WO2022034298A1

WO2022034298A1 - Recycling mobile devices

Info

Publication number: WO2022034298A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/052053
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chris Lee; Jonathan BEIRNE; Steve King
Original assignee: Entertainment Magpie Limited
Priority date: 2020-08-11
Filing date: 2021-08-09
Publication date: 2022-02-17
Also published as: GB202012494D0

Abstract

A recycling kiosk (100) for recycling mobile devices (10) comprises a base (110) upon which is mounted a body portion (120), and a face portion (130) provided with an inspection chamber (150) into which a mobile device (10) can be placed. Within the inspection chamber (150) is provided one or more imaging units (161) and typically, one or more illumination units (159). The imaging units (161) are operable to capture images of a display screen of the mobile device (10) displaying a mobile device identifier, such as an IMEI code. An image processor (162) is operable to extract any mobile device identifiers visible within captured images for look up by a verification unit (163). Based on the look up, the verification unit (163) can confirm the identity of the mobile device (10) and whether the device is reported stolen or has any other activity blocks flagged.

Description

RECYCLING MOBILE DEVICES

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to recycling of mobile devices. In particular the present invention relates to an apparatus for recycling mobile devices and a method of checking mobile devices prior to acceptance for recycling

Background to the Invention

The market for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet computers etc is expanding rapidly. The expansion of the market is driven by increasing affordability and rapid development of products. As a result of the rapid development, there is increasing demand from users to upgrade their devices to the latest models. Typically, this demand leads to an upgrade long before the working lifespan of the user’s current device is reached. Even where such devices have been superseded by newer models, they still have adequate functionality for many other users. Accordingly, there is a market for such second hand devices.

Some retailers or manufacturers provide a trade in service when new devices are acquired. Additionally, some users sell or pass on older devices independently. Recently, mobile device recycling kiosks have been provided. Such kiosks allow a user to deposit a used mobile device and receive payment in return. Mobile devices deposited can be refurbished and resold by or on behalf of the kiosk provider. In many instances, device users can seek an initial assessment of their device remotely via a web interface to assess potential value before depositing the device at a convenient kiosk to redeem the value.

Kiosk providers can encounter problems in assessing the prospective value of any mobile devices deposited or under consideration for deposit. These problems can relate to the condition of the device and to identifying the device correctly. Some of these issues can be addressed by analysing images of the device to assess the condition of the device, in particular the condition of the touchscreen. Nevertheless, given the considerable similarities between related device models there can be difficulties in accurately distinguishing similar models. An additional issue is identifying the specific device. For instance, a user may provide images of a device in good condition and then deposit another device in less good condition. A further issue is whether the device is being deposited by or on behalf of a legitimate owner or has been stolen.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome or alleviate some of the above problems.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile device recycling kiosk operable to identify deposited mobile devices, wherein the mobile devices have a display screen, the kiosk comprising: an inspection chamber for receiving a mobile device; an imaging unit operable to capture an image of the mobile device, including the display screen, within the inspection chamber; an image processor operable to extract a mobile device identifier displayed on the display screen in said captured image; and a verification unit operable to look up the mobile device identifier and thereby determine the identity of the mobile device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of identifying mobile devices deposited in a recycling kiosk, wherein the mobile devices have a display screen, the method comprising the steps of: capturing an image of the deposited mobile device, including the display screen; processing said captured image to extract a mobile device identifier displayed on the display screen; and looking up said mobile device identifier to thereby determine the identity of the mobile device.

The present invention thus enables a mobile device to be readily and precisely identified via the display of a suitable identifier on the display screen. This can allow the mobile device model to be precisely identified simplifying assessment of the value of the mobile device. Additionally, the device identifier may also enable other information relating to the device to be determined, such as date of manufacture/sale and whether the device has been reported stolen.

The imaging unit may comprise a single camera. In alternative embodiments, the imaging unit may comprise multiple cameras.

The imaging unit may be operable to capture images at visible light wavelengths. In such embodiments, the imaging unit may be operable to capture colour images. Alternatively, in such embodiments, the imaging unit may be operable to capture monochrome images.

