System, server and method for providing tax refund service for online purchases

Abstract

The present invention is a server for providing a tax refund service for products purchased online, and includes a communication unit that communicates with a user terminal and an external payment server, and a processor that, when a purchase of a product in an online shopping mall linked to the tax refund service is requested from the user terminal, makes payment for the product in conjunction with the external payment server via the communication unit, and, when the payment is completed, provides the user terminal with location information of a product storage device to which the paid for product will be delivered and stored, and, when passport information received from the product storage device via the communication unit matches already stored passport information, controls the product storage device to open a locked door so that the product can be picked up, and transfers the tax refund amount for the product picked up by the user to the user's account.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to providing a tax refund service, and more particularly to a system, server and method for providing a tax refund service for online purchased items. [Background technology]

[0002] Tax refund is a system for foreigners that refunds the tax amount of products purchased while traveling if the tourist purchases products that include value-added tax while traveling abroad and then returns to his / her home country without using the products.

[0003] In other words, tax refund is a system in which tax is exempt at the time of shipment, unlike duty-free, which is a system in which tax is exempt at the time of purchase, in which the goods are purchased at the sales price and the amount of tax is refunded after the purchase.

[0004] The tax refund service allows you to receive a refund of the amount of tax due at the refund counters or unmanned refund machines at the airport or port when you leave the country, and is only available to those who are leaving the country within three months of the date of purchase.

[0005] As a result, most travelers have to go through several steps to receive a tax refund for products purchased at overseas offline or online stores. Specifically, travelers must arrive at the final airport, fill out a tax-free refund document, receive a confirmation stamp from customs, and then have the refund form, receipt, and unused items checked at the refund company counter at the airport. After that, travelers must put the refund form in an envelope and drop it in a mailbox before they can receive a tax refund.

[0006] As a result, users who arrive at the airport late often end up giving up on getting a refund because it takes a long time to complete the refund procedure in the bonded area.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a method that allows travelers to easily obtain tax refunds while traveling abroad. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a service that enables travelers (including foreigners and overseas Koreans in the country they are visiting) to pay using their desired currency or digital currency when purchasing goods through an online shopping mall before or after entering a foreign country, and to receive the purchased goods on the desired date and place after entering the country they are visiting, and to have the refund transferred to their account.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a server for providing a tax refund service for products purchased online, the server including: a communication unit that communicates with a user terminal and an external payment server; and a processor that, when a purchase of a product in an online shopping mall linked to the tax refund service is requested from the user terminal, performs payment for the product in conjunction with the external payment server via the communication unit; when the payment is completed, provides the user terminal with location information of a product storage device to which the paid product will be delivered and stored; when passport information received from the product storage device via the communication unit matches already stored passport information, controls the product storage device to open a locked door so that the product can be received; and deposits a tax refund amount for the product received by the user into the user's account.

[0011] In addition, if there are two or more product storage devices that can store the paid for product, the processor can provide a list of the two or more product storage devices to the user terminal and control the user terminal to store the paid for product in a specific product storage device selected from the list.

[0012] Here, the product storage devices in the list may be determined based on the product receiving schedule and the receiving location set from the user terminal.

[0013] In addition, the processor transmits a receipt confirmation message including exchange information for the day of receipt based on the receipt schedule to the user terminal, and if the user terminal requests a delay in receipt in response to the receipt confirmation message, the processor can change the receipt schedule for the product.

[0014] Furthermore, the processor transmits a receipt confirmation message to the user terminal before the date already set based on the receipt schedule, and when a change of the receipt location is requested from the user terminal in response to the receipt confirmation message, a new receipt location is input from the user terminal, and the processor can generate and provide the list including the product storage device based on the new receipt location.

[0015] In addition, the processor can work in conjunction with an immigration server and a domestic tax management server to determine whether the user is eligible for a tax refund based on the user's passport information, and if the user is eligible, calculate the tax refund amount for the product.

[0016] Furthermore, the processor can further provide authentication number information to the user terminal, and control the product storage device to open a locked door if the user's passport information matches the already stored passport information and if the authentication information received from the product storage device via the communication unit matches the already stored authentication information.

[0017] In addition, the processor can control the product storage device to open a locked door when the user's passport information matches the already stored passport information, the authentication information matches the already stored authentication information, and the user's biometric information received in real time from the biometric authentication module of the product storage device via the communication unit matches the already set biometric information.

[0018] Furthermore, the processor can display delivery tracking information for the product and refund processing information for the tax refund amount on the user terminal in real time.

[0019] Here, the delivery tracking information may include location information by date regarding the delivery tracking process in which the product is moved to the product storage device.

