Method for providing in-flight duty-free shopping service, and terminal device and server device therefor

Abstract

A method for providing an in-flight duty-free shopping service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure involves: receiving information related to duty-free shop products and information related to an aircraft operation; transmitting information about duty-free products, which can be purchased by in-flight passengers, to a first server on the basis of the information related to the duty-free shop products and the information related to the aircraft operation; receiving a purchase request from a first electronic device connected to the first server; and transmitting a mobile gift voucher corresponding to purchase-approved duty-free products to the first electronic device or a second electronic device selected by a passenger when the purchase request is approved.

Description

Method for providing in-flight duty-free purchase service, terminal device and server device therefor

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an in-flight duty-free goods purchase service providing device and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to a method and device for providing a service for purchasing duty-free goods on board an aircraft, and a method and device for receiving an in-flight duty-free goods purchase service.

[0002] While legal regulations may vary from country to country, customs laws generally recognize bonded zones as areas exempt from taxation for foreign goods and certain domestic goods. Within these zones, areas where goods can be sold tax-free are called "bonded stores" under the Customs Act. "Duty-free shops" is the general term for these bonded stores. Duty-free shops offer the advantage of lower prices because they sell goods without tax. Products sold in duty-free shops are called duty-free goods.

[0003] Duty-free shops are typically located in airport or port departure halls, accessible to travelers who have completed departure procedures. Travelers can purchase duty-free items at these shops before their aircraft or ship departs. Travelers can also shop in downtown duty-free shops or online before arriving at the airport or port. In these cases, passports and airline tickets are required to purchase duty-free items. Instead of receiving them immediately, passengers must pick up their purchases at the duty-free pickup counter in the airport's duty-free area according to their departure schedule. However, using these downtown or online duty-free shops can lead to delays in boarding or transfer times, as it takes time to pick up purchased items at the pickup counter.

[0004] Duty-free shops also exist onboard aircraft and ships. Duty-free sales on aircraft are conducted through a system where passengers consult duty-free catalogs placed at their seats and order items from flight attendants, who then deliver them to the passengers. Due to space constraints, in-flight duty-free shops often have limited quantities and a limited selection of products.

[0005] Passengers typically have plenty of free time on board, making the cabin a great place to shop for duty-free goods. However, in-flight duty-free shops offer a limited selection of goods, and access to external networks is often restricted onboard. Consequently, passengers using in-flight duty-free shops have difficulty comparing prices on their desired items. Unless they have conducted prior research, they are forced to rely solely on the prices listed in the in-flight duty-free catalog. Furthermore, for safety reasons, duty-free items are often double-packed, resulting in wasteful packaging. While many airlines attempt to promote in-flight duty-free shops for profitability reasons, the trolleys available onboard are cumbersome for flight attendants to carry, and weight restrictions on aircraft loads limit the selection of goods available. Furthermore, the more time flight attendants spend on in-flight duty-free services, the lower the quality of basic airline service for passengers. Furthermore, existing in-flight duty-free sales methods are only possible when a minimum sales time is guaranteed, so in-flight duty-free shops may not operate on routes with short flight times. Furthermore, items sold at in-flight duty-free shops are generally difficult to exchange or refund.

[0006] Due to these shortcomings in in-flight duty-free services, the number of airlines operating in-flight duty-free shops is gradually decreasing worldwide. Furthermore, passengers often prefer to use downtown duty-free shops, those located in arrival and departure halls, and online duty-free shops, rather than using the limited quantity and selection of in-flight duty-free shops. Consequently, in-flight duty-free shops are less popular than other types of duty-free shops.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service, which can activate the in-flight duty-free purchase service by expanding the range of duty-free products that can be purchased when purchasing duty-free products on board and simplifying the delivery procedure of purchased duty-free products, and a terminal device and server device therefor.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, instead of actual duty-free goods, passengers are provided with mobile gift certificates that can be exchanged for duty-free goods purchased at a desired pickup location, thereby enabling them to purchase duty-free goods on board.

[0009] An in-flight duty-free purchase service providing device and method according to one embodiment can prevent problems such as out-of-stock or lack of product types arising from limitations on the products that can be loaded onto an aircraft, and thus loss of opportunity for passengers to purchase products.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the device and method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service can significantly increase the number of products available for purchase by passengers compared to existing in-flight duty-free shops, thereby expanding passengers' purchasing choices and increasing sales potential.

[0011] An apparatus and method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment can solve the problem of insufficient boarding time or transfer time due to exchanging or purchasing duty-free products by enabling passengers to exchange purchased duty-free products without having to use a limited duty-free product delivery area.

[0012] According to one embodiment, an in-flight duty-free purchase service providing device and method can provide passengers on board with a comparison of major duty-free products and duty-free shop prices, thereby providing passengers with a reasonable consumption opportunity based on the information provided.

[0013] An apparatus and method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment can improve the quality of aviation service by reducing the burden of product sales work on flight attendants and allowing them to focus on basic aviation services.

[0014] An in-flight duty-free purchase service providing device and method according to one embodiment can prevent delays in boarding an aircraft due to shortened time for purchasing and delivering duty-free goods.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a device and method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service can improve customer convenience by allowing passengers to select a desired duty-free product pickup location, reduce inconvenience caused by direct transport of products, and minimize the risk of damage.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a device and method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service can shorten delivery time and reduce operating costs through operation of an unmanned delivery counter, etc.

