WO2018053558A1

WO2018053558A1 - A device and system for generating an augmented receipt

Info

Publication number: WO2018053558A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2017/050064
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pravir SEEVNARAYAN; Kamlesh Solanki RANCHHOD; Justin John RALEIGH
Original assignee: Seevnarayan Pravir
Priority date: 2016-09-15
Filing date: 2017-09-14
Publication date: 2018-03-22
Also published as: ZA201901579B

Abstract

A device and system for generating an augmented receipt, which device comprises a receiver configured to receive data transmitted from a point of sale (POS) terminal and a transmitter configured to transmit the data received, read, analysed and identified. The receiver including a reading means configured to read the data, and identifying means configured to analyse and identify predetermined qualifying characteristics of the data. The augmented receipt being generated using the data.

Description

A DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING AN AUGMENTED RECEIPT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to receipt generating devices and systems and the comprehensive management of receipts, receipt content and the independent ability to allow for external communications to be added onto a receipt without integrating into the host software.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Receipts or till slips are printed at Point of Sale (POS) terminals by POS printers. The generation and printing of receipts is not limited to POS terminals at retailers, and extends into the service industry, such as the issuing of invoices for services rendered. Typically, two components of a receipt are printed, one component to be kept by the retailer, the other to be given to the customer serving as their copy. Alternatively, two separate receipts are printed, one after the other, either automatically or upon instruction, and in the same way one is given to the customer for them to keep. The component, receipt or till slip received by the customer may include marketing, campaigns or other information. For example a receipt may provide a space for a customer to fill in particular personal details, or serve as proof to qualify in order to enter into a competition. The receipt is then put into a competition box along with other competition entries. A drawback of handing in the receipt is that a person no longer has possession of it at all and therefore has no proof of purchase.

There is a large amount of other information printed on each receipt that is often rendered obsolete, as it is neither recorded nor paid attention to by customers. Prices and Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) items are the most likely to be noticed by customers, but their relevance is limited, as customers often discard the receipt a short time after receiving it. Receipts are most relevant when customers buy non-consumables, for example clothing, or receive invoices for services rendered and paid for, and use this for their own record keeping. Other information that may be included on the receipt is the payment method, store details, geographical location, specific POS terminal, time, date, or any combination of these. The issuing of electronic receipts and invoices is already known. This information is difficult to capture, record and access in a centralised and accessible manner, furthermore, it is challenging to manage.

The inventor is of the opinion that the invention addresses some of problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following definitions may be used to interpret the specification:

Operator - a person or user who operates a device for generating an augmented receipt, including but not limited to a person who operates a system, software, programming, applications or the likes thereof, associated, integrated or connected to the device. Customer - a person or user who purchases, obtains, pays for a service and/or goods, including but not limited to a person or user receiving a receipt or invoice in return for an exchange of money or otherwise for goods and/or services.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for generating an augmented receipt, the device comprising: a receiver being configured to receive data transmitted from a point of sale (POS) terminal, the receiver including: a reading means being configured to read the data; and identifying means being configured to analyse and identify predetermined qualifying characteristics of the data; and a transmitter being configured to transmit the data received, read, analysed and identified, wherein an augmented receipt is generated using the data.

The augmented receipt may be printed by a receipt printer. The receipt may be augmented when a qualifying product is purchased by a customer.

The receipt may be augmented when a pre-determined qualifying value is spent. The receipt may be augmented when a purchase is made at a pre-determined qualifying time, date, location, POS terminal, or the likes thereof. The augmented receipt may be presented by means of an electronic and/or digital display.

The means of display may include an electronic device, computer, including but not limited to a mobile telecommunication device, wherein the augmented receipt is an electronic receipt capable of, but not limited to, being electronically and/or digitally transmitted to such devices for viewing and storage.

The device may connect to a mobile telecommunication device using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, a mobile network connection, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the likes thereof to identify the customer, wherein the augmented receipt is transmitted to a customer's mobile device and/computer.

The augmented receipt may be transmitted to the customer in an email, SMS, MMS, Whatsapp™ message, mobile application (APP) or the likes thereof. The device may be configured to operate with a web or mobile application (APP) such as the TillSlip Application (APP), USSD platform, or the likes thereof.

The mobile APP may be downloaded and a customer may register as a user of the APP. The APP may be configured to connect with the device when in a suitable range.

The APP may be configured to connect to a back-end of a system, the back-end connected to the device, wherein one or more of the APP users' receipts may be stored, accessed and managed.