[0020] Here, the refund information may include at least one of the tax refund amount, the expected refund date, and the type of refund currency.

[0021] In addition, to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a computer program for executing a method for providing a refund service for products purchased online, the computer program comprising the steps of: when a purchase of a product in an online shopping mall linked to the tax refund service is requested from the user terminal, making a payment for the product in cooperation with an external payment server; when the payment is completed, providing the user terminal with location information of a product storage device to which the paid for product will be delivered and stored; when passport information received from the product storage device matches already-stored passport information, controlling the product storage device to open a locked door so that the product can be picked up; and transferring a tax refund amount for the product received by the user to the user's account.

[0022] In addition, other methods, other devices, other systems for implementing the present invention, and a computer-readable recording medium having a computer program for executing the method can also be provided. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention as described above, when a traveler traveling abroad purchases a product through an online shopping mall of a corresponding country before or during the overseas trip, the traveler can receive the product and tax refund at a desired date and place during the trip. This has the effect of allowing the traveler to easily and simply receive a tax refund at a desired date and place, without having to arrive at the airport early and go through a complicated process to receive a tax refund.

[0024] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system for providing a tax refund service for online purchased items according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for providing a tax refund service for online purchased products according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a server for providing a tax refund service for online purchased products according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a user terminal that receives a tax refund service for online purchased products according to the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing a product storage device for providing a tax refund service for products purchased online according to the present invention; [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing a process of providing a tax refund service for online purchased products by a first processor of a server according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be realized in various different forms. However, the embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to allow those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

[0027] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular includes the plural unless otherwise specified. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components other than the components mentioned. The same reference numerals throughout this specification refer to the same components, and "and / or" includes each and every combination of one or more of the components mentioned. Even if "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used simply to distinguish one component from another component. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification are used as meanings commonly understood by ordinary skilled artisans in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly and specifically defined.

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Prior to the description, the meanings of the terms used in this specification will be briefly explained. However, since the explanations of the terms are intended to facilitate understanding of this specification, it should be noted that unless explicitly stated as matters limiting the present invention, they are not used to limit the technical ideas of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 1 for providing a tax refund service for online purchased products according to the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a system 1 for providing a tax refund service for online purchased products according to the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a server 10 for providing a tax refund service for online purchased products according to the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a user terminal 20 which receives the tax refund service for online purchased products according to the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a product storage device 30 for providing a tax refund service for products purchased online according to the present invention.

[0036] Hereinafter, a system 1 for providing a tax refund service for products purchased online according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5.

[0037] System 1 allows travelers traveling abroad to purchase goods through an online shopping mall in the country before or during their trip and receive a tax refund at the desired date and place during their trip. This has the effect of allowing travelers to easily and simply receive a tax refund at the desired date and place, rather than arriving at the airport early and going through a complicated process to receive a tax refund.

[0038] As described above, the tax refund service according to the present invention may be constructed and provided in the form of an application by a tax refund service provider, and may be constructed and provided based on a web. In this case, the web may be in the form of any one of a web browser, a web page, and a website that provides the tax refund service. In the following description of the present invention, it is assumed that the web is in the form of a web browser, and the form of the web of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0039] The system 1 may include a server 10 that provides a tax refund service for online purchased products, a user terminal 20 that receives the tax refund service, a product storage device 30 to which the online purchased products are delivered and stored, an external server 40, and a communication network 50. Here, the external server 40 may include an external payment server 41, an immigration server 42, and a domestic tax management server 43.

[0040] Hereinafter, system 1 may include fewer or more components than those shown in FIGS.

[0041] When the user terminal 20 requests the purchase of a product in an online shopping mall, the server 10 can perform payment for the product in cooperation with the external payment server 41.

[0042] When the payment is completed, the server 10 can provide the user terminal 20 with location information of the product storage device 30 to which the paid product is delivered and stored.

[0043] Thereafter, if the passport information entered by the user received from the product storage device 30 matches the already stored passport information, the server 10 can control the product storage device 30 to open the locked door so that the product can be picked up.

[0044] At this time, the server 10 can transfer the tax refund amount for the product received by the user to the user's account.

[0045] The server 10 may include a first communication unit 110, a first memory 120, and a first processor 130. Here, the server 10 may include fewer or more components than those shown in FIG.

[0046] The first communication unit 110 may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the server 10 and a wireless communication system, between the server 10 and a user terminal 20, between the server 10 and a product storage device 30, between the server 10 and an external server 40, or between the server 10 and a delivery person terminal (not shown).

