Electronic Receipt Reprint via POS Terminal and Mobile Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-sale (POS) systems are limited in handling electronic receipts and subsequent transactions, hindering the adoption of electronic receipts by not providing the functionality associated with paper receipts or adequately managing returns.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows customers to reprint paper receipts from electronic receipts using a mobile device, with software that interfaces with the POS system and includes machine-readable codes like QR Codes for transaction identification, enabling secure and convenient receipt management and handling of returns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If electronic receipts are implemented, then paper consumption is reduced and environmental benefits are achieved, but the functionality and convenience associated with paper receipts are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where electronic receipts can be copied and reprinted on demand at POS terminals. The receipt reprinting feature creates physical copies of electronic receipts, allowing customers to obtain paper copies when needed while maintaining the primary electronic format, thus reducing overall paper consumption while preserving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the POS terminal, printing module, and database that bridges electronic and physical receipt formats. This intermediary infrastructure enables seamless conversion between electronic and paper formats, allowing the system to adapt to customer needs without committing to a single format.
2Productivity
If electronic receipts are used, then storage and management efficiency is improved, but the ability to handle returns and subsequent transactions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal receipt system that supports both electronic and physical formats with identical transaction handling capabilities. The POS terminal can process returns, exchanges, and subsequent transactions for both electronic and reprinted paper receipts, making the system multi-functional and format-agnostic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing receipt data in the database and enabling on-demand reprinting. This allows the system to prepare receipt information in advance in electronic format while maintaining the capability to generate physical copies when needed for returns or transactions, ensuring transaction handling readiness.
3Ease of operation
If paper receipts are reprinted from electronic receipts, then customer convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling customers to request and receive reprinted receipts directly at the POS terminal without requiring store staff intervention for receipt retrieval. The system automatically retrieves electronic receipt data, processes the reprint request, and outputs the physical receipt, simplifying the customer experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the receipt reprinting functionality with the existing POS terminal operations. By integrating the printing module and database access into the current POS infrastructure, the system adds receipt reprinting capability without requiring completely separate systems, thus managing complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for reprinting a paper copy of a receipt at a physical store location and based off of an electronic receipt. The electronic receipt may be viewed on a mobile electronic device with electronic receipts software thereon. A customer may pair their mobile electronic device with a POS terminal in a store location. Information may be sent to a server or computer system to request that a receipt be reprinted. The server may then process the request and transmit receipt information to the POS terminal where a paper copy of the receipt is printed for the customer.