JP2015513135A - Method and apparatus for recycling electronic devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a recycling kiosk (100) for recycling and monetary consideration for submission of an electronic device (150). The recycling kiosk (100) includes an inspection area (106). The inspection area (106) preferably comprises two mirror-finished dome-shaped hemispheres arranged around a transparent table and a camera for imaging the electronic device (15) arranged on the table. . The recycling kiosk (150) identifies the electronic device (150) using visual analysis, determines the state of the electronic device (150), and determines whether the electronic device (150) is authentic. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

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

  The number of electronic devices used by typical consumers has increased significantly. These devices include mobile phones, PDAs, mp3 players, GPS devices, cameras, pagers, remote controls, cordless phones, calculators and the like. As a result of the continued introduction of new technologies and models of electronic devices, many consumers frequently upgrade or replace one or more recyclable devices. In many cases, instead of disposing of an electronic device that has been used, consumers often stop using the old electronic device and start using a new device. Such a situation may have occurred across several generations of such devices.

  In addition to the electronic devices described above, there are many other types of devices that are purchased more frequently (eg, portable mobile electronic devices (eg, mobile phones, MP3 players) and non-portable electronic devices ( For example, there are computers, printers, etc. In addition to electronic devices, there are content-based digital media (eg games, entertainment mass storage items on CDs, DVDs or cartridges (eg CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays). Such items must be handled in an environmentally friendly manner using recycling and / or appropriate disposal procedures, such as recycling such devices or properly disposing of such devices. If possible, useful for electronic device owners Yes, there is currently little motivation for device owners to “do the right thing” for a used device—if the owner simply stops using the device, it can be recycled or reused by another party If the owner simply throws the device into a regular trash, it prevents proper recycling or disposal of the device.

  One particular problem associated with this phenomenon can be illustrated by the mobile phone example. The number of mobile phone users in the world exceeds 3.6 billion, and the annual growth rate is 10%. As new features are incorporated into new models and new standards are developed, mobile handsets are replaced every 18 months or so. In addition, as an incentive for consumers to subscribe to a profitable two-year service contract, wireless carriers offer new phones at lower cost or free of charge, resulting in the accumulation of old mobile phones. It has become. Old mobile phones and other mobile devices (pagers, PDAs) are now a threat to the environment. As of 2007, more than 7.5 billion mobile phones in the US are waiting for recycling in the chest or in the waste stream. In addition, more than 150 million mobile phones are increasing each year waiting for recycling. After these devices are placed in the waste stream, lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and other poisons can leak into the water supply from these devices. In local governments, waste is often incinerated, and as a result, these toxic substances are instantly released into the air and returned to the earth's rainwater. A problem to be solved is to allow the general public easy access to recycling or reselling their mobile phones and other recyclable devices. Two reasons why mobile phones are not recycled or resold are the difficulty in accessing the recycling or resale facility and the security concerns about the information stored on the mobile phone. There is a point. In addition to mobile phones, many other electronic devices have similar problems.

  The prior art fails to recognize the problems associated with recycling mobile phones in a manner that is attractive to consumers and that also provides a financial reward for recyclers. Furthermore, the prior art fails to provide an automatic means for visually inspecting the LCD screen of a mobile phone to determine if the LCD screen has been damaged. Furthermore, the prior art fails to provide an automatic means for determining whether an electronic device submitted for recycling and consideration is authentic.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to securely perform recycling, donation, trade-in and / or sales of mobile phones at publicly accessible locations. In an embodiment for recycling a mobile phone, the present invention is used when the mobile phone owner submits his / her mobile phone for recycling through a recycling kiosk and receives compensation in some manner. Consideration may be distributed through cash, discount coupons, credit or debit cards or other magnetic or electronic trading methods.