When transmitting the augmented receipt to the customer's mobile device, the APP may be configured to store the augmented receipt in a digital archive on the customer's mobile device. The APP may be configured to compile a budget for the APP user. The APP may include a user interface, wherein the APP user may set up a profile and preferences when registering an account, and allows the APP user to manage their account.

The device may connect to a NFC or Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag using NFC technology or (RFID) technology as the identifier, wherein the augmented receipt is sent to the customer's profile associated with the corresponding NFC or RFID tag.

The NFC or RFID tag may be a NFC or RFID token. The NFC or RFID tag may be linked to the APP on the APP user's mobile device, such that the APP user may use their mobile device to manage their profile, and the tag receives the augmented receipt.

The device may be configured to automatically transmit the augmented receipt to a digital archive on the back-end of the system, for storage.

The device may be configured such that the first or original receipt may be the augmented receipt, wherein augmented attributes are supplemented onto the first or original receipt. The device may further be configured such that an additional and/or second and/or separate receipt is printed subsequent to the printing of the original or first receipt, wherein once the first or original receipt prints and is removed, the separate and/or second receipt may be printed. The separate or second receipt may be printed when a qualifying product is purchased,

The separate or second receipt may be printed when a pre-determined qualifying value is spent. The separate or second receipt may be printed when there is a purchase at a predetermined qualifying time, date, location, POS terminal, or the likes thereof.

The separate or second receipt may also be printed on every receipt printed if the campaign is configured to enable this.

The separate or second receipt may be used to enter a competition, wherein the original or first receipt may be kept by the customer. The qualifying characteristics may relate to a campaign, for example an advertising, promotion, discounting, cash-back, voucher, credit or other similar campaign. The qualifying characteristics may include campaign configuration parameters.

The campaign configuration parameters may be configured by an operator.

The system may include a front-end, the front-end including a user interface, wherein campaign configuration parameters may be configured by the operator.

The user interface may be used by the operator to access, monitor and manage data stored on the back-end, the data relating to augmented receipts, qualifying characteristics and the campaign configuration parameters.

The campaign configuration parameters may be obtained by the device from the back-end of the system.

The campaign configuration parameters may be stored locally on the device.

The campaign configuration parameters may include but may not be not limited to the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) items, payment method, total spend, store details, geographical location, specific POS terminal, time, date, or any combination thereof. The reading means may be configured to read a portion of, or all the data to be printed on the first or original receipt, and the identifying means may be configured to analyse the data, which may include, but may not be not limited to the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) items, payment method, total spend, store details, geographical location, specific POS terminal, time, date, or any combination of these.

The reading means and identifying means may be configured to intercept data transmitted from the POS terminal.

The transmitter may be configured to transmit data from the device to the receipt printer.

The device may apply static marketing communications to the augmented receipt, wherein a standard message may be printed on each augmented receipt. The device may apply dynamic marketing communications to the augmented receipt, wherein the message can change depending on the data contained on that specific receipt. The use of NFC with the mobile device, NFC/RFID tag or token, and/or the APP may be used for marketing, and may allow for enhanced loyalty programs, wherein individual customers may be identified along with their purchases and preferences.

The device may be connectable to the POS terminal and to the receipt printer.

The device may be connected to the POS terminal and/or the receipt printer by cable, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, Local Area Network (LAN), or the likes thereof, wherein the connection may be physical or wireless. The device may include a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) module allowing for its connectivity, wherein no external communication connections are required.

The GSM connectivity aids the data transmissions using cloud computing. The transmitter may transmit to the cloud.

The device may be software or platform agnostic, wherein the device is configured to operate with any POS terminal. The device may be configured to include a failsafe mechanism, wherein the device may automatically be bypassed if it fails to operate, or is damaged or malfunctions.

The failsafe mechanism may include a manual switch-over. The augmented receipt may include optical, physical or other attributes which are generated on the receipt.

One or more attributes may be impressed on the receipt.

The one or more attributes may be impressed at any position on the receipt. The optical attributes may include text, numerical codes, alpha-numerical codes, barcodes, QR codes, USSD codes, images, graphics, representations, shapes, patterns, ornamentations, or the like thereof. The physical or other attributes may be augmented by means of printer control codes, wherein the printer may format and cut the receipt paper, or generate one or more through- holes, shaped through-holes, through-holes in a pattern, braille-type protrusions, or the like thereof. The device may be integral to the POS terminal. The device may include a receipt printer.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a receipt reader. The receipt reader includes: a receiving means being configured to receive a printed receipt, wherein the receipt is printed by a receipt printer of a POS terminal; a scanning means being configured to read, analyse and identify predetermined qualifying characteristics on the printed receipt; and a receipt generator, wherein an augmented receipt is generated based on the qualifying characteristics identified, wherein optical, physical or other attributes are augmented on the augmented receipt, the attributes correlating to campaign configuration parameters configured by an operator.

