Procedure and system for creating and processing an electronic cash register receipt for a purchase transaction

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a system for creating and processing an electronic cash register receipt for a purchase transaction, comprising the steps of: - Emulating a receipt printer to receive print jobs from a cash register system (1), in particular via a network or USB connection; - Receiving a print job for a cash register receipt for the purchase transaction from a cash register system (1); - Creating an electronic receipt for the received print job; - Creating an identification code (2) for the created electronic cash receipt, wherein the identification code includes electronic address information under which the created electronic cash receipt can be retrieved; - Storing the electronic receipt under the electronic address information from the identification code (2); - Displaying the generated identification code on an ad (3) for the customer (7).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for creating and processing an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction and further to a system for creating and processing an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction, which system is designed to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0002] After a purchase transaction is completed, a receipt is usually issued to document the purchase. The receipt contains information about the purchased goods and / or services, the amount paid, any taxes included, the purchase date, and any other information. The customer needs the receipt, for example, for their own accounting, tax returns, or warranty claims. The issuing retailer needs the issued receipts, especially for their own accounting and tax returns. Receipts are generally used to document income, expenses, and taxes paid for goods and / or services.

[0003] Typically, receipts are printed after the purchase is completed and handed over to the customer. The customer can use the printed receipts for their accounting purposes and retain them for potential warranty claims or tax audits. However, this involves considerable effort. Retailers are already familiar with processing the issued receipts using so-called electronic cash register systems, rather than printing a separate paper copy for the retailer. An example of this state-of-the-art technology is the everyday purchase process at a supermarket checkout.

[0004] The digitization of receipts is an important initiative that has both ecological and economic impacts. Eliminating traditional paper receipts actively contributes to environmental protection. Reducing paper consumption reduces deforestation, the use of chemicals in paper production, and the strain on our ecosystems. In addition, companies save significant costs on printing receipts and, if necessary, on managing their own printed receipts. There are fewer costs for ink, paper, printing presses, and storage.

[0005] Digitizing receipts can also increase efficiency, especially in brick-and-mortar retail. The use of digital receipts enables seamless and automated recording of purchased goods and / or services, leading to faster checkout processes and thus reducing waiting times at the checkout. Customers will appreciate the efficiency and time savings, which will have a positive impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.

[0006] Furthermore, digital receipts enable comprehensive data collection on customer purchasing behavior. By analyzing this data, companies gain valuable insights into their customers' needs and preferences. This offers a unique opportunity to develop personalized offers and tailored advertising campaigns that are precisely tailored to customer needs. The digital receipt paves the way for a data-driven future of retail.

[0007] For customers, the digital receipt offers the particular advantage that it can be easily saved and thus never lost. This is particularly advantageous for warranty claims, which often only arise months or even years after the purchase.

[0008] State-of-the-art solutions also exist where the customer creates a customer account with the retailer and the receipt is provided to the customer in digital form in their customer account. The disadvantage, however, is that the customer must create a customer account for each retailer, assuming the retailer even offers such a customer account. This option is less practical, especially in everyday life, as it would lead to a very large number of different customer accounts.

[0009] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for creating and processing an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction, by means of which the customer can also retrieve the digital receipt at a later time than the actual purchase transaction.

[0010] The object is achieved according to the invention by the method or system specified in the independent claims.

[0011] The method according to the invention for creating and processing an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction comprises the following steps: Emulating a receipt printer for receiving print jobs from a cash register system, in particular via a network or a USB connection; Receiving a print job from a POS system for a receipt for the purchase transaction; Creating an electronic receipt for the received print job; Creating an identification code for the created electronic receipt, wherein the identification code comprises electronic address information under which the created electronic receipt can be retrieved; Saving the electronic receipt under the electronic address information from the identification code; Displaying the created identification code on a display for the customer.

[0012] According to the present invention, the method comprises the step of emulating a receipt printer for receiving print jobs from a POS system, in particular via a network or a USB connection. Thus, the method according to the invention can be used with older, existing POS systems, since these output the print job to a connected "printer" as usual. The printer is emulated, for example, by a system according to the invention that executes the method according to the invention. The system is connected to the POS system, for example, via a network, a USB connection, Wi-Fi, or other connection technologies.

