KR101560868B1 - Method and application for location-based services - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for providing location-based services using a mobile communication device registered with the service includes providing at least one application on the mobile communication device with information for connecting the mobile communication device to the wireless network via a base station at that location, ; ≪ / RTI > Connecting the mobile communication device to the wireless network at that location; And connecting the application via a wireless network and a base station to a system providing a service in which the mobile communication device is registered.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND APPLICATION FOR LOCATION-BASED SERVICES [0002]

The present invention relates to providing location based services.

A service may include a tax refund service for a purchase transaction by a user who may be eligible to use the service and validated for the service.

The tax refund system is available in many countries for travelers. Providing tax-free shopping is attractive to one country's visitors and can help promote tourism. Traditionally, however, management of the non-taxable shopping system was document-based, where the seller in the store issues coupons or checks and then the customs confirms the export of the goods at the border. Regulations differ from country to country, but the traditional form for providing tax-free shopping is that the merchant in that country identifies and verifies that the customer is a visiting traveler who is eligible for a tax refund, and then sends a coupon containing the traveler's details and purchase items , The customs office confirms whether the item being exported and whether the traveler corresponds to the item identified in the coupon and the traveler, at the departure location of the country. Then a refund can be made. The tax return operator works with the seller and customs to facilitate the operation of this process and to manage the work of the relevant documentation.

However, such processing can be extremely labor and cost intensive. There is considerable technical difficulty in ensuring that the tax refund system can be operated simultaneously and efficiently.

The present invention seeks to provide a technical solution to this problem.

Aspects of the invention are defined in the claims.

An aspect of the present invention provides a location based service using a mobile communication device registered for a service. The method comprises: receiving, at a given location, information for connecting the mobile communication device to the wireless network via the base station of the location, by at least one application of the mobile communication device; Connecting the mobile communication device to the wireless network at the location; And connecting the application via the wireless network and the base station to a system providing a service in which the mobile communication device is registered.

An aspect of the present invention provides an application including program code for providing a service.

The computer readable medium may carry the application.

An aspect of the invention provides a mobile communication device comprising the application.

While various aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the appended claims, other aspects of the present invention may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. And any combination of features from the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig.
1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a refund system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic system overview;
3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional elements of a mobile communication device;
Figures 4-7 are flow charts of exemplary methods of operation.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention seeks to provide simplification of operation while providing flexibility in use. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more devices, devices, and systems coordinate the processing of purchases and refunds using a mobile communication device that uniquely identifies a user, e.g., a traveler, and enables communication with the user. One or more devices, devices, and systems may be operated by merchants and / or tax refund operators (TROs) and / or customs. An exemplary embodiment enables information related to purchases made by users and users to be maintained centrally and securely and made accessible by use of a mobile communication device and one or more other devices.

In addition to providing management of refund operations, the TRO can provide training to users and sellers throughout the process. Through the use of information technology systems, the TRO can ensure the integrity of the system.

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary method, apparatus, and system for managing refund processing. In an exemplary process, shopping and receipt of receipts (issuance 30) are separate from other processes (acquisition 32, authorization 34, and payment 36).

There may be multiple providers of issuance services, and multiple acquirers of transactions and transactions, such as in the case of credit cards and debit cards. For example, there may be multiple TROs. Various point of sale (POS) devices and in-store support for user shopping can be provided.

In an exemplary embodiment, the merchant system may provide issuance 30 of a transaction using a TRO-provided POS device and / or software. The host system running the TRO can execute the acquisition (32) of the tax refund transaction. The validation system (e. G., The customer acceptance system) may execute the tax refund authorization (34). The host system may execute the refund payment operation 36. [ An automated kiosk (in other words a validation station or validation terminal) may be provided at the departure point of the territory and used for various operations, including automatic recognition of the mobile communication device. The refund payment may be processed by the refund desk (operated by the TRO) or by the kiosk for an instant cash refund, or the refund may be made using automated payment to the bank and / or credit card account and / Can be provided using a back-office process by TRO.

The determination of the eligibility of the user can be made in the shop at the time of purchase transaction as described later. However, due to legal requirements in a given territory, the determination of eligibility and identity may be transferred from the store to the departure point of the territory.

The exemplary embodiments can also provide security and operational integrity while providing simplicity and flexibility of use that is recognized by users of the system.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may utilize one or more techniques to provide communications between a mobile communication device and other systems to support transactions.

One such technique is so-called Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. NFC technology is a short-range wireless communication technology capable of exchanging data between devices at a distance of approximately a short distance, for example, a distance of about 0.1 meters. NFC technology is an extension of the proximity-card standard (contactless card, RFID) that can combine smart card interfaces and readers into a single device. It is compatible with existing contactless infrastructure already in use in public transportation and payment. NFC is mainly used for mobile phones. An example of a mobile phone already exists in the market using NFC technology. NFC read / write devices including NFC interfaces are also available from a variety of manufacturers. Other short range wireless technologies based on radio frequency identification (RFID) may also be used in various embodiments, and technologies such as Bluetooth may be applicable.

In one example, when making a purchase transaction, a mobile communication device application (an MCD application) installed in a user's mobile communication device (e.g., a mobile phone) is connected to a point of sale (POS) terminal of the seller and / ≪ / RTI > Digital tax free shopping (TFS) transaction information may be transmitted to the tax return operator (TRO), and user information may be associated with the transmitted information. The user may also optionally use a mobile communication device or pay for the goods through it. The user can make additional purchases using the MCD application, with additional digital TFS transaction information being transmitted in the same manner. The validation and refund steps may be integrated by recognizing the user using the mobile communication device. For example, validation and reimbursement can be done automatically when a user's mobile communication device approaches an NFC-enabled customs kiosk, or when the user's mobile communication device is near the exit point of the territory.

The MCD application may be installed prior to or during the first purchase, e.g., by being downloaded as part of the registration process. This MCD application can provide other TRO services as well as support users during the entire tax refund process. Examples of such services may include issuance, validation, reimbursement and tracking, and merchant and other travel information, maps, public relations, online advance directives, markets, direct exchange support, online services, and loyalty programs.

A wireless communication base station (e.g., a WiFi base station) may be used to interface with the user's mobile communication device. For example, the base station may be installed in a location where a user may be expected to use the service, and an application installed in the user's mobile communication device may interact with the base station. The base station may be provided by the TRO, or by a vendor or a third party, and may be connected to the TRO host system via the Internet, for example. In one example, one or more standard service set identifiers (SSIDs) may be provided by the TRO service or to all base stations provided to the TRO service, such that the mobile communication device may, for example, Upon detection of the SSID, the base station may automatically be recognized as being provided for the service, and may be configured to automatically connect to the base station, for example, using a predetermined password when in range of the base station. In one example, the mobile communication device may not be configured to automatically connect to the base station, even though the base station and password are known to the MCD application on the mobile communication device or mobile communication device. For example, the application may advantageously utilize location-specific information, e.g., one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar codes captured by the mobile communication device or captured by the camera of the mobile communication device using NFC technology Or QR code), the user may be required to enter the SSID and the password by inputting the SSID and the password.

For example, a base station may be provided in the seller's premises, and in response to a user's connection to the base station of the mobile communication device, the merchant's TRO system or application in the mobile communication device may retrieve information for use in connection with the provision of the service Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > TRO < / RTI > This information may include, for example, information about the user to be provided to the seller system. Alternatively, or in addition, messages may be sent to the user's mobile communication device for output to the user. Messages may be sent to the mobile communication device, for example, by a message exchange between the TRO host system and / or the merchant system and an application on the mobile communication device, or an SMS, MMS, or other message sent from the TRO host system and / E-mail messages, and the like. The messages sent to the user may include information about the services that may be provided, e.g., steps that need to be taken to use the service, special offers, etc., or direct support for service use (e.g., Service, refund check, etc.). The messages may be used to inform the user of the possibility of using other services such as dynamic currency conversion services.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention utilizes a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device may be, for example, a mobile phone, a PDA, a portable media player, a tablet computer, a webbook, a notebook or other portable computing device. In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile communication device is used as an intelligent token for identifying a user at various stages during the tax refund process. The mobile communication device may be used to communicate with other devices and devices such as, for example, merchant POS terminals, validation kiosks, and / or customs kiosks and TRO and / or customs and / or web- Application. ≪ / RTI > In this example, by presenting the mobile communication device at the time of purchase, the mobile communication device identifier may be provided to the merchant ' s system, e. G., The POS terminal of the merchant ' Or information related to the transaction may be communicated to the mobile communication device using wireless technology. Each application, e.g., provided by the TRO, operating in the mobile communication device and the merchant ' s system, respectively, controls the exchange of information between the mobile communication device and the merchant ' s system, e. .