[0017] An in-flight duty-free purchase service providing device and method according to one embodiment can reduce the need to use overseas duty-free shops by providing passengers with an opportunity to purchase the duty-free products they want on board.

[0018] An in-flight duty-free purchase service providing device and method according to one embodiment can enable exchange / refund for duty-free products that are generally difficult to exchange / refund.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-flight duty-free goods purchase service provision system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a GUI (Graphic User Interface) for purchasing duty-free goods output to an electronic device located onboard an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate user interfaces displayed on an electronic device in an aircraft according to a method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an in-flight duty-free product purchase service and a passenger duty-free product exchange procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an in-flight duty-free product purchase service and a passenger duty-free product exchange procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an in-flight duty-free shop purchase service in an in-flight duty-free shop purchase service system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of exchanging a mobile gift certificate for a duty-free product according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an electronic device on board an aircraft for purchasing duty-free goods using an in-flight duty-free goods service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment may include: receiving information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation; transmitting information on duty-free products that can be purchased by passengers on board the aircraft to the first server based on the information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation; receiving a purchase request for a duty-free product that the passenger wishes to purchase from a first electronic device connected to the first server; determining whether the purchase request is approved; and, if the purchase request is approved, transmitting a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the approved duty-free product to the first electronic device or a second electronic device selected by the passenger.

[0029] In a method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment, the information related to aircraft operation includes information on the departure point, destination point, departure time, and arrival time of the aircraft, and the step of transmitting to the first server may include a step of determining a list of duty-free products that can be exchanged at an expected destination where the passenger is expected to stay based on the information related to aircraft operation; and a step of transmitting the determined list of duty-free products to the first server.

[0030] In a method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment, information related to the duty-free product may be obtained from at least one duty-free shop server, and information related to aircraft operation may be obtained from at least one airline server.

[0031] A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment may further include a step of transmitting a list of duty-free products available for purchase by the passenger to the first electronic device according to the passenger's expected place of stay.

[0032] In a method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment, the step of receiving a purchase request may include the step of displaying a list of duty-free products available for purchase by the passenger for each of the passenger's expected stay locations on the first electronic device or the second electronic device; and the step of receiving information on duty-free products selected by the passenger to purchase and information on a desired pickup location where the passenger wishes to receive the duty-free products selected by the passenger to purchase.

[0033] In a method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment, the step of determining whether to approve the purchase may include the step of obtaining the inventory status of the duty-free product selected by the passenger to purchase from a duty-free shop server at the desired pick-up location; and the step of transmitting the purchase approval of the duty-free product selected by the passenger to the first electronic device or the second electronic device if the duty-free product is available for sale based on the inventory status.

[0034] A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment may further include the steps of: receiving a request to exchange the mobile gift certificate for a corresponding duty-free purchase; verifying the validity of the mobile gift certificate; and transmitting approval information for the exchange request if the mobile gift certificate is valid.

[0035] In a method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment, the first server may be the IFE (In-Filght Entertainment) system server, and the first electronic device may be one of a terminal device connected to the IFE system server or a personal electronic device of the passenger capable of communicating with the IFE system server.

[0036] According to one embodiment, an in-flight duty-free shop purchase service providing device includes a communication unit; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor receives information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation by executing instructions stored in the memory, and transmits information on duty-free products that can be purchased by passengers on board to a first server on board based on the information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation, receives a purchase request for duty-free products that the passenger wishes to purchase from a first electronic device connected to the first server, determines whether the purchase request is approved, and if the purchase request is approved, transmits a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the duty-free products approved for purchase to the first electronic device or a second electronic device selected by the passenger.

[0037] A method for operating an electronic device that receives an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment may include the steps of: receiving information on duty-free products that can be purchased by passengers on board an aircraft from a first server, the information generated based on information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation; outputting the information on the purchasable duty-free products through a display unit of the electronic device; receiving a purchase request for the duty-free products that the passenger wishes to purchase; transmitting the purchase request to the second server through the first server; and, if the purchase request is approved, receiving a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the approved duty-free products.

[0038] An electronic device that receives an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment includes a memory; a display unit; a communication unit; and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor executes a command stored in the memory to receive information on duty-free products that can be purchased by passengers on board the aircraft, generated based on information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation, from the first server, output the information on the purchasable duty-free products through the display unit, receive a purchase request for the duty-free products that the passenger wishes to purchase, transmit the purchase request to the second server through the first server, and, when the purchase request is approved, receive a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the duty-free products approved for purchase.

[0039] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, a method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a terminal device and a server device therefor will be described in detail.

[0040] The present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly illustrate the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted in the drawings, and similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0041] In the specification, "goods" may have the same meaning as "duty-free goods" and may be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the terms "mobile gift certificate," "mobile voucher," and "voucher" may all have the same meaning and may be used interchangeably.

[0042] A mobile gift certificate is a data-based gift certificate that can be used to exchange for purchased duty-free items. Furthermore, a mobile gift certificate can be a token utilizing blockchain technology, such as a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) or virtual coin. Furthermore, a mobile gift certificate can be a virtual electronic payment method for duty-free items.

