354results about "Returnable containers actuation" patented technology

Disclosed here are various embodiments to evaluate a device and present a price quote to the user by detecting a presence of a device in proximity to a wireless charger. The system can utilize a wireless charger to obtain information about the device while charging the device. The information can include the make of the device. The system can guide the user to navigate the device to provide additional information such as model, memory capacity, unique identifier, and carrier associated with the device. Based on the unique identifier, the system can determine whether device has been stolen. If the device has not been stolen, the system can determine a price based on information obtained from the device and can facilitate presenting the price to the user. If the user accepts the price, the system can facilitate purchase of the device.

Systems and methods for evaluating the physical and / or cosmetic condition of electronic devices using machine learning techniques are disclosed. In one example aspect, an example system includes a kiosk that comprises an inspection plate configured to hold an electronic device, one or more light sources arranged above the inspection plate configured to direct one or more light beams towards the electronic device, and one or more cameras configured to capture at least one image of a first side of the electronic device. The system also includes one or more processors in communication with the one or more cameras configured to extract a set of features of the electronic device and determine, via a first neural network, a condition of the electronic device based on the set of features.

Consumer operated kiosks for recycling electronic devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kiosk includes a rotatable inspection plate configured to receive an electronic device when the inspection plate is in a first position. The kiosk can include a camera having a field of view including at least a portion of the inspection plate. The kiosk can include a wired and / or wireless connectivity device configured to connect to the electronic device and one or more processors configured to: receive characteristic information about the electronic device via the wired and / or wireless connectivity device; cause the inspection plate to rotate to a second position; receive one or more images of the electronic device via the camera when the inspection plate is in the second position; and facilitate determination of an offer price for the electronic device based at least in part on the characteristic information and the one or more images.

Methods, apparatus, and systems for generating a price of a target device. An evaluator device obtains technical properties associated with the target device. The technical properties include a make and a model of the target device. Physical properties associated with the target device are obtained. The physical properties include information related to wear and tear of the target device. Obtaining the physical properties includes indicating to a user that the user should position the target device in multiple predetermined positions and that the evaluator device records an image of the target device in each of the multiple predetermined positions. A video of the target device is recorded while the target device is positioned in the multiple predetermined positions. The obtained physical properties are evaluated to generate a condition metric value of the target device. Based on the generated condition metric value, the price of the target device is determined.

A consumer-operated kiosk can include an inspection area configured to receive a first device from a user. The kiosk can include an imaging device configured to image the first device when the first device is positioned within the inspection area. In some embodiments, the kiosk includes a vending apparatus configured to store a plurality of second electronic devices for purchase. The kiosk can include one or more release mechanisms configured to directly release any one of the second electronic devices from the vending apparatus. The kiosk includes one or more processors operably connected to the inspection area, the imaging device, the vending apparatus, and the one or more release mechanisms. The one or more processors can be configured to cause the imaging device to capture one or more images of the first electronic device, facilitate purchase of the first electronic device based at least in part on the one or more captured images of the first electronic device, receive a request to vend a selected phone from among the phones in the vending apparatus, and / or cause the one or more release mechanisms to release the selected phone directly from the vending apparatus into a vending bay of the kiosk.

Kiosk systems and methods for vending mobile phones and other electronic devices to, and / or for purchasing mobile phones and other electronic devices from, consumers are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, such systems can include subsystems for preparing purchased mobile phones for resale, moving mobile phones between different processing stations, transferring data from, e.g., an old phone to a newly purchased phone, etc. In some embodiments, the kiosk systems disclosed herein can purchase a mobile phone from one consumer, process the mobile phone for resale (e.g., by removing personal data, etc.), and then sell the mobile phone to another consumer.

An information processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: at least one memory configured to store instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the instructions to: register a product whose identification information is input by a customer's operation on a portable terminal; accept necessity of a disposable shopping bag from the portable terminal; determine a benefit in response to registration of one or more products in a case where a fact that a disposable shopping bag is unnecessary is accepted; and grant the determined benefit in a case where payment for the registered product is made.

The invention provides an intelligent garbage classification robot system and method based on multi-modal sensing, and the system comprises a multi-modal sensing subsystem which is used for detecting the garbage form in real time, judging the material rigidity in real time, and carrying out the component recognition; the sorting execution module is used for sorting the garbage in real time according to the recognition result of the multi-mode sensing subsystem; and the rebate control module is used for calculating a rebate amount and carrying out fee payment. According to the technical scheme, the sorting efficiency and sorting quality of garbage classification are improved.

