JP6937333B2 - Methods and equipment for recycling electronic devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention mainly relates to the recycling of electronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a kiosk for visually analyzing an electronic device and providing the owner with consideration for recycling the electronic device.

The number of electronic devices used by typical consumers has increased significantly. These devices include mobile phones, PDAs, mp3 players, GPS devices, cameras, pagers, remote controls, cordless phones, computers and the like. As a result of the successive 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 devices and start using new ones instead of disposing of their old electronic devices. This situation can occur across generations of such devices.

In addition to the electronic devices mentioned above, there are many other types of devices that are being replaced relatively frequently (eg, portable mobile electronic devices (eg, mobile phones, MP3 players) and non-portable electronic devices (eg, mobile phones, MP3 players) and non-portable electronic devices (eg, mobile phones, MP3 players). For example, there are computers, printers). In addition to electronic devices, there are content-based digital media (eg, large storage items for games or entertainment on CDs, DVDs or cartridges (eg, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays). Such items must be handled in an environmentally friendly manner using both or one of the recycling and proper disposal procedures. Recycling such devices or disposing of such devices properly This is useful for electronic device owners, if possible. The device owner's motivation to "do the right thing" for a used device is currently small. If the owner simply stops using the device. , The opportunity for recycling or reuse by another party is lost. If the owner simply throws the device into a regular trash can, the proper recycling or disposal of the device is hindered.

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, and the annual growth rate is 10%. As new features are incorporated into new models and new standards are being developed, mobile handset replacements are almost every 18 months. Also, as an incentive for consumers to subscribe to profitable two-year service contracts, wireless operators are offering new phones at less than cost or for free, resulting in the accumulation of old mobile phones. It has become. Older mobile phones and other mobile devices (pagers, PDAs) are now a threat to the environment. As of 2007, there are more than 7.5 billion mobile phones in the United States waiting to be recycled in chests of drawers or in the flow of waste. In addition, more than 150 million mobile phones are waiting for recycling every year. After these devices are placed in the waste stream, lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and other toxic substances can leak into the water supply from these devices. In local governments, waste is often incinerated, and as a result, these toxic substances are instantly released into the air and returned to the earth's rainwater. A problem to be resolved is to allow the general public to have easy access to recycling or reselling their mobile phones and other recyclable devices. Two reasons why mobile phones are not recycled or resold are that access to recycling or resale facilities is difficult and there are security concerns about the information stored on mobile phones. There is a point. In addition to mobile phones, many other electronic devices have similar problems.

The prior art has not been able to recognize the problems associated with mobile phone recycling in a way that is attractive to consumers and financially rewarding to recyclers. Further, the prior art has not been able to provide an automatic means for visually inspecting the LCD screen of a mobile phone to determine if the LCD screen has been damaged. Moreover, prior art has not been able to provide an automated means for determining the authenticity of an electronic device submitted for recycling and compensation.

According to the present invention, it is possible to securely recycle, donate, trade in and / or sell a mobile phone in a publicly accessible location. In an embodiment of recycling a mobile phone, the present invention is used when a mobile phone owner submits his / her mobile phone for recycling through a recycling kiosk and receives compensation in some way. Consideration can be distributed via cash, discount coupons, credit or debit cards or other magnetic or electronic trading methods.

In one embodiment, a kiosk that resides in a publicly accessible location is used in a method of collecting used electronic devices for recycling and repair and coordination purposes. The kiosk displays one or more trading options. This method further includes a dialogue between the user and the kiosk display choices. Kiosk display options may include powering electronic devices, testing and optical scanning, erasing stored data in electronic devices, consumer determination and acceptance of the value of electronic devices. This method allows consumers to use a variety of payment methods through dialogue with the kiosk (eg, cash distribution or cashable discount voucher distribution via coupons, or credit card debit or credit, user-specified charity. It may further include choosing an electronic donation to (s) or other electronic payment method.

One aspect of the invention is a method of assessing monetary consideration for an electronic device and a user for submission of the electronic device. This method involves placing the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk. The inspection area has light. The method further comprises imaging the display screen of the electronic device in the inactivated mode. The method then comprises imaging the display screen of the electronic device in activation mode. The light is turned off and an electronic device analysis image is generated. The method further comprises imaging the display screen of the electronic device in active mode. The light is turned on and a first image of the electronic device is generated. The method then comprises subtracting the first image of the electronic device from the analytical image of the electronic device to generate a subtraction image of the electronic device. The subtraction image is compared with the image of the electronic device in the inactivation mode to determine if the display screen of the electronic device is defective and to define the analyzed electronic device. Finally, the method involves determining the value of the analyzed electronic device. The method may also include automatic binning of the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.