[0013] Printer emulation enables universal use of the method according to the invention with various POS systems, regardless of the manufacturer of the respective POS system. Existing POS systems are all proprietary ecosystems, lacking uniform hardware or software interfaces, such as ports or interfaces such as Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This problem is solved by emulating existing receipt printers.

[0014] After the (existing) POS system has been prepared in this initial step for the creation and processing of an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction, the POS system can then be used in normal cash register operations and the following process steps can be repeated for each individual purchase transaction.

[0015] After all goods and / or services have been recorded in the POS system, for example, by scanning barcodes on products, the POS system calculates the total amount for the purchase. Any discounts can be taken into account, for example, by entering discount codes into the POS system. The customer selects a payment method, e.g., cash, credit card, debit card, or mobile payment, and settles the invoice amount using the selected payment method. After the customer has successfully paid, the POS system creates a print job for a receipt.

[0016] This print job is received, for example, by a system connected to the POS system, which is configured to execute the method according to the invention. The method according to the invention creates an electronic receipt for the received print job, which can alternatively also be referred to as a digital receipt. Furthermore, the method according to the invention creates an identification code for the created electronic receipt. The identification code includes electronic address information under which the created electronic receipt can be retrieved.

[0017] Furthermore, the electronic receipt is stored under electronic address information from the identification code. The exact timing between the creation of the identification code and its storage under the electronic address information is not important and preferably occurs simultaneously. The only important thing is that the electronic address information in the identification code and the storage location of the electronic receipt match.

[0018] The generated identification code is then shown to the customer on a display. The customer can capture the displayed identification code, for example, by taking a photo. Using the electronic address information contained in the identification code, the customer can retrieve the electronic receipt. This can also be done at a later time and does not have to be done immediately after the checkout process. This is advantageous if the electronic receipt cannot be saved directly under the electronic address information from the identification code, for example, due to connection problems. The customer can capture the identification code and retrieve the address information contained therein later, once the connection problems have been resolved. This eliminates the need to interrupt subsequent checkout processes or forgo the electronic receipt.

[0019] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the dependent claims can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner and can define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, where further preferred embodiments of the invention are presented.

[0020] According to a practical variant of the invention, the electronic receipt is created in PDF format. This ensures widespread use of the electronic receipt, as there are freely available programs for viewing PDF documents for most electronic devices. In particular, standardized PDF formats can be used, which are particularly suitable for archiving and / or audit-proof storage. This may require converting print jobs from the "Printer Command Language" (PCL) format to the "Portable Document Format" (PDF). A suitable converter can be used for this purpose.

[0021] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the identification code is designed as a QR code. The information density of a QR code is sufficient to store the required information, in particular electronic address information. The QR code has the advantage of integrated error correction, which makes information storage particularly robust. Furthermore, QR codes are widely used and can be easily read using cameras on electronic devices such as mobile phones (smartphones).

[0022] According to an expedient variant of the invention, the print job received by the POS system and / or the generated electronic receipt contains one or more of the following information: purchased items or services, total amount, taxes, payment method, payment amount, date, invoice number, receipt number, discounts granted, or the like. In particular, the print job received by the POS system and / or the generated electronic receipt contains at least the minimum information listed in the Ordinance Determining the Technical Requirements for Electronic Recording and Security Systems in Commercial Transactions (Cash Register Security Ordinance - KassenSichV), in particular the information specified in Section 6 of the KassenSichV.

[0023] According to a particularly preferred variant of the invention, the created electronic receipt is cached locally until storage under the electronic address information is complete. Local cache storage ensures that the electronic receipt can also be saved under the electronic address at a later time, even if connection problems occur in the meantime or the cash register system or the system according to the invention temporarily fails. The locally stored receipt is expediently only released for deletion once storage under the electronic address has been confirmed. The duration of local cache storage can also be adapted to the wishes of the cash register system operator and can be set, for example, for days, weeks, months, or years.