The receipt generated may be an electronic receipt. The augmented receipt may be a paper receipt.

The receipt reader may receive one or more printed receipts and generate a single new augmented receipt. The device may be configured to capture and store data relating to the printed receipt and/or augmented receipt. The device may be configured to capture and transmit data relating to the printed receipt and/or augmented receipt, wherein the data is transmitted to a back-end of a system.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for augmenting receipts, the system including: a device comprising: a receiver being configured to receive data transmitted from a POS terminal, the receiver including: a reading means being configured to read the data; an identifying means being configured to analyse and identify predetermined qualifying characteristics of the data; and a transmitter being configured to transmit the data received, read, and identified, wherein an augmented receipt is generated using the data; and a back-end, connectable to at least the device, and configured to receive, send data and store data;

The system may further include at least one front-end, connected to the device and back- end. The front-end may be configured such that at least a customer receives an augmented receipt and/or information related to the augmented receipt and such that it allows at least the customer to access specific data in the back-end.

The back-end may be connectable to a mobile telecommunications device and/or computer. The front-end may be configured such that an operator receives an augmented receipt and/or information related to the augmented receipt, and such that the operator may access and control the device and/or back-end.

The device may connect to a mobile telecommunication device using NFC.

The device may include a NFC reader. The device may include on-board Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

The system may include one or more protocol converters. The system may include a first protocol converter for converting protocol of the POS terminal to protocol suitable for the device.

The system may include a second protocol converter for converting protocol of the device to protocol suitable for a receipt printer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention shall be described by way of reference to the following drawing which shall not be considered in any way as limiting the scope of the invention:

Figure 1 is a flow chart of a system for augmenting receipts, including a device for generating an augmented receipt;

Figure 2 is another flow chart of the system for augmenting receipts, showing the augmented receipt; and

Figure 3 is another flow chart of the system for augmenting receipts, showing the augmented receipt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention shall be described by way of a non-limiting example as well as by referring to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of various rearrangements, combinations, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth.

Referring to Figure 1 the system 10 for augmenting receipts includes, a device 12 comprising a receiver (not shown) being configured to receive data transmitted from a point of sale (POS) terminal 14, the receiver including a reading means (not shown) being configured to read the data and an identifying means (not shown) being configured to analyse and identify predetermined qualifying characteristics of the data, and the device further including a transmitter (not shown) being configured to transmit the data received, read, and identified, wherein an augmented receipt 26 is generated using the data and printed by a receipt printer 16; a back-end 18, connectable to the device 12, and configured to receive, send data and store data.

The system 10 includes a first protocol converter 20 for converting protocol of the POS terminal 14 to protocol suitable for the device 12. The system 10 includes a second protocol converter 22 for converting protocol or data transmitted by the device 12, to protocol suitable for the receipt printer 16. The device 12 is capable of connecting to a mobile telecommunication device (not shown) or NFC tag (not shown) using NFC, wherein the device 12 includes a NFC reader 24. The device 12 is connected to the POS terminal 14 and to the receipt printer 16.

Referring to the non-limiting example, the system 10 for augmenting a receipt includes, a device 12 comprising a receiver being configured to receive data transmitted from a POS terminal 14; reading means being configured to read the data; identifying means being configured to analyse and identify predetermined qualifying characteristics of the data; and a transmitter being configured to transmit the data received, read, and identified, wherein an augmented receipt 26 is generated using the data; and a back-end 18, connectable to the device 12, and configured to receive, send data and store data. The system 10 also includes at least one front-end, connected to the device 12 and back-end 18, the front-end configured such that at least a customer receives an augmented receipt 26 and/or information related to the augmented receipt 26, and such that it allows at least the customer and operator to access and control the device 12 and/or back-end 18. The front-end is configured such that an operator receives an augmented receipt 26 and/or information related to the augmented receipt 26, and such that the operator can access and control the device 12 and/or back-end 18.