[0047] The first communication unit 110 may also include one or more modules that connect the server 10 to one or more networks.

[0048] The first memory 120 may store data supporting various functions of the server 10. The first memory 120 may store a number of application programs (or applications) run by the server 10, and data and commands for the operation of the server 10. At least some of these application programs may exist for the basic functions of the server 10. Meanwhile, the application programs may be stored in the first memory 120 and installed on the server 10, and driven by the first processor 130 to perform the operations (or functions) of the server 10.

[0049] In addition to operations related to the application programs, the first processor 130 can generally control the overall operation of the server 10. The first processor 130 can process signals, data, information, etc. input or output by the above-mentioned components, or run application programs stored in the first memory 120 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to a user.

[0050] 2 in order to run the application program stored in the first memory 120. Furthermore, the first processor 130 can operate at least two or more of the components included in the server 10 in combination with each other in order to run the application program.

[0051] The first processor 130 can provide an application for a tax refund service for online purchased items to be installed on the user terminal 20 .

[0052] More specifically, the first processor 130 may provide the application in a downloadable form to a website linked to the server 10 so that the user terminal 20 can download and execute the application via the website.

[0053] Alternatively, the first processor 130 may provide the application to a download server (not shown) so that the user terminal 20 can download and execute the application via the download server.

[0054] The first processor 130 can request the user terminal 20 to perform a membership registration procedure and a login procedure after membership registration through the application installed in the user terminal 20.

[0055] Alternatively, the first processor 130 may request the user terminal 20 to perform a membership registration procedure and a login procedure after membership registration through a web browser already installed in the user terminal 20 .

[0056] Here, the first processor 130 can cumulatively store information such as the user's name, date of birth, mobile phone number, passport information, ID, password, etc., inputted when performing the membership registration procedure and the login procedure after membership registration via the application or web browser installed on the user terminal 20 in the first memory 120 for each user.

[0057] When the user terminal 20 requests the purchase of a product in an online shopping mall linked to the tax refund service, the first processor 130 can perform payment for the product in cooperation with the external payment server 41 via the first communication unit 110. Here, the external payment server 41 can be at least one of a credit card server, a bank server, and a digital currency payment server.

[0058] Here, the online shopping mall may be a shopping mall that sells products online provided by the server 10, or may be an existing shopping mall.

[0059] More specifically, the online shopping mall may provide a product list to allow users to select products online, and a UI module that provides a shopping cart function for the selected products, thereby allowing customers to access a variety of digital devices, including mobile devices such as PCs and smartphones, at any time.

[0060] When the payment is completed, the first processor 130 may provide the user terminal 20 with location information of the product storage device 30 to which the paid product will be delivered and stored. Here, the location information may be information regarding the location of the product storage device 30 on a map.

[0061] Hereinafter, when the first processor 130 transmits information to the user terminal 20, if the application for the tax refund service is installed in the user terminal 20, it transmits the information as a push type message, and if the application for the tax refund service is not installed in the user terminal 20 and the tax refund service is provided via a web browser, it can transmit the information as at least one of SMS, MMS, and e-mail.

[0062] Specifically, the first processor 130 can provide the user terminal 20 with the location information indicating the location of the product storage device 30 by pre-defined area on a map.

[0063] As an example, when a foreigner (including overseas Koreans in a visiting country) completes payment for a product through an online shopping mall in Korea, the first processor 130 can provide the user terminal 20 with location information displayed by area on a map of the Republic of Korea indicating the location of the product storage device 30 where the paid for product will be delivered and stored.

[0064] In addition, the first processor 130 can input at least one area where the product can be picked up from the location information and the product pick-up schedule from the user terminal 20. If there are two or more product storage devices 30 in the area, the first processor 130 can provide the user terminal 20 with a list of product storage devices located in the area.

[0065] That is, when there are two or more product storage devices 30 capable of storing the paid product, the first processor 130 can provide a list of the two or more product storage devices to the user terminal 20. Here, the product storage devices in the list can be determined based on the product receiving schedule and the available receiving location set from the user terminal 20.

[0066] In addition, the first processor 130 can provide the user terminal 20 with detailed information such as the remaining quantity of each storage box of the product storage device corresponding to the list and the size of the remaining storage box.

[0067] The first processor 130 can then control the storage of the paid for goods in a specific goods storage device 31 selected by the user terminal 20 from the list.

[0068] At this time, the first processor 130 can transmit delivery information such as the detailed location (including a map) of the specific product storage device 31 where the product is stored, the location of the storage box (the storage box number or the floor and row information of the storage box), and the pickup schedule to the delivery person terminal (not shown) of the delivery person in charge of delivering the product.

