WO2011026510A1 - A method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system - Google Patents
A method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2011026510A1 WO2011026510A1 PCT/EP2009/061294 EP2009061294W WO2011026510A1 WO 2011026510 A1 WO2011026510 A1 WO 2011026510A1 EP 2009061294 W EP2009061294 W EP 2009061294W WO 2011026510 A1 WO2011026510 A1 WO 2011026510A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- tourist
- record
- data
- epos
- data record
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q30/00—Commerce
Definitions
- One way in which the tourist may provide the relevant information to the transaction server is by entering information in the ePOS and having that information transmitted to the transaction server.
- First of all, in the present method there is no way for the ePOS operator to determine the information relating to the tourist stored in transaction server memory and the same information may be entered by the tourist for each transaction thereby duplicating the efforts of the tourist unnecessarily. Furthermore, there is no way at present of indicating what information is still required in order to provide sufficient information to the authorities. It is envisaged that one way of overcoming this problem would be to transmit the record relating to the tourist in transaction server memory to the ePOS and allow the tourist to complete the record on the ePOS.
- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a computerised system in which the method according to the present invention is performed;
- Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an ePOS visual display with a temporary tourist data record displayed thereon;
- Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of an ePOS visual display with another temporary tourist data record displayed thereon;
- Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a tourist data record corresponding to the temporary tourist record shown in Figure 2.
- FIG. 3 of the drawings there is shown another temporary tourist data record shown on a visual display unit, where like part have been given the same reference numeral as before.
- the tourist is visiting the United Kingdom and has previously provided their name, address and passport number to the transaction server.
- the temporary tourist data record further comprises a passport country of issue field 33 which is required in the United Kingdom.
- the transaction server will have determined the location of the ePOS and having identified that the tourist is in the United Kingdom, the transaction server will generate a temporary tourist data record with the five fields necessary for obtaining a refund of duty paid in the United Kingdom.
Landscapes
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
Abstract
This invention relates to a method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system. Computerised systems that handle records for tax refund transactions typically handle vast amounts of data and handle a large number of communications. The present invention is aimed at minimising the communication overhead in such systems by requesting the bare minimum amount of information from the user based on the jurisdiction in which the transaction is taking place. Furthermore, the record relating to the individual is kept to the smallest size possible to satisfy the requirements of obtaining a refund in a particular jurisdiction. The data is stored in a number of databases and the records sent are based on the requirements of a jurisdiction only populated with data relating to the user relevant for that jurisdiction. The data is taken from a record stored in a second database. The advantage of such a method is that the amount of data transmitted is reduced to the bare minimum.
Description
"A method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system" Introduction This invention relates to a method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system comprising a transaction server and a plurality of ePos terminals in communication with the transaction server over a data communication network.
Various methods and systems have been proposed to facilitate tourists in reclaiming duty paid by them on certain goods and services purchased when abroad. One such method and system is that described in the applicants own PCT patent application No.PCT/EP2006/067771 entitled "A method and system for processing transactions". PCT/EP2006/067771 discloses a method in which the tourists are provided with a unique identifier and in which details relating to the tourist are stored in a transaction server memory. A record of each of the purchases made by the tourist is stored in the transaction server memory along with the unique identifier. When it is time to have the purchases approved by an authorised individual, an aggregated record of all purchases made by the tourist along with tourist information may be retrieved from the transaction server memory using the unique identifier. The aggregated record may then be inspected by the authorised individual. There are numerous advantages to the tourist, the retailer and the authorities.
The entire disclosure of PCT patent application No.PCT/EP2006/067771 and in particular the disclosure in connection with the methods of provision of a unique identifier to a tourist, the creation and storage of a record associated with the tourist having that unique identifier in transaction server memory and the subsequent use of the unique identifier and record in retrieving a refund of duty are incorporated herein by way of reference. One of the most important aspects of PCT/EP2006/067771 is the manner in which data relating to a tourist may be obtained and stored in the transaction server memory. This data may be used to simplify and speed up the subsequent process of obtaining a duty refund by having all or some of the information required by customs stored in transaction server memory for use in generating the aggregated form. One way in which the tourist
may provide the relevant information to the transaction server is by entering information in the ePOS and having that information transmitted to the transaction server. There are problems however with this method. First of all, in the present method, there is no way for the ePOS operator to determine the information relating to the tourist stored in transaction server memory and the same information may be entered by the tourist for each transaction thereby duplicating the efforts of the tourist unnecessarily. Furthermore, there is no way at present of indicating what information is still required in order to provide sufficient information to the authorities. It is envisaged that one way of overcoming this problem would be to transmit the record relating to the tourist in transaction server memory to the ePOS and allow the tourist to complete the record on the ePOS. However, this would require a significant amount of bandwidth to transmit the record relating to the individual to the ePOS each time the tourist made a purchase. Due to the very large number of qualifying purchases made each and every day, this is a significant problem and can represent a significant expense and overhead to the operator of such a system.
