JP2023159174A - Method and apparatus for recycling electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a kiosk for visually analyzing an electronic device, and providing an owner with financial remuneration for recycling the electronic device.SOLUTION: A recycling kiosk (100) for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device (150) is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk (100) includes an inspection area (106). The inspection area (106) includes preferably two mirrored, domed hemispheres positioned about a transparent table and cameras for imaging an electronic device (15) placed on the table. The recycling kiosk (150) uses visual analysis to identify an electronic device (150), determine the condition of the electronic device (150) and determine if the electronic device (150) is authentic.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates primarily to the recycling of electronic devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a kiosk for visually analyzing an electronic device and providing compensation to the owner for recycling the electronic device.

The number of electronic devices used by a typical consumer has increased significantly. These devices include cell phones, PDAs, mp3 players, GPS devices, cameras, pagers, remote controls, cordless phones, calculators, etc., to name a few. As a result of the continued introduction of new technologies and models of electronic devices, many consumers frequently upgrade or replace one or more recyclable devices. In many cases, consumers often stop using their old electronic device and start using a new one rather than disposing of their old one. This situation may have occurred over several generations of such devices.

In addition to the electronic devices mentioned above, there are many other types of devices that are replaced relatively frequently (e.g., portable mobile electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, MP3 players) and non-portable electronic devices (e.g., cell phones, MP3 players). In addition to electronic devices, there are content-based digital media (e.g. games or entertainment mass storage items on CDs, DVDs or cartridges (e.g. CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays). Such items must be handled in an environmentally friendly manner, using recycling and/or appropriate disposal procedures. Preferably, it's convenient for electronic device owners. There is currently little incentive for device owners to "do the right thing" with used devices, especially if owners just stop using them and put them away. , the opportunity for recycling or reuse by another party is lost. Proper recycling or disposal of the device is prevented if the owner simply throws the device into a regular trash can.

One particular problem associated with this phenomenon can be illustrated by the example of a mobile phone. The number of mobile phone users in the world exceeds 3.6 billion, with an annual growth rate of 10%. Mobile handsets are being replaced approximately every 18 months as new models incorporate new features and new standards are rolled out. Additionally, as an incentive to get consumers to sign up for lucrative two-year service contracts, wireless carriers are offering new phones at below cost or for free, leading to a build-up of old phones. It becomes. Old cell phones and other mobile devices (pagers, PDAs) are now a threat to the environment. As of 2007, there were over 7.5 billion cell phones in the United States sitting in closets or in the waste stream waiting to be recycled. Moreover, each year more than 150 million mobile phones are waiting for recycling. Once these devices are placed in the waste stream, they can leak lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and other toxins into the water supply. Local governments often incinerate waste, resulting in these toxic substances being instantly released into the air and back into the earth's rainwater. A problem to be solved is to allow the general public easy access to recycle or resell their mobile phones and other recyclable devices. Two reasons why mobile phones are not being recycled or resold are the difficulty of accessing recycling or resale facilities, and security concerns about the information stored on mobile phones. There is a point. In addition to mobile phones, similar problems exist in many other electronic devices.

The prior art fails to recognize the problems associated with recycling mobile phones in a manner that is both attractive to consumers and financially rewarding to recycling companies. Further, the prior art fails to provide an automatic means for visually inspecting a mobile phone's LCD screen to determine if damage has occurred to the LCD screen. Additionally, the prior art fails to provide an automated means for determining the authenticity of electronic devices submitted for recycling and consideration.

The present invention allows mobile phones to be recycled, donated, traded-in and/or sold securely in a publicly accessible location. In a mobile phone recycling embodiment, the present invention is used when a mobile phone owner submits his or her mobile phone for recycling via a recycling kiosk and receives compensation in some manner. The consideration may be distributed via cash, vouchers, credit or debit cards, or other magnetic or electronic transaction methods.

In one embodiment, a kiosk located at a publicly accessible location is used in a method for collecting used electronic devices for recycling and repair coordination purposes. The kiosk displays one or more transaction options. The method further includes interaction between the user and the kiosk display option. Kiosk display options may include powering the electronic device, testing and optical scanning, erasing stored data in the electronic device, and determining and accepting the value of the electronic device by the consumer. This method allows the consumer to interact with the kiosk and receive a variety of compensation methods (e.g., dispensing cash or redeemable discount vouchers via coupons, or debiting or crediting a credit card, charging a user-specified charity, etc.). or other electronic payment method).

One aspect of the present invention is a method of evaluating monetary compensation to an electronic device and a user for submission of an electronic device. The method includes placing an electronic device within an inspection area of a kiosk. The inspection area has light. The method further includes imaging a display screen of the electronic device in an inert mode. Next, the method includes imaging a display screen of the electronic device in an activated mode. The light is turned off and an electronic device analysis image is generated. The method further includes imaging a display screen of the electronic device in an active mode. The light is turned on and a first image of the electronic device is generated. Next, the method includes subtracting the first image of the electronic device from an analysis image of the electronic device to generate a subtracted image of the electronic device. The subtraction image is compared to an image of the electronic device in a deactivation mode to determine if there is a defect in the display screen of the electronic device and to define the electronic device being analyzed. Finally, the method includes determining a value for the analyzed electronic device. The method may also include automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.