[0069] The first processor 130 can transmit a receipt confirmation message including exchange information for the day of receipt based on the receipt schedule to the user terminal 20 .

[0070] This allows the user to decide whether or not to receive the tax refund amount at the exchange rate on the day of receipt based on the exchange rate information included in the receipt confirmation message, so that the user can receive the tax refund amount at a favorable exchange rate.

[0071] Thereafter, the first processor 130 may change the receipt schedule of the product if a receipt delay is requested from the user terminal 20 in response to the receipt confirmation message.

[0072] The first processor 130 can transmit a receipt confirmation message to the user terminal 20 before the already set date based on the receipt schedule.

[0073] Thereafter, the first processor 130 can input a new pickup location from the user terminal 20 if the user terminal 20 requests a change of pickup location in response to the receipt confirmation message.

[0074] The first processor 130 can then generate and provide the list that includes the product storage device based on the new pickup location.

[0075] At this time, the first processor 130 can control the storage of the paid for goods in a specific goods storage device 31 selected from the list generated based on the new receiving location input by the user terminal 20.

[0076] The first processor 130 works in conjunction with the immigration server 42 and the domestic tax management server 43 to determine whether the user is eligible for a tax refund based on the user's passport information, and if the user is eligible, calculates the tax refund amount for the product.

[0077] Here, the immigration server 42 may be a server operated by the Korea Customs Service and the Ministry of Justice, which manages information on the departure and entry of visiting foreigners and information on the removal of goods.

[0078] In addition, the domestic tax management server 43 may be a server operated by the National Tax Service that stores the passport information and refund history of foreigners who have visited the corresponding country and inquires whether a refund service is available for the passport information requested.

[0079] If the passport information entered by the user received from the product storage device 30 via the first communication unit 110 matches the already stored passport information, the first processor 130 can control the specific product storage device 31 to open a locked door so that the product can be picked up.

[0080] As an example, the first processor 130 can further provide authentication information to the user terminal 20 .

[0081] Thereafter, the first processor 130 can control the product storage device 30 to open the locked door if the user's passport information matches the already stored passport information and if the authentication information entered by the user received from the product storage device 30 via the first communication unit 110 matches the already set authentication information.

[0082] As another example, the first processor 130 can control the specific product storage device 31 to open a locked door when the user's passport information matches the already stored passport information, the authentication information entered by the user matches the already set authentication information, and the user's biometric information received in real time from the biometric authentication module 323 of the specific product storage device 31 via the first communication unit 110 matches the already set biometric information.

[0083] Specifically, the first processor 130 may request the biometric information of the user from the specific product storage device 31. As a result, the specific product storage device 31 may acquire biometric information such as a fingerprint, iris, or face via the biometric authentication module 323 in response to a request from the first processor 130 of the server 10.

[0084] Therefore, if the passport information, authentication information and biometric information all match, the first processor 130 can enhance security and enable even safer product pickup by controlling the specific product storage device 31 to open the locked door.

[0085] The first processor 130 can deposit the tax refund amount for the product received by the user into the user's account.

[0086] Here, the user's account may be an account selected by the user from among a credit card payment account used to pay for the product at the online shopping mall, a separate bank account applied for at the online shopping mall, and a digital currency account used to pay at the online shopping mall (e.g., Alipay, WeChat pay, Grab, and blockchain-based virtual currencies such as bitcoin, etc.).

[0087] The first processor 130 can display delivery tracking information for the product and refund processing information for the tax refund amount on the user terminal in real time.

[0088] Here, the delivery tracking information may include location information by date regarding the delivery tracking process in which the product is moved to the product storage device.

[0089] The refund information may include at least one of the tax refund amount, the expected refund date, and the type of refund currency, where the type of refund currency may be the local currency used by the user at the time of payment or a foreign currency separately desired by the user.

[0090] This allows the user to purchase goods through the online shopping mall before entering or on the way to the country being visited, receive the purchased goods on the desired date and at the desired pick-up location, and receive the associated tax refund service, thereby increasing convenience and reducing time wasted at the airport.

[0091] In other words, since a user can purchase products through an online shopping mall, the user can easily and conveniently purchase products through the online shopping mall without having to visit a store in the country he or she is visiting before or during his or her visit to the country, thereby enjoying the convenience of the online shopping mall.

[0092] In addition, since the user can receive the goods offline at a desired receiving date and at a receiving location, the user can receive the goods at any time before leaving the visiting country, and the burden of storing the goods during the user's stay in the visiting country can be reduced.