[0043] For convenience, the following description focuses on a method and device for providing a duty-free purchase service on board an aircraft; however, embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited to aircraft and can be applied to other means of transportation such as passenger ships and planes that pass through borders.

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-flight duty-free goods purchase service provision system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, an in-flight duty-free purchase service providing system according to one embodiment may include an in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110), an in-flight server (120), at least one electronic device (130, 140), at least one airline server (150), and at least one duty-free shop server (160). An application or API (Application Programming Interface) for interconnection with other servers may be installed on each of the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110), the in-flight server (120), the airline server (150), and the duty-free shop server (160).

[0046] The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can be connected to the in-flight server (120), the airline server (150), and the duty-free shop server (160) via a wired or wireless communication network. The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can generate a list of duty-free products that can be purchased at the departure point, destination point, transit point, and stopover point of an aircraft that passengers are currently boarding or are scheduled to board, based on information related to duty-free shop products provided by the duty-free shop server (160) and information related to aircraft operation provided by the airline server (150).

[0047] Specifically, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can obtain information on the departure and arrival points of the aircraft, information on intermediate stopovers, departure times, and arrival times based on the airline's flight schedule information received from the airline server (150). For example, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can obtain flight schedule information for each airline, as exemplified in Table 1, from the airline server (150) or a server providing flight information.

[0048] DATEAirlineFlight No.Departure TimeEstimated Arrival TimeDeparture->Arrival2023.11.13AsianaOZxxx00:1503:15ICN->HANKorean AirKExxx00:2618:20ICN->LAXAir IncheonKJxxx01:0519:40ICN->MIAA airlineAAxxx10:0012:30ICN->TPE

[0049] The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can obtain the departure point, destination point, departure time, and expected arrival time of the aircraft the passenger is boarding based on the airline's flight schedule information received from the airline server (150), and can predict or determine the expected stay point where the passenger is expected to stay at a specific time based on the flight schedule information.

[0050] The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can receive information about duty-free products available for exchange at duty-free exchange locations located at the departure, arrival, and transit points of the aircraft from the duty-free shop server (160). Information about duty-free products may include product type, quantity, price, location information for exchangeable pickup locations, and inventory status at pickup locations.

[0051] The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can create a list of duty-free products that can be purchased at the departure point, destination point, transit point, etc. of the aircraft based on information received from the airline server (150) and the duty-free shop server (160).

[0052] For example, for an aircraft departing from Incheon (ICN) International Airport at 10:00 AM on November 13, 2023 and arriving at Taipei (TPE) International Airport at 12:30 PM on November 13, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) may receive, from the duty-free shop server (160), information on duty-free products that can be received at duty-free product exchange reception locations accessible from the departure point, Incheon (ICN), and the destination, Taipei (TPE), generate a list of duty-free products that can be received at the duty-free product exchange reception locations of the departure point, Incheon (ICN), and the destination, Taipei (TPE), and transmit the generated list of duty-free products to the in-flight server (120). The list of duty-free products may include information on the type, quantity, price, location of exchange reception locations, etc. of products, and is not limited to the exemplified information.

[0053] Additionally, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can generate a list of duty-free products suitable for the passenger by considering the passenger's travel itinerary information. Based on the passenger's flight reservation information received from the airline server (150), the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can determine whether the passenger is traveling one-way or round-trip, and generate a list of duty-free products available for pickup at a duty-free product exchange pick-up location accessible from the passenger's expected stopover location based on the passenger's itinerary. For example, for a passenger on a one-way flight that departs Incheon (ICN) International Airport at 10:00 AM on November 13, 2023 and arrives at Taipei (TPE) International Airport at 12:30 PM on November 13 and does not reserve another flight ticket, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) may generate a list of duty-free products that can be received at a duty-free product exchange pick-up location accessible from Incheon before 10:00 AM on November 13, 2023, and may generate a list of duty-free products that can be received at a duty-free product exchange pick-up location accessible from Taipei after 12:30 PM on November 13, 2023. If a passenger has booked a round-trip ticket departing from Taipei (TPE) International Airport at 5:30 PM on November 18 and arriving at Incheon (ICN) International Airport at 8:00 PM on November 18, rather than a one-way trip, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can generate a list of duty-free goods that can be received at a duty-free goods exchange pick-up location accessible from Incheon before 10:00 AM on November 13, 2023 and after 8:00 PM on November 18, 2023, and at a duty-free goods exchange pick-up location accessible from Taipei between 12:30 PM on November 13, 2023 and 5:30 PM on November 18, 2023.

[0054] The in-flight server (120) is a server installed in an aircraft and may be an IFE (In-Flight Entertainment) server. The in-flight server (120) may be connected to at least one electronic device (130, 140) in the aircraft via a wired or wireless network. In FIG. 1, the first electronic device (130) may be a terminal device included in the IFE system of the in-flight server (120). For example, the first electronic device (130) may be a terminal device built into the aircraft and installed on a seat of the aircraft. The second electronic device (140) may be a passenger's personal terminal device, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a navigation system, etc. The second electronic device (140) may be connected to the in-flight server (120) via a wireless network service, such as a Wi-Fi service provided on the aircraft. The second electronic device (140) may be connected to the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) via the in-flight server (120). The second electronic device (140) may be connected to the in-flight duty-free server (120) via a system (Airborne Access System) that provides connection to a commercial wireless network using a frequency band that does not cause interference with a frequency band related to aircraft operation. The electronic devices (130, 140) are not limited thereto and may be various electronic devices equipped with a user input means and an information display means, such as a display unit.