  In one embodiment, a kiosk residing in a publicly accessible location is used in a method of collecting used electronic devices for recycling and repair coordination purposes. The kiosk displays one or more transaction options. The method further includes an interaction between the user and the kiosk display option. Kiosk display options may include powering the electronic device, testing and optical scanning, erasing stored data in the electronic device, consumer determination and acceptance of the value of the electronic device. This can be done by interacting with the kiosk in a variety of ways for consumers to pay for (e.g. cash distribution or distribution of discountable coupons via coupons, credit card debiting or crediting, user-specified charity) Selecting electronic donation to (one or more), or other electronic payment methods).

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

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

  Another aspect of the present invention is a method of analyzing monetary consideration for an electronic device and a user for submission of the electronic device. The method includes placing an electronic device within the examination area of the kiosk. The inspection area has a camera. The method further includes imaging a portion of the electronic device. Some include the periphery of the electronic device, resulting in a peripheral image. The method inspects a peripheral image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera located in the inspection area to determine whether the display screen of the electronic device is defective and to define the analyzed electronic device In addition. Finally, the method includes determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.

  The method kiosk includes a housing, a user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for user input of information, and an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper dome and the lower dome include a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk further includes an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, and a transparent surface. The kiosk also includes a processor. A processor is provided in the housing and communicates with the at least one camera, and the processor identifies the brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of information from the user and an image from the at least one camera. As configured. The processor is configured to determine a value for monetary consideration for the electronic device.

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

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for monetary consideration to a user for electronic device analysis and electronic device submission. The method includes placing an electronic device within the examination area of the kiosk. The inspection area has light. The method further includes imaging the display screen of the electronic device with light of an examination area that illuminates the display screen of the electronic device with the display screen of the with device. Next, the method includes imaging the display screen of the electronic device with the light in the examination area turned off to generate an analysis image of the electronic device. Next, the method includes subtracting an analysis image of the electronic device from the first image of the electronic device to generate a composite image of the electronic device. The subtraction image is compared with the training image of the electronic device. If the electronic device is found to be fake by a photograph printed on the cardboard under the glass where the LCD is normally placed, the electronic device does not contain any electronic components. When the light is off, there is no light coming out of the screen. By performing some processing on the first image and detecting that the first image has a plurality of colors and color changes on the display screen area but there is no light emission from the first image, The method assumes that the electronic device is fake. The method also explicitly trains the fake display electronic device because the fake display electronic device typically has the same picture in the LCD area. Finally, the method includes determining the value of the analyzed electronic device. The method may also include automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.

  This method also determines crack detection on the display screen. Crack detection is related to detecting whether there are multiple color changes in the electronic device. If the method determines that the actual crack in the glass is confused with the photograph on the lower side of the glass and that the actual crack is not obtained in the imaging, one kind of color entropy metric can be used to To help distinguish it from cracks (cracks in the glass do not generate multiple different colors).

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

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

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is a dome-shaped device. The dome shaped device includes an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper and lower domes include a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls are constituted by mirrors. The dome-shaped device further includes a transparent surface and at least one camera. The camera can obtain a 360 degree view of an electronic device placed in a dome-shaped device. The upper dome preferably includes an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably includes a lower chamber camera. Preferably, each of the upper and lower dome cameras and a combination of mirrors provides an image of the device placed on the transparent surface. Preferably, each of the upper and lower dome cameras and a combination of mirrors provides 360 degrees of the electronic device disposed on the transparent surface. Each of the upper dome and the lower dome camera is movable.