The determination of whether a user is entitled to a service, for example, a tax refund service, can be determined by the operator, for example, the seller of the store. This may be done, for example, by using a mobile communication device identifier to determine whether the user has already been registered to use the service and / or by providing information to the merchant so that the merchant can identify the user.

For example, the POS terminal may be operative to query the TRO host system through the intermediary system to determine whether the mobile communication device identifier is associated with the user identification information.

If the mobile communication device identifier is associated with a user identification, the TRO host system may be configured to return information identifying the user for verifying the identity of the user (e.g., passport information, photographs or other biometric information, etc.) Lt; / RTI >

If the mobile communication device identifier is not associated with a user identification, the TRO host system may operate to return an appropriate indication of this, and the seller system may be operable to prompt the operator to enter predetermined information identifying the user . Such predetermined information may include, for example, a passport number for the user's passport, a country of issuance of the passport, an identification card number for the user's identity card and the issuing country of the identity card, a driver's license number for the user's driver's license, And may include the issuing country. The information entered at the POS terminal is transmitted to the TRO host system for association with the mobile communication device identifier so that this information can be used as a means of identifying the user. A user record containing a mobile communication identifier may be maintained by the TRO host system with other information (e.g., one or more other tokens) that may be used to identify the user.

Alternatively, information may be provided from the mobile communication device in a secured and / or encrypted manner from the mobile communication device to identify the user. For example, an application on a mobile communication device and on a seller's terminal may be configured to display, for example, biometric authentication information that can be displayed on the mobile communication device (e.g., a photograph of the user displayable on the mobile communication device) And can be used to exchange verifiable information using an encryption algorithm to verify that the information is authentic.

The merchant system may then operate to communicate purchase information associated with the mobile communication device identifier and / or another token associated with the user, either directly or through the user's mobile communication device, for the generation of a computer record of the transaction . Such transaction records may include an association between a mobile communication device identifier and / or other token and a transaction identifier for a purchase transaction for one or more purchases. The mobile communication device identifier may be used to access the record of the transaction (s) at the point of departure of the territory, either directly or through the user record, for subsequent validation of the refund at the time of a later purchase, for example, .

Now, a system and method of an exemplary embodiment of a tax refund system for a given territory will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 in which one or more TROs affiliate with the merchant and then provide tax refund to the user. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an exemplary system, and Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary system configuration in which various functional elements are interconnected via a network 15 (e.g., the Internet).

The mobile communication device 40 may be set as a token that identifies the user at step 102. This can be done in advance or at the point of entry or in the territory of the territory. It should be noted that one or more other tokens may be defined for the user. For example, the user may select a token to be used. For example, a user may specify a mobile communication device and one or more other tokens to be used, e.g., via a web site, in a store or other terminal, or in response to a seller's request. For example, a user may register his or her detailed information by registering with the website provided by the TRO and associate the mobile communication device identifier and one or more additional tokens. The mobile communication device identifier may be one of a mobile telephone number for the mobile communication device 40, a SIM number for the mobile communication device 40, an NFC identifier for the mobile communication device, a unique identifier associated with the MCD application of the mobile communication device, Or more.

As part of the registration process, the user may also provide personal details such as name, contact information (e.g., address), nationality, passport number, gender, birthday, home phone number, bank account and / You can be asked to do. The user may also be asked to specify a preferred currency for use abroad.

If the user has not already done so, upon completion of the registration, the user may download the aforementioned mobile communication device application with the identity and preferences of the traveler embedded in the application. Alternatively, if the application has already been downloaded, the traveler ' s identifier and the user ' s preferences may be updated in the application.

Such downloaded applications may include, for example, the location of a WiFi zone where information can be downloaded without a roaming charge, information and processing enabling automatic connection to the network provided by the WiFi zone, Location information of a shop where a purchase can be made, location information of a validation station where a tax refund check can be validated, and currency conversion calculator capable of providing a currency conversion from a local currency to a user selected currency at a saved or downloadable exchange rate , A tax refund calculator that can calculate a tax refund available for a tax refund purchase made by the user, and the like.

The TRO can then provide the user with information about the refund opportunity and processing. In addition, a user may be issued with a specific token (e.g., a visitor or a TRO-issued card).

The registration process can be performed, for example, in a store, for example, before reaching the territory, at the entry point of the territory or after entering the territory. A suitable input station may be, for example, a computer processor and a memory and one of a keypad, a keyboard, a touch sensitive screen, a card reader, a machine readable identifier reader, a document scanner, a voice- One or more input / output interfaces of the above form, and an NFC interface. The input station may also be provided with a fingerprint reading and / or camera technique for identifying biometric authentication information held in a user identifier (e.g., an ID document such as a passport). In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile communication device itself may be used as an input terminal on a connection via a browser or other application, e.g., an MCD application downloaded to a mobile communication device.

The mobile communication device identifier may be maintained (stored) in the memory MEM by the TRO acquisition host server system (host system) 20 with the user details. The host system 20 may be operated by a TRO and may include one or more server computers, each of which may include one or more processors (CPUs) and memories MEM, . The efficiency of the system is improved when the mobile communication device identifier and the detailed information of the user are transmitted to the host system 20 and recorded in real time.

In one example, the user 12 may make a purchase at 104, for example, at a merchant where the mobile communication device is used as a token.

If a normal store receipt is presented, the user 12 may be asked if a tax refund is required (or the user may request a tax refund). If a refund is desired, a second simple transaction can be created by entering a receipt identifier (e.g., receipt number), a purchase commodity price, and a mobile communication device identifier. In this example, information including two or three items (receipt identifier, purchase price, and mobile communication device identifier) can then be electronically transmitted to the host system 20 by the seller system 14 have. Seller system 14 may include one or more computers, each of which may include one or more processors (CPUs) and memories (MEMs) and may be located in one location or in a distributed system. This function is integrated into the POS terminal, where purchase details can be retrieved directly from the electronic cash register (ECR) 44 and there is no need to re-enter this information. Alternatively, this information may be entered into a standalone terminal, such as a web based issuing application, a card payment terminal that is not linked to an ECR, or any other application or software that is not linked to an ECR. These alternatives may require re-entry of relevant purchase details to allow the customs employee's approval system to confirm the purchase made. One or more POS devices 44 may be coupled to one or more input / output interfaces 44 in the form of one or more of, for example, a keypad, a keyboard, a touch sensitive screen, a card reader, a scanner, a voice- , And an NFC interface or other RFID interface 42.

The WiFi base station 54 may be provided in the vendor's premises and may be provided to the TRO host system 20 for onward access, for example, to the Internet, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. Can be connected. Alternatively, or in addition, the base station 54 may be connected to the seller system 14 directly or indirectly (e.g., via the Internet). The base station may be assigned a predetermined SSID for the TRO and the application on the mobile communication device 40 may be programmed to automatically recognize the base station and connect to the base station when in range of the base station. However, different WiFi base stations for different sellers can be detected (e.g., each base station for each store in the shopping mall) by the mobile communication device at a given location. Thus, in various exemplary embodiments, a connection to a particular base station and / or vendor may be detected using proximity information that can more accurately grasp the location of the mobile communication device, Can be achieved under the control of an MCD application.

In one example, the entrance to the merchant premises may include an RFID detector zone (e.g., an RFID loop) that can be detected by the mobile communication device when the user enters the premises and cause the operation of the MCD application on the mobile communication device, . ≪ / RTI > The MCD application may be operable to read the SSID, password and merchant identifier from the RFID loop to connect the mobile communication device to a wireless network formed by one or more base stations. The MCD application may be configured to automatically connect to the wireless network using the SSID and password and / or automatically connect to the merchant system using the merchant identifier. Alternatively, or in the case of a first use, for example, the MCD application may optionally determine, by way of example, that the connection is enforced and the displayed button or hardware button on the mobile communication device is touched to approve the connection Or auditory prompting to the user prior to inviting them to the user.

In one example, a user is urged to place a mobile communication device on an NFC interface by means of an indication with an integrated NFC interface that stores, for example, the SSID and password, so that the MCD application on the mobile communication device can send the SSID, And operable to read the identifiers and use them to connect to wireless networks and / or vendor systems formed by one or more base stations. With regard to the example described above, the MCD application may be configured to prompt the user to automatically connect to the wireless network or to confirm authorization for the connection.

