JP2015505999A - Method and apparatus for recycling electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a recycling kiosk (100) for recycling the electronic device (150) and financially paying for its submission. The recycle kiosk (100) comprises an inspection area (101) having preferably two mirrored dome-shaped hemispheres (520, 530) aligned with a transparent table (545); (545) a camera (610) for imaging the electronic device (150) placed thereon. An inspection of the about page of the electronic device (150) or the barcode inside the battery compartment is performed to determine the value of the electronic device (150). Alternatively, a robot finger (725) is used for inspection of the electronic device (150). The recycle kiosk (100) also includes a processor (160), a display (115) and a user interface (167). [Selection] Figure 21

Description

  The present invention generally relates to recycling electronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a kiosk having robot fingers for analyzing electronic devices for recycling.

  Nowadays, the number of electronic devices used by typical consumers is increasing rapidly. These devices include cell phones, PDAs, mp3 players, GPS devices, cameras, pagers, remote controls, cordless phones, calculators, and others. The rapid pace at which new technologies and new types of electronic devices are introduced creates a situation where many consumers frequently upgrade or replace one or more recyclable devices. Consumers often do not dispose of the previous electronic device, but rather begin to use a new device without using it. This may occur over several generations of such devices.

  In addition to the electronic devices described above, relatively frequent replacements include portable mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, etc., and non-portable electronic devices such as computers, printers and the like. There are many types of devices that are expensive. In addition to electronic devices, there are content-based digital media such as games on a CD, DVD or cartridge, or entertainment mass storage items such as CD, DVD, BluRay, etc. Thus, there is a need to treat such items in an environmentally friendly way through both recycling procedures or appropriate disposal procedures. In the past, it has not been easy for owners of electronic devices to recycle such devices or properly dispose of such devices. At present, there is little that encourages device owners to “do the right thing” for used devices. If the owner stops using the device and simply puts it in a storage location, the opportunity for recycling or reuse by someone else is lost. If the owner throws the device into a common trash can, this prevents proper recycling or safe disposal of the device.

  One specific problem associated with this phenomenon can be illustrated by an example of a mobile phone. There are over 3.6 billion mobile phone users worldwide, increasing by 10% every year. As new models increase functionality and new standards evolve, mobile phones are replaced almost every 18 months. Wireless carriers are also offering new phones at low cost or free of charge as an incentive to make a profitable two-year service contract that guarantees a constant increase in old mobile phones. Older mobile phones and other mobile devices (pagers, PDAs) become a daily threat to the environment. As of 2007, there are over 750 million mobile phones in the United States that are waiting for recycling or are already in the waste stream. Every year, more than 150 million units are newly added. Once in the waste stream, these devices may leak lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and other toxic substances into the water supply. Local governments often incinerate local waste, and these toxic substances are scattered in the air instantly and returned to the ground in the rain. The challenge that must be solved is to make it easier and accessible for the general public to recycle or resell their cell phones or other recyclable devices. There are two reasons why a mobile phone will not be recycled or resold, and it is difficult to access the recycling or resale facility. The second is a security concern regarding the information stored in the mobile phone. In addition to mobile phones, the same challenges apply to many other electronic devices.

  Technology has not yet answered this issue. One invention is Bishop's “Vehicle Vending and Cell Phone Business” disclosed in Patent Document 1, which is a vending machine that distributes cell phones to consumers who purchase cell phones from vending machines. The machine is disclosed. Bishop has effectively spurred the problem by making mobile phones more accessible.

  Taylor et al., “Method and System for Connecting a Data Storage Device to a Kiosk” is shown in US Pat. No. 6,057,089, and includes a kiosk comprising a docking port and an optical recognition device for identifying the data port on the data storage device. Disclosure. The Taylor patent relates to printing digital images in photographic kiosks.

  This prior art does not recognize the challenges associated with recycling mobile phones in a manner that is both consumer pleasing and financially rewarding for recyclers. Furthermore, this prior art does not determine an automated means of visually inspecting the mobile phone LCD screen to determine whether the LCD screen is damaged.

US Pat. No. 4,951,308 US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0190142

  The present invention allows a mobile phone to be safely recycled, provided, traded out and / or sold in a publicly accessible location. In an embodiment where the mobile phone is recycled, the present invention is used by the mobile phone owner to submit his mobile phone for recycling through a recycling kiosk and receive rewards in some manner. Rewards may be distributed by cash, vouchers, credit or debit cards or other magnetic or electronic transaction methods.

  In certain embodiments, a method for performing collection of used electronic devices for recycling and retrofit uses kiosks at publicly accessible locations. The kiosk displays one or more transaction options. The method may further include powering the electronic device, testing and optical scanning of data stored in the electronic device, erasure, consumer determination and acceptance of electronic device compensation, and user and kiosk display Includes interactions between options. The method further includes the consumer's interaction with the kiosk to receive cash or a redeemable voucher with a coupon, or debit or credit with a credit card, to one or more charities specified by the user. May include selecting various compensation methods, including electronic donations.