The deposited mobile device may be illuminated whilst an image is captured. The illumination may be white light illumination or monochrome illumination. The illumination may be provided by an illumination unit. In one embodiment, the illumination is by a red light. In one embodiment, red light illumination has been combined with monochrome image capture. This has been found to provide particularly clear images of the mobile device identifier displayed on the display screen.

The imaging unit may capture multiple images of the mobile device. Where the imaging unit comprises multiple cameras, each camera may capture a single image or each camera may capture multiple images. In embodiments where multiple images are captured, the image processor may be operable to select one image for processing. Alternatively, the image processer may be operable to select multiple images for processing.

The mobile device identifier may be an alphanumeric code. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device identifier may be displayed in a machine readable format. The machine readable format may comprise a one dimensional barcode, two dimensional barcode or the like.

The mobile device identifier may comprise an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. In further embodiments, the mobile device identifier may be an alternative identifier such as a mobile equipment identifier (MEID), international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) or the like.

In some embodiments, the mobile device identifier may be displayed in response to user action. For instance, on many mobile devices the IMEI code will be displayed in response to entering the key sequence *#06#. In further embodiments, the mobile device identifier may be displayed in response to a signal transmitted from the kiosk to the mobile device. The signal may be a wireless signal accordingly to any suitable protocol. Alternatively, the signal may be transmitted via a cable connection to the mobile device, in the event that a cable connection is provided. The verification unit may be operable to perform the look up on a local data store. Alternatively, the verification unit may be operable to perform the look up on a remote terminal or a remote external service. Remote look up may be facilitated by a data connection between the kiosk and the remote terminal or external service. The data connection may be wired or wireless as required or as desired. The verification unit may be operable to output the results of the look up. The results may include details of any one or more of: the device manufacturer, device model, device date of sale/manufacture, device blocklist status or the like.

In the event that the look up determines that the mobile device is on a blocklist, the recycling transaction may be declined. In some embodiments, the mobile device may be retained in the kiosk when a transaction is declined. This would enable a transaction to be declined and/or the device to be retained in the event that the look up indicated that the device has been reported stolen.

The inspection chamber may comprise an access door. The access door may facilitate access to the inspection chamber for deposit of a mobile device. The access door may be lockable. In such embodiments, the door may be locked whilst images of the mobile device are being captured and/or whilst images of the mobile device are being processed.

The inspection chamber may be provided with a viewing window. The viewing window may enable a user to view a mobile device once it has been deposited in the chamber. This can provide the user with reassurance that the device has been deposited correctly.

The kiosk may be provided with a deposited device store. Mobile devices may be passed from the inspection chamber to the device store through an exit slot provided in the inspection chamber. In some embodiments, the kiosk may comprise a deposit mechanism. The deposit mechanism may be operable to urge a mobile device from the inspection chamber to the deposited device store.

The deposited device store may comprise a housing provided with an access slot. The access slot may be aligned with the exit slot of the inspection chamber. The deposited device store may be operable to store multiple mobile devices. The deposited device store may comprise multiple pockets, each pocket operable to store a single mobile device. In some embodiments, the pockets may be provided on a carousel. Each pocket may be adapted to releasably retain a mobile device. This may be achieved by the provision of a door or other restraint.

The kiosk may comprise a transaction unit. The transaction unit may be operable in response to a received transaction code to initiate a recycling transaction. This can allow a user to complete a recycling transaction initiated via a remote terminal on the basis of a transaction code issued by the remote terminal, the transaction code may be supplied as an alphanumeric code and/or as a machine readable code. Suitable machine readable codes include but are not limited to one dimensional or two dimensional barcodes, including QR codes and the like.

The kiosk may be provided with a user interface. The user interface may comprise a display and user actuable input means. The input means may comprise a touch sensitive screen, keypad, pointing device or the like. In some embodiments, the user interface may comprise one or more audio output means and/or one or more microphones for capturing user audio inputs. The user interface may enable the user to enter a transaction code and/or user identifier. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface may enable the user to enter user identity details and/or user payment details.

In some embodiments, the kiosk may additionally be provided with a scanner device. The scanner may be operable to read machine readable codes such as one dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes. In this manner a user identifier and/or transaction code may be provided to a user by a remote terminal in the form of a barcode for scanning when present at the kiosk.