[0055] The aircraft's onboard server (120) may utilize ground stations and satellites to provide wireless network connectivity. A hybrid approach utilizing both ground stations and satellites, or a combination of both, may be utilized for wireless network connectivity.

[0056] The aircraft's in-flight server (120) can provide either Air-To-Ground (ATG) communications, which utilize ground base stations, or satellite communications using Ku or Ka bands. ATG communications are primarily used on routes that do not fly over the ocean, such as domestic flights, and support in-flight Wi-Fi by communicating with ground base stations installed along the aircraft's route. Communication with ground base stations is possible through antennas installed on the aircraft's floor. Satellite communications are categorized into Ku bands, which operate at frequencies between 12 and 18 GHz, and Ka bands, which utilize higher frequencies than Ku bands. Both methods utilize satellites in space, rather than relying on ground base stations. Antennas are typically located on top of the aircraft to transmit Internet communication signals to space, where satellites are located. Ku band communications can achieve data speeds of 30 to 40 Mbps when the aircraft receives satellite signals. While Ku bands offer faster speeds than ground base stations, they have the disadvantage of reducing speeds as the number of aircraft in a given area increases, as fewer satellites cover a wider area. Delays can also occur when passing through satellites. Ka-band communications can support data speeds of up to 70 Mbps per aircraft. As a satellite-based communication method, aircraft communication sessions can be connected to external servers using satellite internet services like Starlink, which utilize constellations of satellites.

[0057] Meanwhile, the in-flight server (120) may output a list of duty-free products available for purchase at the departure, arrival, transit, and stopover points of the aircraft, received from the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110), to the first electronic device (130) or the second electronic device (140). Passengers may view the list of duty-free products displayed on the first electronic device (130) or the second electronic device (140), select and purchase duty-free products available for purchase based on a desired pickup location and the desired pickup location. The desired pickup location may be a delivery area located at any one of the departure, arrival, transit, and intermediate destination points, an offline duty-free shop, an unmanned locker, or a pre-designated exchange location.

[0058] When a passenger selects and purchases duty-free products based on a desired pickup location using the first electronic device (130) or the second electronic device (140), the purchase information is transmitted to the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) via the in-flight server (120). In this case, the in-flight duty-free shop management server (120) transmits information on the purchased products and the desired pickup location to the duty-free shop server (160). The duty-free shop server (160) considers the inventory status of the purchased products at the desired pickup location, determines whether the product is available for purchase, and processes payment. If the purchase is approved, it transmits purchase approval information to the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110).

[0059] If the purchase of duty-free goods is approved, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can transmit a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the purchased duty-free goods to the electronic device selected by the passenger. The electronic device to which the mobile gift certificate is transmitted may be a second electronic device (140) carried by the passenger or a separate electronic device selected by the passenger. The passenger may select the electronic device to which the mobile gift certificate will be sent, or may select an email address, SNS messaging service ID, etc. during the purchase process for duty-free goods via the first electronic device (130) or the second electronic device (140), or after the purchase is approved. The mobile gift certificate may be delivered to the passenger via the electronic device selected by the passenger, email, or SNS messaging service.

[0060] Mobile gift certificates are used to determine whether a passenger is authorized to collect duty-free goods at the desired pickup location. A mobile gift certificate is a data-based gift certificate that can be stored in memory and delivered to the passenger via an electronic device of their choice, email, or social media message. It serves as an exchange voucher for purchased duty-free goods.

[0061] Passengers can receive their purchased duty-free goods by presenting their mobile gift certificates at the delivery counter, offline duty-free store, or unmanned locker at their desired pickup location. The mobile gift certificates may include at least one of a PIN number, QR code, barcode, or encrypted information about the purchased product. Terminals capable of reading mobile gift certificates, such as scanners, Near Field Communication (NFC) readers, and Point of Sales (POS) devices, are installed at the delivery counter, offline duty-free store, and unmanned lockers at the desired pickup location, and the mobile gift certificates can be scanned through the terminals. The information on the mobile gift certificate presented by the passenger is transmitted to the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) or a separate voucher management server. The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) or a separate voucher management server validates the validity of the mobile gift certificate and transmits the exchange approval result for the mobile gift certificate to the terminal at the desired pickup location. Depending on the exchange approval result, the duty-free goods exchange process can be performed at the desired pickup location. If a passenger receives duty-free goods in accordance with the proper approval procedure, the terminal device installed at the desired receiving location notifies the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) or a separate voucher management server of whether the passenger has received the goods, thereby preventing the mobile voucher from being reused.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the range of duty-free products available for purchase by passengers can be expanded and convenience for passengers can be improved by providing a mobile gift certificate that can be exchanged for duty-free products at a desired pick-up location without having to place the products directly on board the aircraft.