  One aspect of the present invention is a method of analyzing an electronic device and rewarding a user for money (compensating for money, giving money) for submission of the electronic device. The method includes aligning the electronic device within the examination area of the kiosk, the examination area having an imaging component such as a camera. The inspection area preferably has near infrared illumination. The method further includes imaging a barcode sticker of the electronic device and analyzing information derived from the barcode sticker of the electronic device. Finally, the method includes determining the value of the electronic device. The method may further include automatically discarding the electronic device after determining the value of the electronic device. Preferably, the method includes the user removing the electronic device's back panel and battery prior to aligning the electronic device within the inspection area.

  The kiosk of the method includes a housing having a user interface on an outer surface for a user to input information, an upper dome, and a lower dome, and the upper dome and the lower dome include a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk further includes a robot 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 includes a processor in communication with the at least one imaging component within the housing, the processor being a trademark of the electronic device based on at least one of information from the user and an image from the at least one imaging component. And the model number are identified, and the processor is configured to determine a value for monetary consideration of the electronic device.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a method of analyzing an electronic device and rewarding a user with money for submission of the electronic device. The method includes aligning the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area having a camera. The method is further arranged in the inspection area to image a screenshot of the electronic device's about page (summary page, general page) and to determine if the electronic device is defective. Inspecting a screenshot of the about page of the electronic device obtained by the at least one camera. The method further includes determining the value of the electronic device. Finally, the method includes determining the value of the electronic device.

The method kiosk includes a housing, a user interface on the outer surface of the housing for a user to input information, an upper dome, and a lower dome, the upper dome and the lower dome including a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk further comprises an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, and a transparent surface. The kiosk also includes a processor that communicates with at least one camera within the housing, the processor providing a trademark and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of information from the user and an image from the at least one camera. Configured to identify, the processor is configured to determine a value for monetary consideration for the electronic device.
Preferably, the method further comprises comparing information derived from the barcode sticker with information derived from the about page.

  A further aspect of the present invention is a method of analyzing an electronic device and rewarding a user with money for submission of the electronic device. The method includes aligning the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area having a camera. The method further includes activating the electronic device using the robot finger and imaging the electronic device. An image of the electronic device acquired by at least one camera placed in the inspection area is inspected to determine whether the electronic device is defective. Finally, the method includes determining the value of the electronic device.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is a dome-shaped device, the dome-shaped device comprising an upper dome and a lower dome, the upper and lower dome comprising a plurality of walls, and the plurality of walls comprising a mirror. Is done. The dome-shaped device further comprises a transparent surface and at least one camera, the camera being capable of acquiring a plurality of images of an electronic device placed inside the dome-shaped device. The upper dome preferably comprises an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably comprises a camera in the lower chamber. Preferably, the combination of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and a plurality of mirrors can image a device placed on a transparent surface. Preferably, the combination of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and a plurality of mirrors can image 360 degrees of an electronic device placed on a transparent surface.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for reading a mobile phone serial number for mobile phone tracking purposes. The method includes dialing * # 06 # to a mobile phone using a robotic finger mechanism. The method also includes displaying the IMEI number or the unique serial number on the display screen of the mobile phone. The method also includes reading the IMEI number or unique serial number on the mobile phone display screen with a kiosk imaging system utilizing OCR to identify and track the serial number / cell phone.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recycling kiosk. FIG. 1A is a front view of the recycling kiosk of FIG. FIG. 1B is a partial view of the front of the recycling kiosk of FIG. FIG. 1C is a partial view of the front of the recycling kiosk of FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial view of an electrical connector wheel. FIG. 2A is a partial view of the electrical connector in the staging area. FIG. 2B is a partial view of the electrical connector in a separated position. FIG. 2C is a partial view of the electrical connector being separated. FIG. 2D is a partial view of the electrical connector being pulled back. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 3C is a perspective view showing the internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 4 is a partial view of the phone on the kiosk inspection plate. FIG. 4A is a partial view showing a phone being moved within a kiosk. FIG. 4B is a partial view showing the phone being moved within the kiosk. FIG. 4C is a partial view showing a phone being discarded in the kiosk. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the components of a recycling kiosk. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating components of a recycling kiosk. FIG. 7 is a partial view of a kiosk inspection area. FIG. 8 is a partial view of the camera in the kiosk dome. FIG. 9 is a partial view showing a telephone in the kiosk inspection area. FIG. 10 is a front view of the telephone. FIG. 11 is a front view of the telephone connected to the electrical connector. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for recycling the electronic device. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an auction method before acquisition. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for analyzing an electronic device. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for analyzing an electronic device. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for analyzing an electronic device. FIG. 17 is a partial view of an LCD screen of a mobile phone showing a white screen. FIG. 18 is a partial view of the LCD screen of the mobile phone showing the phone number. FIG. 19 is a partial view of an LCD screen of a mobile phone showing a national park. FIG. 20 is a partial view of a mobile phone in a recycling kiosk inspection area showing the field of view of the mobile phone camera. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a robot finger mechanism for analyzing a mobile phone regarding recycling. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a robot finger mechanism for analyzing a mobile phone for recycling. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a robot finger mechanism for analyzing a mobile phone regarding recycling.

