Online Receipt Linking for Unified In-Store Purchase History
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to associate in-store and online transaction receipts for a customer, missing opportunities for retailers to provide online functionalities and promotions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating a payment receipt for an in-store transaction and saving it to a user's online account, allowing seamless integration of in-store purchases into the user's online account history with minimal disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic receipts are delivered to customers based on online account information for online purchases, then the convenience of electronic receipt delivery is improved, but the ability to associate in-store and online transactions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The online account system is extended to serve multiple functions: it not only stores online purchase information but also captures and integrates in-store transaction data through the receipt scanning feature. This allows the same account to universally manage both online and offline shopping receipts, eliminating the separation between the two channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device application as an intermediary that bridges the physical receipt and the digital account system. The app scans the paper receipt, extracts transaction data, and automatically associates it with the user's online account, serving as a mediator that connects the offline physical world with the online digital ecosystem.
2Reliability
If paper receipts are provided at the point-of-sale for in-store purchases, then proof of transaction is provided, but the opportunity for online engagement and promotions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on the physical paper receipt, the system creates a digital copy of the receipt data by scanning the paper receipt with the mobile application. This digital copy is then stored in the online account, providing both the reliability of proof of transaction and the versatility of digital access for online promotions and functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing the receipt data in the online account immediately after the in-store transaction, before the customer leaves the store. This allows the customer to later access online promotions, rewards, and transaction history without needing to physically return to the store or manually enter information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a unified system integrates in-store and online transaction data, then retailer engagement opportunities are enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application performs self-service by automatically scanning the receipt, extracting transaction data, and associating it with the user's online account without requiring manual intervention from store employees or complex backend integration. The system serves itself by using the customer's own device to capture and transmit the transaction information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual receipt handling and data entry with an automated optical scanning system. The mobile application's camera captures the receipt image, and automated image recognition technology extracts the transaction data, eliminating the need for manual data processing and reducing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating and saving an in-store receipt to an online account are disclosed. In some embodiments, a disclosed method includes: receiving, from a computing device, a request for a payment receipt associated with a transaction of a user at a physical store of a retailer; transmitting an electronic message to a user device of the user based on the request, wherein the electronic message includes a link to the payment receipt; identifying an online account of the user associated with the retailer, in accordance with a determination that the user has clicked on the link; and adding the transaction as part of a purchase history associated with the online account based on the payment receipt.