In an example suitable for a mobile communication device that is not provided with NFC or RFID technology, the user may use a so-called < RTI ID = 0.0 > readable (e. QR) code to capture an image of a barcode or QR code using a camera of the mobile communication device and to cause the MCD application to decode the barcode or QR code and generate the barcode or QR code using the SSID and the password, And may be urged to connect to the wireless network and / or the merchant system. With regard to the example described above, the MCD application may be configured to prompt the user to automatically connect to the wireless network or to confirm authorization for the connection.

Various combinations of the examples described above are provided so that the mobile communication device can be used to capture local information in the merchant's premises and enable secure access to the wireless communication network in the merchant's premises. Using one of the above mechanisms for retrieval, for example, the SSID and / or the password and / or the seller identifier and / or other information may be used to automatically activate the MCD application on the mobile communication device, And may be used to connect to wireless networks and / or vendor systems. After connection to the wireless network, the MCD application may be operable to download updates without roaming charges over a wireless connection, e.g., to update the current exchange rate from the merchant ' s local currency to the user's preferred currency provided at registration. Travelers can also tweet or "facebook" their places instantly.

During shopping, the traveler can read the RFID tag by reading his RFID tag using his or her mobile phone, using the preferred currency downloaded to the MCD application and the current currency conversion rate, and using that price as the reference rate of the TRO To the price of the preferred currency. The MCD application can also calculate the applicable refund amount if the user desires a tax refund request.

For example, a mobile communication device under control of an MCD application on a mobile communication device, or a seller system 14 connected to a system, e.g., base station 54, And send a message to the host system 20 to retrieve information for use in connection with the provision of the service. This information may include, for example, information about the user to be provided to the seller system. Alternatively, or in addition, messages may be sent to the user's mobile communication device for output to the user. The messages can be delivered to the TRO host system by, for example, a message exchange between the TRO host system and the MCD application on the mobile communication device, or via a web site provided by a SMS, MMS, or email message, or a TRO and / May be provided by exchange. The messages sent to the user may include information about the services that may be provided, e.g., steps that need to be taken to use the service, special offers, etc., or direct support for service use (e.g., Service, refund check, etc.).

There may be only one TRO in the market. However, if there are a plurality of TROs in the market, there may be a plurality of acquisition system hosts 20. The relationship between the seller and the TRO is the relationship between the seller and the acquirer (an example of using a credit / debit card). Each TRO is associated with its own merchant and is responsible for integrated software that generates POS devices and tax refund transactions.

The transaction message may be sent 105, for example, to the TRO host system 20, where further processing may be performed. The format of the transaction message between the POS and the host system 20 may take any appropriate form as long as it can be appropriated. In one example, the transaction message transmitted between the seller system 14 and the host system 20 includes a mobile communication device identifier, a receipt identifier (e.g., receipt number), a reference to the purchase item, a merchant identifier, a TRO identifier , Time and date stamps, and a secure hash (used to prevent unauthorized tampering). In addition, it can include information about travel guides, promotional codes, or any other data the TRO wants to collect.

A separate host system 20 is provided for each TRO so that commercially sensitive information can be maintained separately in that each TRO can only view transactions generated by its affiliated vendors. All of the tax refund transactions generated by the affiliate sellers can be stored in the database of the host system 20. [ The transaction record stored in the memory of the host system 20 may include, for example, a unique transaction identifier for the transaction, a token identifier (e.g., a mobile communication device identifier or a token identifier derived therefrom), a receipt identifier (e.g., A receipt number), a reference to the purchased product, a merchant identifier, and a time and date stamp. The host system 20 may assign a unique transaction identifier (e.g., unique transaction number) to the transaction such that a unique number for tracking the transaction during processing is available in the system. The transaction identifier may be returned to the seller system and printed on the purchase receipt given to the user using a visible encoding such as a plain text and / or bar code.

A web-service based interface using a message interface or switch 24, e.g., industry standard (e.g., SOAP, WCF, XML over IP), may provide an interface for formatted and / . For example, the transaction message may include a transaction identifier (e.g., transaction number), a token identifier (e.g., a mobile communication device identifier or a token identifier derived therefrom), a receipt identifier (e.g., a receipt number) A merchant identifier, a TRO identifier, a time and date stamp, and a secure hash (used to prevent unauthorized tampering). The message interface 24 may be a separate system or may be combined with a validation system (e.g., a customs approval system) 26 according to a particular implementation.

In one exemplary embodiment, the message interface 24 includes data that includes processing and storage capacity and is accessed by the host system (s) 20 and the validation system (e.g., customs approval system) 26 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > message formatting and forwarding. In yet another embodiment, however, the data may be maintained in the TRO host system and accessed by the validation system 26 via the message interface.

The validation system 26 provides an authorization system for authorizing the refund and may be operated by a third party, either by or on behalf of the customs authority. The validation system 26 may automatically approve or reject the tax refund transaction based on rules set in the system by the customs. The validation system 26 may also be manually accessed by customs personnel from customs service station 28. [

For example, a self-service validation station (also known as a validation terminal or kiosk) 22 that is connected to the host system (s) 20 via a standardized web service or via a message interface 24 It has been proposed to provide it to the departure point (for example, on the air side of the airport). This validation station 22 can be configured to invite to present a personal identifier to be read (e.g., an identity document such as a passport). The validation station 22 may include one or more input interfaces, for example, in the form of one or more of a keypad, a keyboard, a touch sensitive screen, a card reader, a scanner, a voice- One or more output interfaces in the form of one or more of a lighter, a speaker, or the like may be provided. An NFC interface 42 may be provided. The validation station 22 may also be provided with a fingerprint reading and / or camera technique for verifying biometric authentication information maintained in a machine-readable user identifier (e.g., an ID document such as a passport).

However, in order to be able to use the validation kiosk as proposed above, the user must locate and use the kiosk.

If the mobile communication device is registered with a host server for a tax refund service, automatic detection that the mobile communication device is in the vicinity of the departure point of the territory is suggested to the user using the mobile communication device And the like. In a different example, this can be accomplished in a different way.

In one example, the MCD application on mobile communication device 40 can respond to detection that the mobile communication device is connected to a mobile network cell (indicated by mobile communication antenna 52) located at or near the departure point have. The MCD application may be configured to run as a foreground job on the mobile communication device, or as a background job. In this example, the application may include a file or other record of the mobile network cell corresponding to the departure point of the territory, and in response to the recognition that the mobile network cell to which the mobile communication device is currently connected is a cell within that file, May prompt a display prompting the user to use a tax refund service. This may include, for example, displaying instructions about the location of the validation kiosk, or it may be a mobile communication device that acts as a kiosk and communicates with the validation system, for example, SMS messaging, email or web- May be used directly.

In yet another example, the MCD application of the mobile communication device 40 may respond to the recognition that the mobile network cell 52 to which the mobile communication device is currently connected is a cell in the file, and the message to the validation service 26 To cause the validation service 26 to return a message to be presented to the user regarding the use of the validation service.

In another example, the mobile communication network 50 may recognize that the mobile communication device 40 currently connected to the mobile network cell 52 at or near the departure point is a mobile communication device registered with the tax refund service And notify the host system 20 or the validation service 26 and notify the host system 20 or the validation service to the mobile communication system 20 to present to the user an invitation to use the tax refund service. Let the device send a message.

As an alternative to, or as an alternative to, using the mobile network cell 52, the mobile communication device may include a satellite position detector (e.g., a mobile communication device) of the mobile communication device 40 that indicates that the mobile communication device 40 is approaching a validation location (E.g., GPS information) detected by the GPS unit (e.g., GPS unit).

As an alternative to using the mobile network cell and / or satellite-derived location information, the mobile communication device may be configured to detect location-based wireless communication using location- (E. G., Using WiFi, Bluetooth or alternative technologies). ≪ / RTI > For example, the mobile communication device 40 may respond to detection that the WiFi base station 54 with a particular network name and / or signature is approaching the departure point. In one particular example, a WiFi hotspot operated by a TRO or customs service may be used. For example, in FIG. 2, the WiFi base station 54 is associated with a TRO refund system 56 at the TRO service desk. In this case, a validation process can be performed using a WiFi connection to the mobile communication device.

A base station 54 associated with or otherwise proximate to the TRO service desk, as described above with respect to the base station 54 in the seller's premises, may, for example, For connection, for example, to the Internet. The base station 54 is assigned a predetermined SSID and password for the TRO so that when the application on the mobile communication device 40 is within range of the base station it automatically recognizes the base station and connects to the base station and connects to the TRO host As shown in FIG.