[0024] In a variant according to the invention, the method further comprises the step of physically printing the created electronic receipt at the customer's request. For this purpose, the customer is asked, for example, whether they would like a printout, or the customer can initiate the printout themselves via a corresponding input, for example, on a touchpad. Conveniently, the customer is offered the option of printing on the display, which also shows the identification code.

[0025] According to a variant of the invention, the physical printing is performed on a receipt printer that was previously connected to the existing POS system and is now emulated according to the invention. Suitable drivers must be installed locally for this purpose. A system according to the invention for implementing the method according to the invention expediently has a plurality of drivers for conventional receipt printers preinstalled, so that the system is compatible with a variety of POS systems and receipt printers. Alternatively or additionally, a simple option for installing printer drivers should be provided.

[0026] The display for displaying the identification code is expediently designed as a touchpad. This allows for additional customer inputs as well as appropriate configuration of the system according to the invention.

[0027] According to a variant of the invention, the method comprises the step of storing the generated identification code under the electronic address information of the electronic receipt and / or under another electronic address information. Thus, in addition to the electronic receipts, the associated identification codes are also archived, particularly for documentation purposes but also for troubleshooting any problems that arise later.

[0028] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the generated identification code is displayed on the display only for a specific time frame. This improves data protection, preventing subsequent customers from retrieving the previous customer's electronic receipt using an identification code that is still displayed. In addition to a time limit, it is also possible for the customer to stop the display of the identification code, for example, by pressing a designated button, which is preferably displayed on a touchpad.

[0029] In a practical variant, the created identification code is deleted from the display at the latest when a subsequent checkout process starts.

[0030] According to an advantageous variant of the invention, all information is stored in an audit-proof manner by the method, in particular using cryptographic algorithms for encryption and / or authentication. Cash register receipts are of particular relevance, particularly for tax purposes, and must be managed in an audit-proof manner. Unnoticed subsequent modification of electronic cash register receipts must be ruled out, for example, in order to comply with the strict legal requirements in this regard. Suitable cryptographic algorithms for encryption and / or authentication are known from the prior art and can be used by the method according to the invention.

[0031] According to an expedient variant, the method according to the invention comprises the step of retrieving the electronic receipt via the electronic address information by an electronic device of the customer using the displayed identification code.

[0032] In a particularly practical variant, the process also includes storing the electronic receipt locally on the customer's electronic device. This theoretically makes the electronic receipt available to the customer indefinitely, even after the electronic address information contained in the identification code has expired.

[0033] According to a preferred variant of the invention, the identification code created comprises, in addition to the electronic address information, one or more of the following information: unique ID of the electronic receipt, additional information about the electronic receipt, device identification of the electronic cash register system, name of the merchant, or the like.

[0034] According to a variant of the invention, the created electronic receipt can only be accessed externally at the electronic address up to a specific point in time, and thereafter only via a separate access point. This increases data security, as the electronic receipts can only be accessed via the electronic address information for a limited time. The separate access point also enables the electronic receipts to be accessed at a later time. This separate access point is intended specifically for the operator of the POS system and not for individual customers. Access is enabled, for example, via suitable access mechanisms such as user / password combinations or other known access mechanisms.

[0035] In an advantageous variant of the invention, the step of emulating a receipt printer comprises sending emulated device information relating to a receipt printer to the POS system. The sent emulated device information includes, for example, one or more of the following information: vendor identification (VID), product identification (PID), revision ID (RID), manufacturer (MFG), model (MDL), description (DES), commands (CMD), serial number (SN), compatible ID (CID), or comparable information. This information is transmitted to the POS system, for example, via a USB Plug-And-Play (USB-PnP) connection. Thus, the emulated printer registers with the existing POS system, for example, using the technical capabilities of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) On-The-Go (OTG).

[0036] However, the method according to the invention is not limited to specific interfaces or data transmission protocols and all standardized or non-standardized interfaces and / or data transmission protocols can be used.

[0037] According to a variant of the invention, the method comprises reading device information from a receipt printer previously connected to the POS system and sending this received device information to the POS system as emulated device information relating to the read receipt printer. Thus, the device information of a receipt printer previously connected to the POS system is read, and this receipt printer is subsequently emulated by transmitting corresponding device information to the POS system. This ensures that the POS system recognizes the emulated receipt printer and is compatible with it.