[0093] The first processor 130 may receive, via the first communication unit 110, current storage status information regarding the location, number and size of the storage box in which the product is stored from the product storage device 30 in real time or at a certain period.

[0094] Thus, the first processor 130 can manage the products that have not been removed even after the previously set receipt schedule has passed, based on the storage status information of the product storage device 30. That is, the first processor 130 can transmit a notification message to the user terminal 20 regarding the products that have not been removed even after the previously set receipt schedule has passed.

[0095] The user terminal 20 can download the application provided by the server 10 in order to provide the tax refund service.

[0096] Specifically, an application provided by the server 10 can be directly downloaded and executed via the server 10, or downloaded and executed from a download server (not shown). Here, when the download server (not shown) receives a request to download an application from the user terminal 20, it can provide the requested application to the user terminal 20.

[0097] Alternatively, the user terminal 20 can receive the tax refund service via a web browser already installed on the user terminal 20.

[0098] In response to a request from the server 10, the user terminal 20 can execute a membership registration procedure for subscribing to the application and a login procedure after membership registration.

[0099] Alternatively, the user terminal 20 can execute the member registration procedure and the login procedure after member registration via a web browser already installed.

[0100] More specifically, the user terminal 20 can perform identity authentication for the member registration procedure by inputting at least one of the following information: name, date of birth, mobile phone number, and passport information.

[0101] After authenticating the user, the user terminal 20 can generate login information including an ID and a password for a login procedure. Here, the user terminal 20 can receive input of the login information or input of biometric information (for example, a fingerprint, an iris, or a face) that matches the login information for the login procedure.

[0102] As an example, the user terminal 20 may be any kind of handheld-based wireless communication device that can connect to the server 10 via a network, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a tablet PC, etc., has a camera, and can input and output various information via a screen.

[0103] Here, the user terminal 20 may include a second communication unit 210, a first input / output unit 220, a second memory 230, and a second processor 240. Here, the user terminal 20 may include fewer or more components than those shown in FIG.

[0104] The second communication unit 210 may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between each of the user terminals 20 and a wireless communication system, between the user terminal 20 and the server 10, between the user terminal 20 and the product storage device 30, between the user terminal 20 and an external server 40, or between the user terminal 20 and a delivery person terminal (not shown).

[0105] Additionally, the second communication unit 210 may include one or more modules that connect the user terminal 20 to one or more networks.

[0106] The first input / output unit 220 may include touch keys, push keys (mechanical keys), etc. for users (including foreigners and overseas Koreans in visiting countries) to input information, and may include a display module (not shown), an audio output module (not shown), a haptic module (not shown), and an optical output module (not shown) for generating output related to vision, hearing, touch, etc. by the user.

[0107] Here, the display module and the touch sensor may be layered together or may be integrated into a touch screen, which may provide an input interface between the user terminal 20 and the user, and may also provide an output interface between the user terminal 20 and the user.

[0108] The second memory 230 may store data supporting various functions of the user terminal 20. The second memory 230 may store a number of application programs (or applications) run by the user terminal 20, and data and commands for the operation of the user terminal 20. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from an external server (not shown) via wireless communication.

[0109] Also, at least some of such application programs may exist for the basic functions of the user terminal 20. On the other hand, the application programs may be stored in the second memory 230, installed on the user terminal 20, and driven by the second processor 240 to perform the operations (or functions) of the user terminal 20.

[0110] The second memory 230 can store applications provided by the server 10. More specifically, the second memory 230 can store application execution data for the tax refund service in the user terminal 20.

[0111] In addition to operations related to the application programs, the second processor 240 can generally control the overall operation of the user terminal 20. The second processor 240 can process signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-mentioned components, or run application programs stored in the second memory 230 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to a user.

[0112] 3 in order to run the application program stored in the second memory 230. Furthermore, the second processor 240 can operate at least two or more of the components included in the user terminal 20 in combination with each other in order to run the application program.

[0113] The product storage device 30 may be installed in each pre-defined region of a country that provides tax refund services for online purchased products, and may be a device that allows a user to store purchased products.

[0114] Here, the product storage device 30 may include a third communication unit 310, a second input / output unit 320, a third memory 330, and a third processor 340. Here, the product storage device 30 may include fewer or more components than those shown in FIG.

[0115] The third communication unit 310 may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between each of the product storage devices 30 and a wireless communication system, between the product storage device 30 and the server 10, between the product storage device 30 and the user terminal 20, between the product storage device 30 and an external server 40, or between the product storage device 30 and a delivery person terminal (not shown).