The method kiosk includes a housing. The housing includes a user interface on the outer surface of the housing for information input by the user, and also includes an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper dome and the lower dome 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. The processor is located in the housing and communicates with at least one camera. The processor is configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on information from the user and at least one of the images from at least one camera. The processor is configured to determine the value of the monetary consideration of the electronic device.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of analyzing the monetary consideration for an electronic device and a user for the submission of the electronic device. The method involves placing the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk. The inspection area has a camera. The method further comprises imaging a portion of the electronic device. Some include the periphery of the electronic device, resulting in a peripheral image. The method examines a peripheral image of an electronic device obtained by at least one camera placed within the inspection area to determine if the display screen of the electronic device is defective and defines the analyzed electronic device. Including that further. Finally, the method involves determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.

The method kiosk includes a housing, a user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for information input by the user, and an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper dome and the lower dome 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. The processor is provided in the housing and communicates with at least one camera, which identifies the brand and model number of the electronic device based on information from the user and at least one of the images from at least one camera. It is configured as follows. The processor is configured to determine the value of the monetary consideration of the electronic device.

In the method, further, the information from the peripheral image includes the model name and position of the LED aperture. Further, the processor is configured to automatically adjust the peripheral image to fit the rectangular shape. Peripheral images include 360 degree images. Information from the peripheral image includes the position of the USB port, the position of the volume control button, the position of the camera button, and the position of the power on / off button. Information from the peripheral 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 monetary consideration to a user for the analysis of an electronic device and the submission of an electronic device. The method involves placing the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk. The inspection area has light. The method further comprises imaging the display screen of the electronic device with light in the inspection area that illuminates the display screen of the electronic device with the display screen of the device. The method then comprises imaging the display screen of the electronic device with the light in the inspection area turned off to generate an analytical image of the electronic device. The method then comprises subtracting the analytical 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 the photo printed on the cardboard underneath the glass, where the LCD is normally placed, reveals that the electronic device is fake, then the electronic component is not included within the electronic device. When the light is off, there is no light coming out of 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 no light emission from the first image is detected. The method assumes that the electronic device is fake. The method also explicitly trains the fake display electronic device because the fake display electronic device usually has the same picture in the LCD area. Finally, the method involves determining the value of the analyzed electronic device. The method may also include automatic binning of the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.

This method also determines crack detection on the display screen. Crack detection is related to detecting whether an electronic device has multiple color changes. If the method determines that the actual cracks in the glass are confused with the photograph of the underside of the glass and therefore the actual cracks cannot be obtained in the imaging, then some kind of color entropy metric is used to remove one crack from the other. Assists in distinguishing from cracks in glass (cracks in glass do not produce multiple different colors).

Yet another aspect of the invention is to determine the authenticity of an electronic device by analysis of the electronic device and, if the electronic device is genuine, to provide a monetary consideration to the user for the submission of the electronic device. This is the method. The method involves placing the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk. The inspection area has light. The method also involves imaging the electronic device. Turn on the light in the inspection area 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 an electronic device when the display screen is off. The method also includes comparing the composite image with training images of multiple electronic devices to determine the authenticity of the electronic device. Training images include display screens used by fraudulent electronic devices.