[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing an in-flight duty-free goods purchase service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 2 illustrates a method by which the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) of FIG. 1 provides mobile gift certificates exchangeable for duty-free goods.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) receives information related to duty-free shop products from the duty-free shop server (160), receives information related to aircraft operation from the airline server (150) (step S210), and generates information on duty-free products available for purchase by passengers onboard based on the information related to duty-free shop products and the information related to aircraft operation, and transmits the information to the in-flight server (120) (step S220). Information related to aircraft operation may include information on the departure point, destination, departure time, and arrival time of the aircraft. If the aircraft operation schedule includes a stopover, information on the stopover, arrival time at the stopover, and departure time from the stopover may be included in the aircraft operation-related information.

[0065] The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can determine a list of duty-free items that can be exchanged at the expected destination where the passenger is expected to stay based on information related to aircraft operation, and transmit the determined list of duty-free items to the in-flight server (120). The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) receives a purchase request from an in-flight electronic device (130, 140) connected to the in-flight server (120) (step S230). When a passenger selects a duty-free item that can be purchased at the desired pickup destination through the electronic device (130, 140) and requests to purchase the duty-free item, the in-flight server (120) transmits the purchase request to the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110).

[0066] The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) determines whether to approve a purchase request by considering the availability of duty-free products at the desired pickup location and the payment result (step S240). Specifically, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) transmits information about the purchased products and the desired pickup location to the duty-free shop server (160). The duty-free shop server (160) determines whether to purchase the purchased products at the desired pickup location by considering the inventory status of the purchased products, and if the products are in stock and can be purchased and the payment is approved, the purchase is approved. If the purchase is approved, the duty-free shop server (160) transmits purchase approval information to the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110). The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) can determine whether to approve a purchase request based on the purchase approval result received from the duty-free shop server (160).

[0067] If a purchase is disapproved due to lack of stock or payment error, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) transmits purchase disapproval information to the in-flight server (120) (step S260), and the in-flight server (120) can output the purchase disapproval information to the electronic device (130, 140).

[0068] If the purchase is approved, the in-flight duty-free shop management server (110) can send a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the duty-free goods purchased to the electronic device selected by the passenger (step S250). The mobile gift certificate may be sent to a second electronic device (140) separately carried by the passenger, other than the first electronic device (130) provided as part of the onboard IFE system, or to a separate electronic device selected by the passenger in addition to the second electronic device. The passenger can select the electronic device, email address, or SNS message service ID to receive the mobile gift certificate during the purchase of the duty-free goods through the first electronic device (130) or second electronic device (140), or after the purchase is approved. If a mobile phone or smartphone is selected as the electronic device to receive the mobile gift certificate, the passenger can enter the phone number of the electronic device and receive the mobile gift certificate via SMS (Short Message Service) or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) message.

[0069] FIG. 3 illustrates a GUI (Graphic User Interface) for purchasing duty-free goods output to an electronic device (300) located onboard an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 3, the electronic device (300) may be the first electronic device (130) or the second electronic device (140) of FIG. 1.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, the in-flight server (120) outputs a GUI including a list of duty-free products and purchase screen information received from the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) through the display unit of an electronic device (300) located on the aircraft. Depending on the passenger's selection, only information on duty-free products available for pickup at the departure and arrival points of the aircraft may be displayed on the electronic device (300). Based on the aircraft's flight information, the electronic device (300) may output a list of duty-free products available for purchase by passenger at each departure and arrival point through the display unit. For example, the electronic device (300) may display a list of duty-free products available for purchase by departure / arrival / transit point, or, if the passenger has first input information on the desired pickup point, may only display a list of duty-free products available for purchase at the desired pickup point. The electronic device (300) may also display a list of all duty-free products available at the duty-free shop, regardless of the aircraft's flight information. Passengers can select a method for displaying a list of duty-free items by desired pickup location through an electronic device (300). While FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which duty-free purchase information is displayed by category, the method for displaying the list of duty-free items is not limited to this and may be implemented in various ways.

[0071] FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate user interfaces displayed on an electronic device (400) located onboard an aircraft, according to a method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to one embodiment. In FIGS. 4A to 4C , the electronic device (400) may be the first electronic device (130) or the second electronic device (140) of FIG. 1 .

[0072] Referring to FIG. 4A, the electronic device (400) may display, through the display unit, desired pickup location information (410) regarding the location where the passenger wishes to exchange the mobile gift certificate for the purchased duty-free goods. The desired pickup location information (410) may display the location where the passenger is expected to stay based on the flight information reserved by the passenger. If necessary, other locations unrelated to the departure / arrival points, such as other airports or ports where duty-free goods can be delivered, may be additionally displayed. For example, if the passenger plans to travel to a country or city other than the departure or arrival point of the flight by using a means of transportation other than an airplane, the passenger may add / change the desired pickup location by selecting the desired pickup location from a list of other countries, cities, and locations where duty-free goods can be picked up using the electronic device (400) or another input means. In this case, the desired pickup location information (410) may display the desired pickup location information additionally added / changed by the user.

[0073] The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) receives the passenger's flight reservation information from the airline server (150) and, based on the flight reservation information, can determine the country or city where the passenger is expected to stay. The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) transmits information on the passenger's expected destination to the in-flight server (120), and the in-flight server (120) can display an interface for selecting a duty-free goods exchange location that includes only the passenger's expected destination via the electronic device (400).

