EP2771792A1 - Procédé et appareil de recyclage de dispositifs électroniques - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil de recyclage de dispositifs électroniques

Info

Publication number
EP2771792A1
EP2771792A1 EP12843702.7A EP12843702A EP2771792A1 EP 2771792 A1 EP2771792 A1 EP 2771792A1 EP 12843702 A EP12843702 A EP 12843702A EP 2771792 A1 EP2771792 A1 EP 2771792A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electronic device
inspection area
kiosk
camera
mobile phone
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP12843702.7A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2771792A4 (fr
Inventor
Mark Vincent BOWLES
Jeff Ploetner
John Andrew BEANE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ecoatm LLC
Original Assignee
Ecoatm LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ecoatm LLC filed Critical Ecoatm LLC
Priority claimed from PCT/US2012/061587 external-priority patent/WO2013063042A1/fr
Publication of EP2771792A1 publication Critical patent/EP2771792A1/fr
Publication of EP2771792A4 publication Critical patent/EP2771792A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/18—Payment architectures involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to recycling of electronic
  • the present invention relates to a kiosk having a robotic finger to analyze an electronic device for recycling.
  • the prior art has failed to recognize the problems associated with recycling mobile phones in a manner that is enticing to a consumer yet financially rewarding to the recycler. Further, the prior art has failed to determine an automated means for visually inspecting a LCD screen of a mobile phone to determine if the LCD screen is damaged.
  • the present invention enables one to securely recycle, donate, trade-in, and/or sell mobile phones in a publicly accessible location.
  • the invention is used by a mobile phone owner to submit his/her mobile phone for recycling via a recycling kiosk and receive compensation in some manner.
  • the compensation might be dispersed via cash, voucher, credit or debit card, or other magnetic or electronic transaction methods.
  • the kiosk displays one or more transaction options.
  • the method further includes interaction between the user and the kiosk display options which may include powering the electronic device, testing and optical scanning, erasing of the stored data in the electronic device, determination and acceptance by consumer of compensation for the electronic device's value.
  • the method may further include selection by consumers through interaction with the kiosk a variety of compensation methods including dispensing of cash, or redeemable voucher via coupon, or credit card debiting or crediting, electronic donation to user specified charity or charities, or other electronic payment methods.
  • One aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic device.
  • the method comprises positioning an electronic device in an inspection area of a kiosk, wherein the inspection area has an imaging component such as a camera.
  • the inspection area preferably has near-infrared lighting.
  • the method further comprises imaging a barcode sticker of the electronic device and analyzing information derived from the barcode sticker of the electronic device.
  • the method comprises determining a value for the electronic device.
  • the method may further comprise automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the electronic device.
  • the method comprises the user to remove a back panel and a battery of the electronic device prior to positioning the electronic device in the inspection area.
  • the kiosk of the method comprises a housing, the housing comprising a user interface on an exterior surface of the housing for the user to input information, an upper dome and a lower dome, wherein the upper dome and the lower dome comprise a plurality of mirrors.
  • the kiosk further comprises a robotic finger mechanism.
  • the kiosk further comprises an upper chamber imaging component (such as a camera), a lower chamber imaging component (such as a camera or scanner) and a transparent surface.
  • the kiosk further comprises a processor within the housing and in communication with the at least one imaging component, the processor configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the images from the at least one imaging component, the processor configured to determine a financial remuneration value for the electronic device.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic device.
  • the method comprises positioning an electronic device in an inspection area of a kiosk, the inspection area having a camera.
  • the method further comprises imaging a screen shot of a about page of the electronic device, and inspecting the screen shot of the about page of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera disposed in the inspection area to determine if the electronic device has any defects.
  • the method further comprises determining a value for electronic device.
  • the method comprises determining a value for the electronic device.
  • the kiosk of the method comprises a housing, a user interface on an exterior surface of the housing for the user to input information, an upper dome and a lower dome, wherein the upper dome and the lower dome comprise a plurality of mirrors.
  • the kiosk further comprises an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera and a transparent surface.
  • the kiosk also comprises a processor within the housing and in communication with the at least one camera, the processor configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the images from the at least one camera, the processor configured to determine a financial remuneration value for the electronic device.
  • the method further comprises comparing information derived from the barcode sticker to information derived from the about page.
  • An additional aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic device.
  • the method comprises positioning an electronic device in an inspection area of a kiosk wherein the inspection area has a camera.