The kiosk may comprise a redemption unit. The redemption unit may be operable to output a signal approving payment to a user following deposit of a mobile device. In some embodiments, the redemption unit may directly initiate the payment. In other embodiments, the redemption unit may communicate with a remote terminal operable to initiate the payment. The payment may be achieved by dispensing cash or by way of a printed voucher. More preferably, the payment may be by way of an electronic voucher code or a direct transfer of funds to a nominated account. A receipt for payment may be printed or may be transmitted electronically.

The kiosk may comprise an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit may be operable to generate a value estimate for the mobile device. The value estimate may be a discrete value or may be a range of values. The value estimate may be based on the results of the look up.

In some embodiments, the evaluation unit may be operable to generate a value estimate by processing the one or more captured images of the mobile device. This can enable the condition of the mobile device to be evaluated. The processing may involve preforming a classification of the device condition according to a device condition classification scheme. The device condition classification scheme may be generated by use of machine learning.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the kiosk may be provided with an additional display. The additional display may be operable to display advertisements and/or other information

The kiosk may comprise a body portion and a face portion. The body and face portion may be rotatably connected. This can facilitate access to the kiosk for maintenance and/or for emptying the deposited device store. In one embodiment, the deposited device store may be provided as part of the body portion. In such embodiments, the inspection chamber and user interface may be provided on the face portion.

The mobile devices may comprise any suitable form of mobile device. In many embodiments, the mobile devices may comprise smart phones or tablet computers. In certain cases, the mobile devices may comprise other device such as laptop computers, media players and the like.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for mobile device recycling, the system comprising: a mobile device recycling kiosk according to the first aspect of the present invention or operable according to the second aspect of the present invention; and a remote terminal in communication with the kiosk, the remote terminal comprising: a web interface for receiving user identity and/or device identity details; an evaluation module operable to generate a value estimate for the mobile device based on the received user identity and/or device identity details; and a transaction module operable to issue a transaction code associated with the received user identity and/or device identity details and the generated value estimate.

The system of the third aspect of the present invention may incorporate any or all features of the first two aspects of the present invention

The remote terminal may comprise a data store for look up of mobile device identifiers. The remote terminal may comprise a link to an external service for look up of mobile device identifiers.

The remote terminal may additionally comprise a redemption module. The redemption module may be operable to initiate a payment to a user following completion of a recycling transaction. The payment may be initiated in response to a signal output by a redemption unit of the kiosk. In such embodiments, the user identity details may include user payment details.

The web interface may be accessible by any suitable user terminal. Such user terminals may be mobile devices and/or desktop devices.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows a recycling kiosk for a mobile device according to the present invention in (a) an operational position and (b) in an unloading/maintenance position;

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a system incorporating one or more mobile device recycling kiosks according to the present invention; and

Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the mobile device recycling kiosk of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of a remote terminal for use with one or more mobile device recycling kiosk of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a method of recycling a mobile device using the recycling kiosk of the present invention.

Turing now to figure 1 a recycling kiosk 100 for recycling mobile devices 10 (not shown in figure 1) comprises a base 110 upon which is mounted a body portion 120 and a face portion 130 connected to the body portion 120 by one or more hinges 111. The kiosk 100 can thus be moved between a closed position shown in figure la and an open position as shown in figure lb. the closed position facilitates recycling operation. The open position can enable retrieval of deposited mobile devices 10 by authorised personnel and/or maintenance of the kiosk 100. One or more suitable locks (not shown) may be provided to prevent unauthorised access.

The body portion 120 has an upper section 121 upon which is provided a large display screen 122. The large display screen may display advertisement or decorative images or animations.

The body portion 124 is provided with a lower section 123 in which is provided a deposited device store 140. The deposited device store 140 comprises a housing 141 having an access slot 142 through which mobile devices 10 can be deposited. In one example, within the housing 141 is provided a plurality of individual pockets (not shown) for retaining a mobile device 10 mounted on a carousel mechanism (not shown). The pockets can be aligned in turn with the access slot 142 to enable the deposit of a mobile device 10.