Systems and methods of verifying utilization of a blockchain registered container at POS are presented. In one exemplary embodiment, a method is performed by a POS system having a sensing device operable to sense an identifier specific to a container configured to transport items after checkout. The POS system is communicatively coupled to a blockchain network that includes network nodes that are collectively configured to operate a blockchain. The container identifier is specific to a cryptographic digital asset stored on the blockchain as a container identifier code. Further, the cryptographic digital asset includes a user identifier code, with the container identifier code and the user identifier code being included in a transaction entry of a block on the blockchain that is associated with the cryptographic digital asset. The method includes sending, to the blockchain, a request for block data associated with the cryptographic digital asset based on the container identifier.

An item return transaction for an item is identified at a transaction terminal. The item is authenticated using multiple factors at least some of which are independent of item code identification for the item. A fraud score is calculated based on the multiple factors, item code identification, and data that is specific to a customer associated with the transaction, specific to the item, specific to a store associated with the transaction terminal, and specific to a retailer associated with the store. The fraud score and a customer-return grade for the customer are processed to determine whether the transaction can complete at the terminal without assistance or whether the transaction is to be held in abeyance for an audit (onsite audit or remote network-based audit). In an embodiment, the t terminal is a Self-Service Terminal (SST) and the transaction is a self-item return transaction conducted by a customer at the terminal.

The invention provides an automatic management method and system for resident autonomous putting of renewable resources, and relates to the field of sorting of certain recycled articles, the method comprises the following steps: after a bag taking request sent by a resident passing identity authentication is detected, a distribution device is controlled to open lock bins for storing environment-friendly bags, and each lock bin corresponds to a number; generating a collar bag record order according to the identity information of the resident and the corresponding serial number of the lock cabin; after the recoverer passing the identity authentication scans the two-dimensional code on the environment-friendly bag, the self-service sorting device is controlled to classify and weigh the packaged recycled articles in the environment-friendly bag, and the types of the recycled articles and the corresponding weight of each type of recycled articles are obtained; determining a recovery price corresponding to the collar bag record order according to a preset pricing form and the weight corresponding to each type of recovered articles; and carrying out online settlement on the residents according to the recovery price, and generating a recovery record list. By implementing the method, the putting process of the residents can be simplified, and the enthusiasm of the residents participating in recovery and the recovery efficiency and accuracy can be improved.

This invention belongs to the field of artificial intelligence and intelligent systems technology, and particularly relates to an intelligent tool cabinet system and control method based on a multimodal large language model. It includes: a core processing module that acquires a status image of the intelligent tool cabinet and inputs the status image to a multimodal recognition module; a prompt word engineering module that inputs prompt words to the multimodal recognition module, the prompt words including role information, output format information, and spatial distribution guidance words; the multimodal recognition module integrates a multimodal large language model, which, based on the status image and prompt words of the intelligent tool cabinet, realizes the recognition of tool names and borrowing / returning status; and a data processing module receives the recognition results from the multimodal recognition module and completes the extraction and storage of tool retrieval and / or return records. This invention, based on a multimodal large language model and prompt word engineering, solves the problems of high initial investment cost and limited accuracy in existing technologies.

The invention discloses an intelligent recyclable material classification and recovery device under a low-carbon background and a method for integrating device use and user carbon emission reduction integral accumulation, and the intelligent recovery device is composed of a recyclable material recovery and storage part and a comprehensive intelligent part. The recoverable object recycling and storing part is composed of an upper top plate provided with a solar panel and a built-in storage battery, a front panel, a left side plate, a right side plate, a rear back plate, a fabric putting opening cover plate, a glass putting opening cover plate, a metal putting opening cover plate, a plastic putting opening cover plate, a paper putting opening cover plate, a second-hand object putting opening cover plate, a base with an elastic piece and a recoverable object overflow alarm. The comprehensive intelligent part is composed of a touch screen with a built-in camera, an LED nixie tube, an electronic scale, a recoverable object weighing table, a PLC intelligent storage processing control center and a storage cabinet with a goods shelf and an automatic object taking device; the intelligent recovery device is high in classification recovery efficiency, high in precision, compact in structure, capable of generating power through solar energy and being driven through green electricity, capable of achieving overflow alarm to maximize the space utilization rate of the box body, few in manpower, financial resources and material resources and high in efficiency; by using the method, the integration of intelligent classified putting and recycling of recoverable materials and calculation, accumulation and exchange of user carbon emission reduction points can be realized.