In fact, in a manner analogous to that described above with respect to the use of a mobile communication device associated with the seller's premises, WiFi network base stations are provided in different locations in various areas of the airport so that the connection of the mobile communication device , This can be used to confirm that the user is, for example, on the land side or air side of customs, and whether he is entering / departing from the airport. As described in connection with the merchant premises, in various exemplary embodiments, a connection to a particular base station may be detected using a proximity information that can more accurately grasp the location of the mobile communication device, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > MCD < / RTI >

In one example, the movement from the land side to the air side of the airport can be detected by the mobile communication device when the user passes through the air side and the RFID detector zone (e.g., For example, an RFID loop). The MCD application may be operable to read the SSID and password from the RFID loop to connect the mobile communication device to the wireless network airside formed by the one or more base stations. The MCD application may be configured to automatically connect to the wireless network. Alternatively, or in the case of a first use, for example, the MCD application may optionally determine, by way of example, that the connection is enforced and the displayed button or hardware button on the mobile communication device is touched to approve the connection Or auditory prompting to the user prior to inviting them to the user.

In one example, the user is urged to place the mobile communication device on the NFC interface by an indication having an integrated NFC interface, for example storing the SSID and password, so that the MCD application on the mobile communication device reads the SSID and password And use them to connect to a wireless network formed by one or more base stations. With regard to the example described above, the MCD application may be configured to prompt the user to automatically connect to the wireless network or to confirm authorization for the connection.

In an example suitable for a mobile communication device that is not provided with NFC or RFID technology, the user may be able to communicate with a mobile communication device, for example, by means of a display having a visual code such as a readable barcode or SSID and a so- To capture an image of a barcode or QR code using a camera of the MCD application and the MCD application may be prompted to decode the barcode or QR code to access the wireless network formed by one or more base stations using the SSID and password. With regard to the example described above, the MCD application may be configured to prompt the user to automatically connect to the wireless network or to confirm authorization for the connection.

By providing various combinations of the above-described examples, the mobile communication device can capture the local information of the wireless network and enable secure connection to the wireless network of the airport using information available only at or near the appropriate validation point, Lt; / RTI > is at or near the validation point. The MCD application can be programmed with geotagging information that automatically recognizes the connection of the mobile communication device to a given base station at a given location as a confirmation that the location of the mobile communication device is at or near an approved validation location have. Alternatively, or additionally, in various examples given above, the MCD may be operable to read identification information that the location of the mobile communication device is an approved validation location or vicinity thereof.

The MCD application on the mobile communication device 40 may connect to the validation service to validate the transaction for the tax refund in response to a determination that the validation point is near and / or the receipt of a message in response to the determination. The MCD application enables an automated invitation to connect, an invitation to use the service, and / or an invitation to confirm acceptance of the service. Such presentation may be, for example, by visual and / or auditory messages.

The invitation may be merely an invitation to use the validation station 22, as noted above, and may not require an active response from the user.

In one example, the mobile communication device 40 may be used to replace at least a portion of the functionality of the validation station 22.

For example, the MCD application on the mobile communication device may be operable to interact with the validation service 26 to present one or more transactions for selection by a user to be processed by the service, To the validation service 26 and / or the host system 20 that identifies any transaction selected by the user to be processed by the user.

Depending on the local requirements, the user may be required to provide additional identification. This can be done using a biometric sensor of the mobile communication device 40, such as a fingerprint read by a fingerprint reader, an image photographed using a camera of the mobile communication device, if any, and then by a mobile communication device And transmitted to the validation service for comparison with the processed and / or stored records.

In one example, the validation station 22 may include a personal identifier (e.g., a passport, an identification card, a personal identification number, A driver's license, etc.) to determine the suitability of the user for tax refunds. The validation station 22 may operate to determine eligibility by reading information from the individual identifier and checking the information against an internal or external database containing information about the domestic / non-qualified user. In this case, the user may be deemed eligible if the user's nationality or status is not on the list (negative acknowledgment). Alternatively or additionally, the validation station 22 may be operable to determine eligibility by checking the information against an internal or external database containing information about the non-domestic / qualifying user. In this case, if the user's nationality or status is in the list, the user may be deemed eligible (positive acknowledgment).

As previously mentioned, the validation station 22 may also be provided with a fingerprint scanner and / or a camera so that it can use the biometric authentication information held in a machine readable identifier (e.g., an identity document such as a passport) May be used to verify the identity of the user. A discussion of such biometric authentication information can be found, for example, on the following Internet link:

http://www.highprogrammer.com/alan/numbers/mrp.html

If the user's eligibility is determined, the mobile communication device 40 and / or the validation station may be operable to send one or more validation request messages to the validation system 26, for example, via the message interface 24 have. In response to receiving the token, the validation system 26 will return all transactions eligible for export validation.

In one example, the mobile communication device 40 prompts the user to initiate validation and then sends a validation request message to the validation system 26 (e.g., via a custom interface Authorization system) to request authorization based on both the eligibility of the user with the registered mobile communication identifier and the transaction recorded in association with that user and / or mobile communication identifier.

The validation confirmation system 26 may be configured to receive all transactions from the host system 20 (e. G., From the host system 20) via its own database and / or via the message interface 24 in response to the validation request message All associated transactions), and may apply a set of rules to determine approval or rejection, as described below.

In one example, the validation system 26 automatically accepts one or more transactions based on established rules ("green channel") or automatically re-orders transactions based on rules set within the validation system 26 ("Red channel").

An authorization message (validation request response message) is automatically routed back to the appropriate host system 20 via the message interface 24 when the validation system 26 makes a decision on the transaction (accept / reject). This response can be in the form of a web service response and can maintain electronically authorized transactions (including electronic customs stamps). The host system 20 updates the existing tax return transaction record for the transaction using an authorization message (approval, rejection, change).

In an exemplary embodiment, the validation system 26 does not operate as a payment authorization host, rather the host system 20 is a system of writing.

Each host system 20 formats and sends a request message to the requester (e.g., the validation station 22 or the mobile communication device 40) indicating that the transaction has been approved for automatic payment of the "green channel ". The TRO that issued the token can be given the first position of the validation station, and the TRO transaction is displayed.

If one or more of the retrieved transactions have an approved code, the user may be given a "green channel" service for the authorized transaction, and how the refund will be paid can be queried. The "green channel" service means that no further action is required and the refund is granted. If no transactions are approved, the user is given at least a "red channel" service for these transactions (perhaps all transactions), and the user is asked to appear to the customs officer for further processing. A "red channel" service means that at least for these transactions (perhaps for all transactions) the user must appear to customs officials for further processing to obtain approval.

If the choice of refund is a payment card (e.g., a credit card), a refund may automatically be made to the registered payment card. If there is no registered payment card, the validation station 22 or the mobile communication device can be configured to specify where the refund should be made.

If the user requests a cash equivalent refund and the user has used a mobile communication device 40 or other type of token capable of storing the cash amount, the refund amount may be deposited in the token.

If red channel processing is indicated, the validation station 22 or the mobile communication device 40 may operate to urge the user to go to the customs agent, in which case the customs agent may use the mobile communication device identifier You can start. Customs personnel may be provided with an authorization station 28 that is linked to or forms part of the validation system 26. However, in other examples, the authorization station may be separate and / or remote from the validation system 26 and may communicate with the validation system 26, for example, via the message interface 24.

In response to a user selection of one or more transactions for validation processing, the mobile communication device may be operable to send a validation request message to the validation system 26, And receive a message identifying the transaction and the rejected transaction.

Customs officials can then approve or reject each transaction, or change (reduce) the price. Customs personnel may use the input device (s) of the authorization station 28 to input the results of their decision. The results of its decision are communicated by the validation system 26 to the appropriate host system 20 via the message interface 24. The host system 20 now includes a tax refund transaction with an authorization code (authorization, rejection, changed value).

The validation system 26 may be configured to operate in one or both of the two modes of operation. In one mode of operation, information about the transaction is stored in each host system 20. In a first mode of operation, the validation system 26 may be operable to retrieve transaction information from each host system 20 for validation of the refund. The result of the authorization is again communicated to the appropriate host system 20 via the message interface 24. The host system 20 now includes a tax refund transaction with an authorization code (authorization, rejection, changed value). In the second mode of operation, the validation system 26 maintains a copy of each transaction in its own database, which is associated with the associated token (mobile communication device) identifier as well as the host system identifier. In this case, the validation system 26 also passes the transaction and authorization code back to the associated host system 20. The difference between the two modes is that, in the second mode, the customs approval system maintains a copy of all data from all the host systems 20.

The mobile communication device 40 may operate to utilize messaging using any suitable technology, such as SMS messaging, e-mail or web-based services. Appropriate security protocols may be used to convey information using existing software, equipment, and processes for handling secure financial transactions known as electronic payments. Thus, a standard-based message format may be used to transmit the refund transaction. The use of standard message formats allows multiple TRO providers, ensuring that customs and tax authorities only have to deal with a single system for authorization.