  • the method further includes using a robotic finger to activate the electronic device and imaging the electronic device.
  • the image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera disposed in the inspection area is inspected to determine if the electronic device has any defects.
  • the method includes determining a value for electronic device.
  • dome shaped apparatus comprising an upper dome, a lower dome and the upper and lower dome comprising a plurality of walls, wherein the plurality of walls are composed of mirrors.
  • the dome shaped apparatus further comprises a transparent surface and at least one camera, the camera capable of obtaining a multiple views of an electronic device placed within the dome shaped apparatus.
  • the upper dome preferably comprises an upper chamber camera.
  • the lower dome preferably comprises a lower chamber camera.
  • a combination of the each of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and the plurality of mirrors allow for an image of the device placed on the transparent surface.
  • the combination of the each of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and the plurality of mirrors allow for a 360 degrees of the electronic device placed on the transparent surface.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for reading a serial number of a mobile phone for the purpose of tracking the mobile phone.
  • the method includes dialing *#06# into the mobile phone using a robotic finger mechanism.
  • the method also includes displaying the IMEI number or unique serial number on a display screen of the mobile phone.
  • the method also includes reading the IMEI number or unique serial number on a display screen of the mobile phone with an imaging system of the kiosk that utilizes OCR to identify and track the serial number/mobile phone.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recycling kiosk.
  • FIG. 1A is a front view of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. IB is an isolated view of a front of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 1C is an isolated view of a front of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 2 is an isolated view of an electrical connector wheel.
  • FIG. 2A is an isolated view of an electrical connector is a staging area.
  • FIG. 2B is an isolated view of an electrical connector in a detached position.
  • FIG. 2C is an isolated view of an electrical connector being detached.
  • FIG. 2D is an isolated view of an electrical connector being retracted.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk.
  • FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk.
  • FIG. 3B is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk.
  • FIG. 3C is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk.
  • FIG. 4 is an isolated view of a phone an inspection plate of a kiosk.
  • FIG. 4A is an isolated view of a phone being transferred in the kiosk.
  • FIG . 4B is an isolated view of a phone being transferred in the kiosk.
  • FIG. 4C is an isolated view of a phone being binned in the kiosk.
  • FIG. 5 is a block diagram of components of a recycling kiosk.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of components of a recycling kiosk.
  • FIG. 7 is an isolated view of an inspection area of a kiosk.
  • FIG. 8 is an isolated view of a camera in a dome of a kiosk.
  • FIG. 9 is an isolated view of a phone in an inspection area of a kiosk.
  • FIG. 10 is a front view of a phone.
  • FIG. 1 1 is a front view of a phone connected to an electrical connector.
  • FIG. 12 is a flow chart for recycling an electronic device.
  • FIG. 13 is a flow chart for a pre-acquisition auction method.
  • FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method for analyzing an electronic device.
  • FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a method for analyzing an electronic device.
  • FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a method for analyzing an electronic device.
  • FIG. 17 is an isolated view of a LCD screen of a mobile phone
  • FIG. 18 is an isolated view of a LCD screen of a mobile phone
  • FIG. 19 is an isolated view of a LCD screen of a mobile phi
  • FIG. 20 is an isolated view of a mobile phone in an inspection area of a recycling kiosk illustrating a field of view of a camera of the mobile phone.
  • FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a robotic finger mechanism analyzing a mobile phone for recycling.
  • FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a robotic finger mechanism analyzing a mobile phone for recycling.
  • FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a robotic finger mechanism analyzing a mobile phone for recycling. Best Mode(s) For Carrying Out The Invention
  • the invention allows for automatic analysis of an electronic device utilizing a robotic finger to determine if the electronic device is damaged in order to ascertain a value for recycling the electronic device.
  • the method for analyzing an electronic device is preferably performed at a recycling kiosk.
  • the robotic finger is preferably located within an inspection area of the kiosk.
  • FIGS. 21-23 illustrate a robotic finger mechanism 725 using
  • the robotic finger mechanism 725 preferably operates similar to a human finger, in movement and touch on the display 153.
  • the robotic finger mechanism 725 preferably includes a base 727, a pivot arm 728 having a first pivot 728a, a second pivot 728b, a third pivot 728c, a fourth pivot 728 d and a fifth pivot 728e.
  • the fingertip 726 preferably mimics the touch of a human finger.
  • the robotic finger mechanism 725 can preferably rotate, oscillate and grip.
  • the robotic finger mechanism 725 preferably has multiple degrees of movement.