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

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a dome-shaped device. Domed devices include an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper and lower domes include multiple walls. The walls are composed of mirrors. The dome-shaped device further includes a transparent surface and at least one camera. The camera can get a 360 degree view of the electronic device placed inside the dome-shaped device. The upper dome preferably includes an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably includes a lower chamber camera. Preferably, the upper dome and lower dome cameras, as well as a combination of a plurality of mirrors, provide an image of the device placed on the transparent surface. Preferably, the combination of the upper dome and lower dome cameras, as well as a plurality of mirrors, provides 360 degrees of the electronic device placed on the transparent surface. The upper dome and the lower dome camera are movable, respectively.
The present invention provides, for example,:
(Item 1)
A method of analyzing the monetary consideration for the electronic device and the user for the submission of the electronic device.
Placing the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area having a light source,
By imaging the electronic device to generate a first image, the light source in the inspection area is on.
By imaging the electronic device to generate an analytical image of the electronic device, the light in the inspection area is off.
To generate a composite image of the electronic device by subtracting the analytical image of the electronic device from the first 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 if the electronic device is defective, and define the analyzed electronic device. When,
Determining the value of the analyzed electronic device and
Including methods.
(Item 2)
The method of item 1, further comprising automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.
(Item 3)
The method of item 1, further comprising multiplying the analytical image by a multiplier to take into account any change in brightness of the screen.
(Item 4)
A method of analyzing the monetary consideration for the electronic device and the user for the submission of the electronic device.
By imaging a part of the electronic device, the part includes the display screen of the electronic device, and the partial image can be obtained by the imaging.
By imaging the part of the electronic device, the part includes the display screen of the electronic device, and when the environment is lit, a lit image is obtained.
Examining the partial image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera placed within the inspection area to determine the dimensions of the electronic device.
Inspecting the lighting image of the electronic device to determine if there is any defect in the screen area of the electronic device and defining the analyzed electronic device.
Determining the value of the analyzed electronic device and
Including methods.
(Item 5)
The kiosk
With the housing
A user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for information input by the user,
With the upper and lower chambers,
Including
The upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, a transparent surface and a processor, the processor being provided in the housing and communicating with the at least one camera, wherein the processor is said. The processor is configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on the information from the user and at least one of the images from the at least one camera, and the processor is the monetary consideration for the electronic device. Configured to determine the value of,
The method according to any one of items 1 to 4.
(Item 6)
The method of item 4, wherein the information from the partial image includes the position of the camera lens of the electronic device.
(Item 7)
The method of item 4, wherein the electronic device comprises one of a mobile phone, a tablet computer or an e-reader.
(Item 8)
A method of analyzing the monetary consideration for the electronic device and the user for the submission of the electronic device.
Placing the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk, said inspection area having a camera.
To generate an outline image of the electronic device by imaging 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 with a plurality of training images of the electronic device.
Including methods.
(Item 9)
8. The method of item 8, wherein the plurality of parameters include dimensions of the electronic device.
(Item 10)
8. The method of item 8, wherein generating the plurality of parameters of the electronic device comprises determining the size of a side portion of the electronic device.
(Item 11)
8. The method of item 8, further comprising generating at least one irradiated image of the electronic device to determine the texture of the electronic device.
(Item 12)
8. The method of item 8, further comprising determining the value of the electronic device.
(Item 13)
The kiosk
With the housing
A user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for information input by the user,
With the upper and lower chambers,
Including
The upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a transparent surface and a processor, the processor being provided in the housing and communicating with the at least one camera.
The method according to item 8.
(Item 14)
The processor is configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on the information from the user and at least one of the images from the at least one camera. 13. The method of item 13, configured to determine the value of monetary consideration for the device.
(Item 15)
A method of analyzing the monetary consideration for the electronic device and the user for the submission of the electronic device.
Placing the electronic device in the inspection area and
To generate a first image by imaging the electronic device in a first predetermined lighting environment.
To generate a second image by imaging the electronic device in a second predetermined lighting environment.
Generating a composite image of the electronic device from the first image and the second image, the composite image being similar to the image of the electronic device assumed when the display screen is off. And that it is generated to
Determining the identification of the electronic device by comparing the composite image with the training images of the plurality of electronic devices.
Including methods.
(Item 16)
15. The method of item 15, wherein the electronic device comprises 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 a monetary consideration to the user for the submission of the electronic device if the electronic device is genuine.
Placing the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk, said inspection area having light.
To image the electronic device by turning on the light in the inspection area to generate a first image.
Imaging the electronic device by turning off the light in the inspection area to generate an analytical image of the electronic device.
Determining that the display screen of the electronic device contains multiple colors but does not emit light,
Determining that the electronic device is not genuine and
Including methods.
(Item 18)
The kiosk
With the housing
A user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for information input by the user,
With the upper and lower chambers,
Including
The upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, a transparent surface and a processor, the processor being provided in the housing and communicating with the at least one camera, wherein the processor is said. The processor is configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on the information from the user and at least one of the images from the at least one camera, and the processor is the monetary consideration for the electronic device. Configured to determine the value of,
The method according to item 17.
(Item 19)
17. The method of item 17, further comprising using color entropy metric.
(Item 20)
The method of item 17, further comprising detecting a crack in the display screen.

It is a perspective view of a kiosk for recycling. It is a front view of the kiosk for recycling of FIG. It is a partial view of the front of the recycling kiosk of FIG. It is a partial view of the front of the recycling kiosk of FIG. It is a partial view of an electric connector wheel. It is a perspective view of the internal component of a kiosk. It is a perspective view of the internal component of a kiosk. It is a perspective view of the internal component of a kiosk. It is a perspective view of the internal component of a kiosk. It is a partial view of a telephone of a kiosk inspection plate. It is a partial view of how the telephone is moved into the kiosk. It is a partial view of how the telephone is moved into the kiosk. It is a partial view of how the telephone is binned in the kiosk. It is a block diagram of the component of a kiosk for recycling. It is a block diagram of the component of a kiosk for recycling. It is a partial view of the inspection area of a kiosk. It is a partial view of the camera in the dome of the kiosk. It is a partial view of a telephone in the inspection area of a kiosk. This is an image of a mobile phone that is lit (the light is on). It is an image of a mobile phone in a non-lit state. It is an image of the subtraction result of the telephone in the lit state and the telephone in the unlit state. This is an image of a training image of a mobile phone whose screen is not turned on. It is a graph showing the intensity profile from the top and shows matching (the spike line in 211 is a text area and does not exist in the training image). An image of a fraudulent mobile phone in the lit state (when the light in the inspection area is on), which is printed on cardboard and displays a picture placed underneath the display screen glass instead of the LCD. Shows an image of a rogue cell phone that is not lit (with the light in the inspection area turned off) and does not display anything. It is an image of a genuine mobile phone having a crack in the display screen. It is a flowchart of the method of recycling an electronic device. It is a flowchart of the method of recycling an electronic device. It is a flowchart of the 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 the value of the recycled electronic device can be ascertained. The automated analysis is preferably performed using a kiosk or a recycling machine. The kiosk has an inspection 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 examination areas, which allows visibility of the lower part of the electronic device placed on the transparent plate. Each chamber preferably has multiple mirrors that provide multiple views of the electronic device within the examination area. These mirrors provide a multidimensional view of the electronic device placed on the transparent plate. Preferably, these mirrors provide a 360 degree view of the electronic device placed on a rotatable transparent plate. Preferably, these mirrors allow the height, width and / or length of the electronic device to be obtained.