It is an object therefore of the present invention to provide a method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system that overcomes at least some of the difficulties in the known methods.
Statements of invention
According to the invention there is provided a method of generating a tourist data record in a computerised system comprising a transaction server and a plurality of ePos terminals in communication with the transaction server over a data communication network, the method comprising the steps of: the transaction server receiving a communication containing ePOS sender data and a unique identifier associated with a tourist from one of the ePos terminals over the data communication network;
the transaction server extracting the ePOS sender data from the communication and thereafter analysing the ePOS sender data to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located; retrieving from a first database a jurisdiction-dependent temporary tourist data record containing a plurality of required tourist record fields for the jurisdiction in which the ePos is located; retrieving from a second database a tourist data record associated with that unique identifier, the tourist data record containing a plurality of record fields; comparing the plurality of required tourist record fields in the temporary tourist data record with the record fields in the tourist data record; populating the required tourist record fields of the temporary tourist data record with data from the corresponding record fields contained in the tourist data record; transmitting the populated temporary tourist data record to the ePos over the data communication network; receiving the returned temporary tourist data record back from the ePos over the data communication network; and comparing the data in the required tourist record fields of the returned temporary tourist data record with the content of the record fields of the tourist data record and updating the tourist data record's fields with any new data from the temporary tourist record's fields and thereafter storing the updated tourist data record in the second database.
By having such a method, there is a significant bandwidth saving as unnecessary information is not transmitted to and from the transaction server and the ePOS. A temporary tourist data record is generated only containing fields relating to the data required for duty refund clearance in the jurisdiction in which the purchase is being
made. The jurisdiction in which the purchase is being made is identified by the transaction server before the temporary tourist data record is generated thereby obviating the need for human intervention. Any data that is already stored in a tourist data record for the tourist is also transmitted to the ePOS so that it is clear what information has already been provided and the information that is still outstanding. In this way, further information may be provided or information previously provided may be confirmed or amended. In this way, the required information may be gathered using relatively little bandwidth. In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which subsequent to the initial comparison of the required tourist record fields in the temporary tourist data record with the record fields in the tourist record, the method further comprises the steps of: determining whether there is an equivalent record field in the tourist data record for each required tourist record field and on determining that there is no equivalent record field in the tourist data record for one of the required tourist record fields; retrieving from a third database, record field coding data for a record field corresponding to the missing required tourist record field and inserting that record field coding data into a program code of the tourist data record thereby updating the tourist data record. This is seen as a particularly advantageous aspect of the present invention. By having such a method, the size of the tourist data record will not have to be uniform and contain a number of fields that are irrelevant to a tourist and the size of the record will only be large enough to contain all of the information for authorisation of their purchases in the jurisdiction(s) in which the tourist has made their purchase(es) and perhaps also for the recharging or refunding of the customer to be effected. Therefore, a considerable amount of memory will be saved in the transaction server.
ln one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the method comprises the initial step of storing field coding data for each record field of each jurisdiction in the third database. In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the transaction server extracts an ePos identifier from the ePOS sender data and thereafter accesses a memory table containing ePos identifiers together with the jurisdiction in which each of the ePos terminals relating to the ePos identifiers are located in order to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located.
In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the transaction server extracts an ePOS jurisdictional identifier from the ePOS sender data and analyses the ePOS jurisdictional identifier to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the transaction server extracts an ePOS sending address from the ePOS sender data and analyses the sending address to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located. In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the sending address is an IP address. In such a case, the IP address will not be obscured by a proxy server or anonymizer.