  • the robotic finger mechanism 725 allows for the kiosk to activate a phone and navigate through menu screens on a display of a mobile phone.
  • the robotic finger mechanism 725 can also power-on and power-off a mobile phone.
  • a preferred electronic device is a mobile phone.
  • Mobile phones are preferably partitioned into three basic shapes: 1) a flip phone or clam shell type such as the MOTOROLA RAZR; 2) a slider phone which exposes a keyboard or screen such as the MOTORLA DROID; and 3) a bar shape phone such as the Apple iPHONE or the Research in Motion BLACKBERRY.
  • the invention is also utilized with a network of kiosks in public spaces that perform a combination of recycling processing steps that receive, identify, visually inspect, electrically test, electrically erase, grade quality, containerize (bag), label, and inventory recyclable electronic devices. Each kiosk determines some form of compensation to an owner of the device.
  • This compensation is preferably in the form of a direct payment, a credit on an account, a donation to a charity, a discount coupon for future purchases, or some similar form of compensation.
  • the device owner has the choice to accept the offered compensation or reverse the transaction and retrieve the device.
  • a kiosk for recycling electronic devices and providing financial remuneration is generally designated 100.
  • the electronic device may be a Smart Phone, mobile phone, tablet computer, IPOD® device, MP3 Player, GPS device, e-reader, etc.
  • the kiosk 100 has a housing 105 in a pseudo-rectangular cube shape.
  • a header 103 allows for marketing and videos.
  • An access door 130 in a front body area 131 provides access to an inspection area 106 for electronic devices.
  • the front of the housing 105 has a display screen 1 15 for providing information to a user, and acts as a user interface in a touch screen embodiment.
  • the exterior of the housing 105 also preferably has a label printer 125, a voucher dispenser 126, a receipt printer 127, and a cash or card dispenser 128.
  • the exterior housing may also have a thumbprint reader.
  • the kiosk 100 allows for automatic visual analysis of an electronic device to identify the electronic device and to determine electronic device is damaged in order to ascertain a value for recycling the electronic device. Further, the kiosk 100 also allows for electrical analysis of the electronic device.
  • An additional explanation of a recycling kiosk is set forth in U.S. Patent Application Number 13/438924, filed on April 4, 2012, for a Kiosk For Recycling Electronic Devices, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the kiosk 100 comprises a carousel 500 containing a plurality of electrical connectors 505a-505y.
  • Each of the electrical connectors 505 has a unique connection plug for removable connection to an electronic device.
  • Each of the electrical connectors 505a- 505y has a cartridge removeably secured in the carousel 500.
  • new electrical connectors 505 can be substituted for older electrical connectors 505.
  • the kiosk 100 is designed to allow for automatic removal of the electrical connector 505 using detachment mechanism 511.
  • the electrical connector 505 is in a staging area, where it would be connected to a port of an electrical device (as shown FIG. 11).
  • hinged arms 512 of the detachment mechanism 51 1 engage a moveable member of the electrical connector 505 to force the outward movement of the moveable member and the disconnection of the electrical connector 505 from a port of an electronic device (as shown in FIG. 11).
  • the electrical connector 505 is retracted by a cable from the detachment mechanism 511.
  • 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 bin 555 and the carousel 500.
  • the robotic finger mechanism 725 is located within the internal mechanism 101.
  • the carousel 500 is able to hold approximately 25 electrical connectors 505, wherein the electrical connectors 505 are interchangeable to easily adapt to the variations in USB and other like connections.
  • a mobile phone 150 is placed on the transparent plate 545 and transferred to an inspection area 106 within upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530.
  • Both the upper chamber and the lower chamber preferably have a bell-like shape.
  • the mobile phone is moved between the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 for visual analysis.
  • the transparent plate preferably composed of glass of a transparent plastic material, allows for imaging components within the upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530 to obtain multiple view images of the mobile phone 150.
  • a 3-D profile of the mobile phone is generated in order to provide visual analysis for identification and condition of the mobile phone.
  • FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, and 4C show the automatic transport and binning of an electronic device 150 within the internal mechanism 101 of the kiosk 100.
  • the door 550 is lowered to reside above the transparent plate 545, which is then moved inward with the mobile phone 150 thereon.
  • FIG. 4A as the transparent plate 545 is moved inward, the mobile phone is blocked by the door 550 and engages binning plate 540 as the mobile phone begins to fall into an opening created by the inward movement of the transparent plate 545.