It is a perspective view of the kiosk for recycling. It is a front view of the kiosk for recycling of FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the recycling kiosk of FIG. 1. It is a fragmentary figure of an electric connector wheel. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the internal components of the kiosk. FIG. 4 is a partial view of a kiosk inspection plate phone. FIG. 6 is a partial view of a phone being moved into a kiosk. FIG. 6 is a partial view of a phone being moved into a kiosk. FIG. 5 is a partial view of a phone being binned in a kiosk. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of components of a recycling kiosk. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of components of a recycling kiosk. FIG. 4 is a partial view of a kiosk inspection area. 2 is a partial view of a camera in a kiosk dome. FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial view of a telephone in a kiosk inspection area. It is an image of a mobile phone in a lit state (light is on). It is an image of a cellular phone in a non-lighting state. It is the image of the subtraction result of the telephone of lighting state, and the telephone of non-lighting state. It is an image of a training image of a mobile phone whose screen is not turned on. A graph showing the intensity profile from the top, showing a match (the spike line at 211 is the text region, not present in the training image). It is an image of an illegal mobile phone that is lit (when the light in the inspection area is on) and displays a photo printed on the cardboard and placed under the display screen glass instead of the LCD. An image of an unauthorized mobile phone in a non-lighted state (with the light in the inspection area turned off) is shown, and nothing is displayed. It is an image of a genuine mobile phone having a crack in the display screen. 3 is a flowchart of a method for recycling an electronic device. 3 is a flowchart of a method for recycling an electronic device. 3 is a flowchart of a method for recycling an electronic device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform an automatic analysis of an electronic device, determine whether the device is damaged, and confirm the value when the electronic device is recycled. The automated analysis is preferably performed using a kiosk or recycling machine. The kiosk has an inspection area that includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Preferably, each chamber has a camera. The kiosk also has a transparent plate between the inspection areas, which allows viewing of the lower part of the electronic device placed on the transparent plate. Each chamber preferably has a plurality of mirrors that provide a plurality of views of the electronic device within the examination region. With these mirrors, a multidimensional view of the electronic device placed on the transparent plate can be obtained. Preferably, these mirrors provide a 360 degree view of an electronic device placed on a rotatable transparent plate. Preferably, these mirrors make it possible to obtain the height, width and / or length of the electronic device.

  The mobile phone is preferably partitioned into three basic shapes: 1) a flip phone or clamshell type (eg MOTOROLA RAZR), 2) a keyboard or a slider phone that exposes the screen (eg MOTORLA DROID) ), And 3) stick-like telephones (eg, Apple iPHONE or Research in Motion BLACKBERRY). The present invention is also used with a network of kiosks in public space. These kiosks perform a combination of recycling steps. The combination of recycling process steps includes receiving, identifying, visual inspection, electrical testing, electrical erasure, quality grading, container packing (packing), labeling, and inventorying of recyclable electronic devices. Each kiosk determines some form of consideration for the owner of the device. This consideration is preferably in the form of direct payment, crediting on account, donation to charity, discount coupons used for future purchases, or some similar form of consideration. The device owner has the option of accepting the offered consideration or rejecting the transaction and removing the device.

  In the following description, an example of a mobile phone is shown. However, one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the system can be run with any number of other devices having LCD screens without departing from the intent and scope of the system. .

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C, a kiosk for recycling electronic devices and providing monetary consideration is indicated primarily by reference numeral 100. The electronic device may be a smartphone, 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 kiosk 100 is preferably a typical size and shape vending machine (eg, a soda machine, coin changer, can recycling machine, or other vending machine). The header 103 enables marketing and video. An access door 130 in the front body region 131 allows access to the inspection region 106 of the electronic device. A display screen 115 is provided in front of the housing 105. The display screen 115 provides information to the user and functions as a user interface in the touch screen embodiment. A label printer 125, a discount coupon dispenser 126, a receipt printer 127, and a cash or card dispenser 128 are also preferably provided outside the housing 105. The outer housing is also provided with a thumb fingerprint reader.