Mobile phones are preferably divided into three basic shapes: 1) a flip phone or clamshell type (eg MOTOROLA RAZR), 2) a keyboard or slider phone that exposes the screen (eg MOTORLA DROID) ), And 3) rod-shaped telephones (eg, Apple iPhone or Research in Motion BLACKBERRY). The present invention is also used in conjunction with a network of kiosks in public space. These kiosks combine recycling steps. The combination of recycling processing steps includes receiving, identifying, visual inspection, electrical testing, electrical erasing, quality grading, containerization (bagging), labeling, and inventory of recyclable electronic devices. Each kiosk determines some form of compensation for the device owner. This consideration preferably takes the form of direct payments, credits on accounts, donations to charities, discount coupons used 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 retrieving the device.

In the following description, an example of a mobile phone is shown. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the system can be run with any number of other devices that have an LCD screen without departing from the intent and scope of the system. ..

As shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 1C, the kiosk for recycling electronic devices and providing monetary consideration is shown primarily by reference numeral 100. Electronic devices can be smartphones, tablet computers, IPOD® devices, MP3 players, GPS devices, e-readers and the like. The kiosk 100 has a housing 105 having a pseudo rectangular parallelepiped shape. The kiosk 100 is preferably a vending machine of typical size and shape (eg, a soda machine, a coin changer, a can recycling machine, or other vending machine). Header 103 enables marketing and video. The access door 130 in the front body area 131 allows access to the inspection area 106 of the electronic device. A display screen 115 is provided in front of the housing 105. The display screen 115 provides information to the user and functions as a user interface in the touch screen embodiment. Appropriately outside the housing 105, a label printer 125, a discount ticket distributor 126, a receipt printer 127, and a cash or card distributor 128 are also profitable. The outer housing is also provided with a thumb fingerprint reader.

The Kiosk 100 enables automatic visual analysis of the electronic device, which identifies the electronic device and determines that the electronic device is damaged in order to confirm the recycling value of the electronic device. It can be performed. In addition, the kiosk 100 also enables electrical analysis of electronic devices. As shown in FIG. 2, the kiosk 100 includes a rotary conveyor 500 that includes a plurality of electrical connectors 505a-505y. Each electrical connector 505 has a unique connection plug for a removable connection to an electronic device. Each of the electrical connectors 505a to 505y has a cartridge that is detachably fixed within the rotary conveyor 500. Therefore, the new electric connector 505 can be replaced with the old electric connector 505. Further, the kiosk 100 is designed so that it can be automatically removed by using the removal mechanism 511 of the electric connector 505.

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 rotary type. Includes conveyor 500. Preferably, the rotary conveyor 500 can hold about 25 electrical connectors 505. Since the electrical connector 505 is replaceable, it can easily adapt to 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 inspection area 106 in the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530. Both the upper and lower chambers preferably have a bell shape. As shown in FIG. 3C, the mobile phone is moved between the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 for visual analysis. The clear plate is preferably constructed of glass of clear 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 for visual analysis of the identification and condition of the mobile phone. After the visual analysis is complete, the clear plate 545 moves from between the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530.

4, 4A, 4B and 4C show the automatic movement and binning of the electronic device 150 within the internal mechanism 101 of the 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 while the mobile phone 150 is placed on the door 550. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the transparent plate 545 moves inward, the mobile phone is blocked by the door 550 and begins to fall into the opening created by the inward movement of the transparent plate 545 with the binning plate 540. Engage. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the mobile phone is placed on the binning plate 540, the binning plate 540 slowly descends up one side and opens into the small container 555. As shown in FIG. 4C, the mobile phone 150 slowly falls into the small container 555 through the opening 556, and the mobile phone 150 is fixed and later collected. The entire process is carried out at such a rate that damage to recycled electronic devices can be avoided.