In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the sending address is a dial up telephone number.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the method comprises the initial steps of a tourist registering with the transaction server and the transaction server issuing a unique identifier to the tourist.
In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the step of the tourist registering with the transaction server further comprises the tourist providing personal details to the transaction server sufficient to identify the tourist and the
transaction server storing those personal details in a tourist data record in the second database.
In another embodiment of the invention there is provided a method in which the step of retrieving a jurisdiction-dependent temporary tourist data record comprises the steps of retrieving from the first database a list of required tourist record fields for the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located and thereafter generating the jurisdiction dependent temporary tourist data record. In this way, the temporary tourist data records may be generated from a list of required tourist fields rather than having specific temporary tourist data records stored in memory. It is envisaged that this will reduce the memory overhead further and will provide a more flexible system that will enable changes in individual jurisdiction requirements to be implemented in a very simple and effective manner. In one embodiment of the invention the method comprises the intermediate step of compressing one of the populated tourist data record and the returned temporary tourist data record.
In another embodiment of the invention the method comprises the intermediate step of encrypting one of the populated tourist data record and the returned temporary tourist data record.
In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a computer program with computer program means for causing a computer to execute the steps of the method according to claim 1 when the computer program is executed on a computer.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a computerised system in which the method according to the present invention is performed;
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of an ePOS visual display with a temporary tourist data record displayed thereon; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of an ePOS visual display with another temporary tourist data record displayed thereon; and
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a tourist data record corresponding to the temporary tourist record shown in Figure 2.
Referring now to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 thereof, there is shown a computerised system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 , comprising a transaction server 3 and a plurality of electronic point of sale (ePOS) terminals 5 in communication with the transaction server 3 over a communication network 7. The computerised system further comprises a first database 9 having a plurality of jurisdiction-dependent temporary tourist data records (not shown) stored thereon, a second database 11 having a plurality of tourist data records (not shown) stored thereon and a third database 13 having record field coding data (not shown) stored thereon. The computerised system 1 further comprises a remote personal computer (PC) 15 having access to the transaction server 3 over the communication network 7 and a printer 17 connected to the PC 15. The plurality of ePOS terminals each further comprise a visual display 19 and an alphanumeric keypad 21 to permit insertion of data into the ePOS for onward transmission to the transaction server 3. The plurality of ePOS terminals 5 will be located remote from the transaction server and remote from each other. It is envisaged that one of the ePOS terminals may be located in one jurisdiction and the other ePOS terminals may be located in a different jurisdiction to the first ePOS terminal. Indeed, each of the ePOS terminals could be located in a different jurisdiction from the others. Furthermore, the PC 15 is located remote from the transaction server and may be in a separate jurisdiction. The transaction server is shown connected to the first database 9, the second database 11 and the third database 13 but it will be understood that the databases 9, 11 and 13 could be located remote from the transaction server in a location separate from the transaction server or in another jurisdiction to the transaction server and indeed the databases 9, 11, 13 could be located
in separate jurisdictions from each other. Alternatively, the databases 9, 11 , 13 could all be implemented on a single machine and accessed by the transaction server.
In use, an individual (not shown) is provided with a unique identifier. The unique identifier may be in the form of an alphanumeric code or other unique identifier that is particular to the individual. The tourist may be provided with the unique identifier prior to or during their first purchase of goods. A tourist data record related to the unique identifier and hence the tourist is stored in the second database 11. Furthermore, details of purchases associated with the unique identifier are stored in the second database. The manner in which purchases and the tourist are associated with the unique identifier is more thoroughly described in the applicants own PCT patent application No. PCT/EP2006/067771 and it is not deemed necessary to elaborate further on the manner in which transactions are carried out to associate the transaction or the individual with the unique identifier as this is already understood by reference to the above-identified PCT patent application.
When making a purchase, the individual provides the retailer with their unique identifier. The retailer enters the unique identifier into the ePOS terminal 5 and the unique identifier is sent to the transaction server 3 in a communication from the ePOS along with ePOS sender data. The transaction server extracts the ePOS sender data from the communication and analyses the ePOS sender data to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePOS is located. Once the transaction server determines the jurisdiction in which the ePOS is located, the transaction server retrieves a jurisdiction-dependent temporary tourist data record containing a plurality of required tourist record fields for the jurisdiction in which the ePos is located from the first database 9. The transaction server thereafter retrieves a tourist data record containing a plurality of record fields associated with that unique identifier from the second database 11.