The kiosk of the method includes a housing. The housing includes a user interface on an exterior surface of the housing for inputting information by a user, and also includes an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper and lower domes include a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk further includes an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, and a transparent surface. The kiosk further includes a processor. A processor is provided within the housing and communicates with the at least one camera. The processor is configured to identify a brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of information from the user and images from the at least one camera. The processor is configured to determine a monetary consideration value for the electronic device.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of analyzing monetary compensation to electronic devices and users for electronic device submissions. The method includes placing an electronic device within an inspection area of a kiosk. The inspection area has a camera. The method further includes imaging the portion of the electronic device. The part includes the periphery of the electronic device, resulting in a periphery image. The method inspects a peripheral image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera positioned within the inspection area to determine whether a display screen of the electronic device is defective and defines the analyzed electronic device. It further includes: Finally, the method includes determining a value for the analyzed electronic device.

The kiosk of the method includes a housing, a user interface provided on an exterior surface of the housing for inputting information by a user, and an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper and lower domes include a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk further includes an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, and a transparent surface. The kiosk also includes a processor. A processor is provided within the housing and communicates with the at least one camera, the processor identifying a brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of information from the user and an image from the at least one camera. It is composed as follows. The processor is configured to determine a monetary consideration value for the electronic device.

In the method, the information from the surrounding image further includes a model name and location of the LED aperture. Further, the processor is configured to automatically adjust the surrounding image to a rectangular shape. The surrounding image includes a 360 degree image. Information from the ambient image includes the location of the USB port, the location of the volume control button, the location of the camera button, and the location of the power on/off button. Information from the surrounding image also includes the position of the camera lens and the logo of the electronic device.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for analysis of electronic devices and monetary compensation to users for submission of electronic devices. The method includes placing an electronic device within an inspection area of a kiosk. The inspection area has light. The method further includes imaging the display screen of the electronic device with light of the inspection area illuminating the display screen of the device. Next, the method includes imaging a display screen of the electronic device with the light in the inspection area turned off to generate an analysis image of the electronic device. Next, the method includes subtracting an analysis image of the electronic device from the first image of the electronic device to generate a composite image of the electronic device. Compare the subtraction image with the training image of the electronic device. If an electronic device is found to be fake by a photo printed on the cardboard underneath the glass where the LCD is normally located, there will be no electronic components within the electronic device. When the light is off, there is no light coming from the screen. By performing some processing on the first image and detecting that the first image has a plurality of colors and color changes on the display screen area, but there is no light emission from the first image, The method assumes that the electronic device is fake. The method also explicitly trains the fake display electronics since they usually have the same picture in the LCD area. Finally, the method includes determining a value for the analyzed electronic device. The method may also include automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.

This method also determines crack detection on the display screen. Crack detection involves detecting if there are multiple color changes in an electronic device. If the method determines that the actual crack in the glass is not obtained in the imaging because it is confused with the picture of the underside of the glass, then by some kind of color entropy metric, one crack can be compared to the other. (Cracks in glass do not produce multiple different colors.)

Yet another aspect of the invention is for determining the authenticity of an electronic device by analyzing the electronic device and, if the electronic device is authentic, providing monetary compensation to a user for submission of the electronic device. This is the method. The method includes placing an electronic device within an inspection area of a kiosk. The inspection area has light. The method also includes imaging the electronic device. The light in the inspection area is turned on to generate a first image. The method also includes imaging the electronic device. When the light in the inspection area is turned off, a second image of the electronic device is generated. The method also includes generating a composite image of the electronic device from the first image and the second image. The composite image is generated to resemble the image of the electronic device when the display screen is off. The method also includes comparing the composite image to training images of a plurality of electronic devices to determine authenticity of the electronic device. The training image includes a display screen used by a rogue electronic device.