[0038] According to a preferred variant, the method according to the invention comprises providing an administrator access for setting up and / or configuring the method according to the invention and for accessing stored electronic cash register receipts.

[0039] According to one variant, the procedure includes logging and storing all processes involved in the procedure. This makes subsequent manipulation more difficult and is particularly advantageous from a tax perspective.

[0040] In an advantageous variant of the invention, several electronic receipts are stored in a database, and the database provides the associated electronic address information for retrieving the electronic receipts using the identification code. The database can, for example, be operated by the retailer and contain only electronic receipts from one retailer. However, the database can also be operated by a third party, such as a manufacturer of systems according to the invention, whereby the database can contain electronic receipts from different retailers.

[0041] According to a practical variant, only registered users and / or devices can save electronic receipts in the database. This increases the security of the method and system according to the invention, since only verified users are authorized to save them.

[0042] According to one variant of the invention, the generated electronic receipts are stored in a cloud storage, and the electronic address information refers to the corresponding electronic receipt in the cloud storage. Cloud storage is an alternative to the aforementioned database, but can also be used in addition to it, further increasing data security and availability.

[0043] The object is further achieved by a system for creating and processing an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction, wherein the system is designed to carry out the method according to the invention. The system comprises at least one interface for connection to the cash register system and a display for the customer for showing the identification code. The system is connected to the cash register system via the interface and is particularly compatible with existing cash register systems that use an external receipt printer, since the system emulates such a receipt printer. In addition to the interface to the cash register system, only an additional display for the customer is required. This is designed, for example, as a touchpad. The system can be set up or configured via the touchpad and / or the customer can make inputs to the system, such as initiating the physical printing of the receipt.

[0044] In a practical variant, the system is implemented as a single-board computer with one or more of the following interfaces: HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Bluetooth, WLAN, DSI display port, jack socket, GPIO pins, Ethernet, SIM card slot. Such state-of-the-art single-board computers are cost-effective, easily adaptable, and provide all required interfaces. Current operating systems, particularly Linux distributions, can be installed on a single-board computer, which improves system security, for example, through continuous updates. The interfaces mentioned as examples for the single-board computer are not limiting, and additional interfaces may be provided.

[0045] Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, the system can include an interface to a points collection system so that points can be collected or redeemed during a purchase process.

[0046] According to a variant of the invention, the system is divided into the operating system, data storage, data processing, and visualization modules. The data processing module is expediently divided into document provision and document processing.

[0047] The operating system module, for example, uses a derivative of the Debian Linux operating system, which is preferably specifically tailored to a single-board computer (SBC). This operating system offers a high level of security in terms of availability, stability, and performance. Furthermore, operating system updates are possible that meet the highest IT security requirements.

[0048] The data management module preferably uses an SQL database, which stores all information related to the system according to the invention, such as its unique identifier, receipt information, user data, settings, and other specific parameters important for operation. Furthermore, an area managed by the operating system is used to store local electronic receipts, at least until they have been saved to the electronic address.

[0049] The Receipt Provisioning module deals with printer emulation, or rather, the provision of a network printer. The module utilizes the libraries available in the operating system and emulates itself as a USB printer using Linux's g_printer device emulation. When the system starts, the software module is loaded and supplied with the information of the printer to be emulated. The technical module then starts the emulation and registers itself with the POS system as a printer, for example, via USB.

[0050] In the background, the module listens for print jobs, accepts them, converts them, for example, into a PDF format, and stores them in a specially designated protected area in the file system. The emulation software preferably uses the language provided by the operating system: derivatives of the C programming language and Python. The module uses the CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) printer service as an alternative or in addition to it, and uses it to provide a PDF printer that is made available on the network. Network-capable cash registers can integrate this printer and send a print job to it. CUPS converts the print job to a PDF and stores it in a specially designated protected area in the file system. The operating system's own Cron service (time-controlled automation of commands) checks the protected area in the file system containing the printed PDF receipts every few seconds.If a receipt is found, it is copied to the protected area of ​​the file system in which the receipt processing module operates and deleted from the original directory.