  The kiosk 100 allows for automatic visual analysis of the electronic device, thereby identifying the electronic device and determining that the electronic device is damaged to confirm the recycling value of the electronic device. It can be performed. Furthermore, the kiosk 100 also allows electrical analysis of electronic devices. As shown in FIG. 2, kiosk 100 includes a rotating conveyor 500 that includes a plurality of electrical connectors 505a-505y. Each electrical connector 505 has a unique connection plug for removable connection to an electronic device. Each of the electrical connectors 505a-505y has a cartridge removably secured within the rotary conveyor 500. Therefore, the new electrical connector 505 can be replaced with the old electrical connector 505. Furthermore, the kiosk 100 is designed so that it can be automatically removed using the removal mechanism 511 of the electrical connector 505.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C, the internal mechanism 101 of the kiosk 100 includes an upper chamber 520, a lower chamber 530, a binning plate 540, a transparent plate 545, a door 550, a small container 555, and a rotary type. Conveyor 500 is included. Preferably, the carousel 500 can hold about 25 electrical connectors 505. Since the electrical connector 505 is interchangeable, it can easily accommodate changes in USB and other similar connections. As shown in FIG. 3B, the mobile phone 150 is placed on the transparent plate 545 and moved to the inspection area 106 in the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530. Both the upper and lower chambers preferably have a bell shape. As shown in FIG. 3C, the mobile phone is moved between the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 for visual analysis. The transparent plate is preferably composed of glass of transparent plastic material so that the imaging components in the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 can obtain multiple view images of the mobile phone 150. Preferably, a mobile phone 3D profile is generated for visual analysis of mobile phone identification and status. After completion of the visual analysis, the transparent plate 545 moves from between the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530.

  4, 4A, 4B and 4C illustrate the automatic movement and binning of the electronic device 150 within the internal mechanism 101 of the kiosk 100. FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, after the door 550 is lowered and placed on the transparent plate 545, the door 550 is moved in a state where the mobile phone 150 is placed on the door 550. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the transparent plate 545 moves inward, the mobile phone is blocked by the door 550, and when the transparent plate 545 begins to fall into the opening generated by the inward movement of the transparent plate 545, the binning plate 540 Engage. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the mobile phone is placed on the binning plate 540, the binning plate 540 slowly descends on one side and opens into the small container 555. As shown in FIG. 4C, the mobile phone 150 slowly falls into the small container 555 through the opening 556, and the mobile phone 150 is fixed and collected later. This entire process occurs at a rate that can avoid damage to the electronic device being recycled.

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

  The inspection area 106 is preferably designed to allow detailed visual inspection of electronic devices (eg, tablet computers, e-readers, MP3 players, PDAs). The size of the inspection area 106 is preferably 30 centimeters ("cm") long, 30 cm wide and 20 cm high. The walls of the examination area are preferably white and / or mirror-finished, which allows the electronic device to be imaged.

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

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

  As shown in FIGS. 7-9, visual inspection in the inspection region 106 of an electronic device (eg, cell phone 150) is preferably performed by at least one camera 610 in the upper chamber 520. The lower chamber 530 also preferably includes at least one camera or other imaging component (eg, a scanner). Alternatively, the visual inspection is performed by a plurality of cameras. The preferred camera 610 is a 1 megapixel machine vision camera. If a single camera 610 is used in the inspection area 106, the camera 610 is preferably movable so that when inspecting the electronic device 150 (eg, a mobile phone placed on the transparent plate 545). The field of view of the inspection area 106 is increased. The camera 161 is preferably movable. Preferably, the camera 610 is arranged to image the LCD screen 153 of the electronic device 150 to determine whether the LCD screen 153 is damaged. The inner surfaces of the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 preferably include a mirror 615 for optimizing the viewing of electronic devices located within the examination region 106. As shown in FIG. 9, the reflection 150 'of the mobile phone 150 is illustrated. Camera 610 is also preferably movable to image the electronic device's data port to determine the type of electronic device electrical connector 505 for performing electrical analysis of the electronic device. Alternatively, imaging of the electronic device is optimized by mirror finishing the entire inner surface of the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530. Alternatively, the camera (s) is a CCD or CMOSS.

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

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

  A flowchart of a suitable recycling method is shown in FIG. In step 301, the consumer chooses to sell or recycle the electronic device. The consumer looks at the kiosk's on-screen list to see if the electronic device can be sold / repaired. The consumer activates the on-screen menu system and enters the phone model directly or browses through a series of menus to determine whether the electronic device can be sold or can only be recycled. At decision block 302, it is determined that the electronic device can only be recycled. If the electronic device can only be recycled (ie, the electronic device is not listed on the list of electronic devices that can be resold), the consumer can insert the electronic device into the receptacle at step 303; Thereafter, the electronic device falls into the small container 112 for recycling.