The method may further include detecting cracks in the display screen. Color entropy metrics may also be used in the method.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a dome-shaped device. The dome-shaped device includes an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper and lower domes include multiple walls. The multiple walls are composed of mirrors. The dome-shaped device further includes a transparent surface and at least one camera. The camera can obtain a 360 degree view of the electronic device placed within the dome-shaped apparatus. The upper dome preferably includes an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably includes a lower chamber camera. Preferably, a combination of each of the upper and lower dome cameras and a plurality of mirrors provides an image of the device placed on the transparent surface. Preferably, the combination of each of the upper and lower dome cameras and a plurality of mirrors provides a 360 degree view of the electronic device placed on the transparent surface. The upper dome and lower dome cameras are each movable.
The present invention provides, for example, the following.
(Item 1)
1. A method of analyzing monetary consideration for an electronic device and a user for submission of an electronic device, the method comprising:
placing an electronic device within an inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area having a light source;
imaging the electronic device to generate a first image, the light source of the inspection area being on;
imaging the electronic device to generate an analysis image of the electronic device, the light in the inspection area being off;
subtracting the analysis image of the electronic device from the first image of the electronic device to generate a composite image of the electronic device;
comparing the composite image of the electronic device with a plurality of training images of the electronic device to identify the electronic device, determine whether the electronic device is defective, and define an analyzed electronic device; and,
determining a value of the analyzed electronic device;
including methods.
(Item 2)
2. The method of item 1, further comprising automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.
(Item 3)
2. The method of item 1, further comprising multiplying the analyzed image by a multiplier to take into account any brightness changes of the screen.
(Item 4)
1. A method of analyzing monetary consideration for an electronic device and a user for submission of an electronic device, the method comprising:
imaging a part of an electronic device, the part including a display screen of the electronic device, and the imaging yields a partial image;
imaging the portion of the electronic device, the portion including the display screen of the electronic device, and obtaining a lit image when the environment is lit;
inspecting the partial image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera located within an inspection area to determine dimensions of the electronic device;
inspecting the illuminated image of the electronic device to determine if there are any defects in the screen area of the electronic device to define an analyzed electronic device;
determining a value of the analyzed electronic device;
including methods.
(Item 5)
The kiosk is
housing and
a user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for inputting information by the user;
an upper chamber and a lower chamber;
further including;
The upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, a transparent surface, and a processor disposed within the housing and in communication with the at least one camera; the processor is configured to identify a brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the image from the at least one camera; configured to determine the value of
The method described in any one of items 1 to 4.
(Item 6)
5. The method of item 4, wherein the information from the partial image includes a position of the camera lens of the electronic device.
(Item 7)
5. The method of item 4, wherein the electronic device includes one of a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or an e-reader.
(Item 8)
1. A method of analyzing monetary consideration for an electronic device and a user for submission of an electronic device, the method comprising:
placing an electronic device within an inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area having a camera;
imaging the electronic device to generate a contour image of the electronic device;
generating a plurality of parameters of the electronic device based on the contour image;
identifying the electronic device by comparing the plurality of parameters of the contour image and a plurality of training images of the electronic device;
including methods.
(Item 9)
9. The method of item 8, wherein the plurality of parameters include dimensions of the electronic device.
(Item 10)
9. The method of item 8, wherein generating a plurality of parameters for the electronic device includes determining a side size of the electronic device.
(Item 11)
9. The method of item 8, further comprising generating at least one illuminated image of the electronic device to determine a texture of the electronic device.
(Item 12)
9. The method of item 8, further comprising determining a value for the electronic device.
(Item 13)
The kiosk is
housing and
a user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for inputting information by the user;
an upper chamber and a lower chamber;
further including;
the upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a transparent surface, and a processor disposed within the housing and in communication with the at least one camera;
The method described in item 8.
(Item 14)
The processor is configured to identify a brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the image from the at least one camera; 14. The method of item 13, wherein the method is configured to determine a value of monetary consideration for the device.
(Item 15)
1. A method of analyzing monetary consideration for an electronic device and a user for submission of an electronic device, the method comprising:
placing the electronic device within an inspection area;
imaging the electronic device within a first predetermined lighting environment to generate a first image;
imaging the electronic device within a second predetermined lighting environment to generate a second image;
generating a composite image of the electronic device from the first image and the second image, the composite image being similar to an image of the electronic device that would be assumed when the display screen is off; and that
comparing the composite image and training images of a plurality of electronic devices to determine the identity of the electronic device;
including methods.
(Item 16)
16. The method of item 15, wherein the electronic device includes one of a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or an e-reader.
(Item 17)
A method of analyzing an electronic device to determine the authenticity of the electronic device and providing monetary compensation to a user for submission of the electronic device if the electronic device is authentic, the method comprising:
placing an electronic device within an inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area having a light;
imaging the electronic device, turning on the light in the inspection area to generate a first image;
imaging the electronic device, turning off the light in the inspection area to generate an analysis image of the electronic device;
determining that the display screen of the electronic device includes multiple colors but is not emissive;
determining that the electronic device is not authentic;
including methods.
(Item 18)
The kiosk is
housing and
a user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for inputting information by the user;
an upper chamber and a lower chamber;
further including;
The upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, a transparent surface, and a processor disposed within the housing and in communication with the at least one camera; the processor is configured to identify a brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the image from the at least one camera; configured to determine the value of
The method described in item 17.
(Item 19)
18. The method of item 17, further comprising using a color entropy metric.
(Item 20)
18. The method of item 17, further comprising detecting cracks in the display screen.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a recycling kiosk. FIG. 2 is a front view of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1; 2 is a front partial view of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a front partial view of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial view of an electrical connector wheel. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 3 is a partial view of the phone on the inspection plate of the kiosk; FIG. 3 is a partial view of a phone being moved into a kiosk; FIG. 3 is a partial view of a phone being moved into a kiosk; FIG. 3 is a partial view of a phone being binned into a kiosk. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the components of a recycling kiosk. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the components of a recycling kiosk. 2 is a partial view of the inspection area of the kiosk; FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial view of the camera within the dome of the kiosk. FIG. 3 is a partial view of a telephone within the inspection area of the kiosk. This is an image of a lit (light turned on) mobile phone. This is an image of a mobile phone in a non-lit state. FIG. 4 is an image of subtraction results for a lit phone and a non-lit phone; FIG. This is an image of a mobile phone training image with the screen not turned on. Graph showing the intensity profile from the top, showing alignment (the spike line at 211 is a text region and is not present in the training image). Image of a fraudulent mobile phone in a lit state (when the light in the inspection area is on), displaying a photo printed on cardboard and placed on the underside of the display screen glass instead of the LCD. An image of a fraudulent cell phone is shown in an unlit state (with the light in the inspection area turned off) and not displaying anything. This is an image of a genuine mobile phone with a crack in the display screen. 1 is a flowchart of a method of recycling an electronic device. 1 is a flowchart of a method of recycling an electronic device. 1 is a flowchart of a method of recycling an electronic device.