[0051] The Receipt Processing module involves generating the identification code, particularly as a QR code, and uploading the electronic receipt to the electronic address information, particularly a database and / or cloud. The Receipt Processing module can also be referred to as a web server. The web server, for example, provides a web application based on the PHP and HTML programming languages. The web application offers the ability to log in, administer the application, search and display existing electronic receipts, and create and administer users. When the function to display the current identification code is called, the web server searches the source directory to determine whether a new PDF has been received. If a new PDF is found, the entire receipt processing process is started: 1. Using a system identifier / device identifier, the current time and a random seed, an identification code for the electronic receipt is generated, which is also used for the electronic address information for later retrieval of the electronic receipt. 2. It checks whether an Internet connection exists: a. If a connection is established, a connection to the cloud / database is established using a REST API and JSON, and the data (the receipt in BASE64 format, device ID) is transferred to the cloud / database via an SSL-encrypted connection. The cloud / database reports back whether the transfer was successful or not. i. The transfer was successful, the cloud / database saves the electronic receipt and any additional information. ii. If the transmission fails, the electronic receipt will be marked as faulty and held back for another transmission attempt. b. After the current electronic receipt has been transmitted, the system checks whether there are any receipts in the queue that could not be transmitted due to transmission errors or a lack of internet connection. The upload of these receipts is attempted again. If the upload fails again, the corresponding electronic receipt is placed back in the queue until another upload is requested. 3. After the upload and / or attempt, an identification code, in particular a QR code, containing the unique electronic address information of the electronic receipt is generated in the cloud / database and displayed on the display for the customer, in particular for a predefined period of time. After the period has expired, a standard QR code, any text, and / or a logo, for example, is displayed. 4. The electronic receipt is copied to another protected area in the operating system's file system and archived locally on the module. 5. If the customer requests a physical printout of the receipt, the system retrieves the receipt and uses the printers configured in Customizing to print it. This is preferably only possible as long as the receipt or the associated identification code is also visible as a QR code on the display. Subsequent printing is possible via a separate page (receipt overview) available to the system administrator. 6. The entire process is logged and contains information regarding the upload status, the document ID, the cloud address, the document date, and the storage location on the file system.

[0052] The visualization module, for example, is implemented through a web application that opens in the operating system's own web browser, which opens in kiosk mode, for example, when the system boots. The web application can be opened in any web browser via the system's IP address and thus opened on additional devices, for example, to administer the system or perform maintenance.

[0053] According to the invention, the operating system's user management is expediently used to access the documents, ensuring that only authorized users are granted access and thus ensuring data security. Furthermore, the execution permissions of the software used are also linked to the operating system's authorization management to prevent unauthorized execution of programs. Access to the system can only be granted with a user ID and the corresponding password. The connection to the cloud / database is preferably also only possible with a user ID and password, thus protecting against unauthorized access.

[0054] The web application itself provides a user area that is only accessible with a user ID and corresponding password. The password is encrypted using SHA1 and stored in an internal database. When setting up the system for the first time, the retailer must create an administration account with extended permissions for administering the system and assign a password, which is also stored using SHA1 encryption. Only the administrator can create additional users and assign administration permissions.

[0055] When a system according to the invention is started for the first time, an administration account must preferably be set up locally. After creating the administration account, the system generates a unique identifier. The retailer can now store their cloud / database account in the administration by entering an ID and password. The system can then automatically establish a connection to the cloud / database with the click of a button using the user data for the cloud / database and automatically register the system in the account. The cloud / database interface is contacted by Jason via REST API and reports the pairing status (successful; device already registered; or no connection possible) and also signals this in the web application. After a successful connection to the cloud / database, the system is ready for operation and can upload documents to the cloud / database.