  • FIG. 4B once the mobile phone is on the binning plate 540, the binning plate 540 is slowly lowered on one side to open into the bin 555.
  • the mobile phone 150 slowly falls through an opening 556 into the bin 555 to secure the mobile phone 150 and for collection at a later time. The entire process performed at a rate of speed to prevent damage to the electronic device being recycled.
  • the kiosk 100 is of a typical size and shape of a vending machine, such as a soda machine, coin changing machine, can recycling machine, or other vending machines.
  • the housing 105 of the kiosk 100 protects the internal mechanism 101 and secures electronic devices submitted for recycling.
  • the housing 105 is preferably constructed of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum, to prevent authorized access to the kiosk 100.
  • the inspection area 106 is preferably designed to permit a detailed visual inspection of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, e-reader, MP3 players, PDA.
  • the walls of the inspection area are preferably white and/or mirrored to provide imaging of the electronic device.
  • a single coupling to a communications network such as the internet via wired LAN, wireless LAN, cellular or any other proprietary
  • the Kiosk 100 preferably includes a processor 160 for processing the information obtained from the mobile phone and for controlling the components of the kiosk 100.
  • the processor 160 is a standard personal computer ("PC") or other type of embedded computer running any operating system such as Linux or MAC OS.
  • the processor 160 is most preferably a small form factor PC with integrated hard disk drive (“HDD”), central processing unit (“CPU”) and universal serial bus (“USB”) ports to communicate with the other components of the kiosk 100.
  • One most preferred CPU is a DELL PC OPTIPLEX 780.
  • the processing means is a microprocessor with a standalone motherboard which interfaces to a discrete HDD, power supply and the other components of the kiosk 100.
  • the kiosk 100 preferably includes a memory 161 or other storage device, such as a disk drive, that stores the executable applications, test software, databases and other software required to operate the recycling kiosk 100.
  • the external communication component for the kiosk 100 preferably includes a wired Ethernet to provide connection to the internet, or alternatively the external communication component includes a wireless modem such as GSM, CDMA, 3G and 4G technologies for data communications.
  • a wireless modem such as GSM, CDMA, 3G and 4G technologies for data communications.
  • the visual inspection of an electronic device such as a mobile phone 150 in the inspection area 106 is preferably performed by at least one camera 610 within the upper chamber 520.
  • the lower chamber 530 also preferably has at least one camera or other imaging component such as a scanner.
  • the visual inspection is performed by multiple cameras.
  • a preferred camera 610 is a 1 megapixel machine vision camera. If a single camera 610 is utilized in the inspection area 106, the camera 610 preferably is movable to increase a field of view of the inspection area 106 to inspect the electronic device 150 such as a mobile phone placed on the transparent plate 545.
  • the camera 161 is preferably movable.
  • the camera 610 is positioned to image a LCD screen 153 of the electronic device 150 to determine if the LCD screen 153 is damaged.
  • the interior surfaces of the upper chamber 520 and lower chamber 530 preferably include mirrors 615 in order to optimize viewing of an electronic device positioned within the inspection area 106. As shown in FIG. 9, a reflection 150' of a mobile phone 150 is illustrated.
  • the camera 610 is also preferably movable to image a data port of the electronic device to determine the type of electrical connector 505 for the electronic device in order to perform an electrical analysis of the electronic device.
  • the entire interior surfaces of the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 are mirrored for optimization of imaging of the electronic device.
  • the camera(s) alternatively are CCD or CMOSS.
  • FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the main components of the kiosk 100.
  • a processor 160 is preferably in communication with the other components of the kiosk 100.
  • the memory 161 preferably contains a database of information on multiple mobile phones including images, physical characteristics, prices and other similar information.
  • the external communications 167 preferably communicates through a wireless connection or Ethernet with a network to receive and transmit information to a remote site.
  • the power supply 170 is preferably received through a plug-in connection to a wall outlet.
  • the mechanical components 165 include the electrical connector carousel 500, the transparent plate 545, the binning plate 540, the door 550, and other similar components.
  • the camera 610 or cameras, electrical connectors, and a user interface interact with the processor 160 as discussed above.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an internal back of a recycling kiosk 100.
  • a processor 160 is preferably a personal computer having a battery backup 170a, a wireless connection 167 for external communications, an electrical connection 140, a receipt dispenser 104 and a
  • the processor 160 identifies the electronic device 150 submitted for recycling using information from the visual inspection and user interface.