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

  Preferably, the electronic device is imaged and analyzed using analysis software for scratches, cracks, wear patterns, indentations, breakage or missing parts, functions (eg, lenses, buttons, connectors, badges, labels and / or brands). Identify the inclusion. The identification may be performed by an image comparison method or other similar method, and a captured image of the electronic device is normalized and compared with a reference image. Other inspection methods may be used in conjunction with visual and / or electrical tests (eg, weighting) to determine a specific weight and use that data to further match the manufacturer and correct device model. Increased accuracy. In another embodiment, the photographic image is used to identify the correct manufacturer and model / product number. Visual identification may include any combination of the following: calculations based on measurements, physics (eg, mm, inches), number of pixels, etc. The identification is based on the dimensions of the electronic device, the position / size of the button, the LCD and other physical characteristics. Using one camera or multiple cameras, the height, width and depth can be determined as needed. The identification is based on OCR (Optical Character Recognition) of an identifier (eg, (telephone and tablet computer) carrier, brand, model, serial number, other identifier). The identification is based on the barcode. The consumer may be instructed to direct the CE on the front, back, side, and then change the direction as necessary. In addition, the consumer may be instructed to remove the CE cover (s), battery, etc. to gain access to identifiable items (eg, 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 one embodiment, the kiosk 100 communicates with a carrier associated with the mobile phone to communicate all information (eg, validity or authenticity, registered ownership, account status) that may be closely related to the device. Service period). In some cases, if the consumer specific information does not match the registered owner information, the kiosk 100 will automatically contact the assumed owner in some manner (automatic phone call, email, text message). And warn the owner of the phone about the possibility of the transaction.

  Another function of the kiosk 100 embodiment is the ability to determine whether there is personal information on the electronic device. This can be done by checking for the presence of data in a particular storage register in memory (eg, quick key storage number) or checking the file type (eg, jpeg, mp3) or in all non-default storage locations It is determined simply by assuming that data is included. Consumers are given the opportunity to erase data from the phone. One option allows the consumer to first download the data and then send it to a location specified by the consumer (eg, email address, website). In another embodiment, a slot is provided for a consumer to insert a memory card (eg, USB drive, memory stick). When a memory card is inserted through this slot, the kiosk 100 uploads data to the memory device. In yet another embodiment, kiosk 100 provides a web location from which data can be later retrieved when a user desires. In another embodiment, the user chooses to store in another electronic device purchased by the consumer at kiosk 100 or to store at the location of kiosk 100 or some other storage. The consumer preferably selects a username and password to access the storage location provided by the system.

  After determining the value, this value is provided to the kiosk at step 307. The kiosk 100 then provides the price of the phone or other consideration to the consumer. This price or other consideration is typically lower than the resale value. In step 311, the kiosk 100 completes any further testing and diagnosis of the electronic device, disconnects the cable from the electronic device, and prints a receipt for the consumer. Fund transfers can be authenticated by the kiosk 100 by crediting a consumer credit card or cash distribution or a coupon or coupon distribution. In step 312, the kiosk 100 updates its inventory database and sends the update information to the kiosk server via the communication network.

  One preferred method of the present invention is illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. Method 1000 begins at block 1001. The mobile phone 150 is disposed in the inspection area 106 of the kiosk 100. The inspection area has light. The electronic device is imaged in a deactivated mode. At block 1002, the display screen of the electronic device is imaged. The electronic device is in active mode, and an analysis image of the electronic device is obtained when the light in the examination area 106 is turned off. At block 1003, the display screen of the electronic device 150 is imaged again, but the light in the examination area 106 is turned on to obtain a first image of the electronic device. The mobile phone 150 must set the camera function to the camera mode. At block 1004, a first image of the electronic device is subtracted from the analysis image to generate a subtraction image of the electronic device. At block 1005, the subtraction image is compared with the image of the electronic device in the deactivated mode to determine if the display screen of the electronic device is defective and to define the analyzed electronic device. At block 1006, the mobile phone value is determined as described in more detail below.