By recording a transaction in the host system 20 and / or the validation system 26 using at least the transaction identifier and the purchase price, and then associating the transaction with the record of the user details linked to the mobile communication device identifier of the host system 20, The validation system 26 retrieves the refund transaction from the host system 20 of the TRO based on the mobile communication device identifier and displays a "yes / no" response to the refund request, Lt; / RTI >

In the illustrated example, communication between the host system (s) 20 and the validation system 26 may be implemented via the message interface 24. The message interface 24 may provide a dedicated network between the validation system 26 and the host system 20 for one or more TROs. The message interface may be implemented using a web service or other online or offline connection structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, an automated validation station 22 may be provided that allows automated pre-interception of the refund transaction to produce a "red channel / green channel" response without human intervention. An automated pre-blocking process may be performed, for example, using the validation station 22 at the departure point of the territory.

The validation system 22 (e.g., the validation system 26) that communicates with the validation station 22, or validation station 22, may include, for example, a "red Quot; channel "requirement may be provided. The "Red Channel" action may be that the user requires tokens, shopping receipts, passports, and purchased goods to be presented to customs officers at customs station 16 for approval.

The validation station 22 or the authorization system 26 in communication with the validation station may be provided with a set of criteria such as the country of origin of the traveler, the item price, the transaction price, the price of all transactions, the quantity of goods, Rules may be provided that define a "green channel" situation that provides automatic acknowledgment according to a logical combination. White and black lists for countries, departures, retailers, travelers, etc. can also be used.

In an exemplary embodiment, the MCD application on the mobile communication device provides the user with an interface to obtain automatic pre-blocking of the refund transaction to create a "Red Channel / Green Channel" response without human intervention, ) ≪ / RTI > The automated pre-blocking process may be enabled upon determining that the mobile communication device is close to the exit point of the territory.

A validation system (e.g., a customs approval system) 26 that communicates with a mobile communication device application, or mobile communication device 40, may include, for example, a "red channel " "Rules may be provided to define the requirements. The "Red Channel" action may be that the user requires tokens, shopping receipts, passports, and purchased goods to be presented to customs officers at customs station 16 for approval.

A validation system (e.g., a customs approval system) 26 that communicates with a mobile communication device application, or mobile communication device, may include a country of origin of the traveler, an item price, a transaction price, a price of all transactions, Quot; green channel "situation that provides automatic acknowledgment in accordance with certain criteria such as < RTI ID = 0.0 > and / or < / RTI > White and black lists for countries, departures, retailers, travelers, etc. can also be used.

2 also shows the reservation system 58 and the immigration control system 60. [ The reservation system 58 may be a travel reservation system, for example, an airline reservation system. Such airline reservation systems typically include large-scale networked computer systems including a plurality of processors (CPUs) and memory / storage device systems (MEMs). The travel reservation system 58 may monitor the traveler's travel status and update the traveler's status at various stages during the journey. For example, in a first step, the reservation system will recognize that the user has made a travel reservation and will include information identifying the user. Thus, within the reservation system, there will be a travel record that identifies the particular itinerary (e.g., a flight) taken by the user, and information identifying the user. The information identifying the user may be maintained directly in the travel record, or may include a link to the user record. In the exemplary system, the reservation system 58 is also configured to store the status of the user with respect to the use of the service, for example, a tax refund service. Information on the registration of the tax refund service can be stored in a field of, for example, an actual travel reservation record, or in a field of a separate user record linked to a travel reservation record. For example, registration for a tax refund service may be maintained as part of the loyalty program record for the airline. It is also contemplated that the traveler's record in the host system 20 may include a link to a travel reservation in the travel reservation system 58. [

By interconnecting the travel reservation system 58 and the host system 20 records (e.g., by including appropriate links to the fields of each record of the travel reservation system 58 and the host system 20) The status can be automatically used to automatically generate a message to be sent to the user and / or automatically determine when the user actually departed and provide a final authorization for a tax refund to be made.

For example, the same function may be provided using an immigration control system 60 that includes one or more processors and a record of individual travelers who include appropriate memory and enter or leave a country. This immigration control system 60 can be integrated with the travel reservation system 58 and / or the tax return host system 20 to automatically generate a message to be sent to the user and / or automatically provide a tax refund when the user leaves the territory .

In the description of FIG. 2, the reservation system 58 is linked to the host system 20 via the network 15. It should be noted, however, that the reservation system 58 may also be functionally linked to the validation system 26 in the same manner as described above. Note that, in this regard, a dashed link is shown between reservation system 58 and message interface 24 of FIG.

3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the functional components of a mobile communication device, e.g., a mobile phone, such as a smart phone.

As shown in FIG. 3, the mobile communication device 40 includes one or more processors 70, and a memory 72 for storing programs and data. An audio input and output 76 (e.g., a speaker and microphone), a photographing device (e.g., camera) 77, a vibration mechanism 78 for providing vibration notifications, a touch sensor mechanism for user input 80) - the touch sensor is over the display 74, and one or more keys 82. A wireless module 84 for wireless communication with the cellular network, an NFC module 86 for interacting with the near field communication technology, a WiFi module 88 for communicating with the WiFi base station, A Bluetooth module 90, and a GPS module 92 for locating the mobile communication device. It will be appreciated that the interaction of the various functional components shown in FIG. 3 is merely illustrated in a schematic manner and that any suitable conventional configuration of the individual components within the mobile communication device is possible. In an exemplary embodiment, the memory 72 may maintain a downloadable MCD application 75 that may be operable to control the operation of the process to perform the operations described herein.

Figures 4-7 provide a flow chart depicting an overview of exemplary operation of the system shown in Figures 1-3.

In the flow chart, it is assumed that the user has already registered with the service discussed above, has recorded the mobile communication device identifier as a token, and has downloaded the MCD application to the mobile communication device.

Fig. 4 shows an example of processing that can be performed in a store where a user makes a purchase. A seller operator may use a POS terminal that interfaces with a merchant website or a mobile communication device such as a smart phone or tablet computer as a merchant terminal to perform transactions with a user. In this example, the user interacts with the merchant system, including the web site, in order to perform the desired transaction and, if appropriate, additionally to issue a non-taxable check by the seller system or the user mobile communication device, A communication device can be used.

2, a wireless network may be provided within the premises of the merchant via one or more WiFi basestations 54 (FIG. 2), for example, as shown in FIG. 2, (E. G., Via the Internet) to the Internet, e. G., The TRO host system 20 and / or the seller system 14 for onward access.

At step 412, the MCD application on the mobile communication device may operate to establish a link with the wireless network in the premises of the seller, for example, via one of the WiFi base stations. For example, a secure connection can be established using one of the techniques described with reference to FIG. In one example, the entrance to the merchant premises includes an RFID detector zone (e.g., an RFID loop) that can be detected by the mobile communication device when the user enters the premises and causes operation of the MCD application on the mobile communication device can do. The MCD application may be operable to read the SSID and password from the RFID loop to connect the mobile communication device to a wireless network formed by one or more base stations. In one example, the user is urged to place the mobile communication device on the NFC interface by an indication having an integrated NFC interface, for example storing the SSID and password, so that the MCD application on the mobile communication device reads the SSID and password And use them to connect to a wireless network formed by one or more base stations. In an example suitable for a mobile communication device not provided with NFC or RFID technology, the user may use a camera of the mobile communication device, for example by means of a display with a so-called QR code encoding a readable barcode or SSID and password To capture an image of a barcode or QR code, and the MCD application may be prompted to decode the barcode or QR code to access the wireless network formed by one or more base stations using the SSID and password. The MCD application may be configured to automatically connect to the wireless network, or alternatively, to prompt the user to confirm the authorization for the connection. A combination of the examples described above is provided so that the mobile communication device can be used to capture local information in the merchant store and enable secure access to the wireless communication network within the merchant's premises.

At step 414, the MCD application, which may be supplied by the TRO, is operable to establish a secure connection over a wireless network to a merchant system, for example, a merchant application on the merchant terminal. The merchant application may be supplied by a TRO or may include a software interface for connection to a TRO host. The MCD application may also be operable to connect to the TRO host.

At 416, during the shopping, the traveler reads the RFID tag of the goods, for example, to determine the price of the goods, and uses the preferred currency downloaded to the MCD application and the current currency conversion rate to convert the price to the price By converting to the price of the preferred currency, you can use your mobile phone to support user selection of goods. The MCD application can also calculate the applicable refund amount if the user desires a tax refund request.