The invention discloses a medical instrument vending machine return management method and system, and aims to solve the problems that existing return verification is loose, commodity state auditing is insufficient, data management is split and the like, a central server responds to a return request, and a vending goods table and a sold goods table of a corresponding vending machine are matched; after a transaction voucher (including an encrypted two-dimensional code, a transaction number, a mobile phone number, a one-time verification code and the like) is verified, a goods return opening is opened; scanning the commodity UDI, matching the scanned commodity UDI with a sold goods table, and judging a goods return state in combination with a preset goods return time threshold value; images are collected through a multi-angle camera, and commodity damage and unsealing features are detected through an image recognition model; the goods table is updated, and the goods are conveyed to the corresponding goods channels. The system comprises a return triggering module, a voucher verification module and the like and has an offline processing function. According to the invention, the return process automation is realized, false return can be prevented, the safety of medical instruments is ensured, and the management efficiency is improved.

A gift card system and method for purchasing both physical and digital gift cards at a kiosk, both physical and virtual, is disclosed. The system / method includes a gift card distribution kiosk located at a retail establishment or online that provides a user with access to a multitude of different forms of gift cards that may be purchased and printed onto a customizable card with a personalized message. The kiosk includes a kiosk processor interface, a gift card dispenser, a card reader and gift card management server connected to a network. The gift card management server, through the kiosk processor interface, provides vendor options to users to select and pay via the card reader. The kiosk may be used to redeem unused user gift cards for a reduced value user selected gift card, reduced cash value, full value store card, rewards points, bank debit, and / or electronic code user towards online purchases.

The invention discloses an intelligent beverage bottle recycling automatic payment device, and belongs to the technical field of beverage bottle recycling machines, and the intelligent beverage bottle recycling automatic payment device comprises a cabinet mechanism, a detection execution mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a cap removing mechanism, a bottle cap recycling mechanism, a flattening mechanism and a recycling drawer. Through the arrangement of the clamping mechanism, the cap removing mechanism, the bottle cap recycling mechanism and the flattening mechanism, the device can separate beverage bottle caps from bottle bodies and store the beverage bottle caps and the bottle bodies respectively, so that the resource recycling purity is effectively improved, the manual sorting cost is reduced, the device can flatten the bottle bodies without puncturing the bottle bodies, and the labor intensity of workers is reduced. According to the beverage bottle automatic processing and payment device, material loss is effectively reduced, the risk of personnel scratching is reduced, automatic processing and automatic payment of beverage bottles are achieved through the user interaction module, the visual detection and withdrawing execution module, the beverage bottle processing module and the payment module, and the use convenience of the device is effectively improved.

A vending machine includes a housing defining a product storage compartment for storing products. The housing of the vending machine includes a delivery portal and a front portion having a transparent panel configured to allow a consumer to view the products within the product storage compartment. A row of products is arranged within the product storage compartment. A proximity sensor is arranged within the product storage compartment and corresponds to the row of products. The proximity sensor is configured to detect a hand of a consumer within a predetermined detection distance of the proximity sensor, and a product in the row of products is selected when the hand of the consumer is detected within the predetermined detection distance of the proximity sensor. The vending machine includes a dispensing mechanism configured to convey the selected product to the delivery portal.

Disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods related to collecting return items using an automated kiosk based on a real time risk decision. The automated kiosk captures return item information representing a return item and transmits the return item information and a request for return risk level relating to the return item to a server operable to execute a machine learning model trained on historical information to determine the risk level. The server determines the risk level based on the received return by using the machine learning model and transmits the determined risk level to the kiosk in real-time. Based on the determined risk level and a return amount associated with the return item, the server may also process a refund in real-time.

A product dispensing device comprising: a plurality of compartments, each compartment being arranged for storing a liquefied petroleum gas tank, each compartment comprising a door for closing the respective compartment, each door being secured with a respective lock, and wherein when the door is closed, the gas tank stored in each compartment is at least partially visible; and a system comprising an actuator for each lock for locking and unlocking the respective lock, and an electronic data processor configured for performing the steps of storing and self-exchanging empty gas tanks into full gas tanks (and vice versa). A system and method incorporating the product dispensing device are also disclosed.