The kiosk 100 is a typical size and shape of a vending machine (eg, a soda machine, a coin changer, a can recycling machine or other vending machine). The housing 105 of the kiosk 100 protects the internal mechanism 101 and secures the electronic device submitted for recycling. The housing 105 is preferably constructed of a metallic material (eg, steel or aluminum) to circumvent authentication access to the kiosk 100.

The inspection area 106 is preferably designed to allow detailed visual inspection of electronic devices (eg, tablet computers, e-readers, MP3 players, PDAs). The size of the inspection area 106 is preferably 30 cm in length (“cm”), 30 cm in width, and 20 cm in height. The walls of the inspection area are preferably white and / or mirror-finished, which allows imaging of electronic devices.

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

The external communication component for the kiosk 100 preferably comprises a wired Ethernet® that provides a connection to the Internet, or the external communication component is a wireless modem (eg, GSM (registered) for data communication). Trademarks), CDMA, 3G and 4G technologies).

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the visual examination in the examination area 106 of the electronic device (eg, mobile phone 150) is preferably performed by at least one camera 610 in the upper chamber 520. The lower chamber 530 also preferably has at least one camera or other imaging component (eg, a scanner). Alternatively, the visual test is performed by multiple cameras. A suitable camera 610 is a 1 megapixel mechanical visual camera. When a single camera 610 is used in the field of view 106, the camera 610 is preferably movable, which allows it to inspect an electronic device 150 (eg, a mobile phone placed on a transparent plate 545). Increases the visibility of the inspection area 106. The camera 161 is preferably movable. Preferably, the camera 610 is arranged to image the LCD screen 153 of the electronic device 150 to determine if the LCD screen 153 is damaged. The inner surfaces of the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 preferably include a mirror 615 for optimizing the visibility of electronic devices located within the inspection area 106. As shown in FIG. 9, the reflection 150'of the mobile phone 150 is illustrated. The camera 610 is also preferably mobile 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 inner surface of the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 is mirror-finished to optimize the imaging of the electronic device. Alternatively, the camera (s) are CCD or CMOSS.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the main components of the kiosk 100. Processor 160 preferably communicates with other components of the kiosk 100. The memory 161 preferably includes a database of information on a plurality of mobile phones (eg, images, physical properties, prices, and other similar information). The external communication 167 preferably communicates with the network via a wireless connection or Ethernet® to send and receive information to and from a remote portion. The power supply 170 is preferably received through a plug-in connection to a wall outlet. Mechanical component 165 includes an electrical connector rotary conveyor 500, a transparent plate 545, a binning plate 540, a door 550, and other similar components. The camera 610 (s), electrical connector and user interface interact with processor 160 as described above. FIG. 5 shows the inner back of the recycling kiosk 100. As shown, the processor 160 is preferably a personal computer, with a spare battery 170a, a wireless connection 167 for external communication, an electrical connection 140, a receipt distributor 104 and a display screen 115.

Processor 160 identifies the electronic device 150 submitted for recycling using visual inspection and information from the user interface. The processor 160 also uses the information obtained during the visual examination or the information from the user interface to determine the appropriate electrical connector 505 for connecting to the data port of the electronic device 150. Processor 160 also directs and receives information from electrical analysis of electronic device 150 performed using electrical connector 505 connected to the data port of electronic device 150. The processor is preferably the money of the electronic device 150 submitted based on visual inspection, optionally electrical analysis and data stored in the kiosk's memory 161 or information obtained externally through the external communication component 167. The target price is also decided.

A flowchart of a suitable recycling method is shown in FIG. In step 301, the consumer chooses to sell or recycle the electronic device. Consumers look at the on-screen list of kiosks to see if the electronic device can be sold / repaired. Consumers activate an on-screen menu system and enter the phone model directly or browse a set of menus to determine if the electronic device is available for sale or can only be recycled. In decision block 302, it is determined that the electronic device can only be recycled. If the electronic device can only be recycled (ie, if the electronic device is not on the list of resaleable electronic devices), the consumer can insert the electronic device into the receptacle in step 303. The electronic device then falls into the small container 112 for recycling.

If the electronic device is repairable, adjustable / resaleable, consumers are encouraged to proceed with system testing / evaluation operations. In step 304, the system determines the correct connector for connection to the electronic device. Connectivity options are not limited to cables, standard or private connectors, hard docks, removable or external physical memory for reading or other wireless methods (eg WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC). In step 305, the electronic device is connected and inserted into the inspection area 106. If this is done correctly, the consumer will be given some notification (eg, green light) and the system will proceed to step 306. In step 306, the electronic device is diagnostically tested and operates, for example, via an OMSI interface. Diagnosis preferably includes electrical and physical testing (eg, testing of battery, screen, memory, button function and structural integrity of electronic devices).