[0056] The cloud / database consists of the following components, for example: 1. Data storage: Users are created in the cloud / database, and their passwords are encrypted. Electronic receipts, administrator settings, and user settings are stored in the cloud / database, and users can be assigned to systems according to the invention. The web server file system uses permissions to ensure that only the application itself and administrators have access. External access to the file system is not possible. 2. Data management: A cloud / database is provided that has standard REST API interfaces for communication. When the cloud / database receives a request to save an electronic receipt, it checks the request for consistency by verifying whether the merchant and system are already registered in the cloud. If this is not the case, the connection is rejected. If all requirements are met, the electronic receipt is stored in an audit-proof manner on the web server in the file system assigned to the merchant. Furthermore, the electronic receipt is saved, and the process is logged. Processing takes place, for example, using a web application programmed in PHP and HTML. 3. Functions: Each user has the option to configure their own settings. For example, they can set the duration of receipt availability for retrieval via the electronic address information generated in the identification code. Furthermore, the user can view the systems according to the invention assigned to their account, as well as all electronic receipts assigned to them.

[0057] Electronic receipts can conveniently be viewed and printed locally on the system by logging in with a user ID and password. Furthermore, electronic receipts can be viewed and downloaded in the retailer's user account in the cloud. Customers can access them using an electronic address contained in the identification code. The electronic address establishes a connection to the cloud and checks whether the requested electronic receipt is available. If the electronic receipt is available, an additional check is carried out to determine whether its expiration date is still valid. The electronic receipt is then displayed on the device that requested the electronic address and can then be saved. A web-enabled browser or a device with an internet connection can be used to access it.Merchants can limit availability by making the receipt available for 24 hours, for example, using the electronic address. After that, the receipt is no longer accessible online for security reasons. The receipt remains stored on the web server itself in an audit-proof manner and remains available to the merchant.

[0058] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description and / or figures. In particular, it should be noted that the figures and in particular the illustrated proportions are only schematic. The same reference numerals denote the same objects, so that explanations from other figures can be used as a supplement if necessary. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a method for creating and processing an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction by means of a system according to the invention, and Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method according to the invention for creating and processing an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a method for creating and processing an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction using a system 6 according to the invention.

[0060] According to the method according to the invention, the first, initializing step is the emulation of a receipt printer 8 for receiving print jobs from a POS system 1, in particular via a network or a USB connection. Thus, the method according to the invention can be used with older, existing POS systems 1, since these output the print job to a connected "printer" as usual. The printer 8 is emulated, for example, by a system 6 according to the invention, which executes the method according to the invention. The system 6 is connected to the POS system, for example, via a network, a USB connection, WLAN, or other connection technologies.

[0061] The printer emulation enables a universal use of the method according to the invention with different cash register systems 1, regardless of the manufacturer of the respective cash register system.

[0062] After the (existing) POS system 1 has been prepared in this initial step for the creation and processing of an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction, the POS system 1 can then be used in normal cash register operation and repeatedly execute the following process steps for each individual purchase transaction.

[0063] After all goods and / or services have been recorded in a POS system 1, for example, by scanning barcodes on products, the POS system 1 calculates a total amount for the purchase. Any discounts can be taken into account, for example, by entering discount codes into the POS system 1. The customer 7 selects a payment method, e.g., cash, credit card, debit card, or mobile payment, and settles the invoice amount using the selected payment method. After successful payment by the customer 7, the POS system 1 creates a print job for a receipt.

[0064] The print job includes, for example, one or more of the following information: purchased items or services, total amount, taxes, payment method, payment amount, date, invoice number, receipt number, discounts granted, or the like. In particular, the print job received by the POS system and / or the generated electronic receipt contains at least the minimum information listed in the Ordinance Determining the Technical Requirements for Electronic Recording and Security Systems in Commercial Transactions (Cash Register Security Ordinance - KassenSichV), in particular the information specified in Section 6 of the KassenSichV.

[0065] This print job is received by a system 6 connected to the POS system 1, which is configured to execute the method according to the invention. The method according to the invention creates an electronic (digital) receipt for the received print job. The method according to the invention creates an identification code 2 for the created electronic receipt. The identification code 2 comprises electronic address information under which the created electronic receipt can be retrieved.