The face portion 130 is provided with a user interface 131, typically in the form of a touchscreen. This can enable the user to enter user identity details, mobile device identity details and/or a transaction code to facilitate the recycling operation. Optionally, a scanner (not shown) can be provided. The scanner may be operable to scan suitable codes such as one dimensional or two dimensional bar codes. This can enable user identity details, mobile device identity details and/or a transaction code to be readily input via the scanner.

The face portion 130 comprises an inspection chamber 150 into which a mobile device 10 can be placed through a lockable access door 151. The inspection chamber 150 is also provided with an optional viewing window 152, through which the interior of the inspection chamber 150 is visible. The viewing window 152 enables a user to visually verify that they have correctly placed a mobile device 10 within the inspection chamber 150.

The inspection chamber 150 is provided with an exit slot 153. The exit slot is aligned with the access slot 142 of the deposited device store 140. This allows mobile devices 10 to be urged into the deposited device store 140 from inspection chamber 150. The mobile device 10 may be urged in this manner by a user of by a suitable mechanism (not shown).

Within the inspection chamber 150 is provided one or more imaging units 161 (not shown in figure 1), typically cameras. Typically, the inspection chamber additionally comprises one or more illumination units 159. The imaging units 161 are operable to capture images of a mobile device 10 placed in the inspection chamber 150. In particular, the imaging units 161 are operable to capture images of the display screen of the mobile device 10. The illumination units 159 are operable to illuminate the mobile device 10 to aid capture of clear images by the imaging devices 161. When the mobile device 10 displays a mobile device identifier, such as an IMEI code, this allows the mobile device identifier to be captured in one or more images. The illumination units 159 and imaging devices 161 may be selected to improve the clarity of imaging of the mobile device identifier. For example, illumination units 159 operable to output red light may be combined with one or more monochrome visible imaging devices 161. This combination of illumination and imaging can enable capture of particularly clear images of information displayed on the mobile device, such as an IMEI number or similar.

Turning to figure 2, within the face portion 120 and/or body portion 110 of the kiosk are provided a number of active components operable to implement the method of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the kiosk 100 is provided with one or more imaging units 161 connected to an image processor 162. The image processor 162 is operable to extract any mobile device identifiers visible within captured images. The extracted mobile device identifiers are passed to a verification unit 163 operable to perform a look up of the mobile device identifier in a local data store 164, in on a remote terminal 200 (see figures 3 & 4) or via an external look up service 400 (see figure 3). Examples of suitable external service providers include CheckMEND RTM or the like. The remote terminal 200 and/or look up service may be accessed using a suitable wired or wireless data connection 165. Based on the look up, the verification unit 163 can confirm the identity of the mobile device 10 and whether the device is reported stolen or has any other activity blocks flagged.

The output of the verification unit 163 can be passed to an optional evaluation unit 166 operable to generate or confirm a device valuation in response. The output of the verification unit 163 and/or evaluation unit 166 can additionally be passed to a redemption unit 167 operable to initiate a payment to a user following verification and deposit of the mobile device 10 in deposited device store 140. The payment might be in cash or by way of a printed voucher. More typically, the payment may be by way of an electronic voucher code or a direct transfer of funds to a user nominated account.

As is shown in figure 2, the kiosk may also be provided with a transaction unit 168 operable to coordinate these activities. The transaction unit 168 may be connected to the user interface 131and/or scanner so as to be able to receive input user identity details, mobile device identity details and/or a transaction code. The transaction unit 168 may also be operable to communicate with an external terminal 200 via data connection 163. In such embodiment, the transaction unit 168 may be operable to perform a look up on the remote terminal 200 on the basis of the transaction code. In this manner, it may be possible to receive details (including user identity, device identity, price estimates and the like) relating to a recycling transaction from the remote terminal.

As described above, an external terminal may facilitate management of the recycling process. Typically, one terminal 200 may manage the recycling process for multiple terminals 100 as shown in figure 3. One or more user terminals 300 may connect to the remote terminal 200 via a web interface 201 (see figure 4). The user terminals may be mobile devices 10 for recycling or other user mobile devices as well as other devices such as desktop computers or the like. The user may be able to initiate a recycling transaction and/or obtain a price estimate for recycling a mobile device via the web interface 201. If accepted, the user can be issued with a transaction code and subsequently proceed to a kiosk 100. By entering the transaction code via user interface 131 and/or the scanner, the user can complete the recycling transaction using the kiosk. This can be more convenient than carrying out the entire transaction using the kiosk 100.