Preferably, the electronic device is imaged and analytical software is used to scratch, crack, wear patterns, dents, breakage or missing parts, features (eg lenses, buttons, connectors, badges, labels and / or brands). Identify inclusions. The identification may be performed by an image comparison method or other similar method, in which the captured image of the electronic device is normalized and compared with the reference image. Other inspection methods may be used in conjunction with visual and / or electrical testing (eg, weighting) to determine a particular weight and use the data to further match the manufacturer and correct device model. High accuracy is achieved. In another embodiment, photographic images are used to identify the correct manufacturer and model / product number. Visual identification can include any combination of the following: measurement-based calculations, physics (eg mm, inches), pixel count, etc. Specificity is based on electronic device dimensions, button position / size, LCD and other physical properties. The height, width, and depth can be determined as needed using one camera or multiple cameras. Identification is based on OCR (Optical Character Recognition) of identifiers (eg, carriers, brands, models, serial numbers, other identifiers of (telephone and tablet computers)). The identification is based on the barcode. Consumers may be instructed to orient the CE on the anterior, posterior, and lateral sides and then change the orientation as needed. In addition, consumers may be instructed to remove CE covers (s), batteries, etc. in order to gain access to identifiable items (eg, alphanumeric or barcode data). The kiosk 100 provides a method of using visual tests in conjunction with electrical tests to identify devices, determine their values, and reduce the likelihood of fraud.

In one embodiment, the kiosk 100 communicates with a carrier associated with a mobile phone and has all information that may be closely related to the device (eg, validity or authenticity, registered ownership, account status). , Service period). In some cases, if the consumer's specific information is inconsistent with the registered owner information, the Kiosk 100 will automatically contact the assumed owner in some way (automatic phone call, email, text message). It then warns the owner of the phone about the possibility of a transaction.

Another function of the embodiment of the kiosk 100 is a function of determining whether personal information is present on the electronic device. This can either check for the existence of data in a particular storage register in memory (eg quick key storage number) or check the file type (eg jpeg, mp3) or personal to all non-default storage locations. It is determined only by assuming that the data is included. Consumers are given the opportunity to erase data from their phones. One option allows the consumer to download the data first and then send it to a location specified by the consumer (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 the memory card is inserted through this slot, the kiosk 100 uploads data to the memory device. In yet another embodiment, the kiosk 100 provides a web location from which data can be retrieved later when the user desires. In another embodiment, the user chooses to store in another electronic device purchased by the consumer at the kiosk 100, or to store at the location of the kiosk 100 or some other storage. The consumer preferably chooses 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. The kiosk 100 then provides the consumer with the price of the phone or other consideration. This price or other consideration is typically lower than the resale price. At step 311 the kiosk 100 completes any further testing and diagnosis of the electronic device, disconnects the cable from the electronic device, and prints a receipt for the consumer. Transfers of funds may be authenticated by Kiosk 100 by crediting a consumer credit card or distributing accounts or discount coupons or coupons by cash distribution. In step 312, the 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 shown in the flowchart of FIG. Method 1000 starts at block 1001. The mobile phone 150 is arranged within the inspection area 106 of the kiosk 100. The inspection area has light. The electronic device is imaged in the inactivated mode. At block 1002, the display screen of the electronic device is imaged. The electronic device is in active mode and when the light in the examination area 106 is turned off, an analytical 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. The mobile phone 150 must set the camera function to the camera mode. At block 1004, the first image of the electronic device is subtracted from the analytical image to generate a subtraction image of the electronic device. In block 1005, the subtraction image is compared to the image of the electronic device in the inactivated mode to determine if the display screen of the electronic device is defective and to define the analyzed electronic device. At block 1006, the value of the mobile phone is determined as described in more detail below.

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

The upper and lower domes preferably include a wall constructed of mirrors. The dome-shaped device further includes a transparent surface and at least one camera. The camera can obtain multiple views of electronic devices arranged within a dome-shaped device. The upper dome preferably includes an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably includes a lower chamber camera. Preferably, the upper dome and lower dome cameras, as well as a combination of multiple mirrors, allow the image of the device to be placed on a transparent surface. Preferably, the upper dome and lower dome cameras, as well as a combination of a plurality of mirrors, allow the 360 degree electronic device to be placed on a transparent surface. Preferably, the upper dome and the lower dome camera are movable, respectively.

Another method of the present invention is shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the method 2000 starts from block 2001, the electronic device is nicknamed within the inspection area of the kiosk 100. The inspection area 106 has a camera. At block 2002, a portion of the electronic device is imaged and a portion includes the periphery of the electronic device, resulting in a peripheral image. At block 2003, peripheral images of electronic devices obtained by at least one camera located within the inspection area are inspected. In 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, the value of the analyzed electronic device is determined.