[0066] Under the electronic address information, the method according to the invention provides the electronic receipt for external access, in particular for downloading from the Internet. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the electronic receipt is stored in a cloud 5, and the customer 7 can download the electronic receipt using the electronic address information from the identification code 2. Advantageously, the electronic receipt is temporarily stored locally in the system 6 until storage under the electronic address information in the cloud 5 is completed.

[0067] The storage of electronic receipts in Cloud 5 is designed to be audit-proof, for example through the use of cryptographic algorithms for encryption and / or authentication.

[0068] The generated identification code 2 is shown to the customer 7 on a display 3. The customer 7 can capture the displayed identification code 2, for example, by taking a photograph using an electronic device 4, such as a smartphone. Using the electronic address information contained in the identification code 2, the customer 7 can retrieve the electronic receipt from the cloud 5 and save it on their electronic device 4. This can also be done at a later time and does not have to be done immediately after the checkout process. This is advantageous if the electronic receipt cannot be saved directly under the electronic address information from the identification code 2, for example, due to existing connection problems. The customer 7 can capture the identification code 2 and retrieve the address information contained therein later, after the connection problems have been resolved.This prevents any interruption of subsequent checkout processes or the waiver of the electronic receipt.

[0069] The created electronic receipt is preferably a PDF document so that the customer 7 can display and process the electronic receipt as easily as possible on his electronic devices, such as the smartphone 4.

[0070] The identification code 2 is expediently designed as a QR code, since such a QR code can be easily captured by means of a camera, for example a smartphone 4.

[0071] At the customer's request, the electronic receipt can be physically printed. For this purpose, system 6 is connected to a printer 8. Customer 7 is presented with the option to initiate a physical printout of the electronic receipt on display 3. After the customer 7 enters the appropriate input, system 6 initiates the printing of the electronic receipt on printer 8.

[0072] The created identification code 2 is only displayed on display 3 for a specific time frame. At the latest, when the next checkout process starts, the identification code 2 of the previous checkout process is deleted from display 3.

[0073] The created identification code 2 includes, in addition to the electronic address information, for example, one or more of the following information: unique ID of the electronic receipt, additional information about the electronic receipt, device identification of the electronic cash register system 1, name of the merchant, or the like.

[0074] According to an advantageous variant of the method according to the invention, the created electronic receipt can only be accessed externally at the electronic address up to a certain point in time and thereafter only via a separate access.

[0075] System 6 emulates a receipt printer for receiving print jobs from POS system 1. For this purpose, system 6 is connected to POS system 1, for example, via a network or a USB connection. This allows system 6 to be easily connected to existing POS systems 1 to implement the method according to the invention.

[0076] System 6 is implemented, in particular, by a single-board computer with one or more of the following interfaces: HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Bluetooth, WLAN, DSI display port, jack socket, GPIO pins, Ethernet, and SIM card slot. The interfaces mentioned are not limiting, and additional interfaces may be provided.

[0077] Fig.Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention for creating and processing an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction. In a first, initializing step, a receipt printer is emulated to receive print jobs from a POS system 1, in particular via a network or a USB connection.

[0078] In the subsequent cash register operation, the method according to the invention comprises the step of receiving a print job for a cash register receipt for a purchase transaction from a cash register system 1.

[0079] An electronic receipt is created for the received print job. Furthermore, an identification code 2 is created for the created electronic receipt. The identification code 2 contains electronic address information under which the electronic receipt can be retrieved. For example, the electronic address information includes a unique identifier assigned to the electronic receipt, so that the electronic address information is also unique and can be unambiguously assigned to the electronic receipt.

[0080] The electronic receipt is stored under the electronic address from the identification code 2. This can be a cloud 5 and / or a database.

[0081] A customer 7 can retrieve the electronic receipt using the identification code 2, for example, using an electronic device 4, such as a smartphone. For this purpose, the identification code 2 is displayed to the customer 7 on a display 3, and the customer 7 can capture the identification code 2, e.g., using the camera of the electronic device (smartphone) 4.

[0082] After retrieval, the customer 7 can save the electronic receipt locally on his electronic device 4.