The receiver, reading means, identifying means and transmitter are enclosed within a housing, to form a compact unit. The device 12 further includes interfaces to the POS, receipt printer 16, a back-end 18 or server and NFC device 12 or tag. The interfaces to the POS and receipt printer 16 are serial, parallel or USB. The interface to the back-end 18 is wireless utilizing an existing cellular network or alternatively a wired interface utilizing an existing network infrastructure. The device 12 further includes LED for indicating when it is on, and at least one other LED to indicate the network link status. The device 12 further includes multiple up and down stream USB ports. The device 12 further includes a microSD card holder for operating the system 10, device firmware, local database. The microSD card is installed during production of the device 12. The device 12 further includes an Ethernet port. The device 12 includes two printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA), a Raspberry Pi PCBA with a processor and interfaces, and a custom designed PCBA comprising a mobile network interface module and power supply, a general purpose processor required for emulating a USB printer, an interface to the Raspberry Pi via serial peripheral interface (SPI) and a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), as well as various general purpose input and output pins, and it is adapted to fit the housing and mount onto the Raspberry Pi PCBA. The Micro SD card serves as a local database and stores all device configuration data, campaign configuration data and captured receipts. This allows the data to be recovered in the case that the device 12 fails.

The device 12 uses a wireless module on the custom PCBA to interface with the mobile network. The wireless module is powered by a custom switching regulator which allows for stable operation of the device 12 in low signal strength conditions when the module uses high instantaneous peak currents. The device 12 requires a SIM card with network data loaded onto it. Device firmware is upgraded over-the-air (OTA) and firmware versions are configured from the back-end 18. All device 12 configuration is done by a Graphical User Interface (GUI), therefore the device 12 requires connectivity for its initial configuration during installation. The device 12 is pre-configured for areas with poor reception.

The device 12 further includes a USB to serial converter for the POS and receipt printer 16 side conversion, and USB to parallel converters for the POS and receipt printer 16 side conversion. A range of high-gain external antennas are used. The device 12 further includes a power converter. The system 10 includes a USB compliant NFC reader 24 connected to the device 12. The device 12 further includes a serial to serial switch-over device, and a parallel to parallel switch-over device, allowing the device 12 or POS output to be routed directly to the receipt printer 16 in a multiplexer configuration, with the POS to receipt printer 16 route being effective when the device 12 is not powered, an error has occurred or it is not functioning properly.

The device 12 further includes a Wi-Fi dongle, which is a USB Wi-Fi dongle. The device firmware operates using a Linux-based operating system on the microSD card. The firmware is stored on the microSD card and comprises a bootloader for firmware updating, main application health monitoring, amongst others, and a main application for intercepting, augmenting and uploading receipts using campaign configurations retrieved from the back-end 18. The device firmware and data is encrypted.

The device 12 further includes a GSM module allowing for its connectivity, wherein no external communication connections are required. The GSM connectivity aids the data transmissions using cloud computing. The device 12 is connected to a power source through a power port.

The device 12 is software or platform agnostic and configured to operate with any POS terminal.

The device 12 further includes a failsafe mechanism, wherein the device 12 is automatically bypassed if it fails to operate, is damaged or malfunctions, allowing the original receipt to be printed. The failsafe mechanism also includes a manual switch-over.

The reading means is configured to read all the data to be printed on the first or original receipt, and the identifying means is configured to analyse the data and identify particular aspects of the data. The receiver, reading means and identifying means intercept data transmitted from the POS terminal.

The system 10 further includes a first protocol converter for converting protocol of the POS terminal 14 to protocol suitable for the device 12. The data received by receiver can transmitted in an unmodified form or without being augmented, and in this way the device 12 is connected by a normal receipt will be printed by the receipt printer 16.

The device transmitter is capable of transmitting data to the cloud and can be configured to transmit data containing printer control codes and optical attributes 28 from the device 12 to the receipt printer 16. The back-end 18 is implemented as a cloud-based solution and requires no local infrastructure.

The system 10 further includes a second protocol converter for converting protocol or data transmitted by the device 12, to protocol suitable for a receipt printer 16.

The augmented receipt 26 is then generated based on the data transmitted by the transmitter of the device 12. The augmented receipt 26 includes optical, physical or other attributes 28 which are generated on the receipt. One or more attributes 28 are impressed on the receipt. These could be optical attributes 28 which include text, numerical codes, alpha-numerical codes, barcodes, QR codes, images, graphics, representations, shapes, patterns, ornamentations, or the like thereof. These could also be physical or other attributes 28 which are augmented by means of printer control codes which are transmitted from the device 12, wherein these codes allow the paper to be formatted and cut in a predetermined way, or generate one or more through-holes, shaped through-holes, through-holes in a pattern, braille-type protrusions, or the like thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the augmented receipt 26 is printed by the receipt printer 16. As shown in Figure 2, the device 12 can be configured such that a first or original receipt is the augmented receipt 26, wherein augmented attributes 28 are supplemented onto the first or original receipt.