The information from the peripheral image preferably includes the model name and position of the LED aperture. Further, 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 defects in a particular portion of the screen. Peripheral images include 360 degree images. Information from the peripheral image includes the position of the USB port, the position of the volume control button, the position of the camera button, and the position of the power on / off button. Information from the peripheral 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 the kiosk 100 for the analysis of the mobile phone 150. In one preferred method, the recognition algorithm is applied to the mobile phone 150 of a particular model and model. The visual inspection and recognition software determines the boundaries of the mobile phone 150 being inspected to determine the outer dimensions of the mobile phone 150. Using the outer dimensions, some of the possible mobile phones can be stored in the memory 161 of the kiosk 100 in the mobile phone master database or the mobile phone master database that can be used online to the kiosk 100 using external communication. To decide from. The visual inspection and recognition software then preferably uses a set of second and third functions to further distinguish the mobile phone 150. These second and third functions may include display screen placement and size, keyboard placement and size, unique buttons, port placement and other distinguishing features. After determining the correct model and model of the mobile phone, the visual inspection and recognition software subtracts the image of the mobile phone 150 from the complete mobile phone image of the same model and model. The subtraction result is preferably a quantifiable number of pixels and is inspected for broken or missing parts, screen cracks, and low, medium or high level wear categories.

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

In addition, visual examination optionally includes obtaining a thermal signature for mobile phone 150. One preferred method for obtaining the thermal signature of the mobile phone 150 is to rasterize the laser on the mobile phone to characterize the decay heat profile of the submitted mobile phone 150. The 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 shows wear on the outer surface of the mobile phone 150. This wear is used to calculate the monetary consideration of the mobile phone 150.

Yet another method of the present invention is to place the electronic device within the inspection area of the recycling kiosk 100, to power the electronic device, and to display a known image on the LCD screen of the electronic device. include. Defects in the LCD screen of the electronic device were determined and analyzed by comparing the known images on the LCD screen of the electronic device with the stored duplicates of the known images stored on the recycling kiosk. Define electronic devices. The method further comprises determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.

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

The method preferably images the electronic device when it is placed in the kiosk, regardless of the state of the electronic device. The method then compares the image with the training database of all different types of electronic devices trained in the past (screens of all training images are preferably off).

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

The method preferably subtracts the analytical image from the first image. The method also preferably multiplies the analytical image by a multiplier to take into account changes in screen brightness. For example, if the screen brightness does not change between the two images, the multiplier is 1. When 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, the brightness is matched and the subtraction is improved by multiplying the analysis image by 2. In order to consider a screen with automatic brightness that changes when the dome light of the kiosk is turned on / off, there is a brightness consideration coefficient). This image is a "composite" image because it is partially composited by subtraction. Subtracted images are used synonymously with composite images.

The method preferably compares the subtracted image with all the different training images of the electronic device to first identify the electronic device and then analyze the defects after identifying the electronic device. However, the main purpose of subtraction is to generate an image of the appearance of the electronic device when the screen is off. This is because it is preferable to first identify the electronic device by comparing the image of such an appearance with the training image of the electronic device when the screen is off. Defects are then analyzed after the electronic device has been identified (or after the expected appearance has been identified if it 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 with the training data to identify the electronic device and determine the state of all its features.

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 (eg, side view, electronic device). By obtaining a fully lit image and "mapping the texture" of the electronic device on the contour image, not only the contour but also the electron when the electronic device is surrounded by light. Determine the actual appearance of the device.

In one embodiment, the mirror is a small part of the chamber wall. Most walls are preferably white plastic / painted, which diffuses light to produce uniform illumination and minimize specular reflection.

In a suitable kiosk, five of the six faces of the electronic device are illustrated. The upper camera captures the front and three sides (left, top, right) of the electronic device, and the lower camera captures the back of the electronic device. Since there are three mirrors instead of four, the upper part of the lower part of the electronic device (in the case of the iPhone, the part where the cable connector is provided) cannot be seen. Therefore, the combination of both cameras captures 5 of the 6 sides, and the upper 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 has the same appearance as the VERIZON IPHONE4 mobile phone (except that the SIM card slot is provided on the side). Therefore, the kiosk 100 uses 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 invention preferably extracts features from the training image and stores these features in a database along with other information (eg, electronic device model and model, screen area / position and other data).

The "peripheral image" is preferably not used for detecting defects in the screen. The present invention analyzes the contour (region) of an image to assist in identifying the device. This contour gives the phone dimensions and helps narrow down the devices to be compared in the training database (similar in size because it makes no sense to compare with all small phones). Compare only with other phones).