  • the processor 160 also determines the proper electrical connector 505 for connection to the data port of the electronic device 150 using information obtained during the visual inspection or from the user interface.
  • the processor 160 also directs and receives information from the electrical analysis of the electronic device 150 performed using the electrical connector 505 connected to the data port of the electronic device 150.
  • the processor also preferably determines a financial remuneration for the submitted electronic device 150 based on the visual inspection, optionally the electrical analysis and data stored in the memory 161 of the kiosk or information provided externally through the external communication component 167.
  • a flow chart for a preferred recycling method is shown in FIG. 12.
  • a customer elects to sell or recycle an electronic device.
  • the customer checks to see if the electronic device is supported for sale/refurbishing from a list on the screen of the kiosk.
  • the customer activates the on-screen menu system and either enters the phone model directly or goes through a series of menus to determine if the electronic device is eligible for sale or only for recycling.
  • decision block 302 it is determined if the electronic device is only available for recycling. If yes, (i.e. it is not on the list of electronic device available for reselling) the customer can insert the electronic device into receptacle at step 303 and the electronic device falls into bin 1 12 for recycling.
  • the system has determined the correct connector to couple to the electronic device. Connectivity options and are not limited to cable, standard or proprietary connectors, hard docks, reading removable or external physical memory or other wireless methods like WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, and the like.
  • the electronic device is connected and inserted into inspection area 106. If this has been done correctly, the customer is given some indication (e.g. a green light) and the system proceeds to step 306.
  • the electronic device is tested for operation using diagnostics and operating via, for example, the OMSI interface.
  • the diagnostics preferably includes electrical and physical testing including testing the electronic device's battery, screen, memory, button functionality and structural integrity.
  • the electronic device is imaged and analysis software is used to identify scratches, cracks, wear patterns, dents, broken or missing pieces, inclusion of features such as lenses, buttons, connectors, badges, labeling and/or branding. Identification may be done by image comparison or other similar methods where the image taken of the electronic device is normalized and compared to a reference image. Other inspection methods may be used in conjunction with visual and/or electrical testing including weighing to determine specific weight and use that data to further refine verification of manufacturer and verification of exact device model. In another embodiment, the photographic image is used to identify the correct manufacturer and model number/product number. Visual identification could include any combination of the following: calculations based upon measurement, physical (e.g., mm, inches), pixel count or other.
  • OCR Optical Character Recognition
  • the kiosk 100 communicates with the carrier associated with a mobile phone to collect any information that could be germane to the device, including, for example, validation or authentication, registered ownership, account status, time in service, and the like.
  • the kiosk 100 automatically contacts the assumed owner in some manner (automated telephone call, email, text message, etc.) to alert the owner of the phone of the possible transaction.
  • Another feature of an embodiment of the kiosk 100 is to determine if there is personal information on the electronic device. This is determined by the presence of data in particular storage registers in the memory (e.g., quick- key stored numbers) or by looking at file types G e g s > mp3's, etc.,), or just assuming all non-default storage locations must contain personal data. The customer is offered the chance to erase the data from the phone. One option allows the customer to request that the data be first downloaded and then sent to a location designated by the customer (e.g., email address, website, etc.). In another embodiment, there is a slot for the customer to enter a memory card (e.g.
  • the kiosk 100 uploads the data to the memory device.
  • the kiosk 100 offers a web location from which the user retrieves the data at some later time if desired.
  • the user elects to have the data placed in another electronic device purchased by the customer at the kiosk 100 or in the location of the kiosk 100 or some other store. The customer preferably selects a user name and password to access the system provided storage location.
  • the value is provided at step 307 to the kiosk.
  • the kiosk 100 then offers the customer a price or other remuneration for the phone that is typically less than the resale value. In other embodiments, the kiosk 100 offers the customer a price or remuneration that is at the current real-time market price.
  • the kiosk 100 then disconnects any cables that have been attached.
  • the user indicates acceptance of the decision by confirming on the keypad or touch-screen.
  • the kiosk 100 proceeds with deleting the personal data from the electronic device.
  • the kiosk 100 tags the electronic device with a transaction number that is associated with the diagnostic data and the transaction itself. This is preferably a printed adhesive label that is affixed physically to the phone and/or the loading of electronic data corresponding to the transaction number onto the phone itself for traceability purposes.
  • step 31 the kiosk 100 completes any additional testing and
  • the kiosk 100 updates its inventory database and transmits the update via a
  • a method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic device is generally designated 400.
