ECR Receipt Data Extraction via Print Job Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic cash register (ECR) systems face challenges in collecting and managing digital cash receipts due to compatibility issues among different ECR software applications, proprietary systems, diverse features, data security concerns, interoperability challenges, vendor fragmentation, and the presence of legacy systems.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to collect data from cash receipts by intercepting and interpreting print job files, which are generated by virtually any ECR software. This method allows for the extraction of receipt data and its transmission to a remote server, enabling the collection of digital cash receipts from different ECR devices without requiring modifications to existing components or programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary ECR software systems are used, then each system can be optimized for specific business needs, but compatibility and interoperability between different systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print job file as an intermediary standard format between different ECR software systems and the receipt printer. This print job file serves as a universal mediator that translates proprietary software formats into a common printing language, enabling interoperability without requiring changes to the proprietary ECR software systems themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal print job file format that can be generated by any ECR software system regardless of its proprietary nature. This universal format allows the same printing infrastructure to handle receipts from multiple different ECR systems, achieving multi-functionality and interoperability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom middleware solutions are implemented, then data collection from different ECR systems becomes possible, but device complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data collection function from complex middleware solutions and consolidates it into the existing print job file processing mechanism. By taking out the essential data extraction capability and embedding it in the standard printing workflow, the solution eliminates the need for separate custom middleware layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing print service and printer driver infrastructure performs the data collection and extraction functions as part of its normal operation. The system uses its own existing components (print job file handling, printer driver) to achieve data collection, eliminating the need for external middleware services.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ECR systems use diverse data formats, then each system can accommodate specific industry requirements, but data standardization and processing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The print job file acts as an intermediary that receives diverse data formats from different ECR systems and transforms them into a unified printing format. This mediation process maintains the flexibility to accommodate various industry-specific data structures while standardizing the output for efficient processing and printing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for collecting data from a receipt produced by an electronic cash register at a point of sale, comprising the steps of authorizing, via the electronic cash register, a payment from a customer; generating, via the electronic cash register, a receipt for the payment; preparing, via a print service, a print job file for a printer and sends said print job file to a printer driver; executing, via an electronic cash register utility module in the electronic cash register, to read the print job file; interpreting, via the electronic cash register utility module, the content of the print job file and extracting receipt data; and sending, via the electronic cash register utility module, said receipt data to a remote server.