The device 12 can also be configured such that a separate or second receipt is printed subsequent to the printing of the original or first receipt, wherein once the first or original receipt prints and is removed, the separate or second receipt is printed. The separate or second receipt will be printed when a qualifying product is purchased. The separate or second receipt can then be used to enter a competition, and the original or first receipt is kept by the customer. The qualifying characteristics relate to a campaign, for example an advertising, promotion, discounting, cash-back, voucher, credit or other similar campaign. The qualifying characteristics include campaign configuration parameters which are configured by an operator. The front-end includes the GUI, wherein campaign configuration parameters are configured by the operator. The GUI is used by the operator to access, monitor and manage data stored on the back-end 18, the data relating to augmented receipts 26, qualifying characteristics and the campaign configuration parameters. The operator requires a user name and password to access the GUI, and specific permissions and roles are assigned to operators. Device configuration is accessible with the GUI. It is possible for device configuration and receipts to be organised according to location, group or retailer. Configurable campaign details include a campaign name, option to apply to all receipts, target specific SKU items, augmentation configuration, retailer linking, unique numbers, maximum impressions, as well as campaign duration. Configurable campaign augmentation details include the location being fixed to before the cut on a receipt, a sequence in which configurable items are applied, the type of augmentation being text, image, barcode, QR code or cut, the text contents with delimiters for formatting, image identification for an image to be inserted, a bar code type, the formatting parameters including width, position, justification or font, whether to use a unique number, as well as the individual items to be marked as active. Unique numbers are supplied dynamically as requested by the device 12 and the number is stored locally on the device 12 such that devices 12 do not require communication with the back-end 18 during a print event which is using a unique number. The unique numbers are obtained from three sources, either an unlimited range of unique random numbers, a specific range of numbers mapped to random numbers in order to prevent customers from anticipating number sequences for particular campaigns, and/or importing a list of numbers from a CSV file to be used as is, or mapped to random numbers. The campaign duration, a maximum number of impressions per retailer and sweepstake parameters for specific SKU items including a maximum quantity and a win ratio, are all configurable on the device 12 using the GUI. The campaign configuration parameters are automatically obtained by the device 12 from the back-end 18 of the system 10. The campaign configuration parameters can also be stored locally on the device 12. These parameters include the SKU items, payment method, store details, geographical location, specific POS terminal 14, time, date, or any combination thereof, as well as others. Augmentation for a campaign can be applied to all receipts irrespective of the receipt content, or it can be applied only to receipts containing target SKU items. The printed receipt contents are up loadable onto the back-end 18. The back-end 18 includes a web service for communication with devices 12 in the field, it provides a database for storing receipts and configuration parameters and there is a web based GUI which is accessible via the internet. The web service is used to handle communication with remote devices 12. The GUI to the system 10 can be accessed from any mobile telecommunications device with an internet connection, enabling the viewing of electronic copies of receipts, configuring campaigns for receipt augmentation as well as viewing and exporting reports. The device 12 is identifiable and the identification and default parameters are automatically assigned based on a unique media access control (MAC) address of the network interface in order to prevent duplicate devices 12 being connected to the back-end 18. The device configuration items include a serial number, a description, a time zone, linking to a retailer, timers used by a device 12, serial, parallel or USB port settings, as well as firmware identification. NFC is used as required and validity periods are configured for card details captured between transactions at the POS terminal.

The device 12 is capable of connecting to a mobile telecommunication device or NFC tag or token 25 using NFC, wherein the device 12 includes a NFC reader 24. Referring to Figure 3, if the NFC or RFID token 25 is identified, the entire receipt contents and unique RFID or N FC identifier associated with the transaction are sent to the back-end 18 of the system. The receipt data and unique RFID or NFC identifier are stored and actioned as per campaign or retailer requirements. A digital receipt is generated for the customer who is emailed their receipt, receives their receipt via SMS or receives an in APP alert or notification. Alternatively, the customer will be entered into a competition or instantly win a prize. In another embodiment of the invention, the augmented receipt 26 is sent to the customer's mobile telecommunications device or to their N FC tag, and the augmented receipt 26 can be accessed as an electronic receipt.