  • an electronic device is identified.
  • bids are solicited for a used model of the electronic device in a predetermined condition. The bids are preferably solicited online through a website and the bidders are preferably pre-qualified.
  • bids for the used model of the electronic device are received from a plurality of bidders.
  • a purchase price to pay for the used model of the electronic device is set based on the plurality of bids received from the plurality of bidders.
  • the purchase price is based on the winning bid.
  • the shipping information for the winning bidder is preferably obtained at this time.
  • a used model of the electronic device is identified at a recycling kiosk for the electronic device.
  • a consumer desires to recycle the electronic device.
  • the integrity of the used model of the electronic device is verified at the recycling kiosk.
  • the condition of the electronic device is established at the kiosk, with the kiosk determining any damage to the electronic device based on visual and electronic analysis of the electronic device.
  • the electronic device is evaluated and graded.
  • the purchase price for the used model of the electronic device is offered to a consumer at the kiosk.
  • the electronic device is automatically binned after purchasing the used model of the electronic device from the consumer at the kiosk.
  • the electronic device is shipped to the winning bidder.
  • the method 1000 begins at block 1001 with an electronic device 150 positioned within an inspection area, 106 of a kiosk 100 wherein the inspection area has a camera and a robotic finger mechanism.
  • the method further comprises imaging a barcode sticker of the electronic device.
  • the method includes analyzing information derived from the barcode sticker of the electronic device.
  • the value of the mobile phone is determined as discussed in more detail below.
  • the method further comprises automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the electronic device.
  • the method preferably comprises instructing the user to remove a back panel and a battery of the electronic device prior to positioning the electronic device in the inspection area.
  • the kiosk 100 of the method comprises a housing 105, the housing 105 comprising a user interface on an exterior surface of the housing for the user to input information, an upper dome and a lower dome, wherein the upper dome and the lower dome comprise a plurality of mirrors.
  • the kiosk 100 further comprises an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera and a transparent surface.
  • the kiosk 100 further comprises a processor 160 within the housing and in communication with the at least one camera, the processor 160 configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the images from the at least one camera, the processor 160 configured to determine a financial remuneration value for the electronic device.
  • the method 2000 begins at block 2001 wherein an electronic device is placed in an inspection area of a kiosk 100, the inspection area 106 having an imaging component such as a camera and a robotic finger mechanism.
  • the method comprises imaging a screen shot of a page (preferably an about page) of the electronic device.
  • the screen shot of the page of the electronic device obtained by at least one imaging component disposed in the inspection area is inspected.
  • it is determined if a display screen of the electronic device.
  • a value for the electronic device is determined.
  • the method preferably comprises comparing information derived from the barcode sticker to information derived from the page to determine whether the information agrees or conflicts.
  • the method comprises imaging a screen shot of a known screen of a battery charging screen display of the electronic device and inspecting the screen shot of the known screen of the battery charging screen display of electronic device obtained by at least one camera.
  • the present invention further includes is a dome shaped apparatus, the dome shaped apparatus comprising an upper dome, a lower dome.
  • the upper and lower dome comprises a plurality of walls, wherein the plurality of walls are composed of mirrors.
  • the dome shaped apparatus further comprises a transparent surface and at least one camera, the camera capable of obtaining a multiple views of an electronic device placed within the dome shaped apparatus.
  • the upper dome preferably comprises an upper chamber camera.
  • the lower dome preferably comprises a lower chamber camera.
  • a combination of each of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and the plurality of mirrors allow for an image of the device placed on the transparent surface.
  • the combination of each of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and the plurality of mirrors allow for a 360 degree of the electronic device placed on the transparent surface.
  • each of the upper dome and lower dome cameras are moveable.
  • the method begins with a mobile phone 150 positioned within an inspection area 106 of a kiosk 100.
  • the mobile phone is powered up utilizing a robotic finger mechanism.
  • a term is inputted into the mobile phone 150 utilizing a robotic finger mechanism for display on a LCD screen of the mobile phone 150.
  • a preferred term is a telephone number for display on a LCD screen 153 as shown in FIG. 18. The term may also be a word, characters, or like inputs.
  • the LCD screen 153 is inspected for damage such as cracks, pixel defects, discoloration and the like.
  • the kiosk 100 inspects the LCD screen 153 for defects in the display of the telephone number or like term.
  • the luminescence of the LCD screen 153 can also be measured to determine if the luminescence is performing at levels set forth by the manufacturer of the mobile phone 150.