[0116] Additionally, the third communication unit 310 may include one or more modules that connect the product storage apparatus 30 to one or more networks.

[0117] The second input / output unit 320 may include touch keys (321) and push keys (322) for inputting information from a user (including foreigners and overseas Koreans in the visiting country) or a delivery person, a biometric authentication module (323, for example, an iris recognition camera, a fingerprint recognition module, a facial recognition camera, etc.), and a scanner 324 for recognizing passport information.

[0118] In addition, the second input / output unit 320 may include a display module (not shown), an audio output module (not shown), a haptic module (not shown), and an optical output module (not shown) for generating output related to vision, hearing, touch, etc. by a user or delivery person.

[0119] Here, the display module and the touch sensor may be layered together or may be integrated into a touch screen, which may provide an input interface between the product storage device 30 and a user or delivery person, and may also provide an output interface between the product storage device 30 and a user or delivery person.

[0120] The third memory 330 may store data supporting various functions of the product storage device 30. The third memory 330 may store a number of application programs (or applications) run by the product storage device 30, and data and commands for the operation of the product storage device 30. At least some of these application programs may be downloaded from the server 10 or an external server (not shown) via wireless communication, or may be provided in the form of software or firmware.

[0121] At least some of these application programs may exist for the basic functions of the product storage apparatus 30. Meanwhile, the application programs may be stored in the third memory 330, installed on the product storage apparatus 30, and driven by the third processor 340 to perform the operations (or functions) of the product storage apparatus 30.

[0122] In addition to operations related to the application programs, the third processor 340 may generally control the overall operation of the product storage device 30. The third processor 340 may process signals, data, information, etc. input or output through the above-mentioned components, or run application programs stored in the third memory 330 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to a user or a delivery person.

[0123] 4 in order to run the application program stored in the third memory 330. Furthermore, the third processor 340 can operate at least two or more of the components included in the product storage device 30 in combination with each other in order to run the application program.

[0124] The third processor 340 can always open a locked door when authentication of a user is completed under the control of the server 10. Here, the authentication of a user may be to determine whether or not the passport information of the user matches the already stored passport information, whether or not the authentication information input by the user matches the already set authentication information, and whether or not the biometric information of the user matches the already set biometric information.

[0125] At least one storage box 350 may be provided for each product storage device 30, and the storage box 350 may have at least one size. Therefore, a user or a delivery person may select in advance a specific storage box of a size capable of storing the product purchased by the user from the at least one storage box 350 provided. Alternatively, a delivery person may select the specific storage box from the at least one storage box 350 provided on the day of receipt or before the day of receipt.

[0126] The communication network 50 can transmit and receive various information between the server 10, the user terminal 20, the product storage device 30, the external server 40, and the deliveryman terminal (not shown). The communication network 50 can use various types of communication networks, for example, wireless communication methods such as WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), WiBro, Wimax (registered trademark), and HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), or wired communication methods such as Ethernet (registered trademark), xDSL (ADSL, VDSL), HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax), FTTH (Fiber to The Curb), and FTTH (Fiber To The Home).

[0127] On the other hand, the communication network 50 is not limited to the communication methods presented above, and in addition to the above-mentioned communication methods, it may include all other types of communication methods that are already known or that will be developed in the future.

[0128] 6 is a flow chart showing a process of providing a tax refund service for online purchased products by the first processor 130 of the server 10 according to the present invention. Here, the operation of the first processor 130 can be performed by the server 10.

[0129] The first processor 130 may provide the user terminal 20 with an application for a tax refund service for online purchased items (S601).

[0130] More specifically, the first processor 130 may provide the application in a downloadable form to a website linked to the server 10 so that the user terminal 20 can download and execute the application via the website.

[0131] Alternatively, the first processor 130 may provide the application to a download server (not shown) so that the user terminal 20 can download and execute the application via the download server.

[0132] The first processor 130 may request the user terminal 20 to perform a member registration procedure and a login procedure after member registration through the application installed in the user terminal 20 (S602).

[0133] Specifically, the first processor 130 can accumulate and store information such as the user's name, date of birth, mobile phone number, passport information, ID, password, etc., entered when performing the membership registration procedure and the login procedure after membership registration through the application installed on the user terminal 20, in the first memory 120 for each user.

[0134] When the user terminal 20 requests the purchase of a product in an online shopping mall, the first processor 130 can perform payment for the product in cooperation with an external payment server 41 (S603).

[0135] More specifically, when a purchase of a product in an online shopping mall linked to the application is requested from the user terminal 20 via the application, the first processor 130 can make payment for the product in cooperation with the external payment server 41 via the first communication unit 110.