The device 12 is configured to operate with a web or mobile application (APP). A customer registers as a user of the APP. The APP is configured to connect to a back-end 18 of a system 10, wherein one or more of the APP users' receipts are stored, accessed and managed.

The APP includes a user interface, wherein the APP user sets up a profile and preferences when registering an account, and allows the APP user to manage their own account which is related to any receipts they have on the system 10, and/or information relating to these.

The use of NFC with the mobile telecommunications device, tag, token and/or the APP is used for marketing, and allows for enhanced loyalty programs, wherein individual customers are identified along with their purchases and preferences.

The device 12 is further configured to automatically transmit the augmented receipt 26 to a digital archive on the back-end 18 of the system 10, for storage. The device 12 is further configured to apply static or dynamic marketing communications to the augmented receipt 26.

Periodic data analysis is performed to extract predetermined or required information and thereafter use this information to create reports, the data analysis results can be provided to external entities. A variety of reports can be generated from the data analysed or from the raw data captured and stored, and this includes the option of exporting these reports to a comma-separated values (CSV) file, email or others.

The invention provides a device 12 that acts as a stand-alone receipt reader and allows multiple facets of augmentation onto receipts without affecting a host's software. It simply intercepts and reads data being transmitted to the receipt printer 16 after the POS terminal 14 has given an instruction to print a receipt. The device 12 then checks if there is any information on the receipt that qualifies for an impression to be printed on it. If so, it prints the receipt as normal, but also prints the given impression onto the receipt.

As shown in Figure 3, if there is no campaign trigger, including but not limited to SKU, description, time, date or total spent, that is checked and matched against the campaign parameters stored in the memory of the device 10, a standard receipt will be printed by the receipt printer 16. The device is therefore configured to read and check all data sent from the POS terminal 14, and determine whether or not to augment a receipt.

Features of the device 12 include the ability to print the impression at any position on the receipt. It could be at the top, the bottom, or directly below the line item which was purchased that qualified for the impression.

The augmentation is based on text recognition and the receipt layout pertaining to a specific retailer. Referring to Figure 2 and 3, the device 12 is configured to comprehensively understand the content of the receipt. It is configured to intercept and read all data that is to be printed on a receipt which includes not only the SKU items, but other details such as the payment method, geographical location, the store, the specific POS terminal 14, time, and date.

Content is augmented onto the receipt based on a number of pre-determined qualifying criteria which is programmed into the front-end for a pre-determined duration or number of impressions. By way of example, company X can advertise on a receipt that contains a specific SKU, a specific or minimum/maximum spend value, a specific time, date, geographical location, retailer, POS terminal, or similar pre-determined and adjustable criteria. Therefore if company X wanted to advertise on all receipts in Y Liquor Stores in town Z, between times of A to B on date dd/mm/yyyy, then all receipts printed at that particular store during those select times will be augmented to include an advert for company X. The device 12 is NFC enabled via an external NFC antenna to further enhance the marketing and communication experience of a customer by connecting the receipt and its contents to individual users via NFC on mobile devices, as well as NFC/RFID tags or tokens. This will allow for enhanced loyalty programs, and assist in identifying individual customers along with their purchases and preferences. It also allows for the ability to then transmit the contents of that receipt to an electronic or digital medium to archive such as email, SMS or for storage in the APP registered to that specific individual customer, depending on how they setup their profile and preferences when registering their unique NFC token or device 12.

Claims

A device for generating an augmented receipt, the device comprising: a receiver configured to receive data transmitted from a point of sale (POS) terminal, the receiver including: a reading means configured to read the data; and identifying means configured to analyse and identify predetermined qualifying characteristics of the data; and a transmitter configured to transmit the data received, read, analysed and identified, wherein an augmented receipt is generated using the data.

A device according to claim 1 , wherein the augmented receipt is printed by a receipt printer.

A device according to claim 2, wherein the receipt is augmented when a qualifying product is purchased by a customer.

A device according to claim 3, wherein the receipt is augmented when a predetermined qualifying value is spent.

A device according to claim 4, wherein the receipt is augmented when a purchase is made at a pre-determined qualifying time, date, location, POS terminal, or the likes thereof.

A device according to claim 5, wherein the augmented receipt is presented by means of an electronic and/or digital display.