The transaction server 3 compares the plurality of required tourist record fields in the temporary tourist data record with the record fields in the tourist data record and populates the required tourist record fields of the temporary tourist data record with data from the corresponding record fields contained in the tourist data record. If there is no data present in the record field of the tourist data record the required tourist record field is left empty. The transaction server 3 then transmits the populated temporary tourist
data record to the ePOS 5 over the data communication network 7. The temporary tourist data record is received by the ePOS and the temporary tourist data record is displayed on the visual display 19 of the ePOS 5. The retailer can view the temporary tourist data record, which contains all of the fields necessary to allow the tourist to provide a complete duty reclaim request to an authorised individual such as a customs official, and see what data, if any is missing and is still required. The retailer may then request the information from the tourist and if the tourist provides the information, the retailer or the tourist may use the alphanumeric keypad to enter the information which will be returned to the transaction server in due course. Similarly, the temporary tourist data record may comprise all of the data necessary and no further input may be required. Alteration of the data may be possible if some or all of the details are incorrect or the retailer may use the information provided to them to verify the identity of the tourist and confirm that they are potentially entitled to a refund of duty. Once the transaction is complete, the transaction details are sent to the transaction server along with the temporary tourist data record over the data communication network.
Once received, the transaction server compares the data in the required tourist record fields of the returned temporary tourist data record with the content of the record fields of the tourist data record. If the data in the temporary tourist data record has been updated or altered such as by amending the previous data or adding new data to the temporary tourist data record, the transaction server updates the tourist data record's fields with the new data from the temporary tourist record's fields and stores the updated tourist data record in the second database 11. The tourist, when they wish to access the record of all purchases and the tourist data record associated with the unique identifier stored in the second database 11 with their unique identifier, accesses the transaction server using the PC 19 and prints out a record of their purchases along with the required information provided by them during the purchases using the printer 21. The printed record is then shown to an authorised individual for approval and a refund of duty can them be made. Further information not previously provided could be provided by the tourist using the PC 19. Furthermore, the PC 19 could instead be provided by way of a dedicated kiosk in an airport or the like or a computing device accessible by the authorised individuals who may enter the unique identifier on behalf of the tourist to obtain the record of purchases.
It is envisaged that instead of presenting a written record, an electronic record could be submitted similar to that described in PCT patent application no. PCT/EP2006/067771.
Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings there is shown an ePOS visual display 19 with a temporary tourist data record displayed thereon. It can be seen that the temporary tourist data record comprises a unique identifier 23 to associate the temporary tourist data record with the tourist. The temporary tourist data record further comprises a plurality of fields 25, 27, 29 and 31 for data relating to the tourist. These include a name field 25, an address field 27, a departure date field 29 and a passport number field 31. These four fields 25, 27, 29 and 31 represent the four items of data required by Customs to obtain a refund of duty in the Republic of Ireland. In the example shown, two of the fields, namely the name field 25 and the address field 27 are filled with data relating to the tourist. The tourist may have provided this data to the transaction server during another earlier purchase or prior to embarking on their journey.
Having received a communication containing a unique identifier and ePOS sender data from an ePOS, the transaction server ascertained that the tourist was in Ireland from the ePOS sender data. The transaction server then retrieved a temporary tourist data record from the first database 9 for Ireland and the tourist data record associated with the unique identifier from the database 11. The tourist data record contained the name and address details of the tourist but did not have the passport number or departure date of the tourist. The temporary tourist data record is populated with the name and address of the tourist and is then sent to the ePOS and displayed to the retailer (not shown). The retailer may then request that the tourist provide their departure date and/or passport information and the tourist may enter the data into the ePOS where it is inserted into the temporary tourist data record. Once the transaction is completed, the updated temporary tourist data record is transmitted back to the transaction server 3.
Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, there is shown another temporary tourist data record shown on a visual display unit, where like part have been given the same reference numeral as before. In this case, the tourist is visiting the United Kingdom and has previously provided their name, address and passport number to the transaction server. The temporary tourist data record further comprises a passport country of issue field 33 which is required in the United Kingdom. Again, the transaction server will have
determined the location of the ePOS and having identified that the tourist is in the United Kingdom, the transaction server will generate a temporary tourist data record with the five fields necessary for obtaining a refund of duty paid in the United Kingdom. The tourist, who may be visiting a number of countries over a period of time, has during or subsequent to their stay in the Republic of Ireland provided their passport number to the transaction server and this is indicated in the passport field 31. In some cases, it may not be necessary to provide the departure date (field 29) and this field could be omitted from the record if deemed unnecessary. Referring to Figure 4 there is shown a representation of a tourist data record, indicated generally by the reference numeral 41 , containing a plurality of record fields 43, 45, 47 and 49. This tourist data record is the record from which the temporary tourist data record of Figure 2 is constructed. When generating the temporary tourist data record, the required tourist fields 25, 27 are populated using the record fields 43, 45 respectively. It will be understood that the record may in fact contain a significantly greater amount of information that may be obtained relating to the client that may be required in other jurisdictions such as arrival date, arrival flight number, date of birth and purpose of visit. However, only those required fields for the temporary tourist data record for the Republic of Ireland are used to populate the temporary tourist data record shown in Figure 2. This minimizes the bandwidth required to transmit the information to and from the ePOS and the transaction server.
The information required will depend on the jurisdiction. Both name and address are universally required except in Australia where they are not required for purchases totalling less than AUD$1 ,000. A passport number is widely accepted, and some countries will accept a 'National Identification Number" and/or driving licence number. Arrival date and departure dates, flight number can be required in certain jurisdictions. Furthermore, a person's date of birth, telephone number, and email address to establish a point of contact can be required. A big variant is nationality. Most EU states will refund non EU citizens, however Denmark has special rules for Norwegians and Aland islanders, Finland also make exceptions for Norwegians while Iceland allows refunds to Icelandic people living abroad. Each country may have its own unique requirements.
ln another embodiment, the first database 9 will contain a list of the fields required for each jurisdiction and the first database 9 or third database 13 will contain coding for each of the fields so that once the jurisdiction is known, a list of the required fields may ue obtained from memory and thereafter the temporary tourist data record may be generated by obtaining the coding for each of the fields and generating the temporary tourist data record. Furthermore, when a temporary tourist data record is generated or retrieved and compared with the tourist data record and it is found that the temporary tourist data record contains a field not in the tourist data record, the tourist data record is updated by obtaining coding information for the tourist record field from the third database and the tourist data record is updated to include the field in question.
It is envisaged that the transaction server 3 may determine the jurisdiction in which the ePOS is located from the ePOS sender data in a number of ways. For example, the ePOS terminal may transmit a sending address to the transaction server. If the ePOS is transmitting the data over a dial up connection, the ePOS will be sending the data from a telephone number, e.g. +353 1 1235467. The ePOS sender data will include this ;phone number and the transaction server will be able to determine from the prefix 353 that the telephone call is coming from the Republic of Ireland. Alternatively, the ePOS sender data extracted from the communication may comprise an IP address and the transaction server will be able to ascertain from the IP address the jurisdiction in which the ePOS terminal is located. In a further still alternative embodiment, the transaction server extracts an ePos identifier from the ePOS sender data and thereafter accesses a memory table stored in one of the databases 9, 11 and 13 containing ePos identifiers together with the jurisdiction in which each of the ePos terminals relating to the ePos identifiers are located in order to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located. In this way, the ePOS terminals will essentially register with the transaction server. Finally, a further alternative would be for the ePOS terminal to transmit a jurisdictional identifier as the ePOS sender data and the transaction server extracts the ePOS jurisdictional identifier from the ePOS sender data and analyses the ePOS jurisdictional identifier to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePOS terminal is Seated.
It is envisaged that the following two embodiments will be the most common. First of all, when the ePOS software is installed in a retailer's store, an identifier will be stored both
locally and at the transaction server. The identifier will identify the jurisdiction in which the ePOS is located. When data is transmitted from the ePOS to the server, the transaction server references the jurisdiction identifier for the retailer/till and acts accordingly. Alternatively, in situations where there is a communications outage, the ePOS will present the full requirement list for the jurisdiction and data can be entered in the normal manner. This data may be validated against previously stored data in the transaction server when communications are restored and updated if necessary.