According to the present invention, an automatic analysis of an electronic device can be performed to determine if the device is damaged and to ascertain the value of recycling the electronic device. Automated analysis is preferably performed using a kiosk or recycling machine. The kiosk has an examination area that includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Preferably each chamber has a camera. The kiosk also has a transparent plate between the inspection areas, which allows visibility of the bottom of the electronic device placed on the transparent plate. Each chamber preferably has multiple mirrors providing multiple views of the electronic device within the inspection area. These mirrors allow a multidimensional view of the electronic device placed on the transparent plate to be obtained. Preferably, these mirrors allow a 360 degree view of the electronic device placed on the rotatable transparent plate. Preferably, these mirrors make it possible to obtain the height, width and/or length of the electronic device.

Mobile phones are preferably partitioned into three basic shapes: 1) a flip phone or clamshell (e.g. MOTOROLA RAZR); 2) a slider phone that exposes the keyboard or screen (e.g. MOTORLA DROID) ), and 3) stick phones (e.g., Apple iPHONE or Research in Motion BLACKBERRY). The invention may also be used with networks of kiosks in public spaces. These kiosks perform a combination of recycling processing steps. The combination of recycling processing steps involves receiving, identifying, visually inspecting, electrically testing, electrically erasing, quality grading, containerizing, labeling, and inventorying recyclable electronic devices. Each kiosk determines some form of compensation to the owner of the device. This consideration preferably takes the form of a direct payment, a credit to an account, a donation to charity, a discount coupon for future purchases, or some similar form of consideration. The device owner has the option of accepting the offered consideration or rejecting the transaction and removing the device.

In the following description, an example will be shown regarding a mobile phone. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present system can be implemented with any number of other devices having LCD screens without departing from the intent and scope of the present system. .

As shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 1C, a kiosk for the recycling of electronic devices and the provision of monetary consideration is designated primarily by the reference numeral 100. The electronic device can be a smartphone, tablet computer, IPOD device, MP3 player, GPS device, e-reader, etc. The kiosk 100 has a housing 105 in the shape of a pseudo rectangular parallelepiped. Kiosk 100 is preferably a vending machine of typical size and shape (eg, a soda machine, coin exchange machine, can recycling machine, or other vending machine). Header 103 allows for marketing and video. An access door 130 in the front body area 131 allows access to the electronic device testing area 106. A display screen 115 is provided in front of the housing 105. Display screen 115 provides information to the user and functions as a user interface in touch screen embodiments. Also preferably located on the exterior of the housing 105 are a label printer 125, a coupon dispenser 126, a receipt printer 127, and a cash or card dispenser 128. A thumb and fingerprint reader is also provided on the outer housing.

The kiosk 100 enables automated visual analysis of electronic devices to identify the electronic device and to determine if the electronic device is damaged to confirm recycling value of the electronic device. It can be performed. Additionally, kiosk 100 also allows electrical analysis of electronic devices. As shown in FIG. 2, kiosk 100 includes a carousel 500 that includes a plurality of electrical connectors 505a-505y. Electrical connectors 505 each have a unique connection plug for removable connection to an electronic device. Electrical connectors 505a-505y each have a cartridge removably secured within carousel 500. Therefore, a new electrical connector 505 can be replaced with an old electrical connector 505. Additionally, kiosk 100 is designed to allow for automatic removal of electrical connector 505 using removal mechanism 511 .

As shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C, the internal mechanism 101 of the kiosk 100 includes an upper chamber 520, a lower chamber 530, a binning plate 540, a transparent plate 545, a door 550, a small container 555, and a rotating Conveyor 500 is included. Preferably, carousel 500 can hold approximately 25 electrical connectors 505. Because the electrical connector 505 is replaceable, it can easily accommodate changes in USB and other similar connections. As shown in FIG. 3B, the mobile phone 150 is placed on the transparent plate 545 and moved to the testing area 106 in the upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530. Both the upper chamber and the lower chamber preferably have a bell-shaped shape. Visual analysis is performed by moving the mobile phone between upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530, as shown in FIG. 3C. The transparent plate is preferably constituted by a glass of transparent plastic material, which allows the imaging components in the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 to obtain multiple view images of the mobile phone 150. Preferably, a 3D profile of the mobile phone is generated to provide visual analysis of the identification and status of the mobile phone. After the visual analysis is complete, transparent plate 545 is moved from between upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530.