[0074] For example, if a passenger has booked a flight departing from Incheon (ICN) and arriving at Taipei (TPE) via Hong Kong (HKG), the electronic device (400) displays desired pick-up location information (410) including Incheon (ICN), Hong Kong (HKG), and Taipei (TPE), which correspond to the departure / transit / arrival locations of the passenger's expected stay.

[0075] If the passenger selects Incheon as the desired pickup location, the electronic device (400) may display a list of items available for exchange in Incheon, as illustrated in FIG. 4b. If the passenger selects a duty-free item from the list of items in FIG. 4b, an interface (430) may be displayed, as illustrated in FIG. 4c, for inputting the electronic device to receive the mobile gift certificate (exchange voucher) corresponding to the purchased duty-free item, the phone number to receive the mobile gift certificate, the email address, etc.

[0076] Information regarding the purchase product information selected by the passenger using the electronic device (400), the desired pickup location information, and the electronic device selected to receive the mobile gift certificate are transmitted to the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) via the in-flight server (120). The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) determines whether to approve the purchase request by considering the availability of duty-free products at the desired pickup location and the payment result, and if the purchase is approved, the in-flight duty-free shop management server (110) transmits a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the duty-free products purchased using the electronic device selected by the passenger.

[0077] Not limited to the embodiments of the above-described Figures 4a to 4c, when a list of purchasable items is displayed for each passenger's expected place of stay, the process of displaying a desired pickup location as shown in Figure 4a and having the passenger select the desired pickup location may be omitted.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an in-flight duty-free product purchase service and a passenger duty-free product exchange procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) generates a list of duty-free products that can be purchased or exchanged at the customer's (passenger's) expected destination based on the aircraft's flight information and transmits the list to the in-flight server (120). The in-flight server (120) then outputs the list of duty-free products for each expected destination to the in-flight electronic devices (130, 140). The customer can view the list of duty-free products that can be purchased at the expected destination displayed on the in-flight electronic devices (130, 140) and purchase the duty-free products. The in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) transmits the customer's purchase information to the duty-free shop server (160), and if the purchase is approved, the customer can select a desired delivery destination for the duty-free products purchased on the in-flight electronic devices (130, 140) and an electronic device on which to receive the mobile gift certificate corresponding to the purchased duty-free products. The customer can select the electronic device on which to receive the mobile gift certificate by entering a phone number, an e-mail address, or an ID for a SNS message service. As described above, the electronic device receiving the mobile gift certificate may be a different electronic device from the electronic device (130, 140) used to purchase duty-free goods.

[0080] Customers can present their mobile gift certificates at the duty-free pickup location of their choice to collect their purchased duty-free items. The terminal at the pickup location sends a request for approval of the mobile gift certificate presented by the customer to the duty-free store server. Once the certificate is approved by the duty-free store server, the customer can collect their duty-free items at the pickup location. Once the customer has received their purchased duty-free items, the terminal at the pickup location can transmit usage information on the mobile gift certificate to the onboard duty-free store service management server or the duty-free store server.

[0081] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an in-flight duty-free product purchase service and a passenger duty-free product exchange procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 6, electronic devices (130, 140) located onboard connect to an onboard server (120), such as an IFE server (step S610). As shown in FIG. 4a above, passengers can select a delivery location for duty-free goods purchased from the electronic devices (130, 140) (step S620). As described above, the delivery location may include a duty-free goods pickup location accessible from the aircraft's departure, arrival, and transit points.

[0083] When a passenger selects a location to receive duty-free goods, the electronic device (130, 140) displays a list of products available for purchase at the location (step S630), and the passenger can select and purchase a product from the list of products (step S640).

[0084] Information on the duty-free items the passenger has chosen to purchase and the pickup location are transmitted to the duty-free shop server. If the purchase is approved by the duty-free shop server, the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) sends a mobile gift certificate to the electronic device selected by the passenger (step S650). The passenger then takes the mobile gift certificate to the exchange location at the desired pickup location and receives the actual duty-free items (step S660).

[0085] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an in-flight duty-free shop purchase service in an in-flight duty-free shop purchase service system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 7, the UE / IFE device (703) may correspond to the second electronic device (140) and the first electronic device (130) of FIG. 1 , the IFE server (702) may correspond to the in-flight server (120) of FIG. 1 , and the voucher management server (701) may correspond to the in-flight duty-free shop management server (110) of FIG. 1 .

[0086] Referring to FIG. 7, the duty-free shop server (704) can transmit information on duty-free products and duty-free shops to the voucher management server (701) (step S710), and the airline server (705) can transmit flight information related to the departure and arrival of aircraft to the voucher management server (701) (step S720).