  • An optional electrical analysis is performed on the mobile phone 150 as discussed in more detail below.
  • the value of the mobile phone is determined as discussed in more detail below.
  • An alternative method of the present invention is illustrated in the flow chart of FIG. 16. The method 3000 begins at block 3001 with an electronic device 150 positioned within an inspection area 106 of a kiosk 100, the inspection area having a camera.
  • a robotic finger is used to activate the electronic device.
  • the electronic device is imaged.
  • the image of the electronic device obtained by the at least one camera disposed in the inspection area is inspected to determine if the electronic device has any defects.
  • a value for the electronic device is determined.
  • the method further comprises automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the electronic device.
  • the method preferably comprises using the robotic finger to call a test phone number or alternatively to send a text a test phone number.
  • the text preferably comprises each letter of the alphabet which allows determining the functionality of all letters of the keyboard.
  • the method further comprises the text comprises a character string comprising the numbers 1 through 10, allowing determination of the functionality of all numbers on the keyboard.
  • the robotic finger may be used to send a text comprising each symbol on the keyboard.
  • the method further comprises using the robotic finger to active a camera mode of the electronic device.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for
  • the apparatus comprises an inspection area, a transparent plate within the inspection area, a robotic finger within the inspection area and at least one camera within the inspection area.
  • the robotic finer is programmed to inspect an electronic device positioned on the transparent plate.
  • the robotic finger has an inspection end composed of a polymer material similar to human skin.
  • the robotic finger can swipe on touchscreen of an electronic device.
  • the electronic device is a mobile phone, tablet computer, or MP3 player.
  • the apparatus preferably comprises a robotic finger having a plurality of phalanges and joints for multi- dimensional movement. Further, the robotic finger has a rotating base for 360 degrees movement. Additionally, the robotic finger has an oscillator for vertical movement.
  • the robotic finger comprises a plurality of modular components for dimensional changes to the size and shape of the robotic finger.
  • the robotic finger comprises an electrical connection for connection to a port of the electronic device.
  • An alternative method of the present invention comprises a mobile phone 150 positioned within an inspection area 106 of a kiosk 100.
  • the mobile phone is powered up utilizing a robotic finger mechanism.
  • a known image is displayed on a LCD screen of the mobile phone 150.
  • One example of a known image for display on a LCD screen 153 is a national park such as Yosemite National Park as shown in FIG. 19.
  • An alternative know image is a start up logo of a carrier for the mobile phone such as the well-known
  • the known image may be sent to the mobile phone by the kiosk 100 either directly through electrical connection or wirelessly by telephoning the mobile phone 150.
  • the LCD screen 153 is inspected for damage such as cracks, pixel defects, discoloration and the like.
  • the kiosk 100 inspects the LCD screen 153 for defects in the display of the known image by comparing the displayed known image with a stored known image, preferably using optical recognition software. Further, the
  • luminescence of the LCD screen 153 can also be measured to determine if the luminescence is performing at levels set forth by the manufacturer of the mobile phone 150.
  • An optional electrical analysis is performed on the mobile phone 150 as discussed in more detail below. The value of the mobile phone is determined as discussed in more detail below.
  • One example of a known image for display on a LCD screen 153 is a national park such as Yosemite National Park as shown in FIG. 19.
  • An alternative know image is a start up logo of a carrier for the mobile phone such as the well-known VERIZON logo or the AT&T logo.
  • the known image may be sent to the mobile phone by the kiosk 100 either directly through electrical connection or wirelessly by telephoning the mobile phone 150.
  • the LCD screen 153 is inspected for damage such as cracks, pixel defects, discoloration and the like.
  • the kiosk 100 inspects the LCD screen 153 for defects in the display of the known image by comparing the displayed known image with a stored known image, preferably using optical recognition software.
  • the luminescence of the LCD screen 153 can also be measured to determine if the luminescence is performing at levels set forth by the manufacturer of the mobile phone 150.
  • an optional electrical analysis is performed on the mobile phone 150 as discussed in more detail below.
  • the value of the mobile phone is determined as discussed in more detail below.
  • visual inspection and recognition software is utilized by the kiosk 100 to analyze a mobile phone 150.
  • a recognition algorithm is applied to a specific make and model of a mobile phone 150.
  • the visual inspection and recognition software determines the borders of a mobile phone 150 under inspection to determine the external dimensions of the mobile phone 150.