4, 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate automatic movement and binning of electronic device 150 within internal mechanisms 101 of kiosk 100. As shown in FIG. 4, after the door 550 is lowered and placed on the transparent plate 545, the door 550 is moved with the mobile phone 150 placed on the door 550. As shown in FIG. 4A, as the transparent plate 545 moves inward, the mobile phone is blocked by the door 550 and as it begins to fall into the opening created by the inward movement of the transparent plate 545, the cell phone latches onto the binning plate 540. engage. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the cell phone is placed on the binning plate 540, the binning plate 540 slowly lowers to one side and opens into the small container 555. As shown in FIG. 4C, the cell phone 150 slowly falls through the opening 556 into the container 555, where the cell phone 150 is secured and later collected. This entire process is done at such a speed that damage to the electronic device being recycled is avoided.

Kiosk 100 is a typical size and shape of a vending machine (eg, a soda machine, coin changer, can recycling machine, or other vending machine). Housing 105 of kiosk 100 protects internal mechanisms 101 and secures electronic devices submitted for recycling. Housing 105 is preferably constructed of a metallic material (eg, steel or aluminum) to prevent authenticated access to kiosk 100.

Inspection area 106 is preferably designed to allow for detailed visual inspection of electronic devices (eg, tablet computers, e-readers, MP3 players, PDAs). The size of the test area 106 is preferably 30 centimeters ("cm") long, 30 cm wide, and 20 cm high. The walls of the inspection area are preferably white and/or have a mirror finish, allowing imaging of the electronic device.

The connection from kiosk 100 and the connection to the remote computer is preferably a single connection to a communications network (eg, the Internet) via a wired LAN, wireless LAN, cellular, or any other private communications system. Kiosk 100 preferably includes a processor 160. Processor 160 processes information obtained from the mobile phone and controls components of kiosk 100. Preferably, processor 160 is a standard personal computer (“PC”) or other type of embedded computer running any operating system (e.g., Linux or MACOS). be. Processor 160 is most preferably a small form factor PC with an integrated hard disk drive (“HDD”), a central processing unit (“CPU”) and a universal serial bus (“USB”) that communicates with other components of kiosk 100. It is a port. One most suitable CPU is the DELL PC OPTIPLEX 780. Alternatively, the processing means is a microprocessor, with a standalone motherboard that interfaces with a separate HDD, power supply, and other components of the kiosk 100. Kiosk 100 preferably includes memory 161 or other storage device (eg, a disk drive) that stores executable applications, testing software, databases, and other software necessary for operation of recycling kiosk 100.

External communications components for kiosk 100 preferably include a wired Ethernet to provide connectivity to the Internet, or alternatively, external communications components include a wireless modem (e.g., GSM for data communications). trademark), CDMA, 3G and 4G technologies).

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, visual inspection of the inspection area 106 of the electronic device (eg, mobile phone 150) is preferably performed by at least one camera 610 in the upper chamber 520. Lower chamber 530 also preferably includes at least one camera or other imaging component (eg, a scanner). Alternatively, visual inspection is performed by multiple cameras. The preferred camera 610 is a 1 megapixel machine vision camera. If a single camera 610 is used in the inspection area 106, the camera 610 is preferably movable so that it can be moved when inspecting the electronic device 150 (e.g., a mobile phone placed on the transparent plate 545). Increases the visibility of the inspection area 106. Camera 161 is preferably movable. Preferably, camera 610 is positioned to image LCD screen 153 of electronic device 150 to determine if LCD screen 153 is damaged. The interior surfaces of upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530 preferably include mirrors 615 to optimize viewing of electronic devices located within inspection area 106. As shown in FIG. 9, a reflection 150' of a mobile phone 150 is illustrated. Camera 610 is also preferably movable and images the data port of the electronic device to determine the type of electrical connector 505 of the electronic device for performing electrical analysis of the electronic device. Alternatively, the entire interior surface of upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530 may be provided with a mirror finish to optimize imaging of electronic devices. Alternatively, the camera(s) is a CCD or CMOSS.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the main components of kiosk 100. Processor 160 preferably communicates with other components of kiosk 100. Memory 161 preferably includes a database of information (eg, images, physical characteristics, prices, and other similar information) on a plurality of test cell phones. External communication 167 preferably communicates with a network through a wireless connection or Ethernet to send and receive information to and from remote parts. Power source 170 is preferably received through a plug-in connection to a wall outlet. Mechanical components 165 include electrical connector carousel 500, transparent plate 545, binning plate 540, door 550, and other similar components. Camera(s), electrical connectors, and user interface interact with processor 160 as described above. FIG. 5 shows the interior back of the recycling kiosk 100. As shown, processor 160 is preferably a personal computer and has a backup battery 170a, a wireless connection 167 for external communications, an electrical connection 140, a receipt distributor 104, and a display screen 115.