The invention discloses a return bin access detection system and method, a rental cabinet and a medium, which are applied to the technical field of intelligent sharing and are used for solving the problem that the cabinet body capacity of the existing underwater propeller rental cabinet is difficult to adapt to the site demand, and the method comprises the following steps: a communication processing unit sends a broadcast detection data packet; when the address of the broadcast detection data packet is a broadcast address and the type of the data packet is topology discovery, the return bin communication unit generates a detection response data packet based on the equipment identification information of the return bin and sends the detection response data packet to the communication processing unit; when the data packet type of the detection response data packet is a new warehouse response, the communication processing unit determines a return warehouse represented by equipment identification information in the detection response data packet as a new warehouse, and sends a new warehouse access data packet to the central unit; and the central unit distributes a network layer address for the new warehouse and marks the network layer address as online so as to complete registration of the new warehouse. Through a new warehouse access detection mechanism, any number of return warehouses can be accessed to the underwater propeller rental cabinet to adapt to site requirements.

A quick response (QR) code system (100) is provided for smart management of gas cylinders, in which a QR code (102) is affixed to a body portion of the gas cylinder (104) in a manner that facilitates convenient scanning. The QR code (102) contains encoded link-data that redirects to a web interface (204) hosted on a remote server (108). This web interface (204) is configured to display the most recent filling information related to the gas cylinder (104), where such information is updated on the server in real time based on data captured when the QR code (102) is scanned by a monitoring camera (112) positioned at a refilling facility. Additionally, the web interface (204) includes a one-click reorder option (206) that enables a user to request a gas cylinder refill through an on-demand service framework.

The invention relates to a transport unit (3) for transporting waste objects (2) for recycling, the waste objects (2) being deposit-return objects. The transport unit (3) comprises an inlet (8) for receiving the waste objects (2) and an outlet (9) for exiting the waste objects (2), the inlet (8) being arranged at a lower altitude than the outlet (9), a conveyor (10) having a plurality of flange means (11), the flange means (11) being arranged at a distance from each other along a transport direction of the conveyor (10) and adapted to transport the waste objects (2) from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2), and a guide means (12) arranged in connection with the conveyor (10) adapted to carry the waste objects (2) while transported towards the outlet (9). The invention also relates to a system (1) for collecting waste objects (2) for recycling.

Methods, apparatus, and systems for generating a price of a target device are disclosed herein. An evaluator device obtains technical properties associated with the target device. The technical properties include a make and a model of the target device. Physical properties associated with the target device are obtained. The physical properties include information related to wear and tear of the target device. Obtaining the physical properties includes indicating to a user that the user should position the target device in multiple predetermined positions and that the evaluator device records an image of the target device in each of the multiple predetermined positions. A video of the target device is recorded while the target device is positioned in the multiple predetermined positions. The obtained physical properties are evaluated to generate a condition metric value of the target device. Based on the generated condition metric value, the price of the target device is determined.

A reverse vending machine (200) receiving items from an identified user. At least one image sensor (302) observes the item in the machine, a tracking module tracks the item in order to determine whether it has been properly returned, and if so, at least one image from a sequence of images of the item is selected to be analyzed by an observation module to determine if the item is associated with a reward. A reward initiation module initiates provision of a reward to the identified user. A ramp (301) is arranged such that when an item passes through the machine it will tilt when passing over the top or off the edge of the ramp (301) allowing the image sensor (302) to observe the item from different sides. The observation zone may also include mirrors (303) to provide a view from more than one angle. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.

Provided are a technology and a process whereby, in response to an external container having been collected from a user purchasing food / beverage, an internal container for retaining the food / beverage can then be sealed in the external container to dispense the food / beverage.　A container 1 comprises an internal container 3 for tightly sealing in and retaining food / beverage, and an external container 2 into which the internal container can be inserted in order to dispense the food / beverage to a user U, the external container being for insertion of the internal container in response to the external container having been collected from the user. A food / beverage dispensing device 101 for dispensing the food / beverage to the container 1 comprises: an external container collection unit 205 for receiving the external container collected from the user; a container insertion unit 206 for inserting the internal container retaining aforementioned food / beverage desired by the user into the external container; and a container output unit 207 for outputting the container in the state where the internal container retaining the food / beverage has been inserted into the external container.

Kiosk systems and methods for vending mobile phones and other electronic devices to, and / or for purchasing mobile phones and other electronic devices from, consumers are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, such systems can include subsystems for preparing purchased mobile phones for resale, moving mobile phones between different processing stations, transferring data from, e.g., an old phone to a newly purchased phone, etc. In some embodiments, the kiosk systems disclosed herein can purchase a mobile phone from one consumer, process the mobile phone for resale (e.g., by removing personal data, etc.), and then sell the mobile phone to another consumer.