A device according to claim 6, wherein the means of display includes an electronic device, computer, including but not limited to a mobile telecommunication device, wherein the augmented receipt is an electronic receipt capable of being electronically and digitally transmitted to such devices for viewing and storage.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the device is connectable to a mobile telecommunication device using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, a mobile network connection, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, to identify the customer, wherein the augmented receipt is transmitted to a customer's mobile device or computer.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the augmented receipt is transmitted to the customer in an email, SMS, MMS, Whatsapp™ message or mobile application (APP). 10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the device is configured to operate with a web or mobile application (APP).

1 1 . A device according to claim 2, wherein the web or mobile application (APP) a TillSlip Application (APP) or USSD platform.

A device according to claim 1 1 , wherein the mobile APP is downloaded and a customer registers as a user of the APP.

A device according to claim 12, wherein the APP is configured to connect with the device when in a suitable range.

A device according to claim 13, wherein the APP is configured to connect to a back- end of a system, the back-end connected to the device, wherein one or more of the APP users' receipts is stored, accessed and managed.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein when transmitting the augmented receipt to the customer's mobile device, the APP is configured to store the augmented receipt in a digital archive on the customer's mobile device. 16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the APP is configured to compile a budget for the APP user.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the APP includes a user interface, wherein the APP user sets up a profile and preferences when registering an account, and allows the APP user to manage their account.

18. A device according to claim 17, wherein the device connects to a NFC or Radio- Frequency Identification (RFID) tag using NFC technology or (RFID) technology as the identifier, wherein the augmented receipt is sent to the customer's profile associated with the corresponding NFC or RFID tag.

19. A device according to claim 18, wherein the NFC or RFID tag is a NFC or RFID token.

20. A device according to claim 19, wherein the NFC or RFID tag is linked to the APP on the APP user's mobile device, such that the APP user uses their mobile device to manage their profile, and the tag receives the augmented receipt.

21 . A device according to claim 20, wherein the device is configured to automatically transmit the augmented receipt to a digital archive on the back-end of the system, for storage.

22. A device according to claim 21 , wherein the device is configured such that the first or original receipt is the augmented receipt, wherein augmented attributes are supplemented onto the first or original receipt.

23. A device according to claim 22, wherein the device is further configured such that an additional or second or separate receipt is printed subsequent to the printing of the original or first receipt, wherein once the first or original receipt prints and is removed, the separate or second receipt is printed.

24. A device according to claim 23, wherein the separate or second receipt is printed when a qualifying product is purchased,

25. A device according to claim 24, wherein the separate or second receipt is printed when a pre-determined qualifying value is spent.

26. A device according to claim 25, wherein the separate or second receipt is printed when there is a purchase at a pre-determined qualifying time, date, location or POS terminal.

27. A device according to claim 26, wherein the separate or second receipt is also printed on every receipt printed if the campaign is configured to enable this.

28. A device according to claim 27, wherein the separate or second receipt is used to enter a competition, wherein the original or first receipt is kept by the customer. 29. A device according to claim 28, wherein the qualifying characteristics relate to a campaign.

30. A device according to claim 29, wherein the campaign is an advertising, promotion, discounting, cash-back, voucher or credit campaign.

31 . A device according to claim 30, wherein the qualifying characteristics include campaign configuration parameters.

32. A device according to claim 31 , wherein the campaign configuration parameters are configured by an operator.

33. A device according to claim 32, wherein the system includes a front-end, the front- end including a user interface, wherein campaign configuration parameters are configured by the operator.

34. A device according to claim 33, wherein the user interface is used by the operator to access, monitor and manage data stored on the back-end, the data relating to augmented receipts, qualifying characteristics and the campaign configuration parameters.

35. A device according to claim 34, wherein the campaign configuration parameters are obtained by the device from the back-end of the system.

36. A device according to claim 35, wherein the campaign configuration parameters are stored locally on the device.

37. A device according to claim 36, wherein The campaign configuration parameters includes the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) items, payment method, total spend, store details, geographical location, specific POS terminal, time or date.

38. A device according to claim 37, wherein the reading means is configured to read at least a portion of the data to be printed on the first or original receipt, and the identifying means is configured to analyse the data, which includes the Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) items, payment method, total spend, store details, geographical location, specific POS terminal, time or date.

A device according to claim 38, wherein the reading means and identifying means are configured to intercept data transmitted from the POS terminal.

A device according to claim 39, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit data from the device to the receipt printer.

A device according to claim 40, wherein the device applies static marketing communications to the augmented receipt, wherein a standard message is printed on each augmented receipt.

A device according to claim 40, wherein the device applies dynamic marketing communications to the augmented receipt, wherein the message changes depending on the data contained on that specific receipt.