Processor 160 identifies electronic devices 150 submitted for recycling using visual inspection and information from the user interface. Processor 160 also uses information obtained during the visual inspection or from the user interface to determine the appropriate electrical connector 505 for connection to the data port of electronic device 150. Processor 160 also directs and receives information from electrical analyzes of electronic device 150 performed using electrical connector 505 connected to a data port of electronic device 150 . The processor preferably determines the monetary value of the submitted electronic device 150 based on visual inspection, optionally electrical analysis and data stored within the kiosk's memory 161 or information obtained externally through the external communication component 167. Also determines the consideration.

A flowchart of a preferred recycling method is shown in FIG. At step 301, the consumer chooses whether to sell or recycle the electronic device. The consumer views the list on the kiosk screen to see if the electronic device is available for sale/repair. The consumer activates an on-screen menu system and either directly enters the phone model or browses through a series of menus to determine whether the electronic device can be sold or can only be recycled. At decision block 302, it is determined that the electronic device can only be recycled. If the electronic device can only be recycled (i.e., the electronic device is not listed on the list of resalable electronic devices), the consumer can insert the electronic device into the receptacle in step 303; The electronic device then falls into a small container 112 for recycling.

If the electronic device is repairable/resalable, the consumer is advised to proceed with testing/evaluation operation of the system. At step 304, the system determines the correct connector for connection to the electronic device. Connectivity options are not limited to cables, standard or proprietary connectors, hard docks, removable or external physical memory for reading or other wireless methods (eg, WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC). In step 305, an electronic device is connected and inserted into the testing area 106. If this is done correctly, the consumer is given some notification (eg, a green light) and the system proceeds to step 306. At step 306, the electronic device is tested using diagnostics, such as operating via an OMSI interface. Diagnosis preferably includes electrical and physical testing (eg, testing the battery, screen, memory, button functionality, and structural integrity of the electronic device).

Preferably, the electronic device is imaged using analysis software to identify scratches, cracks, wear patterns, dents, damage or missing parts, features (e.g. lenses, buttons, connectors, badges, labels and/or branding). Identify connotations. The identification may be performed by image comparison methods or other similar methods, in which the captured image of the electronic device is normalized and compared to a reference image. Other inspection methods may be used (e.g., weighting) in conjunction with visual and/or electrical testing to determine a specific weight and use that data to further verify the manufacturer and correct device model. High precision is achieved. In another embodiment, a photographic image is used to identify the correct manufacturer and model number/product number. Visual identification may include any combination of the following: calculations based on measurements, physical (eg, mm, inches), number of pixels, etc. The identification is based on the dimensions of the electronic device, button position/size, LCD and other physical characteristics. A single camera or multiple cameras can be used to determine height, width, and depth as desired. Identification is based on OCR (Optical Character Recognition) of the identifier (eg carrier, brand, model, serial number, other identifiers (of phones and tablet computers)). Identification is based on barcodes. The consumer may be instructed to orient the CE on the front, back, side, and then change the orientation as desired. Additionally, the consumer may be instructed to remove the CE cover(s), battery, etc. to gain access to identifiable items (eg, alphanumeric or barcode data). Kiosk 100 provides a way to use visual inspection in conjunction with electrical inspection to identify a device, determine its value, and reduce the likelihood of fraud.

In one embodiment, the kiosk 100 communicates with the carrier associated with the mobile phone to provide all information that may be germane to the device (e.g., validity or authenticity, registered ownership, account status, etc.). , service period). In some cases, if the consumer's identifying information does not match the registered owner information, the kiosk 100 may automatically contact the assumed owner in some manner (automated telephone call, email, text message). and alert the owner of the phone of the possible transaction.

Another feature of embodiments of kiosk 100 is the ability to determine whether personal information is present on an electronic device. This verifies the presence of data in a particular storage register in memory (e.g. quick key save number) or the file type (e.g. jpeg, mp3) or personalizes all non-default storage locations. Determined by simply assuming that the data is included. Consumers will be given the opportunity to erase data from their phones. One option allows the consumer to first download the data and then send it to a consumer specified location (eg, email address, website). In another embodiment, a slot is provided for the consumer to insert a memory card (eg, USB drive, memory stick). When a memory card is inserted through this slot, kiosk 100 uploads data to the memory device. In yet another embodiment, kiosk 100 provides a web location from which the user can later retrieve data when desired. In another embodiment, the user elects to save in another electronic device purchased by the consumer at kiosk 100 or in a location on kiosk 100 or some other storage. The consumer preferably selects a username and password to access the storage location provided by the system.

After determining the value, this value is provided to the kiosk in step 307. Kiosk 100 then provides the price or other consideration for the phone to the consumer. This price or other consideration is typically less than the resale value. At step 311, kiosk 100 completes any further testing and diagnostics of the electronic device, disconnects the cable from the electronic device, and prints a receipt for the consumer. Funds transfers may be authorized by kiosk 100 by crediting a consumer credit card or distributing an account or dispensing a discount or coupon. At step 312, kiosk 100 updates its inventory database and sends the updated information to the kiosk server via the communication network.