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

Another aspect of the invention is the detection of fake electronic devices. As shown in FIG. 15, the image of the fraudulent mobile phone 150 in the lit state (when the light in the inspection area is turned on) is printed on the cardboard and on the underside of the display screen glass 153 instead of the LCD. Shows the placed photo. This image has numerous and color changes on the screen area. However, there is no light emission from the mobile phone. When the light in the inspection area is turned off, the display screen of the mobile phone 150 displays nothing as shown in FIG. Therefore, the kiosk 150 of the present invention can automatically detect non-genuine (fake) electronic devices. In addition, images of fake phones are stored in the database for training. This is because such images are often used multiple times. Also, fake phones do not contain electronic components in the housing. Therefore, since the mass of a fake phone is different from that of a genuine phone, if the kiosk 100 is equipped with a weigh scale, another means for detecting the fake phone is possible.

Another aspect of the present invention is the detection of cracks in the telephone screen. As shown in FIG. 17, the image of the genuine mobile phone 150 has a crack in the display screen 153. The present invention can distinguish between an actual crack in the display screen glass and an image containing a large number of color changes by performing color entropy measurement. This is because the cracks in the glass do not give rise to a number of different colors.

Claims (20)

A system for recycling electronic devices.
With the housing
A user interface on the outer surface of the housing for the user to enter information,
With the upper and lower chambers,
The upper chamber imaging device located in the upper chamber and
The lower chamber imaging device located in the lower chamber and
A transparent plate positioned within the housing, the transparent plate supporting the electronic device at a first position where the transparent plate receives the electronic device and within the inspection area of the housing. A system with a transparent plate that is movable to and from a second position. The system of claim 1, further comprising a processor that communicates with at least one of the upper chamber imaging device and the lower chamber imaging device. The system of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to identify the electronic device based on images from at least one of the upper chamber imaging device and the lower chamber imaging device. .. The system of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to determine a value of monetary consideration for the electronic device. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper chamber comprises an upper dome and the lower chamber comprises a lower dome. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper chamber imaging device and the lower chamber imaging device are movable. Having the configuration electrical connector to be connected to the electronic device system according to claim 1. The electrical analysis of the electronic device is performed using the electrical connector, and the electrical analysis is such that the electronic device keeps starting, charging, functions properly, and powers the display screen of the electronic device. The system of claim 7, wherein one or more of the things to do is determined. Wherein the user interface is a touch screen display system of claim 1. A system for recycling an electronic device, the system comprising:
Dome-shaped device and
A transparent plate in the dome-shaped device , wherein the transparent plate is a first position where the transparent plate receives the electronic device and the transparent plate is within the inspection area of the dome-shaped device. A transparent plate that is movable between and a second position that supports the dome ,
A system comprising at least one camera capable of obtaining a 360 degree view of an electronic device placed on the transparent plate when the transparent plate is in the second position. 10. The system of claim 10, further comprising a processor configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on images from the at least one camera. The system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one camera is movable. The electronic connected to the device, further comprising a structure electrical connector to facilitate electrical analysis of the electronic device, the system according to any one of claims 10 to 12. The electroanalytical method determines whether the electronic device is capable of activating, maintaining charging, functioning properly, and powering the display screen of the electronic device. , The system according to claim 13. 10. The system of claim 10, wherein the dome-shaped device comprises a plurality of mirrors that allow visibility of all components of the electronic device. A system for evaluating and purchasing used electronic devices.
With the housing
The inspection area in the housing and
A transparent plate in the housing, the transparent plate is movable between a first position and a second position, and the transparent plate is the electronic device when in the second position. With a transparent plate to support
A first camera operably positioned to image the electronic device while the transparent plate supports the electronic device within the inspection area.
A system comprising a second camera operably positioned to image the electronic device while the transparent plate supports the electronic device within the inspection area. 16. The system of claim 16, wherein the first camera is operably positioned above the transparent plate and the second camera is operably positioned below the transparent plate. 16. The system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first camera or the second camera is movable. A method of operating a kiosk for evaluating and purchasing used electronic devices, said method.
Positioning the transparent plate in the first position in the kiosk housing,
Receiving the electronic device on the transparent plate while the transparent plate is in the first position.
After receiving the electronic device on the transparent plate, moving the transparent plate from the first position to a second position in the housing, and moving the transparent plate is the electron. Moving the device into the inspection area within the housing, and
The method comprising imaging the electronic device using the first camera while the transparent plate is supporting the electronic device in the inspection area within the housing,
A method comprising imaging the electronic device with a second camera while the transparent plate supports the electronic device within the inspection area. Imaging the electronic device with a first camera includes imaging the electronic device with a first camera operably positioned above the transparent plate.
10. Imaging the electronic device with a second camera comprises imaging the electronic device with a second camera operably positioned below the transparent plate. The method described in.

Images