A device according to claim 42, wherein the use of NFC with the mobile device, NFC/RFID tag or token, or the APP is used for marketing, and allows for enhanced loyalty programs, wherein individual customers are identified along with their purchases and preferences.

A device according to claim 43, wherein the device is connectable to the POS terminal and to the receipt printer.

A device according to claim 44, wherein the device is connected to the POS terminal or the receipt printer by cable, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC) technology or Local Area Network (LAN), wherein the connection is physical or wireless.

A device according to claim 45, wherein the device includes a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) module allowing for its connectivity, wherein no external communication connections are required.

A device according to claim 46, wherein The GSM connectivity aids the data transmissions using cloud computing.

48. A device according to claim 47, wherein the transmitter transmits to the cloud.

49. A device according to claim 48, wherein the device is software or platform agnostic, wherein the device is configured to operate with any POS terminal.

50. A device according to claim 49, wherein the device is configured to include a failsafe mechanism, wherein the device is automatically bypassed if it fails to operate, or is damaged or malfunctions.

51 . A device according to claim 50, wherein the failsafe mechanism includes a manual switch-over.

52. A device according to claim 51 , wherein the augmented receipt includes optical or physical attributes which are generated on the receipt.

53. A device according to claim 52, wherein one or more attributes are impressed on the receipt. 54. A device according to claim 54, wherein the one or more attributes are impressed at any position on the receipt.

55. A device according to claim 54, wherein the optical attributes includes text, numerical codes, alpha-numerical codes, barcodes, QR codes, USSD codes, images, graphics, representations, shapes, patterns or ornamentations.

56. A device according to claim 54, wherein the physical or other attributes are augmented by means of printer control codes, wherein the printer formats and cuts the receipt paper, or generates one or more through-holes, shaped through-holes, through-holes in a pattern or braille-type protrusions.

57. A device according to claim 56, wherein the device is integral to the POS terminal.

58 A device according to claim 57, wherein the device includes a receipt printer. 59 A receipt reader including: a receiving means configured to receive a printed receipt, wherein the receipt is printed by a receipt printer of a POS terminal; a scanning means configured to read, analyse and identify predetermined qualifying characteristics on the printed receipt; and

a receipt generator, wherein an augmented receipt is generated based on the qualifying characteristics identified, wherein optical, physical or other attributes are augmented on the augmented receipt, the attributes correlating to campaign configuration parameters configured by an operator.

60. A receipt reader according to claim 59, wherein the receipt generated is an electronic receipt.

61 . A receipt reader according to claim 60, wherein the augmented receipt is a paper receipt.

62. A receipt reader according to claim 61 , wherein the receipt reader receives one or more printed receipts and generates a single new augmented receipt.

63. A receipt reader according to claim 62, wherein the device is configured to capture and store data relating to the printed receipt or augmented receipt.

64. A receipt reader according to claim 63, wherein the device is configured to capture and transmit data relating to the printed receipt oror augmented receipt, wherein the data is transmitted to a back-end of a system.

65. A system for augmenting receipts, the system including: a device comprising: a receiver configured to receive data transmitted from a POS terminal, the receiver including: a reading means configured to read the data; an identifying means configured to analyse and identify predetermined qualifying characteristics of the data; and a transmitter configured to transmit the data received, read, and identified, wherein an augmented receipt is generated using the data; and a back-end, connectable to at least the device, and configured to receive, send data and store data.

66. A system according to claim 65, wherein the system further includes at least one front-end, connected to the device and back-end.

67. A system according to claim 66, wherein the front-end is configured such that at least a customer receives an augmented receipt or information related to the augmented receipt and such that it allows at least the customer to access specific data in the back-end.

68. A system according to claim 67, wherein the back-end is connected to a mobile telecommunications device or computer. 69. A system according to claim 68, wherein the front-end is configured such that an operator receives an augmented receipt or information related to the augmented receipt, and such that the operator accesses and controls the device or back-end.

70. A system according to claim 69, wherein the device is connected to a mobile telecommunication device using NFC.

71 . A system according to claim 70, wherein the device includes a NFC reader.

72. A system according to claim 71 , wherein the device includes on-board Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

73. A system according to claim 72, further including one or more protocol converters.

74. A system according to claim 72, further including a first protocol converter for converting protocol of the POS terminal to protocol suitable for the device. A system according to claim 74, further including a second protocol converter for converting protocol of the device to protocol suitable for a receipt printer.