[0136] Here, the online shopping mall may be a shopping mall that sells products online provided by the server 10 or may be a shopping mall that is already in operation.

[0137] When the payment is completed, the first processor 130 can provide the user terminal 20 via the application with location information of the product storage device 30 to which the paid product is delivered and stored (S604).

[0138] Here, the location information may be information regarding the location of the product storage device 30 on a map.

[0139] Specifically, the first processor 130 can provide the user terminal 20 with the location information indicating the location of the product storage device 30 by pre-defined area on a map.

[0140] The first processor 130 may receive the date of receipt of the product and the area where the product can be received from the user terminal 20 (S605).

[0141] Specifically, the first processor 130 can input the product receiving date and at least one area in the location information where the product can be received from the user terminal 20.

[0142] The first processor 130 can provide the user terminal 20 with a list of product storage devices located in the area (S606).

[0143] That is, when there are two or more product storage devices 30 in the area, the first processor 130 can provide the user terminal 20 with a list of the product storage devices located in the area.

[0144] More specifically, when there are two or more product storage devices 30 capable of storing the paid product, the first processor 130 may provide a list of the two or more product storage devices to the user terminal 20. Here, the product storage devices in the list may be determined based on the product receiving schedule and the available receiving location set from the user terminal 20.

[0145] In addition, the first processor 130 can provide detailed information such as the remaining quantity of each storage box of the product storage device corresponding to the list and the size of the remaining storage box to the user terminal 20 (S607).

[0146] Then, the first processor 130 can control the storage of the paid product in a specific product storage device 31 selected from the list by the user terminal 20 (S608).

[0147] The first processor 130 can transmit a receipt confirmation message to the user terminal 20 before the already set schedule based on the receipt schedule (S609).

[0148] For example, the first processor 130 may change the receipt schedule of the product when the user terminal 20 requests a receipt delay in response to the receipt confirmation message.

[0149] As another example, the first processor 130 may receive a new pickup location from the user terminal 20 when the user terminal 20 requests a change of the pickup location in response to the receipt confirmation message.

[0150] At this time, the first processor 130 can generate and provide the list including the product storage device based on the new receiving location.

[0151] Then, the first processor 130 can control the storage of the paid for goods in the specific goods storage device 31 selected from the list generated based on the new receiving location input by the user terminal 20.

[0152] The first processor 130 checks whether the user is eligible for a tax refund based on the user's passport information, and if the user is eligible, calculates the tax refund amount for the product (S610).

[0153] More specifically, the first processor 130, in conjunction with the immigration server 42 and the domestic tax management server 43, can determine whether the user is eligible for a tax refund based on the user's passport information, and if the user is eligible, can calculate the tax refund amount for the product.

[0154] If the passport information input by the user received from the product storage device 30 via the first communication unit 110 matches the already stored passport information, the first processor 130 can control the specific product storage device 31 to open the locked door to allow the product to be picked up (S611).

[0155] More specifically, the first processor 130 can further provide authentication number information to the user terminal 20 via the application.

[0156] Thereafter, the first processor 130 can control the specific product storage device 31 to open the locked door if the user's passport information matches the already stored passport information and if the authentication information entered by the user received from the specific product storage device 31 via the first communication unit 110 matches the already set authentication information.

[0157] Alternatively, the first processor 130 can control the specific product storage device 31 to open a locked door if the user's passport information matches the already stored passport information, the authentication information entered by the user matches the already set authentication information, and the user's biometric information received in real time from the biometric authentication module 323 of the specific product storage device 31 via the first communication unit 110 matches the already set biometric information.

[0158] The first processor 130 may deposit the tax refund amount for the product received by the user into the user's account (S612).

[0159] The first processor 130 can display delivery tracking information for the product and refund processing information for the tax refund amount on the user terminal in real time via the application.

[0160] Here, the delivery tracking information may include location information by date regarding the delivery tracking process in which the product is moved to the product storage device.

[0161] The refund information may include at least one of the tax refund amount, the expected refund date, and the type of refund currency.

[0162] Although FIG. 6 shows steps S601 to S612 being performed sequentially, this is merely an illustrative example of the technical idea of ​​this embodiment, and a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this embodiment belongs can apply various modifications and variations to the present embodiment by changing the order shown in FIG. 6 or performing one or more steps of S601 to S612 in parallel within the scope that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of this embodiment, and therefore FIG. 6 is not limited to a chronological order.

[0163] The method according to the embodiment of the present invention described above can be realized as a program (or application) and stored on a medium to be executed in combination with a computer, which is hardware. Here, the computer can be the server 10 described above.

