, the system comprising the transaction terminal system according to any one of the preceding items and a remote host system, the remote host system comprising A storage device for storing a transaction record identifying at least one purchase associated with the token identifier and the merchant identifier, the remote host system receiving the transaction record received from the transaction terminal system via the network In response to a transaction message including: identifying the at least one purchase associated with the token identifier and the merchant identifier, operable to cause the storage device to store the transaction record Or the method described in one item.

56. A computer program product comprising program instructions for causing at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of the clauses 47-56.

57. 61. A computer program product according to clause 56, comprising a non-transitory storage medium holding the instructions.

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

Claims (7)

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, and determining account currency information associated with the user's account, the payment device of the terminal Identifying the account currency code propagated by the payment device read by the reader;
Comparing the account currency information with one reference currency information;
Automatically initiating provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction if the account currency information differs from the reference currency information;
Computer-implemented methods, including:   The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with the terminal.   The computer-implemented method of claim 1 or 2, 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 non-contact chip card reader. A system comprising at least one processor,
Determining account currency information associated with the user's account and determining account currency information associated with the user's account to process transactions for the user is read by the payment device reader of the terminal Identifying the account currency code propagated by the payment device being
Compare the account currency information with one reference currency information,
Initiating provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction if the account currency information differs from the reference currency information.
To be configured, the system.   5. The system of claim 4, wherein the reference currency information identifies a reference currency associated with the terminal.   The system according to claim 4 or 5, 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 non-contact chip card reader. Initiating provision of a tax refund to the user for the transaction is:
The system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising outputting an indication to a store that the user is entitled to a tax refund provision.

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