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

  The upper and lower domes preferably include walls made up of mirrors. The dome-shaped device further includes a transparent surface and at least one camera. The camera can obtain multiple views of an electronic device placed in a dome-shaped device. The upper dome preferably includes an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably includes a lower chamber camera. Preferably, the image of the device can be placed on a transparent surface by a combination of upper and lower dome cameras, respectively, and multiple mirrors. Preferably, the 360 degree electronic device can be placed on a transparent surface by a combination of upper and lower dome cameras, respectively, and multiple mirrors. Preferably, each of the upper dome and the lower dome camera is movable.

  Another method of the present invention is shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the method 2000 begins at block 2001, an electronic device is nicked into the examination area of the kiosk 100. The inspection area 106 has a camera. At block 2002, a portion of the electronic device is imaged and a portion includes the periphery of the electronic device, resulting in a peripheral image. In block 2003, a peripheral image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera arranged in the inspection area is inspected. At block 2004, it is determined if the display screen of the electronic device is defective and the analyzed electronic device is defined. At block 2005, the value of the analyzed electronic device is determined.

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

Preferably, visual inspection and recognition software is used by kiosk 100 for analysis of mobile phone 150. In one preferred method, a recognition algorithm is applied to a specific type and model of mobile phone 150. The visual inspection and recognition software determines the boundaries of the mobile phone 150 being inspected,
The outer size of the mobile phone 150 is determined. A mobile phone master database stored in the memory 161 of the kiosk 100 or a mobile phone master database that can be used online to the kiosk 100 using external communication. Determine from. Thereafter, the visual inspection and recognition software preferably uses a set of second and third functions to further distinguish the mobile phone 150. These second and third functions may include display screen placement and size, keyboard placement and size, unique buttons, port placement and other distinguishing functions. After determining the correct type and model of the mobile phone, the visual inspection and recognition software subtracts the mobile phone 150 image from the complete mobile phone image of the same type and model. The result of the subtraction is preferably a quantifiable number of pixels, inspected for broken or missing parts, screen cracks, and low, medium or high wear categories.

  Alternatively, a visual inspection is performed using a neural network pattern recognition technique to identify the mobile phone 150. Thereafter, a defect (eg, a screen crack) is determined using a filter algorithm. Moreover, those skilled in the relevant arts will recognize that other visual inspection techniques may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

  Further, the visual inspection optionally includes obtaining a thermal signature for the mobile phone 150. One suitable method for obtaining the thermal signature of the mobile phone 150 is to raster the laser on the mobile phone and characterize the decay thermal profile of the submitted mobile phone 150. The decay heat profile is then compared with the decay heat profile of a complete sample of the same mobile phone 150. The decay heat profile indicates wear on the outer surface of the mobile phone 150. Using this wear, the monetary value of the mobile phone 150 is calculated.

  Yet another method of the present invention includes placing an electronic device within the inspection area of the recycling kiosk 100, powering the electronic device, and displaying a known image on the LCD screen of the electronic device. Including. A defect in the LCD screen of the electronic device was determined and analyzed by comparing the known image on the LCD screen of the electronic device with a stored copy of the known image stored on the recycling kiosk. Define electronic devices. The method further includes determining a value for the analyzed electronic device.

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

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

  The method preferably images the area beyond the display screen of the electronic device. That is, the method preferably images all on the electronic device (eg, some keyboard on the BlackBerry is lit).

  The method preferably subtracts the analysis image from the first image. The method also preferably multiplies the analysis image by a multiplier to take into account changes in screen brightness. For example, if the screen brightness does not change between two images, the multiplier is 1. When the luminance of the screen at the time of the analysis image is ½ of the luminance of the “first image” at the time of the analysis image, the luminance is matched and the subtraction is improved by multiplying the analysis image by 2 (basic In particular, a luminance consideration coefficient exists to take into account a screen with automatic luminance that changes when kiosk dome light is turned on / off). This image is a “synthesized” image because it is partially synthesized by subtraction. The subtracted image is used synonymously with the composite image.

  The method preferably compares the subtracted image with all the different training images of the electronic device to first identify the electronic device and then analyze the defects after identifying the electronic device. However, the main purpose of subtraction is to generate an image of the appearance when the screen of the electronic device is off. This is because it is preferable to first identify the electronic device by comparing the image having such an appearance with the training image of the electronic device when the screen is off. The defect is then analyzed after the electronic device is identified (or after the expected appearance is identified if it could be a set of five or ten similar electronic devices).

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

  In another embodiment, there are two steps in the process: 1) Obtain a contour image and determine the position of the electronic device in the kiosk and the size of the electronic device (eg, side view, electronic device) 2) Obtaining a fully lit image and “mapping the texture” of the electronic device on the contour image, so that not only the contour but also the electronic device when the electronic device is surrounded by light Determine the actual appearance of the device.

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

  In a preferred kiosk, five of the six sides of the electronic device are shown. The top camera captures the front and three sides (left, top, right) of the electronic device, and the bottom camera captures the back of the electronic device. Since there are three mirrors instead of four, the upper part of the electronic device (in the case of an IPHONE phone, where the cable connector is provided) cannot be seen. Therefore, the combination of both cameras captures five of the six sides, and the upper camera captures only four of the six sides. All button positions, sizes, shapes and colors are imaged independently of their function. For example, an IPHONE 4S mobile phone has the same appearance as a VERIZON IPHONE 4 mobile phone (except that a SIM card slot is provided on the side). Therefore, kiosk 100 uses the presence of the SIM card slot to determine that the electronic device is an IPHONE4S mobile phone instead of a VERIZON IPHONE4 mobile phone.

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

  The “peripheral image” is preferably not used for detecting defects in the screen. The present invention analyzes the outline (region) of an image to assist in device identification. This is because the phone size is obtained by this contour, and the narrowing down of the devices to be compared in the training database is supported (the size is similar because it is meaningless to compare with all small phones). Compare only with other phones).

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

  Another aspect of the present invention is the detection of counterfeit electronic devices. As shown in FIG. 15, the image of the illicit mobile phone 150 in the lit state (when the light in the examination area is turned on) is printed on the cardboard and on the lower side of the display screen glass 153 instead of the LCD. The arranged photo is shown. This image has numerous and color changes over the screen area. However, there is no light emission from the mobile phone. When the light in the inspection area is turned off, the display screen of the mobile phone 150 displays nothing as shown in FIG. Therefore, the kiosk 150 of the present invention can automatically detect an electronic device that is not authentic (fake). In addition, fake phone images are stored in a database for training. This is because such images are often used multiple times. Also, the fake phone does not include electronic components in the housing. Thus, because the mass of a fake phone is different from a genuine phone, if the kiosk 100 includes a scale, another means for detecting a fake phone is possible.

  Another aspect of the present invention is the detection of cracks in the phone screen. As shown in FIG. 17, the image of the genuine mobile phone 150 has a crack in the display screen 153. The present invention can distinguish between actual cracks in the display screen glass and images containing multiple color changes by performing color entropy metrics. This is because a plurality of different colors do not occur from cracks in the glass.

Claims (20)