  • the external dimensions are utilized to determine a subset of possible mobile phones from a master database of mobile phones stored in the memory 161 of the kiosk 100 or available online to the kiosk 100 using external communications.
  • the visual inspection and recognition software then preferably uses a set of secondary and tertiary features to further distinguish the mobile phone 150.
  • secondary and tertiary features can include placement and size of the display screen, placements and size of the keyboard, unique buttons, placement of ports, and other distinguishing features.
  • the visual inspection is performed using neural network pattern recognition techniques to identify the mobile phone 150, then filter algorithms are utilized to determine defects such as cracked screens. Further, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other visual inspection techniques may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
  • visual inspection optionally includes obtaining a heat
  • One preferred method of obtaining a heat signature of a mobile phone 150 is to raster a laser across the mobile phone to characterize a heat decay profile of the submitted mobile phone 150. This heat decay profile is then compared to a heat decay profile for a perfect sample of the same mobile phone 150. The heat decay profile indicates the wear of the external surface of the mobile phone 150, which is used in calculating the financial remuneration for the mobile phone 150.
  • Yet another method of the present invention comprises positioning an electronic device in an inspection area of a recycling kiosk 100, powering up the electronic device utilizing a robotic finger mechanism and displaying a known image on a LCD screen of the electronic device.
  • the known image on the LCD screen of the electronic device is compared with a stored duplicate of the known image stored on the recycling kiosk to determine any defects in the LCD screen of the electronic device and to define an analyzed electronic device.
  • the method further comprises determining a value for the analyzed electronic device.
  • the known image is a start-up
  • the known image is an image of a national park.
  • the method may further comprise performing an electrical analysis of the electronic device.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un kiosque de recyclage (100) conçu pour recycler un dispositif électronique (150) et offrir une rémunération financière pour le dépôt dudit dispositif. Le kiosque de recyclage (100) comporte une zone d'inspection (101) de préférence pourvue de deux demi-sphères bombées à miroir (520, 530) positionnées autour d'une table transparente (545), et également pourvue de caméras (610) permettant d'obtenir des images d'un dispositif électronique (150) placé sur la table (545). Une inspection d'une page d'information ou d'un code à barres dans un compartiment de batterie du dispositif électronique (150) est effectuée de manière à déterminer une valeur pour ce dispositif électronique (150). En variante, un doigt robotisé (725) est utilisé pour inspecter le dispositif électronique (150). Le kiosque de recyclage (100) comporte également un processeur (160), un écran (115) et une interface utilisateur (167).
EP12843702.7A 2011-10-25 2012-10-24 Procédé et appareil de recyclage de dispositifs électroniques Withdrawn EP2771792A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161551410P 2011-10-25 2011-10-25
US201261606997P 2012-03-06 2012-03-06
PCT/US2012/061587 WO2013063042A1 (fr) 2011-10-25 2012-10-24 Procédé et appareil de recyclage de dispositifs électroniques

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EP2771792A1 true EP2771792A1 (fr) 2014-09-03
EP2771792A4 EP2771792A4 (fr) 2015-09-02

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DE (1) DE202012013185U1 (fr)

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US4951308A (en) 1988-12-29 1990-08-21 Cellular Communications Corporation Automated vending of cellular hand-held telephones and cellular telephone services
TWI231133B (en) * 2003-11-27 2005-04-11 Quanta Comp Inc Test system for portable electronic apparatus and test method thereof
DE102004058562A1 (de) * 2004-12-03 2006-06-14 Deutsche Post Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Annahme von elektronischen Geräten
US20090190142A1 (en) 2008-01-30 2009-07-30 Taylor Steven H Method And System For Connecting A Data Storage Device To A Kiosk
US8761938B2 (en) * 2008-04-18 2014-06-24 David Jenkinson Robotic device tester
US8774793B2 (en) * 2008-06-13 2014-07-08 Jot Automation, Ltd. Systems and methods of providing intelligent handset testing
CN105336045B (zh) * 2008-10-02 2018-08-31 埃科亚特姆公司 针对设备的二手市场和自动售货系统
US7881965B2 (en) * 2008-10-02 2011-02-01 ecoATM, Inc. Secondary market and vending system for devices
US8200533B2 (en) * 2008-10-02 2012-06-12 ecoATM, Inc. Apparatus and method for recycling mobile phones
US8424941B2 (en) * 2009-09-22 2013-04-23 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Robotic thumb assembly

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EP2771792A4 (fr) 2015-09-02

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