[0164] The above-mentioned program may include code coded in a computer language such as C, C++, JAVA, machine language, etc., which is read by the processor (CPU) of the computer through the device interface of the computer so that the computer can read the program and execute the method realized by the program. Such code may include functional code related to functions defining functions necessary to execute the method, and may include control code related to execution procedures necessary for the processor of the computer to execute the function according to a predetermined procedure. In addition, such code may further include memory reference-related code for referring to a location (address) of the internal or external memory of the computer where additional information or media necessary for the processor of the computer to execute the function should be referenced. Furthermore, if the processor of the computer needs to communicate with any other remote computer or server to execute the function, the code may further include communication-related code for how to communicate with any other remote computer or server using a communication module of the computer, and what information or media should be sent or received during communication.

[0165] The steps of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented directly in hardware, as a software module executed by hardware, or a combination thereof. The software module may be resident in a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), an Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), a Flash Memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer readable storage medium known in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0166] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A server for providing a tax refund service for online purchased products, A communication unit that communicates with a user terminal and an external payment server; When a purchase of a product in an online shopping mall linked to the tax refund service is requested from the user terminal, payment for the product is made in cooperation with the external payment server via the communication unit; When the payment is completed, provide location information of a product storage device to which the paid product is delivered and stored to the user terminal, and when passport information received from the product storage device via the communication unit matches with previously stored passport information, control the product storage device to open a locked door so that the product can be received; a processor for transferring a tax refund amount for the product received by the user to the user's account; Including, The processor, If there are two or more product storage devices capable of storing the paid product, a list of the two or more product storage devices is provided to the user terminal; Controlling the user terminal to store the paid product in a specific product storage device selected from the list; The product storage device in the list is determined based on a receiving schedule and a receiving location of the product set from the user terminal, The processor, Transmitting a receipt confirmation message including exchange information on the day of receipt based on the receipt schedule to the user terminal; If the user terminal requests a delay in receipt in response to the receipt confirmation message, the receipt schedule of the product is changed. server.

2. The processor, Transmitting a receipt confirmation message to the user terminal before a previously set schedule based on the receipt schedule; When a change of the receiving location is requested from the user terminal in response to the receiving confirmation message, a new receiving location is input from the user terminal; The server according to claim 1 , further comprising: a server configured to generate and provide the list including the product storage device based on the new pickup location.

3. The processor, The server according to claim 1, characterized in that it works in conjunction with an immigration control server and a domestic tax control server to check whether the user is eligible for a tax refund based on the user's passport information, and if the user is eligible, calculates the tax refund amount for the product.

4. The processor, Further providing authentication number information to the user terminal; The server according to claim 1, characterized in that if the user's passport information matches the already stored passport information and if the authentication information received from the product storage device via the communication unit matches the already stored authentication information, the server controls the product storage device to open a locked door.

5. The processor, The server according to claim 4, characterized in that, when the user's passport information matches the already stored passport information, when the authentication information matches the already stored authentication information, and when the user's biometric information received in real time from the biometric authentication module of the product storage device via the communication unit matches the already set biometric information, the server controls the product storage device to open a locked door.

6. The processor, Displaying delivery tracking information for the product and refund processing information for the tax refund amount on the user terminal in real time; The delivery tracking information is The location information includes date-specific location information for the delivery tracking process in which the product is moved to the product storage device, The refund processing information is 2. The server according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of the information on the tax refund amount, the expected refund date, and the type of refund currency.

7. A computer program for causing a computer to execute a method for providing a tax refund service for online purchased products, comprising: The computer program comprises: When a purchase of a product in an online shopping mall linked to the tax refund service is requested from the user terminal, a payment for the product is made in cooperation with an external payment server; providing, to the user terminal, location information of a product storage device where the paid product is delivered and stored when the payment is completed; if the passport information received from the product storage device matches the passport information already stored, controlling the product storage device to open a locked door so that the product can be picked up; depositing a tax refund amount for the product received by the user into the user's account; providing a list of the two or more product storage devices to the user terminal when there are two or more product storage devices capable of storing the paid product; controlling the user terminal to store the paid product in a specific product storage device selected from the list; Run the command, The product storage device in the list is determined based on a receiving schedule and a receiving location of the product set from the user terminal, The computer program comprises: transmitting a receipt confirmation message including exchange information for the day of receipt based on the receipt schedule to the user terminal; changing a receipt schedule for the product when a receipt delay is requested from the user terminal in response to the receipt confirmation message; Further execute Computer program.

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