It is envisaged that the present invention would also be useful if the tourists had smartcards and other electronic devices (mp3, palmtops etc) such as those outlined in PCT/EP2006/067771. In this case the tourist data would be stored on both the transaction server and also on the device. The ePOS update would ensure that the data on the chip (device etc) was updated and synchronised with the transaction server. Also where there was a communications outage, for example, the necessary required data could be retrieved from the chip (device). t is envisaged therefore that in certain instances, the invention also extends to situations where the ePOS will know the required fields for the jurisdiction in which it is located. In such circumstances, the ePOS can prompt the user for the information of the required fields without requesting information from the transaction server. The ePOS can poll the smart card or electronic device directly for information on the required fields and the smart card/electronic device can provide the information from the record stored in smart card/electronic device memory. Similarly, information can be written to the smart card/electronic device. For example, if the ePOS creates a record with a field for that jurisdiction that is not currently present in the record stored in the smart card/electronic device memory, the ePOS can write the information and provide the code to update the record in the smart card memory with the additional field(s).
It will be understood that the present invention extends to computer programs on or in a carrier and in particular to computer programs with program means for causing a computer to execute the steps when the program is stored on a computer. The computer program may be stored on a record medium such as a floppy disc, CD ROM, DVD, memory stick, RAM, ROM, EPROM, DDRAM or other memory medium suitable for storing program code.
ln this specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" and the terms "include, includes, included and including" are all deemed totally interchangeable and are to be afforded the widest possible interpretation.
The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the claims.
Claims
Claims
1) A method of generating a tourist data record in a computerised system comprising a transaction server and a plurality of ePos terminals in communication with the transaction server over a data communication network, the method comprising the steps of: the transaction server receiving a communication containing ePOS sender data and a unique identifier associated with a tourist from one of the ePos terminals over the data communication network; the transaction server extracting the ePOS sender data from the communication and thereafter analysing the ePOS sender data to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located; retrieving from a first database a jurisdiction-dependent temporary tourist data record containing a plurality of required tourist record fields for the jurisdiction in which the ePos is located; retrieving from a second database a tourist data record associated with that unique identifier, the tourist data record containing a plurality of record fields; comparing the plurality of required tourist record fields in the temporary tourist data record with the record fields in the tourist data record; populating the required tourist record fields of the temporary tourist data record with data from the corresponding record fields contained in the tourist data record; transmitting the populated temporary tourist data record to the ePos over the data communication network;
receiving the returned temporary tourist data record back from the ePos over the data communication network; and comparing the data in the required tourist record fields of the returned temporary tourist data record with the content of the record fields of the tourist data record and updating the tourist data record's fields with any new data from the temporary tourist record's fields and thereafter storing the updated tourist data record in the second database.
2) A method as claimed in claim 1 in which subsequent to the initial comparison of the required tourist record fields in the temporary tourist data record with the record fields in the tourist record, the method further comprises the steps of: determining whether there is an equivalent record field in the tourist data record for each required tourist record field and on determining that there is no equivalent record field in the tourist data record for one of the required tourist record fields; retrieving from a third database, record field coding data for a record field corresponding to the missing required tourist record field and inserting that record field coding data into a program code of the tourist data record thereby updating the tourist data record.
3) A method as claimed in claim 2 in which the method comprises the initial step of storing field coding data for each record field of each jurisdiction in the third database.
4) A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 in which the transaction server extracts an ePos identifier from the ePOS sender data and thereafter accesses a memory table containing ePos identifiers together with the jurisdiction in which each of the ePos terminals relating to the ePos identifiers are located in order to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located.
A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 in which the transaction server extracts an ePOS jurisdictional identifier from the ePOS sender data and analyses the ePOS jurisdictional identifier to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located.
A method as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 in which the transaction server extracts an ePOS sending address from the ePOS sender data and analyses the sending address to determine the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located.
A method as claimed in claim 6 in which the sending address is a URL address.
A method as claimed in claim 6 in which the sending address is a dial up telephone number.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the method comprises the initial steps of a tourist registering with the transaction server and the transaction server issuing a unique identifier to the tourist. 10) A method as claimed in claim 8 in which the step of the tourist registering with the transaction server further comprises the tourist providing personal details to the transaction server sufficient to identify the tourist and the transaction server storing those personal details in a tourist data record in the second database. 11) A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the step of retrieving a jurisdiction-dependent temporary tourist data record comprises the steps of retrieving from the first database a list of required tourist record fields for the jurisdiction in which the ePos terminal is located and thereafter generating the jurisdiction dependent temporary tourist data record.