[0087] The voucher management server (701) creates and updates a list of duty-free products available for purchase by passengers onboard based on information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation (step S730), and transmits the duty-free product list information to the IFE server (702) (step S740). The IFE server (702) creates a GUI including the duty-free product list information (step S750), and outputs the GUI for purchasing the duty-free product list to the UE / IFE device (703) located onboard (step S760). The UE / IFE device (703) outputs the GUI including the duty-free product list information through the display unit, and receives a product purchase request from the passenger (step S770). The IFE server (702) transmits information about the duty-free products requested for purchase by the passenger and the desired pickup location, as well as a gift certificate issuance request, to the voucher management server (701) (step S790). The voucher management server (701) transmits information about the purchased product and the desired pickup location to the duty-free shop server (704) (step S791). The duty-free shop server (704) then performs a purchase approval process by considering the inventory status and payment results at the desired pickup location (step S792). If the product the passenger wishes to purchase is in stock at the desired pickup location and the payment has been processed successfully, the duty-free shop server (704) transmits purchase approval to the voucher management server (701) (step S793). The voucher management server (701) then transmits a mobile voucher for exchange for the purchased product to the electronic device selected by the passenger (step S795). If the purchase of the product is not approved due to insufficient inventory or payment failure, the disapproval information may be output to the UE / IFE device (step S794).

[0088] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of exchanging a mobile gift certificate for a duty-free purchase according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, a customer (801) receives a mobile gift certificate corresponding to a duty-free item purchased on board an aircraft, equips an electronic device, visits a selected exchange location, presents the mobile gift certificate (exchange voucher) and requests an exchange (step S810). The exchange location terminal (802) can perform a search and authentication process for the exchange voucher (step S811). The exchange location terminal (802) can transmit the exchange voucher information presented by the customer (801) to the exchange voucher management server (803) to request approval of the exchange voucher (step S812). The exchange voucher management server (803) determines whether the exchange voucher has been issued through a legitimate procedure, and if it is determined to be a legitimate exchange voucher, approves the exchange voucher and transmits the approval information to the exchange location terminal (802) (step S813).

[0090] If the voucher is approved, the exchange terminal (802) performs the voucher approval and exchange process (step S814). The exchange terminal (802) installed at the exchange location may be an unmanned duty-free goods exchange device that operates unmanned. The exchange terminal (802) may be implemented through an unmanned device such as an unmanned locker. The exchange terminal (802) may be an unmanned storage and retrieval device equipped with a code reader or NFC reader capable of scanning encrypted codes such as barcodes and QR codes, a camera for user identification, a fingerprint recognition device, an iris recognition device, a communication module for communication with external devices, and a locker for storing duty-free goods. The exchange terminal (802) may authenticate mobile gift certificates or vouchers using various authentication methods such as Near Field Communication (NFC), a dongle, a beacon, and RFID. The exchange terminal (802) receives the encrypted code information contained in the mobile gift certificate or voucher presented by the customer. If the voucher is approved, the duty-free shop operator can unlock the locker in which the duty-free goods are stored, allowing the passenger to collect the goods. This process can then be completed. For example, if a password has been set for the locker in which the passenger's duty-free goods are stored, the exchange terminal (802) can display the password to the passenger or automatically unlock the locker to allow the passenger to collect the purchased duty-free goods.

[0091] When a customer (801) receives a duty-free product (step S815), the exchange terminal (802) transmits information on whether the duty-free product has been exchanged, i.e., information on the status of use of the exchange voucher, to the exchange voucher management server (803) or the duty-free shop server (805).

[0092] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of an in-flight electronic device for purchasing duty-free goods using an in-flight duty-free goods service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The flowchart of FIG. 9 may be performed by the first electronic device (130) or the second electronic device (140) of FIG. 1.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic device (130, 140) receives information on available duty-free products from a first server corresponding to the in-flight server (120) (step S910). The electronic device (130, 140) outputs the information on the received duty-free products through a display unit (step S920). The electronic device (130, 140) receives a request to purchase duty-free products from a passenger (step S930) and transmits information on the purchased products, information on the desired pickup location, and a request for issuing a mobile voucher to the in-flight duty-free shop management server (110) via the in-flight server (120) (step S940). If the purchase is approved by the duty-free shop server (160), the electronic device (130, 140) receives a mobile voucher for exchanging the purchased duty-free products from the in-flight duty-free shop management server (110) (step S950).

[0094] Meanwhile, the in-flight duty-free shop management server (110) includes a memory (not shown), a communication unit, and at least one processor, and at least one processor can provide an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to the embodiment of FIG. 2 described above by executing a command stored in the memory.

[0095] In addition, while the above-described embodiments have been described with a focus on the case where the in-flight duty-free shop management server (110) and the in-flight server (120) exist separately, the functions and operations performed by the in-flight duty-free shop management server (110) according to the embodiment may be performed by the in-flight server (120). That is, the in-flight duty-free shop management server (110) and the in-flight server (120) may be integrated so that the in-flight server (120) may perform a method for providing an in-flight duty-free product purchase service according to the embodiment. In this case, the in-flight server (120) may be directly connected to the airline server (150) and the duty-free shop server (160), and may perform an operation for transmitting a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the duty-free product purchased from the in-flight duty-free shop service management server (110) to the electronic device (130, 140).

[0096] In addition, the first electronic device (130) or the second electronic device (140) includes a memory, a communication unit, and at least one processor (not shown), and the at least one processor can perform the operation method of the electronic device that provides the in-flight duty-free purchase service according to the embodiment of FIG. 9 described above by executing a command stored in the memory.