A method of analyzing monetary consideration for said electronic device and user for electronic device submission, comprising:
Placing the electronic device in an inspection area of the kiosk, the inspection area having a light source;
Imaging the electronic device to generate a first image, wherein the light source of the inspection region is on;
Imaging the electronic device to generate an analysis image of the electronic device, wherein the light in the inspection region is off;
Subtracting the analysis image of the electronic device from the first image of the electronic device to generate a composite image of the electronic device;
Comparing the composite image of the electronic device with a plurality of training images of the electronic device to identify the electronic device, determine whether the electronic device is defective, and define the analyzed electronic device When,
Determining the value of the analyzed electronic device;
Including a method.   The method of claim 1, further comprising automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.   The method of claim 1, further comprising multiplying the analysis image by a multiplier to take into account any luminance change of the screen. A method of analyzing monetary consideration for said electronic device and user for electronic device submission, comprising:
Imaging a part of the electronic device, the part including a display screen of the electronic device, wherein the imaging results in a partial image;
Imaging the part of the electronic device, wherein the part includes the display screen of the electronic device, and when the environment is lit, a lit image is obtained;
Inspecting the partial image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera located in an inspection area to determine the dimensions of the electronic device;
Inspecting the lighting image of the electronic device to determine if there are any defects in the screen area of the electronic device and to define the analyzed electronic device;
Determining the value of the analyzed electronic device;
Including a method. The kiosk
A housing;
A user interface provided on an outer surface of the housing for information input by the user;
An upper chamber and a lower chamber;
Further including
The upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, a transparent surface and a processor, the processor being provided in the housing and in communication with the at least one camera, the processor Configured to determine a brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from a user and the image from the at least one camera, wherein the processor is configured to monetary consideration of the electronic device Configured to determine the value of
The method of any one of Claims 1-4.   The method of claim 4, wherein the information from the partial image includes a position of the camera lens of the electronic device.   The method of claim 4, wherein the electronic device comprises one of a mobile phone, a tablet computer or an ereader. A method of analyzing monetary consideration for said electronic device and user for electronic device submission, comprising:
Placing the electronic device in an inspection area of a kiosk, the inspection area having a camera;
Imaging the electronic device to generate a contour image of the electronic device;
Generating a plurality of parameters of the electronic device based on the contour image;
Comparing the plurality of parameters of the contour image with a plurality of training images of the electronic device to identify the electronic device;
Including a method.   The method of claim 8, wherein the plurality of parameters include dimensions of the electronic device.   The method of claim 8, wherein generating the plurality of parameters of the electronic device includes determining a size of a side of the electronic device.   9. The method of claim 8, further comprising generating at least one illuminated image of the electronic device to determine a texture of the electronic device.   The method of claim 8, further comprising determining a value for the electronic device. The kiosk
A housing;
A user interface provided on an outer surface of the housing for information input by the user;
An upper chamber and a lower chamber;
Further including
The upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a transparent surface and a processor, the processor being provided in the housing and in communication with the at least one camera.
The method of claim 8.   The processor is configured to determine a brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the image from the at least one camera, the processor The method of claim 13, wherein the method is configured to determine a value for monetary consideration of the device. A method of analyzing monetary consideration for said electronic device and user for electronic device submission, comprising:
Placing the electronic device in an inspection area;
Imaging the electronic device in a first predetermined lighting environment to generate a first image;
Imaging the electronic device in a second predetermined lighting environment to generate a second image;
Generating a composite image of the electronic device from the first image and the second image, wherein the composite image is similar to an image of the electronic device assumed when the display screen is off To be generated, and
Comparing the composite image with training images of a plurality of electronic devices to determine identification of the electronic device;
Including a method.   The method of claim 15, wherein the electronic device comprises one of a mobile phone, a tablet computer or an ereader. A method of analyzing an electronic device to determine the authenticity of the electronic device and providing monetary consideration to a user for submission of the electronic device when the electronic device is authentic,
Placing the electronic device in the inspection area of the kiosk, wherein the inspection area comprises light;
Imaging the electronic device, turning on the light in the inspection region and generating a first image;
Imaging the electronic device, turning off the light in the inspection region and generating an analysis image of the electronic device;
Determining that the display screen of the electronic device contains multiple colors but does not emit light,
Determining that the electronic device is not authentic;
Including a method. The kiosk
A housing;
A user interface provided on an outer surface of the housing for information input by the user;
An upper chamber and a lower chamber;
Further including
The upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, a transparent surface and a processor, the processor being provided in the housing and in communication with the at least one camera, the processor Configured to determine a brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from a user and the image from the at least one camera, wherein the processor is configured to monetary consideration of the electronic device Configured to determine the value of
The method of claim 17.   The method of claim 17, further comprising using a color entropy metric.   The method of claim 17, further comprising detecting a crack in the display screen.

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