12) A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the method comprises the intermediate step of compressing one of the populated tourist data record and the returned temporary tourist data record.
A method as claimed in any preceding claim in which the method comprises the intermediate step of encrypting one of the populated tourist data record and the returned temporary tourist data record.
A computer program with computer program means for causing a computer to execute the steps of the method according to claim 1 when the computer program is executed on a computer.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2009/061294 WO2011026510A1 (en) | 2009-09-01 | 2009-09-01 | A method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2009/061294 WO2011026510A1 (en) | 2009-09-01 | 2009-09-01 | A method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2011026510A1 true WO2011026510A1 (en) | 2011-03-10 |
Family
ID=41110484
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2009/061294 WO2011026510A1 (en) | 2009-09-01 | 2009-09-01 | A method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2011026510A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107767194A (en) * | 2017-10-23 | 2018-03-06 | 百望金赋科技有限公司 | Local billing system and method based on integrated tax control machine |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2002027629A1 (en) * | 2000-09-28 | 2002-04-04 | Euronet Worldwide, Inc. | System and method for purchasing goods and services through financial data network access points |
| WO2004079609A1 (en) * | 2003-03-07 | 2004-09-16 | Snapcount Limited | Transaction processing |
| EP1560182A1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2005-08-03 | January Patents Limited | Drop down menu for a computer apparatus |
-
2009
- 2009-09-01 WO PCT/EP2009/061294 patent/WO2011026510A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2002027629A1 (en) * | 2000-09-28 | 2002-04-04 | Euronet Worldwide, Inc. | System and method for purchasing goods and services through financial data network access points |
| WO2004079609A1 (en) * | 2003-03-07 | 2004-09-16 | Snapcount Limited | Transaction processing |
| EP1560182A1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2005-08-03 | January Patents Limited | Drop down menu for a computer apparatus |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN107767194A (en) * | 2017-10-23 | 2018-03-06 | 百望金赋科技有限公司 | Local billing system and method based on integrated tax control machine |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| RU2678659C1 (en) | Systems and methods for tracking data using the information labels provided by the user | |
| US8117129B2 (en) | Systems, methods and computer program products for performing mass transit merchant transactions | |
| US20120089491A1 (en) | System and method of providing enhanced transaction data | |
| US20110010205A1 (en) | Travel fare determination and display in social networks | |
| US20030154405A1 (en) | Information processing system and method | |
| CN1183153A (en) | Credit card system and unilization method of credit card using the system | |
| MX2010007993A (en) | System and method for conducting transactions with a financial presentation device linked to multiple accounts. | |
| KR101231784B1 (en) | Method for exchange of information between customer terminal and store terminal using nfc | |
| KR20170138384A (en) | Electronic ticket management apparatus and electronic ticket management method | |
| AU2017276314A1 (en) | Method and system for virtual account number-based travel expense controls and accounting | |
| US20200058024A1 (en) | Method and system for automatically receiving and/or emitting information related to transactions | |
| US20070094104A1 (en) | Internet method and computer product for preparing state income tax withholding forms | |
| US20040249758A1 (en) | Point management program provision server and apparatus | |
| US20150242869A1 (en) | Method and system for linking transaction data with events | |
| WO2011026510A1 (en) | A method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system | |
| WO2008049461A1 (en) | A method and system for processing transactions | |
| US20060155613A1 (en) | Information handling and processing | |
| WO1995012856A1 (en) | A hotel management system | |
| IE20090670U1 (en) | A method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system | |
| IES20090670A2 (en) | A method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system | |
| IE20090667A1 (en) | A method of generating a tourist record in a computerised system | |
| US8306880B1 (en) | System and method for determining foreign paid taxes | |
| US20230281686A1 (en) | Device, system and method for initiating remedial actions based on altered provider objects | |
| KR20030055203A (en) | Method for providing optimum number of lotto lottery using data mining and computer readable record medium on which program therefor is recorded | |
| KR20020056845A (en) | Method and system for running lottery business using bank account |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 09782472 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
| NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
| 122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 09782472 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |