Electronic point of sale system

Abstract

A method, system and relay device 14 are provided for providing an amended transaction receipt following a refund. An electronic point of sale (EPOS) is connected to a printer 4 via a relay device 14

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a relay device, particularly to a relay device for an electronic point of sale system and to a method of operation of a system comprising such a relay device. Background to the Invention Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems are digital processing systems used in shops, restaurants and other retail outlets to provide a digital way of facilitating customers paying for goods and services. EPOS systems can record sales transactions, update stock levels and provide accurate pricing information. EPOS systems typically provide a customer with a printed receipt, typically, this is by way of an integrated printer or by wired connection to a local printer configured to receive a receipt print signal from the EPOS system and print a corresponding receipt. However, increasingly, customers wish to receive the receipt in an electronic / digital form. EPOS systems that can provide an electronic receipt via email are known, however, they require the customer to provide an email address. It is both time consuming to exchange details and customers may be reluctant to hand over personal details merely for the sake of obtaining a receipt. The email delivery incurs a time delay and a customer may only later realise that an email receipt has not been correctly received, i.e. when a customer is no longer at the point of sale. Undelivered emails, spam filters and the like can prevent the customer ever receiving a receipt. Furthermore, the customer must collate and organise receipts within an email account environment, thereby requiring the user to generate his / her own system for managing and retrieving receipts. EPOS systems are also typically very expensive. Therefore, a retailer owning an existing EPOS system may incur significant expense replacing legacy equipment in order to implement new functionality. Legacy EPOS equipment therefore provides a significant immediate barrier to the widespread adoption of electronic receipt solutions. EP3783556 discloses a method of providing a transaction receipt for an EPOS system comprising sending a receipt print signal comprising receipt data for a transaction receipt from an EPOS system to a printer. The print signal is intercepted by a relay device prior to printing by the printer. A selection of receipt type is received as an input to the relay device and the receipt data is selectively relayed to the printer or a wireless transmission device according to the received receipt type selection. This provides electronic receipt delivery whilst reducing the need to replace expensive existing EPOS hardware and without exchanging contact information of the recipient. Alongside sales, many retail outlets also utilise EPOS systems when processing in person refunds. Typically, in order to obtain a refund, a customer will need to provide proof of purchase in the form of a receipt. In many cases the customer will also need to return the unwanted item (or items) listed on the receipt. Once a refund is processed, the customer may be provided with refund advice, typically in a form similar to a receipt and / or printed in the same manner as a receipt identifying the refunded items only. The customer may also have a hand amended copy of the original receipt retuned to them with refunded items marked or crossed out. In either instance, it is an additional administrative burden for the user to manage the receipts and receipt advice and / or store these for later. Another issue that may be encountered in such systems is difficulty in transferring receipt data via a wireless transmission device depending on limitations of the data connection protocol and / or the format of the receipt data. It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome or alleviate the above problems. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing an amended transaction receipt for an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system following a refund, the method comprising: sending a refund advice print signal comprising refund data for refund advice from an EPOS system to a printer; intercepting the refund advice print signal by a relay device prior to printing by the printer; extracting predetermined data fields from the refund advice print signal and generating a refund data signal comprising said data fields; receiving receipt data corresponding to a retrieved receipt; extracting predetermined data fields from the retrieved receipt and generating a retrieved receipt data signal comprising said data fields; comparing the refund data signal to the retrieved receipt data signal so as to generate an amended receipt data signal; and selectively relaying the amended receipt data signal to the printer or a mobile computing device operatively connected to the relay device. The method of the first aspect of the present invention thereby provides a customer or retailer with either an electronic or hard copy of an updated receipt taking note of the refunded item or items. This can be readily stored by a customer or retailer for future reference as an electronic receipt, optically, it also allows a hard copy of the receipt to be printed locally for the customer of retailer to retain in addition to or in place of the original or an electronic copy. The selection of relaying the amended receipt data signal to the printer or the mobile computing device may be by way of an input to the relay device or by way of an input to the mobile computing device. The input may be a manual input. In such cases the input may be generated by manual actuation of an input means. Optionally, a prompt to make a selection is output by the relay device or the mobile computing device, as desired or appropriate. Optionally, the relay device extracts predetermined data fields from the print signal and / or the retrieved receipt. In such embodiments, comparison and generation may be carried out by the relay device. In particular embodiments, comparison and generation may be carried out by a controller of the relay device Optionally, the mobile computing device extracts predetermined data fields from the print signal and / or the retrieved receipt, hi such embodiments, comparison and generation may be carried out by the mobile computing device. The extracted predetermined data fields may include but are not limited to any one or more of: date stamp, time stamp, item price, a total transaction amount, item quantity, item name, item identification code, item size, special offer identifier, discount applied, payment method, a store identifier, EPOS identifier, cashier identifier, store location / contact details, or the like. Optionally, only a select number of fields are extracted. Extracting predetermined data fields from the print signal and / or the retrieved receipt may comprise identifying a file format or structure of the data. Extracting predetermined data fields from the print signal and / or the retrieved receipt may comprise identifying data separators or other features e.g. commas, line breaks or the like. Extracting predetermined data fields from the print signal and / or the retrieved receipt may comprise may extracting specific data from one or more predetermined locations, e.g. identified by the data location relative to the one or more data separators / features. In the event that the print signal is provided in an image format, prior to extraction, the print signal may be subject to character recognition processing. The recognised characters and their relative locations can then be used to identify and extract data fields from the print signal. Identifying a file format or structure may comprise identifying one format from a list of predetermined or known formats The amended receipt data may be provided in a human readable format. The amended receipt data may be provided in a machine readable format. In particular, the amended receipt data may be provided in a format suitable for processing by the printer or in a common image file format such as PDF or similar. The mobile computing device may store the refund data, the amended receipt data and / or extracted data (e.g. extracted data fields) in a database. The mobile computing device may transmit the refund data, the amended receipt data and / or extracted data to a remote storage device (e.g. cloud-based storage). Optionally, one or both of the relay device and the mobile computing device are configured to generate an amended receipt print signal comprising the amended receipt data. In such embodiments, the amended receipt print signal is reconstructed using the amended receipt data. Optionally, the amended receipt data is reconstructed using the extracted data fields from the retrieved receipt and the refund data. In some instances, the amended receipt data omits some or all extracted data fields common to both the retrieved receipt and the return advice. In such cases, the amended receipt may list only items that were not refunded. In some instances, the amended receipt data comprises omits some or all extracted data fields common to both the retrieved receipt and the return advice. In such cases, the amended receipt may list both items that were and were not refunded. In such cases, the refunded items may be displayed differently. Examples of such different display include but are not limited to: use of strike though text, marked “refunded” or the like. Optionally, a digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal is generated. The digital snapshot may comprise an image file format such as PDF. Optionally, the mobile computing device is configured to store the amended receipt data signal, the amended receipt print signal or a digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal in non-volatile memory. Optionally, the printer is configured to print an updated receipt directly upon receipt of the amended receipt data signal, the amended receipt print signal or a digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal, as applicable. In other such embodiments, the printer may be configured to print an updated receipt only upon receipt of a receipt print signal. The receipt print signal may be generated by way of an input to the relay device or by way of an input to the mobile computing device. The input may be a manual input. In such cases the input may be generated by manual actuation of an input means. Optionally, a prompt to make a selection is output by the relay device or the mobile computing device, as desired or appropriate. Optionally, the printer is configured to store the amended receipt data signal, the amended receipt print signal or a digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal. In such embodiments, the printer may be configured to store the amended receipt data signal, until: a subsequent receipt print signal is received; a predetermined period of time has elapsed or an amended receipt data signal, amended receipt print signal or digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal is received relating to a subsequent transaction. This can limit the memory requirement of the printer and increases data security. Optionally, the relay device is configured to store the amended receipt data signal, until: a subsequent receipt print signal is received; a predetermined period of time has elapsed or an amended receipt data signal, amended receipt print signal or digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal is received relating to a subsequent transaction. After the applicable event listed above, the amended receipt data signal may be deleted or overwritten. This can limit the memory requirement of the relay device and increases data security. In suitable embodiments, either or both of the mobile computing device and the relay device may be configured to generate the receipt print signal. The receipt print signal may be generated in response to an input to the relay device or by way of an input to the mobile computing device. The input may be a manual input. In such cases the input may be generated by manual actuation of an input means. Optionally, a prompt to make a selection is output by the relay device or the mobile computing device, as desired or appropriate. The relay device may be operatively connected to the mobile computing device via a suitable wireless connection. The connection may be via a suitable communication protocol or network including but not limited to NFC, WiFi, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE) or the like. The relay device may comprise a wireless communication device to facilitate the wireless connection. The relay device may be configured to determine whether the wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device. This determination may involve the step of identifying the communication protocol and determining the file size of the print signal. In such embodiments, if the file size of the print signal exceeds a threshold file size associated with the identified communication protocol, the wireless connection may be determined not to be suitable. This may occur for instance if the print signal is an image file, and the wireless connection is operating according to the NFC protocol. In some embodiments, where the wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the print signal may be stored by the relay device. The print signal may be stored in place of being transferred. In such embodiments, the relay device may be configured to initiate an alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a different communication protocol. If an alternative wireless connection is successfully established, the stored print signal may be transferred from the relay device to the mobile computing device over the alternative wireless connection. In some such embodiments, the relay device may be configured to determine whether the alternative wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device. This determination may again involve the step of identifying the alternative communication protocol and determining the file size of the print signal. In such embodiments, if the print signal exceeds a threshold file size associated with the identified communication protocol, the alternative wireless connection may be determined not to be suitable. For instance, if the print signal is an image file and the wireless connection operating according to the NFC protocol is determined not to be suitable, the relay device may be configured to initiate a Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy connection as an alternative. This could allow the image file comprising the print signal to be transferred successfully. If the alternative wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the relay device may be configured to initiate a further alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a further different communication protocol. In some such embodiments, the relay device may be configured to determine whether the further wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device. The steps of initiating wireless connections and determining suitability may be repeated until a suitable wireless connection is identified. If ultimately not suitable wireless connection is identified, an error message may instead be transferred to the mobile computing device. Optionally, the relay device may be operable to transmit commands to any linked device with which the relay device is in communication. The transmitted commands may be generated by the relay device in response to particular actions. The transmitted commands may be transmitted in response to receipt of corresponding commands from another linked device. In such instances, the transmitted commands may be filtered by the relay device, if desired or required. This can for example facilitate an ’open cash drawer’ command being transmitted to the EPOS system in response to generation of a print signal and / or in response to a confirmation command from the printer. The skilled person will appreciate that numerous other commands can be generated in response to suitable action or signals. In some embodiments the mobile computer device may be provided with a dedicated software app to facilitate communication with the relay device. The app may be installed on the mobile computer device prior to communication with the relay device. If the app is not installed prior to initiating communication between the mobile computer device and the relay device, the relay device may be operable to output a message to the mobile computer device comprising a download link for the app. In some embodiments, the mobile computer device may be provided with a special offer code. This may be via the app or otherwise, in such embodiments, either or both of the mobile computing device and the relay device may be configured to generate a special offer code print signal. The special offer code print signal may be generated in response to an input to the relay device or by way of an input to the mobile computing device. The input may be a manual input. In such cases the input may be generated by manual actuation of an input means. Optionally, a prompt to make a selection is output by the relay device or the mobile computing device, as desired or appropriate. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for providing an amended transaction receipt for an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system following a refund, the system comprising: a relay device and a mobile computing device operatively connected to the relay device; the relay device configured to intercept a refund advice print signal from the EPOS system prior to printing by a printer, and to send the refund advice data to the mobile computing device; the mobile computing device configured to: receive refund advice data, extract predetermined data fields from the refund advice print signal and generate a refund data signal comprising said data fields; receive receipt data corresponding to a retrieved receipt; extract predetermined data fields from the retrieved receipt and generate a retrieved receipt data signal comprising said data fields; compare the refund data signal to the retrieved receipt data signal so as to generate an amended receipt data signal; and selectively store the amended receipt data signal and / or transmit the returned receipt data to the printer via the relay device. The EPOS system of the second aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the method of the first aspect of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a relay device for an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system comprising: a receiver configured to receive a refund advice print signal from an EPOS system, the refund advice print signal comprising refund advice data for a refund advice, and to receive receipt data corresponding to a retrieved receipt; a controller configured to: hold the received refund advice print signal and the received receipt data at least until a trigger input is received and in response to said trigger input, extract predetermined data fields from the retrieved receipt and generate a retrieved receipt data signal comprising said data fields; compare the refund data signal to the retrieved receipt data signal so as to generate an amended receipt data signal; and to output the amended receipt data signal to a printer or an operatively connected mobile computing device. The relay device of the third aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the method of the first aspect of the present invention or EPOS system of the second aspect of the present invention, as desired or as appropriate. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing print data to a mobile computing device from an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system, the method comprising: providing a relay device configured to intercept a print signal from the EPOS system to a printer; establishing a wireless connection to the mobile computer device; determining whether the wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device; wherein if the wireless connection is not determined to be suitable: the relay device is configured to initiate an alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a different communication protocol; and the print signal is transferred from the relay device to the mobile computing device over the alternative wireless connection. The method of the fourth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of each the preceding aspects of the invention as required or as desired. The relay device may be configured to determine whether the wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device. This determination may involve the step of identifying the communication protocol and determining the file size of the print signal. In such embodiments, if the file size of the print signal exceeds a threshold file size associated with the identified communication protocol, the wireless connection may be determined not to be suitable. This may occur for instance if the print signal is an image file, and the wireless connection is operating according to the NFC protocol. In some embodiments, where the wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the print signal may be stored by the relay device. The print signal may be stored until the alternative wireless connection is established. In particular embodiments, the print signal may be stored until it has been successfully transferred to the mobile computing device. In some embodiments, the relay device may be configured to determine whether the alternative wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device. This determination may again involve the step of identifying the alternative communication protocol and determining the file size of the print signal. In such embodiments, if the print signal exceeds a threshold file size associated with the identified communication protocol, the alternative wireless connection may be determined not to be suitable. For instance, if the print signal is an image file and the wireless connection operating according to the NFC protocol is determined not to be suitable, the relay device may be configured to initiate a Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy connection as an alternative. This could allow the image file comprising the print signal to be transferred successfully. If the alternative wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the relay device may be configured to initiate a further alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a further different communication protocol. In such embodiments, the relay device may be configured to initiate a further alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a further different communication protocol. In some such embodiments, the relay device may be configured to determine whether the further wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device. The steps of initiating wireless connections and determining suitability may be repeated until a suitable wireless connection is identified. If ultimately not suitable wireless connection is identified, an error message may instead be transferred to the mobile computing device. The determination of the suitability of wireless connections for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device, may be assessed by a controller within the relay device. The establishment of wireless connections may also be initiated by the controller. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a relay device for providing print data to a mobile computing device from an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system, the relay device operatively connected to the mobile computing device via a wireless connection, and comprising: a receiver configured to receive a print signal from the EPOS system, and a controller configured to: establish a wireless connection to the mobile computer device; determine whether the wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device; and wherein if the wireless connection is not determined to be suitable: the controller is configured to initiate an alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a different communication protocol; and the print signal is transferred from the relay device to the mobile computing device over the alternative wireless connection The relay device of the fifth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of each the preceding aspects of the invention as required or as desired. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing print data from an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system to a mobile computing device, the system comprising: a relay device operating according to the method of the fourth aspect of the present invention or a rely device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention and a mobile computing device operatively connected to the relay device. The system of the sixth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of each the preceding aspects of the invention as required or as desired. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows an EPOS system and printing system arrangement according to the prior art; Figure 2 shows a relay device operatively connected to an EPOS system and a printing system according to the present invention; Figure 3 schematically illustrates data structures of (a) a receipt, (b) a return advice, (c) a first example of an amended receipt, and (d) a second embodiment of an amended receipt; Figure 4 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the method of generating an amended receipt according to the present invention; and Figure 5 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating the method of transferring receipt, return advice or amended receipt data from the relay device. Figure 1 shows an arrangement according to the prior art wherein an electronic point of sale (EPOS) system 2 is connected to a printing system 4, i.e. a conventional local printer connected to the EPOS system 2 via a cable 6. Once a sales transaction has been completed, the EPOS system 2, the system issues a transaction receipt. Receipt data is sent from output 8 provided by the EPOS and sent via wired connection 6 as a print signal to an input / receiver 10 of the printer 4. The printer 4 interprets the print signal and prints the corresponding receipt 12. Figure 2 shows a relay device 14 operatively located between an EPOS system 2 and a printer 4. The relay device 14 comprises a controller 22 and is configured to intercept data transmitted from the EPOS system 2 to the printer 4. The EPOS system 2 comprises a conventional EPOS system. The EPOS system 2 provides electronic processing and recording of a sales transaction, e.g. in a retail environment. The EPOS system 2 may comprise a till. The EPOS system may be configured to scan / identify goods being sold in a conventional manner so as to be able to record a transaction. The EPOS system may also be configured to enable the processing of refunds or returns. This may also involve scanning / identifying goods and / or manual input to the EPOS system. Further details of the EPOS system itself will be omitted since such systems, and conventional features thereof, are well known to the skilled person. The EPOS system 2 is configured to generate a transaction receipt or in the case of a refund, a refund advice. In a conventional arrangement as shown in Figure 1, the EPOS system 2 sends a print signal directly to the printer 4. However, in the arrangement of Figure 2, the relay device 14 is connected in the communication path between the EPOS system 2 and printer 4. In various aspects of the invention, neither the EPOS system 2, nor the printer 4 needs to be reprogrammed to accommodate the relay device 14. As such, the EPOS system sends out a conventional print signal but, instead of arriving directly at the printer, it first is caught by the relay device 14. The EPOS system 2 is configured to generate transaction receipt / refund advice data 28 comprising one or more fields 30 of the transaction receipt. For example, the fields may comprise, inter alia, any, any combination or all of: date stamp, time stamp, item price, a total transaction amount, item quantity, item name, item identification code, item size, special offer identifier, discount applied, payment method, a store identifier, EPOS identifier, cashier identifier, store location / contact details, or the like. The transaction receipt / refund advice data 28 may be stored in the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCii) format. The EPOS is further configured to provide print data 26 relating to printing instructions and / or printing parameters of the transaction receipt / refund advice. The printing instructions / parameters may include data for specifying, inter alia: a print size area; a text font; a text size; a text orientation; a text positioning; a text underline; a text justification; or a paper feed rate. The print data 26 may be provided in Page Description Language (PDL), for example, the ESC / POS (Epson Standard Code POS) protocol. The print data 26 may incorporate the transaction receipt / refund advice data 28. The combined data comprising the print data 26 and the transaction receipt / refund advice data 28 is sent to an output / transmitter 8 of the EPOS system 2 for transmission to the relay device 14. Subsequently, this could be sent directly as a print signal 25 to the printer 4 from the relay device 14. In the present invention as is discussed in more detail below, further processing occurs before print signal 25 is sent to printer 4. Whilst the combined data is referred to as a single signal 25 it could comprise one or more print signals. The printer 4 comprises a conventional printing system. The printing system may comprise, inter alia: a thermal printer; an inkjet printer; a LaserJet printer; or a dot matrix printer. The printing system 4 is configured to receive printing instructions via input / receiver 10. The printer 4 is configured to receive the conventional print signal comprising print data 26. The printer 4 may configured to receive the print data 26 in Page Description Language (PDL), for example, the ESC / POS (Epson Standard Code POS) protocol. The printer 4 is configured to interpret the print data 26 and print a transaction receipt / refund advice corresponding to the print data 26. The relay device 14 is configured to receive / intercept the print signal 25 from the EPOS system 2 via an input / receiver 16. The input 16 comprises an interface for a data connection 17 between the relay device 14 and the output 8 of the EPOS system 2. The interface may comprise an interface for a wired connection and / or a wireless connection. The wired connection may comprise, inter alia: a USB connection; a RS232 (Serial) connection; or an ethemet connection. A wireless connection may comprise, inter alia: a Wifi connection; a cellular connection (GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.); or a Bluetooth connection. The connection 17 between the relay device 14 and the EPOS system 2 is disconnectable. For example, the relay device 14 may be unplugged from the EPOS system 2. The relay device 14 is configured selectively to send a first output data to a printing system 4 via a first output / transmitter 18. The first output 18 comprises an interface for a data connection 19 between the relay device 14 and an input 10 of the printing system 4. The interface may comprise an interface for a wired connection and / or a wireless connection. The wired connection may comprise, inter alia: a USB connection; a RS232 (Serial) connection; or an ethemet connection. The wireless connection may comprise, inter alia: a Wifi connection; a cellular connection (GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.); or a Bluetooth connection. The first output 18 may correspond to (i.e. match or mimic) the output 8 of the EPOS system 2. The connection 19 between the relay device 14 and the printing system 4 is disconnectable. For example, the relay device 14 may be unplugged from the printing system 2. The first output data provided by the first output 18 comprises the print data 26 relating to the printing instructions of the transaction receipt / refund advice. The first output data comprises the transaction receipt / refund advice data 28. The first output data comprises substantially the same data as the data 25 received by the input 16. Thus the first output mimics or matches the received print signal, wherein the device 14 acts selectively as a simple relay or signal repeater device if a printed / paper receipt / refund advice is required. The relay device 14 is configured selectively to send a second output data to a wireless communication device 24 via a second transmitter / output 20. The second output 20 comprises an interface for a for a data connection between the relay device 14 and the wireless communication device 24. The interface may comprise an interface for a wired connection and / or a wireless connection. The wired connection may comprise, inter alia: a USB connection; a RS232 (Serial) connection; or an ethemet connection. The wireless connection may comprise, inter alia: a Wifi connection; a cellular connection (GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.); or a Bluetooth connection. The connection 21 between the relay device 14 and the wireless communication device 24 is disconnectable. For example, the relay device 14 may be unplugged from wireless communication device 24. Alternatively, the wireless communication device may be switched on, switched off or switched to a different wireless communication method in response to the controller 22. The second output data / signal provided by the second output 20 comprises transaction receipt / refund advice data 29, 28 and is configured to be sent to the wireless communication device 24 for wireless transmission. The second output data may comprise American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCii) data. The second out data may comprise data comprising the Portable Document Format (PDF). Oher suitable, widely-adopted formats / standards could be used. The wireless communication device 24 is configured to provide wireless communication between the relay device 14 and a customer mobile computer device 40. The customer mobile computer device 40 typically comprises a mobile (cellular) phone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer. The wireless communication device 24 is in communication with the second output 18 of the relay device 14 to receive data therefrom, i.e. via the wireless communication device 24. The wireless communication device 24 preferably communicates with the customer device 30 using a short range wireless communication method. In the present example, the short range wireless communication method comprises Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol. In other embodiments, the short range wireless communication method comprises Bluetooth protocol, Bluetooth low energy protocol and / or Wifi protocol. The skilled person will appreciate that it is possible in other examples, that the wireless communication with the user device could be via longer range signals, e.g. any conventional mobile / cellular phone signals. Optionally, the wireless communication device 24 is configured to switch between wireless communication methods. This switching can occur in response to the controller 22 The wireless communication device 24 may be formed integrally with the relay device 14 (i.e. the wireless communication device 24 and the relay device 14 share a common housing). Alternatively, the wireless communication device 24 is formed separately, from the relay device (i.e. the wireless communication device 24 and the relay device 14 comprise separate housings). The wireless communication device 24 comprises an interface for a for a data connection 21 between the relay device 14 and the wireless communication device 24. The interface may comprise an interface for a wired connection and / or a wireless connection. The wired connection may comprise, inter alia: a USB connection; a RS232 (Serial) connection; or an ethernet connection. The wireless connection may comprise, inter alia: a Wifi connection; a cellular connection (GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.); or a Bluetooth connection. A simple cable connection is considered suitable for many uses, e.g. where an existing printer shares a simple cable connection with one or more EPOS system. The EPOS system 2, the printing system 4 and the relay device 14 may be connected via a local area network (LAN). The controller 22 of relay device 14 is configured to receive data from the input 16, process the data and send the data to the first output 18 and / or the second output 20. The controller 22 comprises a data processer. The data processer comprises hardware (for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM etc.) and / or software (for example, an Operating System) required for processing the data. The controller 22 is configured to extract the transaction receipt / refund advice data 28 from the data 25. One or more data fields 30 from transaction receipt / refund advice data may be extracted from the input data by the controller 22. The controller 22 is configured to store the data 25. The controller 22 may only store the data 25 for a predetermined period of time or until a predetermined event occurs, e.g. from a list of possible predetermined events. The data 25 may only be stored until new data relating to a further transaction receipt is received by the controller. The relay device 14 comprises a switching arrangement. The switching arrangement is operatively connected to the controller such that user can select whether the data 25 is sent to the first output 18 to be printed, the second output 20 to be wirelessly transmitted, or both the first and second output to be printed and wirelessly transmitted. The switching arrangement may comprise a user interface (e.g. one or more manual switches) to allow the user to select the desired output. The user interface may comprise a plurality of buttons, for example, a first button to send the data to the first output 18 and a second button to send the data to the second output. A further button may or may not be provided to send data to both the first and the second output. A further button may or may not be provided to wipe the current data held in the device memory. Alternatively, the switching / selection arrangement comprises non-physical user interface (i.e. controlled by software etc.) to allow the user to select the desired output. The user interface may be provided at a remote location. For example, the non-physical switch may comprise a remote app installed on a mobile device operated by a sales assistant. In some circumstances, the non-physical switch may comprise a remote app installed on a customer mobile computer device 40. The relay device 14 may be provided as a standalone device (i.e. the relay device 14 does not form part of, or is not integral with, the EPOS system or the printing system). In some embodiments, the relay device 14 is integral with the EPOS system 2. In some embodiments, the relay device 14, e.g. including the wireless communications device is integral with the printing system 4, e.g. provided within a common housing with the printer hardware and / or as a module thereof. Operation of invention The relay device 14 is operatively connected to the EPOS system 2. For example, this comprises connecting a USB cable between the relay device 14 and the EPOS system 2. The relay device 14 is operatively connected to the printing system 4. For example, this comprises connecting a USB cable between the relay device 14 and the printing system 4. Prior to use in the present invention, the relay device 14 initialises the input 16 to check the connection between the relay device 14 and the EPOS system. The relay device initialises the first output 18 to check the connection between the relay device 14 and the printing system 4. The relay device 14 may initialise the second output 20 to check the connection between the relay device 14 and the wireless communication device 24. Subsequently, the relay device 14 monitors the input 16 to check for data 25 from the EPOS system 2. Such data 25 may comprise a receipt or refund advice. Typical signals 25 in the form of a transaction receipt 29 and refund advice 28 are shown in figure 3a and figure 3b respectively. Each signal 25 comprises a number of different data fields such as receipt / refund ID 31, store ID 32, time and date stamp 33, item references 34 and total 35. In the examples shown in figure 3a, the receipt 29 relates to the purchase of items 34a-34d and the item references may comprise item ID, item quantity and item cost data as desired or as appropriate. Similarly, the refund advice 28 in figure 3b relates to refunds for item references 34b and 34c only. The skilled person will appreciate that different numbers of item refences 34 and / or different specific fields may be included in transaction receipts 29 and refund advice 28 as required or desired. In in the event that data 25 received from the EPOS system 2 comprises refund advice 28, the controller 22 either 22 processes the print signal 25 to extract the refund advice data 28 or transmits the data 25 to the mobile computing device 40 for processing to extract the refund advice data 28. The processing subsequently involves the steps illustrated in relation to figure 4. The controller 22 or mobile computing device 40 may identify and extract one or more fields from the refund advice data 28. For example, the extracted fields may comprise, one or more of: item references 34; a total transaction amount 35; a discount applied; a payment method; a store ID 32; an EPOS ID; cashier ID; an address of a store; a time and / or date stamp 33. Typically, the extracted fields will be predetermined by the controller 22 or mobile computing device 40. Additionally or alternatively, the operator may be able to program the extracted fields into the controller 22 or mobile computing device 40, and / or may be able to select the fields on an on-demand basis. In this regard, there are a limited number of widely adopted formats for receipt printing and the controller 22 or mobile computing device 40 may identify the relevant data format / structure and extract data pertaining to the fields of interest for generating the e-receipt from the relevant location within the format / structure of the received print signal data. For example, the controller 22 or mobile computing device 40 may be configured to identify the ASCii characters for each field or by the way in which the fields are parametrised within the data structure. The controller 22 or mobile computing device 40 can then identify and extract specific portions of the data that are required to populate an electronic receipt by the location of the data relative to certain characters (e.g. punctuation marks or control characters) or other data location features such as line / row numbers. In this way the controller 22 or mobile computing device 40 can be programmed to extract data fields pertaining to the same transaction data type from print signal data of different EPOS systems. The controller 22 or mobile computing device 40 may identify the relevant data structure, e.g. by comparing the received data structure with a list of predetermined / known data structures. Additionally or alternatively the controller may be pre-programmed to work with a specific known print data structure of the connected EPOS system. The controller 22 or mobile computing device 40 can then extract a predetermined list of data content from the print signal data. The controller 22 or mobile computing device 40 is also configured to retrieve a receipt 29 corresponding to the original transaction. Optionally, this may take place prior to the refund, as a necessary step of the refund issuance process. Alternatively, where the refund is issued on the basis of a paper receipt or viewing of a previously stored receipt, this may take place following the generation of the refund advice data 25. The retrieved receipt data may be a receipt 29 corresponding to the original purchase of the refunded items 34. The previous receipt 29 can be identified by reference to any one or more of: a receipt ID, itemised transactions (i.e. the product and / or price thereof); item references 34; a total transaction amount 35; a discount applied; a payment method; a store ID 32; an EPOS ID; cashier ID; an address of a store; a time and / or date stamp 33. It is also possible that the previous receipt 29 is identified by selection on the EPOS 5 or consumer mobile computing device 40. Once retrieved, the retrieved receipt 29 is processed to extract the retrieved receipt data. Typically, this extraction step parallels the extraction of refund advice data described above and thus is not described in detail. Once data has been extracted from the refund advice and the retrieved receipt, the controller 22 or mobile computing device 40 is configured to compare the extracted data from the retrieved receipt and the refund advice. This allows identification of the refunded items 34b, 34c, being common to both the retrieved receipt 29 and the refund advice 28. Subsequently the controller 22 or mobile computing device 40 is configured to generate amended receipt data based on the comparison. The amended receipt data may then be inserted into a pre-existing template to generate amended receipt print data and ultimately an amended receipt such as examples 29c, 29d in figures 3c and 3d respectively. The amended receipt print data may be stored on the mobile computer device 40, EPOS 5 or relay device 14 as required or desired. Additionally or alternatively, the receipts may be stored remotely (e.g. on a cloud server). The remote storage device may be linked to / managed by the retailer or another service provider, for example, the remote storage device may comprise a user account for the specific retailer or a plurality of retailers. The retailer may optionally be provided access to the receipts and / or data thereof. The extracted fields and / or other amended receipt data may be stored as fields in a database on the user device or remote storage device. This may allow convenient searching / sorting of the relevant fields 30 across one or many different receipts. Additionally, this may allow the user to track spending, or return a specific item without the need to look for a specific receipt. During the extraction process by the relay device 4 or the mobile device, each field 30 may be given an identifier or the like, so that each field 30 in the receipt data 28 is assigned to the appropriate field in the database. Additionally, the amended receipt print data can be sent to printer 4 to enable printing of an amended receipt 12. In some embodiments, such as shown in figure 3c, the amended receipt 29c can comprise both the extracted data fields from the retrieved receipt and the refund data. In such cases, the amended receipt print signal may use both the retrieved receipt and the refund data. In such cases, the amended receipt print signal may be further processed such that the refunded items are displayed differently to the non-refunded items. For instance, the refunded items may be displayed in strike though text or marked “refunded” or similar. This is schematically illustrated by the cross hatching of refunded item references 34b, 34c in in figure 3c. In other embodiments, the amended receipt 29d may comprise only the extracted data fields uncommon to both the retrieved receipt and the refund advice. This allows the generation of an amended receipt 29d listing only the unrefunded items 34a, 34d, as shown in figure 3c. The amended receipt data template can be essentially a ‘digital snapshot’ or may differ from the printed receipt data if necessary so that the important fields in the amended receipt data can be logged in a common format for the user, regardless of what EPOS system has been used for the transaction and / or can be presented in a more aesthetically pleasing or standardised manner to the user. The pre-existing template may comprise additional information (i.e. more than is available on a printed receipt) for example, it may comprise promotional material or information on a returns policy. The additional material may comprise images, moving images, hyperlinks, coloured text, shapes etc, which are typically not provided for in standard EPOS printing protocols. Optionally, an independent time stamp may be applied by the controller 22 or customer mobile computer device 40, e.g. in addition to any data extracted from the print signal. Where receipts 29, amended receipts 29c, 29d or refund advice 28 are in character based formats, they can readily be transferred between the wireless communication device 24 and the customer mobile computer device 40 via any suitable communication protocol. In some instances, such as where receipts 29, amended receipts 29c, 29d or refund advice 28 are in the form of image files, some communication protocols, for example NFC, may not be suitable for reliable data transfer. In particular embodiments where the wireless communication device 24 is configured in accordance with two or more communication protocols, the controller 22 is configured to identify if the communication protocol is suitable for transferring receipt / refund advice data to the customer mobile computer device 40. If not, the controller 22 is configured to establish a connection to the customer mobile computer device 40 via an alternative communication protocol. This operation is described in more detail in relation to the process steps illustrated in figure 5. Once a data connection is established between the wireless communication device 24 and the customer mobile computer device 40, the controller is configured to identify the communication protocol in use. When it is desired to transfer receipt / refund advice data to the customer mobile computer device 40, the controller determines the file size of the receipt / refund advice data. The determined file size is compared to a threshold file size for the identified communication protocol so as to determine whether data transfer would be reliable under the identified protocol and hence determine whether the communication protocol is suitable or not suitable. For instance, if the receipt / refund advice data file size is less than the threshold file size, the communication protocol may be determined to be suitable for the transfer of the receipt / refund advice data to the customer mobile computer device 40 and if the receipt / refund advice data file size is greater than the threshold file size, the communication protocol may be determined to be not suitable for the transfer of the receipt / refund advice data to the customer mobile computer device 40. In the event that the communication protocol is determined to be suitable, the controller 22 is configured to enable the wireless communication device 24 to transfer the receipt / refund advice data to the customer mobile computer device 40. In the event that the communication protocol is determined to be not suitable the controller 22 is configured to store the receipt / refund advice data rather than directly enable the wireless communication device 24 to transfer it to the customer mobile computer device 40. Alongside the storage of the receipt / refund advice data, the controller 22 is configured to control the wireless communication device 24 to establish an alternative data connection under an alternative communication protocol. Optionally, as is shown in figure 5, once the alternative data connection is established, the controller 22 can be configured to identify the communication protocol, determine the file size of the receipt / refund advice data, and compare the determined file size to a threshold file size for the identified communication protocol so as to determine whether data transfer would be reliable under the identified alternative communication protocol. As before, if the alternative communication protocol is suitable, the data transfer from wireless communication device 24 to customer mobile computer device 40 can be enabled. If the alternative communication protocol is not suitable, the receipt / refund advice data is stored and the controller 22 is configured to control the wireless communication device 24 to establish a further alternative data connection under an alternative communication protocol. Beneficially, determining suitability of the data connection before enabling data transfer allows the selection of reliable data connection. For instance, if the wireless communication device 24 is configured to primarily operate an NFC data connection, this methodology could allow the selection of a Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy data connection where required. The relay device acts as a ‘ghost’ between the EPOS system and the printing system. The EPOS system ‘sees’ the relay device as a printing system and therefore sends print instructions as if it were directly connected to a printing system. The printing system ‘sees’ relay device an as an EPOS device and therefore receives print instructions as if it were directly connected to an EPOS system. Therefore, the relay device can be retrofit to a conventional EPOS system and printing system without the need to replace or modify expensive existing hardware / software. The relay device is also capable of interpreting standard printing protocols (for example ECS / POS) and so can be used with a wide variety of EPOS systems provided by different manufactures etc., without the need to modify or change the EPOS system. The wireless transmission of the receipt / refund advice data does not require the transfer of any personal data between the customer the retailer. For example, the NFC protocol allows substantially unidirectional transmission of data to the customer in an anonymous manner. The cashier is not required to type in an email address and so may attend to other customers whilst the customer receives their receipt / refund advice. The receipt / refund advice data may be held on the user’s portable communication device (i.e. mobile / smart phone) such that the user can keep a personal electronic log of transactions / purchases. Software running on the user’s device may allow the user to retrieve and / or manage receipts / refund advice. A central database can be maintained for multiple users, whereby all receipts / refund advice are stored or backed-up centrally so that the user can access his / her receipt / refund advice history remotely using a personal login or ID. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of providing an amended transaction receipt for an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system following a refund, the method comprising: sending a refund advice print signal comprising refund data for refund advice from an EPOS system to a printer; intercepting the refund advice print signal by a relay device prior to printing by the printer; extracting predetermined data fields from the refund advice print signal and generating a refund data signal comprising said data fields; receiving receipt data corresponding to a retrieved receipt; extracting predetermined data fields from the retrieved receipt and generating a retrieved receipt data signal comprising said data fields; comparing the refund data signal to the retrieved receipt data signal so as to generate an amended receipt data signal; and selectively relaying the amended receipt data signal to the printer or a mobile computing device operatively connected to the relay device.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the selection of relaying the amended receipt data signal to the printer or the mobile computing device is by way of an input to the relay device or by way of an input to the mobile computing device.

3. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein extracting predetermined data fields from the print signal and / or the retrieved receipt comprises any one or more of: identifying a file format or structure of the data; identifying data separators or other features; extracting specific data from one or more predetermined locations and wherein if the print signal is provided in an image format, prior to extraction, the print signal is subject to character recognition processing.

4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the amended receipt data omits some or all extracted data fields common to both the retrieved receipt and the return advice; or wherein the amended receipt data comprises omits some or all extracted data fields common to both the retrieved receipt and the return advice.

5. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the printer is configured to print an amended receipt directly upon receipt of the amended receipt data signal, the amended receipt print signal or a digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal or the printer is configured to print an updated receipt only upon receipt of a receipt print signal or wherein the printer is configured to store the amended receipt data signal, until: a subsequent receipt print signal is received; a predetermined period of time has elapsed or an amended receipt data signal, amended receipt print signal or digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal is received relating to a subsequent transaction.

6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mobile computing device and / or the relay device is configured to generate the receipt print signal in response to an input to the relay device or by way of an input to the mobile computing device.

7. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the relay device is operatively connected to the mobile computing device via a suitable wireless connection and wherein the relay device is configured to determine whether the wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device and wherein if the wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the print signal is stored by the relay device and the relay device is configured to initiate an alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a different communication protocol and if an alternative wireless connection is successfully established, the stored print signal is transferred from the relay device to the mobile computing device over the alternative wireless connection, wherein if the alternative wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the relay device is configured to initiate a further alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a further different communication protocol.

8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a dedicated software app is provided to facilitate communication between the mobile computer device and the relay device, wherein if the app is not installed prior to initiating communication between the mobile computer device and the relay device, therelay device is operable to output a message to the mobile computer device comprising a download link for the app.

9. A system for providing an amended transaction receipt for an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system following a refund, the system comprising: a relay device and a mobile computing device operatively connected to the relay device; the relay device configured to intercept a refund advice print signal from the EPOS system prior to printing by a printer, and to send the refund advice data to the mobile computing device; the mobile computing device configured to: receive refund advice data, extract predetermined data fields from the refund advice print signal and generate a refund data signal comprising said data fields; receive receipt data corresponding to a retrieved receipt; extract predetermined data fields from the retrieved receipt and generate a retrieved receipt data signal comprising said data fields; compare the refund data signal to the retrieved receipt data signal so as to generate an amended receipt data signal; and selectively store the amended receipt data signal and / or transmit the returned receipt data to the printer via the relay device.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the selection of relaying the amended receipt data signal to the printer or the mobile computing device is by way of an input to the relay device or by way of an input to the mobile computing device.

11. A system as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the printer is configured to print an amended receipt directly upon receipt of the amended receipt data signal, the amended receipt print signal or a digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal or the printer is configured to print an updated receipt only upon receipt of a receipt print signal or wherein the printer is configured to store the amended receipt data signal, until: a subsequent receipt print signal is received; a predetermined period of time has elapsed or an amended receipt data signal, amended receipt print signal or digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal is received relating to a subsequent transaction.

12. A system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the mobile computing device and / or the relay device is configured to generate the receipt print signalin response to an input to the relay device or by way of an input to the mobile computing device.

13. A system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the relay device is operatively connected to the mobile computing device via a suitable wireless connection and wherein the relay device is configured to determine whether the wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device and wherein if the wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the print signal is stored by the relay device and the relay device is configured to initiate an alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a different communication protocol and if an alternative wireless connection is successfully established, the stored print signal is transferred from the relay device to the mobile computing device over the alternative wireless connection, optionally wherein the relay device is configured to determine whether the alternative wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device and if the alternative wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the relay device is configured to initiate a further alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a further different communication protocol.

14. A system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein if the mobile computer device is provided with a special offer code, either or both of the mobile computing device and the relay device are configured to generate a special offer code print signal in response to an input to the relay device or by way of an input to the mobile computing device.

15. A relay device for an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system comprising: a receiver configured to receive a refund advice print signal from an EPOS system, the refund advice print signal comprising refund advice data for a refund advice, and to receive receipt data corresponding to a retrieved receipt; a controller configured to: hold the received refund advice print signal and the received receipt data at least until a trigger input is received and in response to said trigger input, extract predetermined data fields from the retrieved receipt and generate a retrieved receipt data signal comprising said data fields; comparethe refund data signal to the retrieved receipt data signal so as to generate an amended receipt data signal; and to output the amended receipt data signal to a printer or an operatively connected mobile computing device.

16. A relay device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the selection of relaying the amended receipt data signal to the printer or the mobile computing device is by way of an input to the relay device and wherein the relay device extracts predetermined data fields from the print signal and / or the retrieved receipt and comparison and generation is carried out by the relay device.

17. A relay device as claimed in claims 15 or claim 16 wherein the relay device is configured to store the amended receipt data signal, until: a subsequent receipt print signal is received; a predetermined period of time has elapsed or an amended receipt data signal, amended receipt print signal or digital snapshot of the amended receipt print signal is received relating to a subsequent transaction.

18. A relay device as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the relay device is operatively connected to the mobile computing device via a suitable wireless connection and wherein the relay device is configured to determine whether the wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device, and wherein if the wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the print signal is stored by the relay device and the relay device is configured to initiate an alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a different communication protocol and if an alternative wireless connection is successfully established, the stored print signal is transferred from the relay device to the mobile computing device over the alternative wireless connection, optionally wherein the relay device is configured to determine whether the alternative wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device and if the alternative wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the relay device is configured to initiate a further alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a further different communication protocol.

19. A relay device as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the relay device is the relay device is operable to transmit commands to any linked device with which the relay device is in communication.

20. A method of providing print data to a mobile computing device from an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system, the method comprising: providing a relay device configured to intercept a print signal from the EPOS system to a printer; establishing a wireless connection to the mobile computer device; determining whether the wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device; wherein if the wireless connection is not determined to be suitable: the relay device is configured to initiate an alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a different communication protocol; and the print signal is transferred from the relay device to the mobile computing device over the alternative wireless connection.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20 wherein the relay device is configured to determine whether the alternative wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device, optionally wherein if the alternative wireless connection is determined not to be suitable, the relay device is configured to initiate a further alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a further different communication protocol.

22. A relay device for providing print data to a mobile computing device from an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system, the relay device operatively connected to the mobile computing device via a wireless connection, and comprising: a receiver configured to receive a print signal from the EPOS system, and a controller configured to: establish a wireless connection to the mobile computer device; determine whether the wireless connection is suitable for transferring the print signal to the mobile computing device; and wherein if the wireless connection is not determined to be suitable: the controller is configured to initiate an alternative wireless connection with the mobile computer device using a different communication protocol; and the print signal is transferred from the relay device to the mobile computing device over the alternative wireless connection23. A system for providing print data from an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system to a mobile computing device, the system comprising: a relay device operating according to the method of claim 20 or claim 21 or a relay device according to claim 22 and a mobile computing device operatively connected to 5 the relay device.

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