As is shown in figure 4, the remote terminal 200 comprises a web interface 201. The web terminal is connected to an evaluation module 202 and a transaction module 203. The web interface 201 is operable to receive user identity and/or device identity details. The device identity details are processed by the evaluation module 202 to generate a value estimate for the mobile device. The transaction module 203 is operable to issue a transaction code associated with the received user identity and/or device identity details and the generated value estimate. The transaction code is typically stored in a data store 204 such that details relating to the transaction code may be retrieved and forwarded to a kiosk 100 in response to a look up request.

The data store 204 may store details of mobile device identifiers and status updates relating to them. This can enable these details to be received in response to look up requests from the verification unit 163. Otherwise, such look up requests may be fulfilled via the transaction module 203 connecting to an external service, via web interface 201 or otherwise.

The remote terminal 200 can optionally comprise a redemption module 205 operable to initiate a payment to a user following completion of a recycling transaction. Such payments may be initiated in response a signal output by the redemption unit 163 or transaction unit 168 of the kiosk 100, as appropriate.

In use, the recycling transaction process might proceed as set out in the flow diagram of figure 5. At 1001, the user connects to the web interface 201 using a suitable user terminal 300 and enters details of their mobile device 10 for recycling. The evaluation module 202 is operable to generate a price estimate for the mobile device 10 and output the estimate to the user at 1002. If the user wishes to proceed, they accept the estimate at 1003 by input to user interface 131. This input may include entering necessary user identity details, including payment details where appropriate at 1004. This input may additionally include accepting terms and conditions and/or generating a user account. The transaction module 203 is subsequently operable to generate a transaction code for linking the price estimate, device and user identities. The transaction code may be issued to the user at 1005 via the web interface 201 directly or in a suitably formatted communication such as an email. In such cases the transaction code can be provided in both an alphanumeric form and as a code such as a two-dimensional bar code.

Optionally, the user may use the web interface 201 to determine the locations of recycling kiosks 100 where the mobile device 100 may be deposited. Optionally, it may be possible for the user to complete the recycling transaction by another method such as by posting the mobile device 10 to a suitable address.

It is also possible for the steps 1001-1005 to be carried out directly by data entry on user interface 131 of a kiosk 100 and the local evaluation unit 166 and transaction unit 168.

Upon arrival at a kiosk 100 with a user device and a transaction code, the user can request that a recycling transaction is implemented using user interface 131 at 1006. Subsequently, the user can provide the transaction code at 1007 either by direct entry using user interface 131 or by scanning the code, if a scanner is provided. The transaction code can then be looked up so as to retrieve details of the proposed transaction at 1008. If the transaction code is not recognised, the transaction may be rejected or restarted from step 1001.

If the transaction code is recognised the user may be asked at 1009 to confirm their intentions and/or certain details of the transaction, such as their details, the price estimate etc by suitable input to user interface 131. Assuming the above is confirmed, further instructions to the user to complete the process may be displayed via interface 131.

At 1010, the user enters a command causing the mobile device 10 to display a mobile device identifier. At 1011 the user places the mobile device 10 in the inspection chamber 150 via access door 151. At 1012, one or more images of the mobile device 10 are captured by imaging units 161. The captured images are processed by processing unit 162 at s 1013 to extract the mobile device identifier. At 1014, the verification unit 163 performs a look up of the extracted mobile device identifier. Typically, this might be achieved by connecting to an external service provider 400 via the data connection 165. The look up enables the identity of the mobile device 10 to be confirmed. This can enable confirmation of the device model and the age of the mobile device 10. Importantly, this can also identify if the mobile device 10 is currently blocked or reported stolen.