At 418, the merchant may use the merchant terminal to perform a purchase transaction for the user. The detailed information of the purchase can be retrieved by the seller system using any conventional technology, for example, when the seller scans the barcode and the seller system retrieves the details of the purchase from the store of the seller system associated with the barcode, For example, it can be captured by inputting a product using a web-based product selection page. Indeed, in an exemplary implementation, selection of product details may be performed using a web site. The seller may use the seller terminal to initiate or settle the payment for the goods. If payment is made by cash or check, the seller may record this on the payment terminal. Payment by credit card may be made using a conventional payment terminal associated with the merchant terminal. Alternatively, the merchant application on the merchant terminal may be operable to interface with the MCD application on the mobile communication device to convey details of the payment to be performed. In one example, the MCD application can then operate to urge the user to enforce payment as a web-based payment transaction, for example, via a merchant website using a mobile communication device. The user may use the stored credit card information to perform the payment, for example, during the registration process, or at some later time, with the preferred currency recorded. The payment terminal will search for the most recent currency conversion and convert it to the preferred currency for payment authentication. The merchant application on the seller terminal monitors the seller website for successful completion of the payment transaction and records the completion of the payment transaction. During a payment transaction, the MCD application and the merchant application may communicate via a wireless connection (e.g., a WiFi connection).

At 420, the merchant terminal application or MCD application may prompt the user to indicate whether a tax refund transaction is also required.

If the user selects a tax refund transaction using the mobile communication device, at 422, the MCD application may be operable to provide information to the merchant to establish a user's eligibility to receive the tax refund service. The MCD application may include information identifying the user and may include a user identifier recorded on the TRO host. The MCD application may include, for example, secure stored information for identifying a user who may include a passport number and / or biometric identification information (e.g., photographs) for user identification. In one example, this information may be displayed on the mobile communication device and / or the seller terminal, along with identification information, e.g., security code processed by the merchant application as well as the MCD application to confirm the authentication. In the case of the first use, the seller may be asked to further confirm that the passport number and photo correspond to the passport or passport number and picture on the identity document. After the confirmation of the case of the first use, the passport number and the photograph on the mobile communication device can be identified as confirmed, so that this information can be used in place of the passport to confirm the identity of the owner of the mobile communication device in future use .

Instead of storing the information for identifying the user in the mobile communication device, this can be maintained in the user record only in the TRO host system 20 and supplied to the seller terminal from the host system 20. [ If the user is eligible for service, the merchant application on the seller terminal and / or the MCD application on the mobile communication device may be operable to send a transaction message to the host system 20. [ The transaction message may include a receipt identifier (e.g., a receipt number), a price of the purchased item, and a mobile communication device identifier. Additional information may also be included in the message, such as, for example, details of the purchase item.

The host system 20 may be operable to assign a transaction identifier (e.g., a transaction number or string) to the transaction and to generate a transaction record including a transaction identifier, a receipt identifier, a purchase price, and a mobile communication device identifier . Additional information may also be included in the transaction record, such as, for example, the details of the purchase item.

That is, the exemplary transaction record entry maintained at the host system may include the following fields, some or all of which may be filled in response to the steps described above:

Transaction identifier;

Receipt identifier;

Purchase price;

Token identifier;

Registration flag;

Product details;

Details of traveler;

Target of payment.

At 426, the host system 20 also includes a transaction containing a transaction identifier that may be printed on the purchase receipt printed by the seller system 14 or that may be provided electronically to the mobile communication device via a wireless connection And return a response message. Processing then ends at 428.

Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example of operation of the system described with reference to Figures 1-3 as the user approaches the departure point of the territory.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system may automatically operate 512 to determine that the mobile communication device is near a border or customs validation point. This automatic determination of the location of the mobile communication device may be accomplished in a variety of ways as described above.

In one example, the interaction of the mobile communication device 40 and the cellular telephone network to which the mobile communication device is connected may be used to determine the location of the mobile communication device 40. [ Thus, for example, the mobile network 50 or mobile communication device 40 may operate to determine that the mobile communication device 40 is in a mobile communication cell associated with a border or customs validation point. This is indicated by mobile network antenna 52 in FIG. This determination is based on the fact that the mobile network is configured to store the identity of the mobile communication device 40 in a record that indicates that the mobile communication device 40 is maintained in the memory MEM in the mobile communication network system 50 and that the mobile communication device 40 is registered with the tax refund service ≪ / RTI > The mobile communication network system 50 may then operate to send a message to the validation system 26 (or host system 20), and the recipient then invites the user to use the tax refund service And send (514) the solicitation message to the mobile communication device 40. As an alternative to communicating with the validation system 26 or the host system 20 after the mobile network system 50 has recognized the presence of the mobile communication device 40, The identity of the communication network cell may be determined by comparing the identity of the cell identity with the cell identity list maintained as data for the application on the mobile communication device 40, such as border or customs validity associated with a border or customs validation point It can be recognized that it is a cell near the confirmation point. The mobile communication device 40 may then act to communicate directly with the validation system 26 or the host system 20 or directly to provide a message to the user solely to utilize the tax return service.

The invitation may take the form of a simple query that invites the user to respond, or it may take the form of more detailed guidance on the steps to be taken to obtain a tax refund. This may include, for example, the location of the validation station within the border or customs validation point, the location of the tax return operator service desk, the location of the customs desk, and so on.

This solicitation message need not necessarily require a response from the user, especially if the message provides the type of guidance just described. However, if the solicitation message requires a response and a response is received by the originator (i. E., Validation system 26 or host system 20) at 516, then at 518 the response indicates that the user denies the service The process is aborted at 520. < RTI ID = 0.0 >

Alternatively, at 518, if the user requests to continue with the tax refund service, at step 522, the validation process may proceed as described with reference to FIG.

6 illustrates an example of an operation that provides validation of a purchase when a mobile communication device connects to a validation service over a wireless communication network.

At step 612, the mobile communication device is operable to connect to the wireless communication network, for example, via a WiFi base station. As described above, the connection of the mobile communication device to the WiFi network base station of a particular part of the airport may provide a way to verify that the user is in the validation location. In one exemplary embodiment, a connection to a particular base station is accomplished under the control of an MCD application that can detect a specific location using proximity information that can locate the mobile communication device and enable automatic access to the appropriate base station . As described above, this can be accomplished by detecting an RFID detector zone where the mobile communication device causes operation of the MCD application on the mobile communication device. The MCD application may be operable to read the SSID and password from the RFID loop to connect the mobile communication device to the wireless network airside formed by the one or more base stations. The user is urged to place the mobile communication device in the NFC interface by, for example, an indication with an integrated NFC interface storing the SSID and password so that the MCD application on the mobile communication device can read the SSID and password and use them And to connect to the wireless network formed by the base station. The user captures an image of a bar code or QR code using a camera of the mobile communication device, for example, by a display having a readable bar code or SSR and a so-called QR code in which a password is encoded, Or to decode the QR code and access the wireless network formed by one or more base stations using the SSID and password. The MCD application may be configured to automatically connect to the wireless network, or to prompt the user to confirm the authorization for the connection. By providing various combinations of these examples, the mobile communication device can capture the local information of the wireless network and enable secure access to the airport's wireless network using information available only at or near the appropriate validation point, Validation point or in the vicinity thereof. The connection of the mobile communication device to a given base station at a given location may itself determine that the location of the mobile communication device is at or near an approved validation location.

At 614, the MCD application may operate to access the validation service using information held in the MCD application and / or information read with the SSID and password for the base station.

At 616, the validation system 26 may be operable to retrieve a purchase transaction using the mobile communication device identifier from a location where transaction records are stored (e.g., in the host system 20 or message interface 24) And may apply rules established to determine approval or rejection, as described above. That is, the validation system 26 automatically accepts one or more transactions based on the established rules ("green channel"), automatically rejects the transactions based on the rules set in the validation system 26 described above ("Red channel"). In the example shown in Figure 6, the retrieved purchase information is sent to the mobile communication device and may be displayed to the user with the refund status.

At 618, the user may optionally choose to purchase for validation using an application on the mobile communication device 40, which may be transmitted from the mobile communication device 40 to the validation system 26 .

At 620, the validation system 26 automatically acknowledges one or more transactions based on the established rules ("Green Channel"), automatically (based on the rules set in the validation system 26 described above) ("Red channel").

At 622, the status of the purchase may be returned to the mobile communication device for display to the user with the refund status.

Steps 618 through 622 may be repeated at 624 as required by the user until a determination is made that the user desires to proceed with the refund processing.

At 624, it is determined that the user wishes to continue processing the refund, and if all purchases are green channel conditions, the refund may be processed at 626 without further action from the user. Alternatively, if at least some of the purchases are in the red channel state, the user may be provided with a message on the MCD indicating steps to be taken.

Fig. 7 shows an operation that may be formed on a mobile communication device as part of the process described with respect to Fig.

For example, at 712, the mobile communication device will receive the aforementioned solicitation message. In the current example shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the solicitation message invites the user to respond to indicate whether or not the user desires to use the tax refund system. At 714, the mobile communication device responds to user input at the mobile communication device. At 716, if the user declines the use of the tax refund service, processing is discontinued at 718.

Alternatively, if the user response at 714 is to determine the use of the tax return service (716), then at 720, the mobile communication device will receive the status message referred to above with respect to FIG. At 722, the user may be invited to enter a selection of one or more purchases to be processed for tax refund. That is, rather than providing tax refunds for all purchases, the user can select one or more of the purchases. In this regard, the mobile communication device may operate in response to a status message to centrally record in the central store and display all purchase transactions retrieved therefrom to a user so that the user can select one or more of these transactions. At 724, the response from the mobile communication device is sent to the validation system 26.

The conditions that may result in granting automatic approval may depend on predefined rules that may vary according to various legal and regulatory requirements.

For example, a typical requirement is that a buyer of a good must be the one to whom the good is to be exported. Thus, for example, in situations where the user is not qualified at the time of purchase as a result of the user not being registered, embodiments of the present invention allow this to be ascertained from the transaction records maintained in the system. In such a case, the system may operate to indicate red channel processing (i.e., non-automatic processing for the user). In the current example, confirmation of eligibility and / or registration at the time of transaction can be confirmed from the status of the "registration" flag in the transaction record. As also described above, optionally, in accordance with local requirements, the "registration" flag for the transaction may be reset, for example, at the time of purchase, if it is determined that registration has not been completed.

While in the current example the "registration" flag is being used as a means of tracking confirmation of eligibility, in other examples tracking of eligibility may be accomplished by date stamping, and by comparing the timing of the eligibility record with the purchase transaction time .

Other factors such as purchased commodity price, type of transaction, transaction pattern, user's nationality, etc. may affect the availability of automatic approval. In addition, non-automatic processing may be required as a statistical basis as part of the sampling process.

Thus, non-automatic processing (red channel processing) can be determined when a locally determined requirement for automatic processing is determined to be unsatisfactory and / or statistical sample processing is required. Thus, the exemplary system provides increased flexibility of operation while still providing secure and verifiable operations.

As mentioned above, rules may be provided to determine approval or rejection (green or red channel status). This rule can be implemented, for example, by providing a score for different parameters, whereby the validation system 26 or mobile communication device 40 can then use the score to determine whether the resulting score is a green channel response Or within the range for the red channel response. For example, travelers may be assigned different scores based on their home country, and different scores may be assigned to different classes of merchandise and / or different purchases. These scores may be stored in the validation system 26 and / or storage for applications running on the mobile communication device 40. [ The score may be stored, for example, in one or more lookup tables, or in any other suitable manner, and the lookup table is accessed by code associated with various parameters. The lookup table may include a plurality of entries, one for each parameter, the first field identifying the parameter (e.g., a code or string representing the parameter) and the second field including the score associated therewith.

The program code, each operating on one or more processors of the validation system 26 or the mobile communication device 40, may be operable to access the appropriate look-up table (s) to retrieve scores associated with each parameter. The program code may be operable to determine one or more resultant scores by mathematically combining the individual scores retrieved for relevant parameters for the refund request. For example, the total result score may be derived from the score based on the nationality plus the score based on the type of item and the score for the amount of item for each item requesting a refund. In this simple example, scores for related parameters are added together to form a resulting score, but other mathematical operators (e.g., multiplication) may be used to determine one or more resulting scores. The total resultant score and / or one or more resultant scores for each item or group of items are compared to a range of stored values representing a green channel and a red channel response to determine if the resulting score (s) is within each range. As a result, the determination of the green or red channel response can be made with respect to all items, individual items or a group of items, if necessary.

In the exemplary system described above, transaction records are maintained in the host system (s) 20, which are stored in the validation system 26 and / or transaction station (s) 22 or customs station (s) . However, in another example, transaction records may alternatively or additionally be maintained in the message interface, where the message interface is configured as a central server system.

Also, while the automated validation station 22 is shown in addition to the customs station 16 in the described example, the customs station 16 may be provided with the functionality of the validation station 22 and / Or a separate validation station 22 may be substituted. When the customs station 16 forms an example of the validation station 22, the entry of user information may be performed by the user or, if appropriate, by customs personnel.

An embodiment may be implemented in a mobile communication device application in the form of a computer program product for operating one or more processors. 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, magnetic, optical, magneto-optical or other storage medium. The carrier medium may be a transmission medium such as a broadcast, telephone, computer network, wired, wireless, electrical, electromagnetic, optical or any other transmission medium.

Determining whether the mobile communication device identifier is associated with a registration for the service in response to the mobile communication device identifier for the user's mobile communication device and, if the mobile communication device identifier is registered with the service, A system and method for providing a service, e.g., a tax refund service, including a device for determining predetermined user information associated with an identifier has been described.

The device may be interfaced to a remote server that includes a storage device that provides an association between information derived from the mobile communication device identifier and predetermined user information. The device may be configured to query the remote server using information derived from the mobile communication device identifier of the mobile communication device. The device may be configured to receive information derived from predetermined user information associated with information derived from the mobile communication device identifier read from the mobile communication device from a remote server. If the mobile communication device identifier is not registered with the service, the device enables operator input of predetermined user information for the user and, prior to the provision of the service, the information derived from the entered user information and the mobile communication device identifier May be configured to cause association with the derived information.

The device may be configured to transmit information derived from the mobile communication device identifier of the mobile communication device and the entered user information to a remote server for storage. The device may include a mobile communication device reader operable to read a mobile communication device identifier from the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device reader may include an NFC interface. The mobile communication device may be a mobile phone. The user information may include information identifying the user's nationality, for example, the country and number of the passport or other identity provider. The device or a separate device, e.g., a mobile communication device, is operable to transmit detailed information of a transaction associated with the mobile communication device identifier to a remote system, e.g., a host system or a validation system. The detailed information of the transaction can be transmitted, for example, via the mobile telephone system. The mobile communication device may be operable to receive an invitation message to invite the user to answer the invitation message using the mobile communication device to receive the service. If the user responds to this solicitation message using the mobile communication device, the mobile communication device may be operable to receive a status message confirming to the user whether the service is to be automatically approved or additional steps are required for approval have.

The system may determine, for example, the GPS coordinate information captured by the mobile communication device, the determination of the cell to which the mobile communication device is connected, the determination by the user at the border or customs validation point that information is to be input to the mobile communication device One or more of which may be operable to determine proximity of the mobile communication device to a border or customs validation point. The mobile communication device may, for example, receive an invitation message and / or a status message in response to determining the proximity of the mobile communication device to a border or customs validation point. The mobile communication device may be operable to present a plurality of transactions for selection by the user for processing by the service. The messaging may be provided using, for example, SMS and / or e-mail. A portion of the provision of the service may include issuing a tax refund check using, for example, a mobile communication device.

A computer implemented system of service provisioning, comprising automatically initiating at least one service activity for a service in response to determining that the mobile communication device registered for the service is close to a validation location for the service, and Method.

The determination that the mobile communication device is close to the validation location includes a determination that the cell to which the mobile communication device is connected is a cell that is close to the validation location. For example, the mobile communication device may determine that the cell to which the mobile communication device is connected is a cell close to the validation location. Alternatively, it may be performed by a mobile communication network system, wherein the mobile communication network system is configured to recognize the mobile communication device as registered for the service. The determination that the mobile communication device is close to the validation location may utilize the satellite-derived location information detected by the mobile communication device indicating that the mobile communication device is close to the validation location. The determination that the mobile communication device is proximate to the validation location may be determined using a location based wireless connection service detected by the mobile communication device (e.g., provided by a WiFi base station) indicating that the mobile communication device is approaching the validation location ≪ / RTI > The determination that the mobile communication device is close to the validation location may be determined by at least one of the mobile communication device or the host server that the information entered by the user into the mobile communication device corresponds to the information presented to the user of the mobile communication device at the validation location And may include confirmation.

The service action automatically presents to the user one or more mobile communication devices in an attempt to use the service in response to the received message and the mobile communication device automatically provides information to the user about how to use the service, And presenting a validation status of the transaction to the user. Before a determination is made that the mobile communication device is close to a validation location for the service, the mobile communication device may be operable to present to the user an invitation to use the service, and the user input to the mobile communication device to accept the service And sends a confirmation message to the host server to confirm the acceptance of the service. The mobile communication device may be operable to present one or more transactions for selection by the user to be processed by the service before the determination that the mobile communication device is close to the validation location for the service, And transmits a message identifying any transaction selected by the user to be processed by the service in response to user input to the mobile communication device. The service action may include presenting a recommendation to the user to confirm acceptance of the service, sending a confirmation message to the host server to confirm acceptance of the service in response to user input to the mobile communication device that the mobile communication device is accepting the service , Presenting one or more transactions for selection by a user to be processed by the service by the mobile communication device, providing the mobile communication device with at least one transaction selected by the user to be used by the service in response to the user input to the mobile communication device And sending a message identifying the transaction. The message may be implemented using SMS or e-mail. The mobile communication device may be a mobile phone. The service may be a tax refund service.

One or more records corresponding to purchase transactions may be used to present one or more transactions to the user. One or more records may be maintained on the mobile communication device. One or more records may be maintained at the server and provided to the mobile communication device in a message from the server in response to determining that the mobile communication device is proximate to the validation location. The mobile communication device may be operable to receive a status message that confirms to the user whether any transactions selected by the user to be processed by the tax refund service will be automatically approved or additional steps will be required for approval. Validation points may be border or customs validation points. The system automatically validates whether the transaction registered in the tax refund service is eligible for a refund and sends a message to the mobile communication device to cause the mobile communication device to inform the user that the tax refund service will be automatically approved for one or more transactions, And / or to indicate whether additional steps are required to obtain approval for one or more transactions. The record corresponding to the purchase transaction registered in the tax refund service can be used for automatic qualification of the refund.

There is described a mobile communication device comprising means for outputting information to a user, means for receiving user input, wireless communication means for communicating with a communication network system, storage means and processing means, Wherein the mobile communication device is configured to communicate an invitation to the user to use the service in response to determining that the mobile communication device is proximate to a validation location for the service, . A computer system that provides automated validation of a tax refund request for one or more services validates that the transaction registered in the tax refund service is eligible for a refund and provides a means for validating the transaction to the mobile communication device registered with the host server for the tax refund service A validation status message may be sent to automatically cause the mobile device to display to the user whether the tax refund service is automatically approved for one or more transactions and / or additional steps are required for one or more transactions.

A system and method for automated processing of tax refunds has been further described, comprising a first database in which traveler's records registered in a tax refund service are stored, a second database in which the travel status for the traveler is stored; And a computer server operable to initiate a service action on a tax refund service for a traveler registered with the tax refund service in response to detecting a traveler's travel status indicating that the traveler is preparing to leave the territory.

The second database may be a travel reservation database of the travel reservation system, the travel reservation record in the travel reservation database is maintained in the travel state for the traveler, and the travel reservation record is linked to the traveler record in the first database. The second database may be an immigration control database of the immigration control system, a travel status record of the immigration control database is maintained in the travel status record, and a travel status record is linked to the traveler record of the first database. Initiating a service action involves automatic transmission of a warning message to a traveler's mobile communication device, which is identified by a travel record for the traveler. The warning message may be automatically sent to the traveler's mobile communication device in response to a change in the traveler's status maintained in the second database indicating that the user is preparing to leave the territory. The warning message may, for example, provide information about the steps taken by the user to enforce validation of the purchase transaction for the tax refund service.

A record in the second database may include a reference to a record in the first database. A record in the first database may include a reference to a record in the second database. An automatic response to receipt of a tax refund request for one or more purchase transactions by the traveler can be provided by determining the traveler's travel status from the second database, and in response to the traveler's determined travel status, An action may be initiated. A traveler's travel status indicating that the traveler is preparing to leave the territory may be, for example, a check-in; Check-in at a station, port or airport; Cargo check-in; on board; It may be one or more of the departures.

A tax refund system (e.g., a host system or validation system) may operate to query the travel system to determine the traveler's status. A tax refund system (e.g., a host system or validation system) may operate to receive automated updates from the travel system in response to changes in the traveler's travel status. The tax refund system (e.g., host system or validation system) may operate to check whether the identity of the registered traveler corresponds to the identity of the traveler for the travel reservation. The at least one transaction record may identify one or more purchases registered in the non-tax refund for the traveler. The service action may include automatic initiation of the validation process for one or more purchases of the traveler. The service action may include automatically indicating to the user whether the one or more purchases of the traveler are eligible for automatic refund on departure, or whether additional steps are required to obtain the refund. An additional step for the refund may include presenting the goods to be exported to the customs desk. The service action may include causing the traveler to be reimbursed for the validated purchase for the refund in response to a predefined change in the traveler's travel reservation status. The predefined changes in the travel reservation status include: check-in; Check-in at a station, port, or airport; Cargo check-in; on board; And may include a change in the travel reservation state for one or more of the departures.

In the foregoing description, an application provided to a mobile communication device has been referred to. Such an application may be configured to run as a foreground and / or background task of the mobile communication device, depending on the capabilities of the mobile communication device. Such an application may be configured to employ the various processes described above. In one example, the mobile communication device application may be operable to provide the user with the above-described location processing and to provide information to the user, and the tax return service itself may be provided to the infrastructure described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 For example, all user records and transaction records, stored electronic tax refund checks, etc. may be provided to the storage device as part of its infrastructure, e.g., TRO host system 20 and / or message interface 24, And the validation process is performed by the validation system 26 via the validation station 22. In another example, the mobile communication device may be used to support even more tax refund services, and the tax refund service itself is provided by the infrastructure described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, for example, , Transaction records and / or electronic tax refund checks, etc., are maintained in the storage of the mobile communication device and are managed by the application of the mobile communication device, and the validation process is performed by a validation system 26).

An application on the mobile communication device may be used to determine the location of the mobile communication device using one or more of a combination of GPS, mobile network cell location and wireless base station location information. In these and other examples having different distribution tasks as part of the refund process, the user records, transaction records and stored electronic tax refund checks may be linked using the mobile communication device identifier or another identifier associated therewith, Various steps of refund processing can be tracked by the system as a whole.

While the foregoing embodiments have been described in detail, numerous modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above teachings are fully understood. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include all such modifications and equivalents, and their equivalents.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS 1. A method of providing location-based services using a mobile communication device registered with the service,
Reading, at a given location, information provided at the location to connect the mobile communication device to the wireless network via a base station at the location, by at least one application of the mobile communication device;
Causing the application to cause the mobile communication device to be connected to the wireless network at the location; And
Connecting the application to a remote system providing the service through which the mobile communication device is registered, through the wireless network and the base station, to retrieve information for use in connection with the provision of the service
Lt; / RTI >
The remote system comprising a storage device for providing an association between information derived from the mobile communication device identifier and predetermined user information,
Wherein the service is a tax refund service, the method comprising:
Providing information to the host system to record refund transactions associated with the mobile communication device if the information provided at the location comprises a merchant identifier; And
When the information provided at the location includes an identifier indicating that the base station of the wireless network is in a validation location for validating transactions for tax refund, the application is used to validate the tax refund Step
≪ / RTI > The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the step of reading information at the predetermined location comprises detecting an SSID and a password for connecting the mobile communication device to the wireless network from the RFID device using the RFID reader of the mobile communication device through the base station at the location Methods of inclusion. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the RFID device is an NFC device and the RFID reader comprises an NFC reader. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein reading the information at the predetermined location further comprises: obtaining from the visual code using an imaging device of the mobile communication device an SSID and password for connecting the mobile communication device to the wireless network via the base station at the location ≪ / RTI > 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Wherein the system further comprises the host system in which the mobile communication device is registered. 6. The method of claim 5,
Using the application to detect purchase items, and identifying at least one of a price in a first currency, a price in a second selected currency, and a tax refund value for the user. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Further comprising the step of detecting the merchant identifier for connecting the application to a system providing the service in which the mobile communication device is registered,
Wherein the system is a merchant's seller system that provides at least a portion of the service. 8. The method of claim 7,
And performing a purchase transaction using the application in response to information received from the merchant system. A computer-readable medium having recorded thereon an application for a mobile communication device registered with a location-based service using a mobile communication device,
The application is program code operable to perform the steps of any one of claims 1 to 4. 13. A mobile communication device comprising a memory in which the application of claim 9 is stored. 11. The method of claim 10,
An RFID interface or an NFC interface. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the mobile communication device is a mobile telephone. delete delete delete delete delete delete

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