[0097] The method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service according to the present disclosure described above can be created as a program to be executed on a computer and stored in a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CDROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc., and the computer-readable recording medium can be distributed to computer systems connected to a network, so that the computer-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner. In addition, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the method can be easily inferred by programmers in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

[0098] In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service by a second server capable of communicating with a first server in the aircraft, Step of receiving information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation; A step of transmitting information on duty-free products available for purchase by passengers on board to the first server based on information related to the duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation; A step of receiving a purchase request for duty-free goods that the passenger wishes to purchase from a first electronic device connected to the first server; A step for determining whether to approve the purchase of the above purchase request; and A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service, comprising the step of transmitting a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the duty-free product approved for purchase to the first electronic device or a second electronic device selected by the passenger, if the purchase request is approved.

2. In paragraph 1, Information related to the above aircraft operations Includes information on the departure and arrival locations of the above aircraft, as well as information on departure times and arrival times. The step of transmitting to the above first server is A step of determining a list of duty-free items that can be exchanged at the expected stopover location where the passenger is expected to stay based on information related to the operation of the aircraft; and A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service, comprising the step of transmitting the determined duty-free product list to the first server.

3. In paragraph 1, Information related to the above duty-free products is obtained from at least one duty-free shop server, A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service, wherein information related to the above aircraft operation is obtained from at least one airline server.

4. In paragraph 1, A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service, further comprising the step of transmitting a list of duty-free products available for purchase by the passenger to the first electronic device according to the passenger's expected place of stay.

5. In paragraph 1, The steps for receiving the above purchase request are: A step of displaying a list of duty-free items that the passenger can purchase based on the passenger's expected place of stay on the first electronic device or the second electronic device; and A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service, comprising the step of receiving information on duty-free products selected by the passenger to purchase and information on a desired pickup location where the passenger wishes to receive the duty-free products selected by the passenger.

6. In paragraph 5, The steps for determining whether to approve the above purchase are: A step of obtaining the inventory status of duty-free products selected by the passenger to purchase from the duty-free shop server at the desired pick-up location; and A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service, comprising the step of transmitting, to the first electronic device or the second electronic device, an approval for purchase of the duty-free goods selected by the passenger to purchase based on the inventory status, if the duty-free goods are available for purchase.

7. In paragraph 1, A step of receiving a request to exchange the above mobile gift certificate for a corresponding duty-free purchase; A step for performing validity verification of the above mobile gift certificate; and A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service, further comprising the step of transmitting approval information for the exchange request if the mobile gift certificate is valid.

8. In paragraph 1, The above first server is the IFE (In-Film Entertainment) system server, A method for providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service, characterized in that the first electronic device is one of a terminal device connected to the IFE system server or a personal electronic device of the passenger capable of communicating with the IFE system server.

9. Memory; Department of Communications; and comprising at least one processor, The at least one processor, by executing instructions stored in the memory, Receive information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operations; Based on the information related to the above duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation, information on duty-free products available for purchase by passengers on board is transmitted to the first server on board, Receive a purchase request for duty-free goods that the passenger wishes to purchase from the first electronic device connected to the first server; Determine whether to approve the purchase request above; An in-flight duty-free purchase service providing device that transmits a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the duty-free goods approved for purchase to the first electronic device or a second electronic device selected by the passenger when the purchase request is approved.

10. In paragraph 9, At least one of the above processors Outputting a list of duty-free items that the passenger can purchase based on the passenger's expected place of stay on the display of the first electronic device or the second electronic device; An in-flight duty-free purchase service providing device that receives information on duty-free products that the passenger has selected to purchase and information on a desired pickup location where the passenger wishes to receive the duty-free products that the passenger has selected to purchase.

11. In paragraph 10, At least one of the above processors Obtain the inventory status of the duty-free products that the passenger has chosen to purchase from the duty-free shop server at the above desired pickup location, An in-flight duty-free purchase service providing device that transmits purchase approval of the duty-free goods selected by the passenger to the first electronic device or the second electronic device based on the inventory status, if the duty-free goods are available for purchase.

12. In paragraph 9, At least one of the above processors Receive a request to exchange the above mobile gift certificate for a corresponding duty-free purchase, The validity of the above mobile gift certificate is verified, A device providing an in-flight duty-free purchase service that transmits approval information for the exchange request when the above mobile gift certificate is valid.

13. A method of operating an electronic device that receives an in-flight duty-free purchase service from a second server capable of communicating with a first server in the aircraft, A step of receiving information on duty-free products available for purchase by passengers on board an aircraft from the first server, the information being generated based on information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation; A step of outputting information on the above purchasable duty-free products through a display unit of the electronic device; A step of receiving a purchase request for duty-free goods that the passenger wishes to purchase; A step of transmitting the purchase request to the second server through the first server; and A method of operating an electronic device, comprising the step of receiving a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the approved purchase of duty-free goods if the purchase request is approved.

14. Memory; Display section; Department of Communications; and comprising at least one processor, The at least one processor, by executing instructions stored in the memory, Receive information on duty-free products available for purchase by passengers on board the aircraft from the first server, based on information related to duty-free shop products and information related to aircraft operation; Information on the above duty-free products available for purchase is output through the above display section, Receive a purchase request for duty-free goods that the above passenger wishes to purchase, The above purchase request is transmitted to the second server through the first server, An electronic device that receives a mobile gift certificate corresponding to the approved purchase of duty-free goods, if the above purchase request is approved.

15. A recording medium having recorded thereon a computer-readable program for executing any one of the methods of clauses 1 to 8.

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