At 1015, the verification unit outputs data relating to the check to either the evaluation unit 166 and transaction unit 168 of the kiosk 100 or to the evaluation module 202 and transaction module 203 of the terminal 200. If the output data is positive, this enables the price estimate to be confirmed at 1016. If the output data is negative, the transaction can be declined and a message to this effect can be output on user interface 131 at 1017

Optionally, before confirming the price estimate, images captured by the imaging unit 161 can be processed by the evaluation unit 166 or evaluation module 202 or an external service provider 500 to assess the condition of the mobile device 10 before confirming the price estimate. In some embodiments, this optional step could include forwarding such images to a human operative to carry out a device condition assessment before confirming the price estimate.

At 1018, the user can indicate whether they wish to accept the confirmed price estimate and complete the transaction using user interface 131. At 1019, if the user opts not to continue, the transaction is declined and the user can then remove their mobile device 10. If the transaction is accepted, at 1020 the mobile device 10 is urged through slots 153 and 142 into the deposited device store 140. This can be achieved by user action or by a dedicated mechanism as appropriate.

Subsequently, at 1021 the redemption unit 167 or redemption module 205 can implement a payment to the user.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS A mobile device recycling kiosk operable to identify deposited mobile devices, wherein the mobile devices have a display screen, the kiosk comprising: an inspection chamber for receiving a mobile device; an imaging unit operable to capture an image of the mobile device, including the display screen, within the inspection chamber; an image processor operable to extract a mobile device identifier displayed on the display screen in said captured image; and a verification unit operable to look up the mobile device identifier and thereby determine the identity of the mobile device. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in claim 1 wherein the imaging unit is operable to capture monochrome images at visible light wavelengths. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the deposited mobile device is illuminated by an illumination unit whilst an image is captured. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in claim 3 wherein the illumination is by a red light. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the imaging unit captures multiple images of the mobile device. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mobile device identifier is an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mobile device identifier is displayed in response to user action. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mobile device identifier is displayed in response to a signal transmitted from the kiosk to the mobile device. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the verification unit is operable to perform the look up on a remote terminal or a remote external service. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in preceding claim wherein if the look up determines that the mobile device is on a blocklist, the recycling transaction is declined. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the inspection chamber comprises an access door and a viewing window. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the kiosk comprises a transaction unit operable in response to a received transaction code to initiate a recycling transaction. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the kiosk is provided with a user interface operable to enable the user to enter any of: a transaction code, a user identifier, user identity details and/or user payment details. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the kiosk is provided with a scanner device operable to read machine readable codes A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the kiosk comprises a redemption unit operable to output a signal approving payment to a user following deposit of a mobile device. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the kiosk comprises an evaluation unit operable to generate a value estimate for the mobile device. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the kiosk is provided with an additional display operable to display advertisements and/or other information. A mobile device recycling kiosk as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the kiosk comprises a body portion and a face portion, the body and face portion rotatably connected together. A method of identifying mobile devices deposited in a recycling kiosk, wherein the mobile devices have a display screen, the method comprising the steps of: capturing an image of the deposited mobile device, including the display screen; 16 processing said captured image to extract a mobile device identifier displayed on the display screen; and looking up said mobile device identifier to thereby determine the identity of the mobile device. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein the captured images are monochrome images. A method as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the deposited mobile device is illuminated whilst an image is captured. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the illumination is by a red light. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein multiple images of the mobile device are captured. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23 wherein the mobile device identifier is an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24 wherein the mobile device identifier is displayed in response to user action. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25 wherein the mobile device identifier is displayed in response to a signal transmitted from the kiosk to the mobile device. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 26 wherein the look up is performed on a remote terminal or a remote external service. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 27 wherein if the look up determines that the mobile device is on a blocklist, the recycling transaction is declined. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 28 wherein the kiosk is operable to initiate a recycling transaction in response to a received transaction code. A system for mobile device recycling, the system comprising: a mobile device recycling kiosk according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or operable according to the method of any one of claims 19 to 29; and a remote terminal in communication with the kiosk, the remote terminal comprising: a web interface for receiving user identity and/or device identity details; an evaluation module 17 operable to generate a value estimate for the mobile device based on the received user identity and/or device identity details; and a transaction module operable to issue a transaction code associated with the received user identity and/or device identity details and the generated value estimate. 31. A system as claimed in claim 30 wherein the remote terminal comprises a redemption module operable to initiate a payment to a user following completion of a recycling transaction.