One preferred method of the present invention is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. Method 1000 begins at block 1001. A mobile phone 150 is placed within the testing area 106 of the kiosk 100. The inspection area has light. The electronic device is imaged in a deactivated mode. At block 1002, a display screen of an electronic device is imaged. When the electronic device is in active mode and the light in the inspection area 106 is turned off, an analysis image of the electronic device is obtained. At block 1003, the display screen of the electronic device 150 is imaged again, but the light in the inspection area 106 is turned on to obtain a first image of the electronic device. Mobile phone 150 must set its camera function to camera mode. At block 1004, a first image of the electronic device is subtracted from the analysis image to generate a subtracted image of the electronic device. At block 1005, the subtraction image is compared to an image of the electronic device in a deactivation mode to determine if there is a defect in the electronic device's display screen and define the analyzed electronic device. At block 1006, the value of the cell phone is determined as described in further detail below.

Preferably, the kiosk 100 of the method includes a housing 105. Housing 105 includes a user interface on the exterior surface of the housing for inputting information by a user, and also includes an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper and lower domes include a plurality of mirrors. Kiosk 100 further includes an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, and a transparent surface. Kiosk 100 further includes a processor 160. A processor 160 is provided within the housing and communicates with at least one camera. Processor 160 is configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of information from the user and images from the at least one camera. Processor 160 is configured to determine the value of monetary consideration for the electronic device.

The upper and lower domes preferably include walls defined by mirrors. The dome-shaped device further includes a transparent surface and at least one camera. The camera can obtain multiple views of the electronic device placed within the dome-shaped apparatus. The upper dome preferably includes an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably includes a lower chamber camera. Preferably, the combination of upper and lower dome cameras and a plurality of mirrors allows the image of the device to be placed on the transparent surface. Preferably, the combination of upper and lower dome cameras and a plurality of mirrors allows 360 degree electronic devices to be placed on the transparent surface. Preferably, the upper dome and lower dome cameras are each movable.

Another method of the invention is shown in the flowchart of FIG. When method 2000 begins at block 2001, an electronic device is placed within an inspection area of kiosk 100. Inspection area 106 has a camera. At block 2002, a portion of the electronic device is imaged, the portion including a surrounding area of the electronic device, resulting in a surrounding image. At block 2003, a peripheral image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera located within the inspection area is inspected. At block 2004, it is determined whether the display screen of the electronic device is defective and the analyzed electronic device is defined. At block 2005, values for the analyzed electronic device are determined.

Information from the surrounding image preferably includes the model name and location of the LED aperture. Additionally, the processor 160 is configured to automatically adjust the peripheral edges to a rectangular shape to compensate for screen damage that causes image distortion due to missing certain portions of the screen. The surrounding images include 360 degree images. Information from the ambient image includes the location of the USB port, the location of the volume control button, the location of the camera button, and the location of the power on/off button. Information from the surrounding image also includes the position of the camera lens and the logo of the electronic device.

Preferably, visual inspection and recognition software is used by kiosk 100 for analysis of mobile phone 150. In one preferred method, a recognition algorithm is applied to a particular make and model of mobile phone 150. The visual inspection and recognition software determines the boundaries of the cell phone 150 being inspected to determine the exterior dimensions of the cell phone 150. Using the external dimensions, select a portion of the possible mobile phones into a master database of mobile phones stored in the memory 161 of the kiosk 100 or a master database of mobile phones available online to the kiosk 100 using external communication. Determine from. The visual inspection and recognition software then preferably uses a set of second and third features to further differentiate the mobile phone 150. These secondary and tertiary functions may include display screen placement and size, keyboard placement and size, unique buttons, port placement, and other distinguishing features. After determining the correct make and model of the cell phone, the visual inspection and recognition software subtracts the image of the cell phone 150 from the image of a complete cell phone of the same make and model. The results of the subtraction are preferably a quantifiable number of pixels and are examined for categories of broken or missing parts, screen cracks, and low, medium or high levels of wear.

Alternatively, a visual inspection may be performed using neural network pattern recognition techniques to identify the mobile phone 150. A filter algorithm is then used to determine defects (eg screen cracks). Additionally, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other visual inspection techniques may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Additionally, the visual inspection optionally includes obtaining a thermal signature for the mobile phone 150. One preferred method for obtaining a thermal signature of the mobile phone 150 is to raster a laser on the mobile phone to characterize the decay heat profile of the submitted mobile phone 150. This decay heat profile is then compared to the decay heat profile of a complete sample of the same mobile phone 150. The decay heat profile indicates wear on the outer surface of the mobile phone 150. This wear is used to calculate the monetary value of the mobile phone 150.

Yet another method of the invention includes placing an electronic device within an inspection area of recycling kiosk 100, powering the electronic device, and displaying a known image on an LCD screen of the electronic device. include. Determining and analyzing defects in the electronic device's LCD screen by comparing a known image on the electronic device's LCD screen with a stored replica of the known image stored on a recycling kiosk. Define electronic devices. The method further includes determining a value for the analyzed electronic device.

In one embodiment of the method, the known image is a startup image for a carrier of the electronic device. In another embodiment, the known image is an image of a national park. The method may further include performing electrical analysis of the electronic device.

The method preferably images the electronic device once the electronic device is placed in the kiosk and whatever state the electronic device is in. The method then compares the image with a training database of all different types of electronic devices that have been trained in the past (the screens of all training images are preferably turned off).