  The present invention allows automatic analysis of an electronic device that utilizes robotic fingers to determine whether the electronic device is damaged in order to ascertain the value of recycling the electronic device. The method for analyzing an electronic device is preferably performed in a recycling kiosk. The robot fingers are preferably positioned within the examination area of the kiosk.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate a robotic finger mechanism 725 that uses a “fingertip” 726 to touch the touchscreen display 153 of the mobile phone 150 positioned on a transparent plate in the examination area of the kiosk. The robot finger mechanism 725 preferably operates in the same manner as a human finger when moving and contacting the display 153. The robot finger mechanism 725 preferably includes a base 727 and a pivot arm 728 having a first pivot 728a, a second pivot 728b, a third pivot 728c, a fourth pivot 728d and a fifth pivot 728e. . The fingertip 726 preferably mimics contact with a human finger. The robot finger mechanism 725 is preferably capable of rotating, vibrating and gripping. The robot finger mechanism 725 preferably has a plurality of degrees of mobility.
The robot finger mechanism 725 preferably allows the kiosk to initiate a phone call and navigate through a menu screen on the mobile phone display. Also, the robot finger mechanism 725 can turn on and off the mobile phone.

  One suitable electronic device is a mobile phone. The mobile phone preferably has three basic shapes: 1) a flip-type mobile or clamshell type such as MOTOROLA RAZR, 2) a sliding mobile that exposes a keyboard or screen such as MOTORLA DROID, and 3) Apple It is divided into rod-shaped mobile phones such as iPHONE or Research in Motion BLACKBERRY. The present invention also receives, identifies, visually inspects, electrically tests, electrically erases, grades quality and packs (bags) recyclable electronic devices. ), Also used by a network of kiosks in public places that perform a combination of recycling steps to label and create a list. Each kiosk determines some form of compensation for the device owner. This compensation is preferably in the form of direct payment, bank transfer, charitable donation, discount coupon for later purchase, or some similar compensation format. The owner of the device has the opportunity to receive the price offered or choose to discard the transaction and get the device back.

  Hereinafter, an example regarding a mobile phone will be described. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present system can be implemented by any number of other devices having LCD screens without departing from the spirit and scope of the present system.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B and 1C, a kiosk for recycling electronic devices and providing monetary consideration is generally indicated at 100. The electronic device may be a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, an IPOD (registered trademark) device, an MP3 player, a GPS device, an e-reader, or the like. The kiosk 100 includes a housing 105 having a pseudo rectangular parallelepiped shape. The header 103 enables marketing and video. An access door 130 in the main body front area 131 provides access to the inspection area 106 of the electronic device. The front of the housing 105 has a display screen 115 for providing information to the user and acts as a user interface in the touch screen embodiment. On the outer surface of the housing 105 are also preferably a label printer 125, a voucher outlet 126, a receipt printer 127 and a cash or card outlet 128. There may also be a thumb print reader outside the housing.

  The kiosk 100 allows visual automatic analysis of an electronic device that identifies the electronic device and determines that the electronic device is damaged to ascertain the value of recycling the electronic device. Furthermore, the kiosk 100 also allows electrical analysis of electronic devices. A further description of the recycling kiosk is described in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 438,924, entitled “Electronic Device Recycling Kiosk”, filed April 4, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. include.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, kiosk 100 includes a carousel 500 that includes a plurality of electrical connectors 505a-505y. Each electrical connector 505 has a unique connection plug for removably connecting to the electronic device. Each of the electrical connectors 505a-505y has a cartridge that is removably secured within the carousel 500. Therefore, the old electrical connector 505 can be replaced with a new electrical connector 505. Furthermore, the kiosk 100 is designed so that the electrical connector 505 can be automatically removed using the separation mechanism 511. In FIG. 2A, electrical connector 505 is in a staging area where electrical connector 505 is connected to a port of an electronic device (as shown in FIG. 11). Next, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the hinge arm 512 of the separation mechanism 511 engages the movable member of the electrical connector 505 and pushes the movable member outward (as shown in FIG. 11). Disconnect the electrical connector 505 from the port of the electronic device. As shown in FIG. 2D, the electrical connector 505 is retracted from the separation mechanism 511 by a cable.

  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 discard plate 540, a transparent plate 545, and a door 550. And a trash can 555 and a carousel 500. Preferably, the robot finger mechanism 725 is positioned inside the internal mechanism 101. Preferably, the carousel 500 can hold about 25 electrical connectors 505, which are interchangeable to easily accommodate a variety of 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 inside 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 and visually analyzed. A transparent plate, preferably made of glass of transparent plastic material, allows the imaging components in the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 to obtain a multi-viewpoint image of the mobile phone 150. Preferably, a 3D profile of the mobile phone is generated and a visual analysis for the purpose of mobile phone identification and condition setting is performed. When visual analysis is complete, the transparent plate 545 exits between the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530.

  4, 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate the automatic transport and disposal of the electronic device 150 in the internal mechanism 101 of the kiosk 100. FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the door 550 is lowered over the transparent plate 545, and the transparent plate 545 is then moved inward with the electronic device 150 on top. As shown in FIG. 4A, as the transparent plate 545 moves inward, the cell phone is blocked by the door 550 and when the transparent plate 545 begins to drop into the opening caused by the inward movement of the transparent plate 545, the discard plate 540 Engage. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the mobile phone is placed on the discard plate 540, the discard plate 540 slowly descends to one side and opens into the trash can 555. As shown in FIG. 4C, the mobile phone 150 slowly falls from the opening 556 to the trash can 555 for securing the mobile phone 150 and collecting it later. The entire process is performed at a rate that does not damage the recycled electronic device.

  The size and shape of the kiosk 100 is that of a typical vending machine, such as a soft drink vending machine, change machine, can recycling machine or other vending machine. The housing 105 of the kiosk 100 protects the internal mechanism 101 and secures electronic devices that are submitted for recycling. The housing 105 is preferably constructed of a metallic material such as steel or aluminum to prevent authorized access to the kiosk 100.

  The inspection area 106 is preferably designed to allow detailed visual inspection of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, e-readers, MP3 players, PDAs and the like. The walls of the examination area are preferably white and / or mirrored to provide imaging of the electronic device.

  The coupling from the kiosk 100 and to the remote computer is preferably a single coupling to a communication network such as the Internet via a wired LAN, wireless LAN, cellular or any other proprietary communication system. The kiosk 100 preferably includes a processor 160 for processing information obtained from the mobile phone and for controlling components of the kiosk 100. Preferably, 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 universal serial bus (“USB”) port for communicating with a hard disk drive (“HDD”), central processing unit (“CPU”), and other components of the kiosk 100. Is a small form factor PC. One of the most preferred CPUs is the DELL PC OPTIPLEX 780. Alternatively, the processing means is a microprocessor with a stand-alone motherboard that interfaces to individual HDDs, power supplies and other components of the kiosk 100. The kiosk 100 preferably includes a memory 161 that stores executable applications, test software, databases, and other software necessary for operation of the recycling kiosk 100, or other storage devices such as disk drives.

  The external communication component of kiosk 100 preferably includes a wired Ethernet to provide a connection to the Internet, or the external communication component can be GSM, CDMA, 3G and for data communication. Includes wireless modems such as 4G technology.

  As shown in FIGS. 7-9, 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 in the upper chamber 520. The lower chamber 530 also preferably has at least one camera or other imaging component such as a scanner. Alternatively, the appearance inspection is executed by a plurality of cameras. One preferred camera 610 is a 1 megapixel machine vision camera. If only one camera 610 is used in the inspection area 106, this camera 610 preferably expands the 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. Can be moved to. The camera 161 is preferably movable. Preferably, camera 610 is aligned to image LCD screen 153 of electronic device 150 to determine if LCD screen 153 is damaged. The inner surfaces of the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 preferably include a mirror 615 to optimize the viewing of electronic devices that are aligned within the examination area 106. FIG. 9 shows a mirror image 150 ′ of the mobile phone 150. The camera 610 is also preferably movable to image the data port of the electronic device to determine the type of the electrical connector 505 of the electronic device in order to perform an electrical analysis of the electronic device. Alternatively, a mirror is attached to the entire inner surface of the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 to optimize the imaging of the input device. Alternatively, the camera is a CCD or CMOSS.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of kiosk 100. The processor 160 is preferably in communication with other components of the kiosk 100. Memory 161 preferably includes a database of information regarding a plurality of mobile phones, including images, physical characteristics, 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 the remote site. The power source 170 is preferably powered via a plug-in connection to a wall outlet. The mechanical component 165 includes an electrical connector carousel 500, a transparent plate 545, a discard plate 540, a door 550, and other similar components. Camera 610 or cameras, electrical connectors, and user interface interact with processor 160 as discussed above. FIG. 5 shows the inner back side of the recycled kiosk 100. As shown, the processor 160 is preferably a personal computer having a battery backup 170a, an external communication wireless connection 167, an electrical connection 140, a receipt issuing machine 104, and a display screen 115. is there.

  The processor 160 identifies the mobile phone 150 that is submitted for recycling using the visual inspection and information from the user interface. The processor 160 also determines the appropriate electrical connector 505 to connect to the data port of the electronic device 150 using information obtained during visual inspection or information 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. In addition, the processor preferably uses the data stored in the kiosk's memory 161 based on visual inspection, possibly electrical analysis, and the monetary consideration of the electronic device 150 to be submitted, or via an external communication component 167. To make decisions based on information provided externally.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a preferred recycling method. In step 301, a customer who chooses to sell or recycle an electronic device checks from a list on the kiosk's screen to see if the sale / modification of the electronic device is supported. The customer activates the on-screen menu system and immediately enters a telephone type or proceeds through a series of menus (options) to determine whether the electronic device is suitable for sale or can only be recycled. At decision block 302, it is determined whether the electronic device is only available for recycling. If so (i.e., not on the list of electronic devices that can be resold), the customer can insert the electronic device into the receptacle at step 303, and the electronic device falls into the recycle bin 112.

  If the electronic device is supported for modification / resale, the customer is then encouraged to participate in system testing / rating operations. In step 304, the system has determined the correct connector to couple to the electronic device. Connectivity options include cables, standard or proprietary connectors, hard docks, removable removable or external physical memory, or WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, and the like Other wireless methods such as, but not limited to. In step 305, the electronic device is connected and inserted into the inspection area 106. If this is done correctly, the customer is instructed (eg, green light) and the system proceeds to step 306. In step 306, the electronic device is tested for operability using diagnostics and manipulation via, for example, an OMSI interface. Diagnosis preferably includes electrical and physical testing, which includes testing the battery, screen, memory, button function and structural integrity of the electronic device.

  Preferably, the electronic device is imaged and broken or lost using analysis software including scratches, cracks, wear, dents, and functions such as lenses, buttons, connectors, badges, labeling and / or branding. Identified parts are identified. Identification may be done by image comparison or other similar methods, where an image of an electronic device is normalized and compared to a reference image. Along with appearance and / or electrical testing, other inspection methods are used, including weighing to determine specific weight and using this data to further refine manufacturer verification and accurate device type verification. May be. In another embodiment, the photographic image is used to identify the correct manufacturer and model / product number. Visual identification may include any combination of: That is, calculated values based on physical measurements (eg, mm, inches), pixel counts, etc. Identification based on electronic device size, button position / size, LCD and other physical characteristics. One or more cameras may be used to determine the height, width, and depth as needed. Identification based on OCR (Optical Character Recognition) of identifiers such as carriers (in the case of telephones and tablet computers), trademarks, models, serial numbers and other identifiers. Bar code based identification. The consumer may be asked to lie down, lie on their back, or sideways, and then be asked to turn around as needed. The consumer may be asked to remove the CE cover, battery, and the like to gain access to identifiable items such as alphanumeric or bar code data. The kiosk 100 provides a way to use visual inspection in conjunction with electrical inspection to identify a device, determine its value, and reduce the likelihood of fraud.

  In certain embodiments, the kiosk 100 may be closely associated with the device to collect any information including, for example, verification or authentication, ownership registration, account status, service time, and the like. And communicate with a carrier associated with the mobile phone. In some cases, if the customer's identification information does not match the registered owner information, the kiosk 100 automatically notifies the assumed owner in some way (automated phone call, email, text message, etc.) Contact and warn the owner of a possible transaction phone.

  Another feature of one embodiment of the kiosk 100 is in determining whether personal information is present on the electronic device. This may be due to the presence of data (eg, a number stored in a quick key) in a particular storage register in memory, or by looking at the file type (jpeg, mp3 ', etc.) or simply non-default storage All locations are determined by assuming that they all contain personal data. Customers are given the opportunity to erase data from the phone. One option allows the customer to first download the data and then send it to a location specified by the customer (eg, email address, website, etc.). In another embodiment, there is a slot for the customer to insert a memory card (eg, USB drive, memory stick, etc.), at which point the kiosk 100 uploads the data to the memory device. In yet another embodiment, kiosk 100 provides a web location where the user can retrieve data at a later date if desired. In another embodiment, the user chooses to store the data in another electronic device he / she purchases at kiosk 100, at the location of kiosk 100, or in some other store. The customer preferably selects a username and password to access the storage location provided by the system.

  Once the value is determined, it is provided to the kiosk at step 307. The kiosk 100 then presents the customer with a telephone price or other consideration that is typically below the resale price. In other embodiments, kiosk 100 presents the customer with a price or consideration that is the current real-time market price. In step 308, it is determined whether the user wishes to accept the presentation. If not, kiosk 100 proceeds to step 309 to open the door and return the electronic device to the customer. If the user wishes to accept the presentation, kiosk 100 proceeds to step 310. When the user accepts the price, kiosk 100 may lock the examination area so that the user does not have further access to the electronic device. The kiosk 100 then separates all attached cables. In step 310, the user indicates acceptance of the decision by confirming on the keypad or touch screen. At this point, the kiosk 100 proceeds to delete personal data from the electronic device. Further, once the transaction is confirmed, kiosk 100 tags the electronic device with a transaction number associated with the diagnostic data and the transaction itself. This is preferably a printed adhesive label that is physically attached to the phone and / or loading electronic data corresponding to the transaction number on the phone itself for traceability purposes.

  At step 311, the kiosk 100 completes all additional testing and diagnostics of the electronic device, disconnects the cable from the electronic device, and prints a receipt to the customer. The delivery of funds may be authorized via the kiosk 100 by transfer to a customer credit card or account, payment of cash, or issuance of a voucher or coupon. At step 312, the kiosk 100 updates its inventory database and sends this update to the kiosk server via the communication network.

  The flowchart of FIG. 13 shows a preferred auction method before acquisition. A method for analyzing an electronic device and monetizing a user for submission of the electronic device is indicated generally at 400. At block 401, an electronic device is identified. At block 402, bids are solicited with default conditions for second-hand model electronic devices. Bids are preferably recruited online via a website, and bidders are preferably pre-qualified. At block 403, bids for a used model electronic device are received from a plurality of bidders. At block 404, a purchase price to be paid for a used model electronic device is set based on a plurality of bids received from a plurality of bidders. Typically, the purchase price is based on a successful bid. Shipping information for the winning bidder is preferably obtained at this point. At block 405, a used model electronic device is identified in an electronic device recycling kiosk. Preferably, the consumer desires recycling of the electronic device. At 406, the integrity of the used model electronic device is verified at the recycling kiosk. Preferably, the state of the electronic device is determined at the kiosk by determining damage to the electronic device based on visual and electrical analysis of the electronic device. At block 407, the electronic device is evaluated and rated. At block 408, the purchase price of the used model electronic device is presented to the consumer at the kiosk. At block 409, after purchasing a used model electronic device from a consumer at the kiosk, the electronic device is automatically destroyed. At block 410, the electronic device is shipped to the winning bidder.

  The flowchart of FIG. 14 shows one preferred method of the present invention. The method 1000 begins at block 1001 by aligning the electronic device 150 within the inspection area 106 of the kiosk 100, which has a camera and robotic finger mechanism. At block 1002, the method further includes imaging the barcode sticker of the electronic device. In block 1003, the method includes analyzing information derived from the barcode sticker of the electronic device. At block 1004, the value of the mobile phone is determined, as will be discussed in more detail later. Preferably, the method further includes automatically discarding the electronic device after determining the value of the electronic device. Further, the method preferably includes instructing the user to remove the electronic device back panel and battery prior to aligning the electronic device within the inspection area.

  Preferably, the method kiosk 100 comprises a housing 105 provided on the outer surface with a user interface for a user to input information, an upper dome, and a lower dome, the upper dome and the lower dome being Provide with multiple mirrors. The kiosk 100 further includes an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, and a transparent surface. The kiosk 100 also includes a processor 160 that communicates with at least one camera within the housing, the processor 160 being a trademark of an electronic device based on at least one of information from a user and an image from the at least one camera. Configured to identify the model number, the processor 160 is configured to determine a monetary value for the electronic device.

  The flowchart of FIG. 15 shows an alternative method of the present invention. The method 2000 begins at block 2001 where an electronic device is placed in the inspection area of the kiosk 100, where the inspection area 106 includes imaging components such as a camera and a robotic finger mechanism. In block 2002, the method includes imaging a screen shot of a page (preferably an about page) of the electronic device. In block 2003, a screen shot of a page of an electronic device acquired by at least one imaging component located in the inspection area is inspected. At block 2004, it is determined whether the display screen of the electronic device is damaged. At block 2005, the value of the electronic device is determined. The method preferably includes comparing information derived from the barcode sticker with information derived from the page to determine if the information matches or differs.

  Alternatively, the method images a screen shot of a known display screen of the battery charge screen of the electronic device and generates a screen shot of the known display screen of the battery charge screen of the electronic device acquired by at least one camera. Including inspection.

  The present invention further includes a dome-shaped device, the dome-shaped device comprising an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper and lower domes include a plurality of walls, and the plurality of walls are configured by mirrors. The dome-shaped device further comprises a transparent surface and at least one camera, the camera being capable of acquiring a plurality of images of an electronic device placed inside the dome-shaped device. The upper dome preferably comprises an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably comprises a camera in the lower chamber. Preferably, the combination of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and a plurality of mirrors can image a device placed on a transparent surface. Preferably, the combination of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and a plurality of mirrors can image 360 degrees of an electronic device placed on a transparent surface. Preferably, the upper dome and lower dome cameras are movable.

  Alternatively, the method begins with the mobile phone 150 being aligned within the examination area 106 of the kiosk 100. Mobile phones are powered up using a robot finger mechanism. Terms are input to the mobile phone 150 using the robot finger mechanism and displayed on the LCD screen of the mobile phone 150. As shown in FIG. 18, one of the preferred terms displayed on the LCD screen 153 is a telephone number. The term may be a word, a letter or a similar input. The LCD screen 153 is inspected for damage such as cracks, pixel defects, fading color and the like. The kiosk 100 inspects the LCD screen 153 for defects in the display of phone numbers or similar terms. In addition, the light emission of the LCD screen 153, particularly the phone number, can also be measured to determine whether the light emission is functioning at the level indicated by the manufacturer of the mobile phone 150. For cell phone 150, an optional electrical analysis is performed, as will be discussed in more detail later. Finally, the value of the mobile phone is determined, as will be discussed in more detail later.

  The flowchart of FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative method of the present invention. The method 3000 begins at block 3001 by aligning the electronic device 150 within the inspection area 106 of the kiosk 100, the inspection area having a camera. At block 3002, an electronic device is activated using a robot finger. At block 3003, the electronic device is imaged. In block 3004, an image of the electronic device acquired by at least one camera located in the inspection area is inspected to determine whether the electronic device is defective. At block 3005, the value of the electronic device is determined.

  Preferably, the method further includes automatically discarding the electronic device after determining the value of the electronic device. The method preferably includes calling a test phone number using a robotic finger or sending text and a test phone number. The text preferably includes each alphabetic character that allows the function of all characters on the keyboard to be determined. The method further includes the text comprising a string containing 1 to 10 numbers that allows the function of all numbers on the keyboard to be determined. Further, the robot fingers may be used to send text that includes all symbols on the keyboard. The method further includes activating a camera mode of the electronic device using the robot finger.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for recycling an electronic device. The apparatus includes an inspection area, a transparent plate inside the inspection area, a robot finger inside the inspection area, and at least one camera inside the inspection area. The robotic finger is set to inspect the electronic device that is aligned on the transparent plate. Preferably, the robotic finger has an inspection end made of a polymer material resembling human skin. The robot finger can swipe (slide a finger on the touch screen) the touch screen of the electronic device. The electronic device is a mobile phone, a tablet computer or an MP3 player. The apparatus preferably comprises a robot finger having a plurality of phalanges and joints for multidimensional motion. In addition, the robot finger has a rotating base for 360 degree motion. In addition, the robot finger has a vibrator for vertical movement. The robot finger includes a plurality of module components in accordance with changes in the size and shape of the robot finger. The robot finger includes an electrical connection for connecting to a port of the electronic device.

  An alternative method of the present invention includes the mobile phone 150 being aligned within the examination area 106 of the kiosk 100. Mobile phones are powered up using a robot finger mechanism. A known image is displayed on the LCD screen of the mobile phone 150. An example of a known image to be displayed on the LCD screen 153 is a national park such as Yosemite National Park, as shown in FIG. One alternative known image is a cell phone operator activation logo, such as the well-known VERIZON logo or AT & T logo. The known image may be transmitted to the mobile phone either by the kiosk 100, either directly via an electrical connection, or wirelessly by calling the mobile phone 150. The LCD screen 153 is inspected for damage such as cracks, pixel defects, fading color and the like. The kiosk 100 inspects the LCD screen 153 for defects in the display of known images, preferably using optical recognition software, by comparing the displayed known image with the stored known image. In addition, the light emission of the LCD screen 153, particularly the phone number, can also be measured to determine whether the light emission is functioning at the level indicated by the manufacturer of the mobile phone 150. For cell phone 150, an optional electrical analysis is performed, as will be discussed in more detail later. As will be discussed in more detail later, the value of a mobile phone is determined.

  An example of a known image to be displayed on the LCD screen 153 is a national park such as Yosemite National Park, as shown in FIG. One alternative known image is a cell phone operator activation logo, such as the well-known VERIZON logo or AT & T logo. The known image may be transmitted to the mobile phone either by the kiosk 100, either directly via an electrical connection, or wirelessly by calling the mobile phone 150. At block 3004, the LCD screen 153 is inspected for damage such as cracks, pixel defects, fading color, and the like. The kiosk 100 inspects the LCD screen 153 for defects in the display of known images, preferably using optical recognition software, by comparing the displayed known image with the stored known image. In addition, the light emission of the LCD screen 153, particularly the phone number, can also be measured to determine whether the light emission is functioning at the level indicated by the manufacturer of the mobile phone 150. At block 3005, an optional electrical analysis is performed on the mobile phone 150, as will be discussed in more detail later. In block 3006, the value of the mobile phone is determined, as will be discussed in more detail later.

  Preferably, when the mobile phone 150 is analyzed, the kiosk 100 uses visual inspection and recognition software. In one preferred method, a recognition algorithm is applied to the specific manufacturer and model of mobile phone 150. The appearance inspection and recognition software determines the contour of the mobile phone 150 being inspected and determines the external dimensions of the mobile phone 150. The external dimensions are utilized to determine a subset of mobile phones that are available from the mobile phone master database stored in the memory 161 of the kiosk 100 or online using the external communication. The visual inspection and recognition software then further differentiates the cell phone 150, preferably using secondary and tertiary feature sets. These secondary and tertiary features may include display screen placement and size, keyboard placement and size, unique buttons, port placement and other distinguishing features. Once the mobile phone manufacturer and model is accurately determined, the visual inspection and recognition software subtracts the mobile phone 150 image from the complete mobile phone image of the same manufacturer and model. The result of the subtraction is preferably the number of pixels that can be calibrated and put into broken or missing parts, crack screens and low, medium and high wear categories.

  Alternatively, an appearance inspection using a neural network pattern recognition technique is performed to identify the mobile phone 150, and then a defect such as a crack screen is determined using a filter algorithm. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize that other visual inspection techniques may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

  Further, the appearance inspection optionally includes acquiring the heat generation property of the mobile phone 150. One suitable method for obtaining the exothermicity of the mobile phone 150 is to raster a laser on the mobile phone and characterize the thermal decay profile of the submitted mobile phone 150. This thermal decay profile is then compared to the thermal decay profile of a complete sample of the same mobile phone 150. The thermal decay profile indicates the wear on the outer surface of the mobile phone 150 and is used to calculate the monetary consideration for the mobile phone 150.

  Yet another method of the present invention includes aligning an electronic device with the inspection area of the recycling kiosk 100, powering up the electronic device using a robot finger mechanism, and displaying a known image on the LCD screen of the electronic device. Including displaying. The known image on the LCD screen of the electronic device is compared with a copy of the known image stored in the recycle kiosk to determine defects in the LCD screen of the electronic device and to define the electronic device to be analyzed. The method further includes determining the value of the electronic device being analyzed.

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

Claims (41)

A method of analyzing an electronic device and rewarding a user with money for submission of the electronic device,
Aligning the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area comprising at least one camera and near infrared LED illumination;
Imaging the electronic device's ID label;
Analyzing information derived from the ID label of the electronic device;
Determining the value of the electronic device.   The method of claim 1, further comprising automatically discarding the electronic device after determining the value of the electronic device.   The method of claim 1, further comprising instructing a user to remove a back panel and battery of the electronic device prior to aligning the electronic device within the inspection area.   The method of claim 1, wherein the ID label comprises an RFID tag, a near field communication device, a QR tag, a barcode, text, or a manufacturer ID tag. The kiosk further includes
A housing, a user interface on the outer surface of the housing for a user to input information, an upper chamber and a lower chamber, the upper chamber comprising a plurality of mirrors, and an upper chamber A camera in the chamber, a camera in the lower chamber, a transparent surface, and a processor in communication with the at least one camera in the housing, the processor based on images from the at least one camera The method of claim 1, wherein the method is configured to identify a trademark and model number of an electronic device, and the processor is configured to determine a monetary value of the electronic device. A method of analyzing an electronic device and rewarding a user with money for submission of the electronic device,
Aligning the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area having at least one camera;
Imaging a screen shot of a page of the electronic device;
Inspecting the screenshot of the page of the electronic device taken by at least one camera located in the inspection area to determine whether the electronic device is defective;
Determining the value of the electronic device.   The method of claim 6, further comprising automatically discarding the electronic device after determining the value of the electronic device.   The method of claim 6, wherein the page is an about page of the electronic device and further comprising comparing information derived from the ID label with information derived from the about page.   The method of claim 6, further comprising analyzing the content of the page and comparing the analyzed content with standard data for the content of the page.   7. The method of claim 6, further comprising extracting text on the screen of the electronic device, MEID number, IMEI number, serial number or other identification component. A method of analyzing an electronic device and rewarding a user with money for submission of the electronic device,
Aligning the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area having at least one camera;
Activating the electronic device using a robot finger;
Imaging the electronic device;
Inspecting an image of the electronic device acquired by at least one camera located in the inspection area to determine whether the electronic device is defective;
Determining the value of the electronic device.   The method of claim 11, further comprising automatically discarding the electronic device after determining the value of the electronic device.   The method of claim 11, further comprising dialing a test phone number using the robotic finger.   The method of claim 11, further comprising activating a camera mode of the electronic device using the robotic finger.   The method of claim 11, further comprising navigating a menu of the electronic device using the robotic finger to reveal a manufacturer, model, or about page.   The method of claim 11, further comprising inputting test characters using the robotic finger, or testing all physical or virtual buttons on the touch screen.   The method of claim 16, wherein the test characters include letters of the alphabet, punctuation marks, and other keys of the electronic device.   The method according to claim 16, wherein the test characters include a character string including numbers from 0 to 9.   The method of claim 16, further comprising activating each function key using the robot finger. An apparatus for recycling electronic devices,
An upper chamber and a lower chamber, wherein the upper and lower chambers comprise a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls of the upper chamber comprising mirrors, a transparent surface, An apparatus capable of acquiring a multidimensional image of an electronic device placed in the apparatus.   21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the transparent surface can be rotated to obtain a multi-dimensional image of the electronic device placed on the transparent surface.   21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the upper chamber comprises a single upper chamber camera.   21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the lower chamber comprises a single imaging device.   24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein a combination of each of the upper and lower chamber cameras and the plurality of mirrors obtains a multi-viewpoint image of the electronic device placed on the transparent surface.   24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein a combination of each camera in the upper and lower chambers and the plurality of mirrors obtains 360 degrees of the electronic device placed on the transparent surface. An apparatus for recycling electronic devices,
An apparatus comprising an inspection area, a transparent plate inside the inspection area, a robot finger, and at least one camera inside the inspection area.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the robotic finger is configured to test an electronic device that is aligned on the transparent plate.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the robotic finger has an inspection end composed of a polymeric material resembling human skin.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the robotic finger can swipe a touch screen of an electronic device.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone, tablet computer or MP3 player.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the robotic finger has a plurality of phalanges and joints for multidimensional motion.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the robot finger has a rotation base for 360 degree rotation.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the robot finger has an actuator for vertical or horizontal movement.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the robot finger comprises a plurality of modular components for changing dimensions to match the size and shape of the robot finger.   27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the robotic finger comprises an electrical connection for connecting to a port of the electronic device. A method of analyzing an electronic device and rewarding a user with money for submission of the electronic device,
Aligning the electronic device within the inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area having at least one camera;
Imaging a screen shot of a known screen of the electronic device battery charging screen display;
Inspecting the screenshot of the page of the electronic device taken by at least one camera located in the inspection area to determine whether the electronic device is defective;
Determining the value of the electronic device. A method of analyzing an electronic device and rewarding a user with money for submission of the electronic device,
Aligning the electronic device within the examination area of the kiosk, the examination area having at least one imaging device and invisible spectral illumination;
Imaging the electronic device's ID label;
Analyzing information derived from the ID label of the electronic device;
Determining the value of the electronic device.   38. The method of claim 37, wherein the illumination is near infrared illumination. An apparatus for recycling electronic devices,
An inspection area and a transparent plate inside the inspection area;
An apparatus comprising a robot finger and at least one imaging component in the examination area. An apparatus for recycling electronic devices,
An upper chamber and a lower chamber, wherein the upper and lower chambers comprise a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls of the upper chamber comprising a mirror, a transparent surface, and the device An apparatus comprising: at least one imaging component capable of acquiring a multidimensional image of an electronic device placed therein. A method for reading a mobile phone serial number for tracking purposes of the mobile phone,
Requesting the user at the kiosk to dial * # 06 # on the mobile phone;
Displaying the IMEI number or unique serial number of the mobile phone on the display screen of the mobile phone;
A method comprising: reading an IMEI number or a unique serial number of the mobile phone by an imaging system utilizing OCR to identify and track the serial number of the mobile phone.

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