[0083] Furthermore, the method can include an optional physical printing of the electronic receipt. For this purpose, a corresponding printing option is displayed, for example, on the display 3, to the customer 7, which the customer 7 can select. Upon the customer 7's corresponding selection, a physical printout of the electronic receipt is initiated on a printer, and the customer 7 can receive the physical receipt.

[0084] However, customer 7 can also decide neither to retrieve the electronic receipt, i.e. to ignore the displayed identification code 2, nor to request a physical printout of the electronic receipt. List of reference symbols 1 POS system 2 Identification code 3 Advertisement 4 electronic device (smartphone) 5 Cloud / Database 6 Systems 7 Customer 8 printers

Claims

[1] Method for creating and processing an electronic receipt for a purchase transaction, comprising the steps: Emulating a cash register receipt printer for receiving print jobs from a cash register system (1), in particular via a network or a USB connection; Receiving a print job for a cash register receipt for the purchase transaction from the cash register system (1); Creating an electronic receipt for the received print job; Creating an identification code (2) for the created electronic receipt, wherein the identification code (2) comprises electronic address information under which the created electronic receipt can be retrieved; Saving the electronic receipt under the electronic address information from the identification code (2); Displaying the created identification code on a display (3) for the customer (7). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the electronic receipt is created in PDF format. [3] Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the identification code (2) is designed as a QR code. [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the print job received by the POS system (1) and / or the electronic receipt created contains one or more of the following information: purchased items or services, total amount, taxes, payment type, payment amount, date, invoice number, receipt number, discounts granted, or the like. [5] Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the created electronic receipt is temporarily stored locally until the storage under the electronic address information is completed. [6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of physically printing the created electronic receipt at the customer's request. [7] Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the step of storing the created identification code (2) under the electronic address information of the electronic cash register receipt and / or under another electronic address information. [8] Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the generated identification code (2) is displayed on the display (3) only for a specific time frame. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the generated identification code (2) is deleted from the display (3) at the latest at the start of a subsequent checkout process. [10] Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the storage of all information by the method is carried out in an audit-proof manner, in particular using cryptographic algorithms for encryption and / or authentication. [11] Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising the step of retrieving the electronic receipt via the electronic address information by an electronic device (4) of the customer (7) by means of the displayed identification code (2). [12] Method according to claim 11, comprising storing the electronic receipt locally on the electronic device (4) of the customer (7). [13] Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the generated identification code (2) comprises, in addition to the electronic address information, one or more of the following information: unique ID of the electronic cash register receipt, additional information about the electronic cash register receipt, device identification of the electronic cash register system (1), name of the merchant, or the like. [14] Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the created electronic receipt can only be accessed externally at the electronic address up to a certain point in time and thereafter only via a separate access. [15] The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the step of emulating a receipt printer comprises sending emulated device information about a receipt printer to the POS system. [16] Method according to claim 15, comprising reading device information of a cash register receipt printer previously connected to the cash register system and sending this received device information as emulated device information to the read cash register receipt printer to the cash register system. [17] Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, comprising providing an administrator access for setting up and / or configuring the method according to the invention and for accessing stored electronic cash register receipts. [18] Method according to one of claims 1 to 17, comprising logging and storing all operations of the method. [19] Method according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a plurality of electronic receipts are stored in a database and the database provides the associated electronic address information in order to retrieve the electronic receipts by means of the identification code (2). [20] A method according to claim 19, wherein only registered users and / or devices can store electronic receipts in the database. [21] Method according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the created electronic receipts are stored in a cloud storage (5) and the electronic address information refers to the associated electronic receipt in the cloud storage (5). [22] System (6) for creating and processing an electronic cash register receipt for a purchase transaction, designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 21, comprising at least one interface for connection to the cash register system (1) and a display (3) for the customer (7) for displaying the identification code (2). [23] System (6) according to claim 22, wherein the system (6) is formed by a single-board computer with one or more of the following interfaces: HDMI, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Bluetooth, WLAN, DSI display port, jack socket, GPIO pins, Ethernet, SIM card slot. [24] System (6) according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the system (6) is divided into the modules operating system, data storage, data processing and visualization. [25] System (6) according to claim 24, wherein the data processing is divided into document provision and document processing

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