The method preferably images beyond the display screen of the electronic device. That is, the method preferably images everything on an electronic device (eg, some keyboard on a Blackberry is lit).

The method preferably subtracts the analysis image from the first image. The method also preferably multiplies the analysis image by a multiplier to take into account changes in screen brightness. For example, if the screen brightness did not change between the two images, the multiplier would be 1. If the brightness of the screen at the time of the analysis image is 1/2 of the brightness of the "first image" at the time of the analysis image, by multiplying the analysis image by 2, the brightness is matched and subtraction is improved (basic Generally, a brightness consideration factor exists to account for screens with automatic brightness that changes when the kiosk's dome light is turned on and off). This image is a "composite" image because it has been partially composited by subtraction. A subtracted image is used interchangeably with a composite image.

The method preferably first identifies the electronic device by comparing the subtracted image with all different training images of the electronic device and then analyzes the defects after identifying the electronic device. However, the main purpose of subtraction is to generate an image of what an electronic device's screen looks like when it is off. This is because it is preferable to first identify the electronic device by comparing an image of such an appearance with a training image of the electronic device when the screen is off. The defects are then analyzed after the electronic device has been identified (or after the expected appearance, which could be a set of 5 or 10 similar electronic devices).

Preferably, an image of the electronic device in the kiosk is generated and compared to training data to identify the electronic device and determine the state of all of its characteristics.

In another embodiment, there are two steps in the process: 1) Obtaining a contour image to determine the location of the electronic device within the kiosk and the size of the electronic device (e.g., side view, electronic device 2) By obtaining a fully lit image and "mapping the texture" of the electronic device on the contour image, we can measure not only the contour but also the electronic device when it is surrounded by light. Determine the actual appearance of your device.

In one embodiment, the mirror is a small portion of the wall of the chamber. Most walls are preferably white plastic/painted to diffuse light to create even lighting and minimize specular reflections.

In the preferred kiosk, five of the six sides of the electronic device are illustrated. The top camera captures the front and three sides (left, top, right) of the electronic device, and the bottom camera captures the back of the electronic device. Because there are three mirrors instead of four, the upper part of the bottom of the electronic device (in the case of an IPHONE phone, where the cable connector is located) cannot be seen. Therefore, the combination of both cameras captures 5 of the 6 sides, and the top camera captures only 4 of the 6 sides. The position, size, shape and color of all buttons are imaged regardless of their function. For example, the IPHONE4S mobile phone looks identical to the VERIZON IPHONE4 mobile phone (except for the SIM card slot on the side). Therefore, the kiosk 100 utilizes the presence of the SIM card slot to determine that the electronic device is an IPHONE4S mobile phone rather than a VERIZON IPHONE4 mobile phone.

The present invention preferably extracts features from the training images and stores these features in a database along with other information (eg, electronic device make and model, screen area/position, and other data).

The "peripheral image" is preferably not used for detecting defects within the screen. The present invention analyzes contours (regions) of images to assist in device identification. This is because this contour provides the dimensions of the phone and helps narrow down the comparison to devices in the training database (it doesn't make sense to compare all small phones) Compare only with other phones).

FIG. 10 is an image of the mobile phone 150 with the light turned on. The display screen 153 of the mobile phone is certified. Touch screen buttons 153a to 153c are visible. Physical buttons 156, 157 and 159 are visible on the periphery of phone 150. FIG. 11 is an image of the phone of FIG. 10 when the light is turned off. The display screen 153 is barely visible. FIG. 12 is a subtraction result obtained by subtracting an image of the phone 150 when the light is on from an image of the phone 150 when the light is off. FIG. 13 is an image of the phone when the display screen 153 is off. FIG. 14 shows the line intensity profile of the image of FIG. 13 (solid line 1401) and the image of phone 150 of FIG. 12 (dashed line 1402). The spike at time 211 indicates the text region in FIG.

Another aspect of the invention is the detection of counterfeit electronic devices. As shown in FIG. 15, the image of the fraudulent mobile phone 150 in the illuminated state (when the light in the inspection area is turned on) is printed on cardboard and on the underside of the display screen glass 153 rather than on the LCD. Show the placed photo. This image has multiple and color changes over the screen area. However, there is no light emitted from the mobile phone at all. When the light in the inspection area is turned off, the display screen of mobile phone 150 will be blank, as shown in FIG. 16. As such, the kiosk 150 of the present invention can automatically detect inauthentic (fake) electronic devices. Additionally, images of fake phones are stored in the database for training. This is because such images are often used multiple times. Also, counterfeit phones do not contain electronic components in the housing. Thus, if the kiosk 100 is equipped with a scale, another means for detecting a fake phone is possible, since the mass of a fake phone is different from a genuine phone.

Another aspect of the invention is the detection of cracks in a phone screen. As shown in FIG. 17, the image of the authentic mobile phone 150 has a crack in the display screen 153. By performing a color entropy metric, the present invention can distinguish between an actual crack in the display screen glass and an image containing multiple color changes. This is because cracks in the glass do not produce different colors.

Claims (1)

The invention described herein.

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