Systems and methods for evaluating and recycling electronic devices

Abstract

Hardware and software application systems and associated methods for obtaining information from mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and / or other electronic devices for recycling and / or other processing, evaluating the information, and pricing it are described herein. In various embodiments, the technology includes systems and methods associated with kiosks that can determine the condition of the screen of an electronic device. In some embodiments, the technology includes displaying one or more test images on the screen of the electronic device, using one or more cameras of the kiosk to display the test images, and evaluating the screen based on the test images as displayed. In some embodiments, the electronic device is put into camera mode and one or more cameras of the electronic device are used to display test images on the electronic device screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 365,778, filed Jun. 2, 2022, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING AND RECYCLING ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present disclosure generally relates to methods and systems for evaluating and recycling cellular phones and other consumer electronic devices, and more specifically to hardware and / or software for facilitating device identification, evaluation, purchasing, and / or other processes associated with electronic device recycling.

Background Art

[0003] (Background) Consumer electronic devices such as cellular phones, laptop computers, notebooks, tablets, MP3 players, etc. are ubiquitous. According to some estimates, the number of mobile devices is expected to exceed 17 billion by 2024. Due to the continuously increasing number of mobile devices, there is a need for continuous replacement and upgrade, leaving a vast number of used and / or discarded devices. Many or most of these devices may ultimately end up in landfills or be discarded in developing countries. These devices often contain substances harmful to the environment such as arsenic, lithium, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc. If not properly discarded, these toxic substances can seep from landfills into groundwater, contaminating the soil with potentially harmful consequences for humans and the environment.

[0004] As an alternative to a retailer's trade-in or buy-back program, consumers can now recycle and / or sell their used mobile phones using self-service kiosks located within shopping malls, retail stores, or other publicly accessible areas. Such kiosks are operated by ecoATM, Inc., the assignee of this application. There continues to be a need to improve the means available to consumers for recycling or reselling their mobile phones and other electronic devices. Simplifying the recycling / reselling process, enhancing the consumer experience, and preventing fraud can encourage consumers to dispose of their old electronic devices in an efficient and environmentally conscious manner.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The following disclosure describes various embodiments of hardware and / or software systems and methods that facilitate identification, evaluation, purchase, and / or other processes associated with the purchase and / or recycling of mobile phones and other electronic devices (e.g., tablets, computers, IPOD® devices, MP3 players, GPS devices, e-book readers, laptops, televisions, or any other suitable electronic device). In some embodiments, the technology includes a kiosk configured to evaluate one or more mobile phones, for example, as part of a return or recycling process. As used herein, the term recycling can include purchasing a mobile phone for subsequent resale, as well as collecting a mobile phone for safe disposal and / or reuse of certain materials within the phone. Mobile phones and other electronic devices can include a screen or display, and the kiosk can be configured to determine the condition of the screen. In at least some embodiments, for example, the mobile phone can be placed within an inspection area of the kiosk while the screen displays a test image, and the phone can be positioned such that the displayed test image comes within the field of view of one or more kiosk cameras. The kiosk cameras can capture one or more images of the test image as displayed by the screen, and the kiosk can process the captured images and evaluate the condition of the screen.

[0006] In some embodiments, a mobile phone or other electronic device can include at least one camera, and the phone can be put into camera or photo mode before the kiosk evaluates the conditions of the display. While in camera mode, the phone can be prevented, blocked, or delayed from locking the screen, turning off the power, and / or dimming the screen. Some conventional systems for evaluating the screen of a mobile phone are generally limited or restricted by the amount of time during which the screen remains active or powered on. When using such systems, the screen evaluation process can fail if the phone locks or the display screen of the phone turns off, and / or the user may be required to repeat one or more steps of the evaluation process. This can prevent the user from completing a return or recycling transaction. In contrast, systems and methods configured in accordance with the present technology can evaluate the display screen of the phone before the phone turns off the screen, dims the screen, and / or locks the screen. Thus, the present technology is expected to be more user-friendly and less prone to failure.

[0007] In a further aspect of the technology, the display screen of the mobile phone can be used to display one or more test images, for example, while the mobile phone is within the inspection area of the kiosk. These test images may be displayed via one or more of the mobile phone's cameras (e.g., while the mobile phone is positioned within the inspection area of the kiosk). While the display screen of the mobile phone is displaying a test image, one or more cameras within the kiosk can capture one or more of the images of the mobile phone, its display screen, and / or the test image as it is displayed on the display screen of the mobile phone. The kiosk can then analyze these captured images and evaluate the screen of the mobile phone. For example, the kiosk can be configured to compare an expected test image to the manner in which the test image is displayed by the display screen of the mobile phone, for example, to determine the conditions of the display screen. In some embodiments, the kiosk can include one or more illumination elements positioned within the upper and / or lower chambers of the kiosk (e.g., the inner walls of the kiosk) and oriented to illuminate the field of view of one or more of the mobile phone's cameras. Each of the illumination elements can be active, and when the mobile phone is placed in camera mode, the screen of the mobile phone can display a test image corresponding to, for example, the color, brightness, etc. of the illumination element. When each of the illumination elements is inactive, the screen of the mobile phone can correspondingly be darkened or dimmed. The kiosk can evaluate the screen of the mobile phone and determine the conditions of the screen of the mobile phone in response to the illumination (or lack thereof) provided by the illumination elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] (Detailed Description) Certain details are set forth in the following description and FIGS. 1-9 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations, and / or systems, often associated with smartphones and other handheld devices, consumer electronic devices, computer hardware, software, and network systems, etc., are not set forth in detail or described in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of the present technology. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present technology may be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein or with other structures, methods, components, etc. The terminology used herein should be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner even if it is used in conjunction with a detailed description of an embodiment of the present technology. In fact, certain terms may even be emphasized below, but any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be specifically defined as such in the section of this detailed description.

[0021] The accompanying figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to be limiting of its scope. The sizes of the various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements may be arbitrarily enlarged to improve readability. The details of a component may be abstracted in the figures to exclude details such as the position of the component and certain precise connections between such components when such details are not necessary for a complete understanding of the method of making and using the invention.

[0022] In the figures, the same reference numerals identify the same or at least generally similar elements. To facilitate discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit or digits of any reference numeral refer to the figure in which the element is first introduced. For example, element 110 is first introduced and discussed with reference to FIG. 1.

[0023] Figure 1 is an isometric view of kiosk 100 for the recycling and / or other processing of mobile phones and other consumer electronic devices according to the present technology. The term "processing" is used herein for ease of reference to generally refer to any manner of service and operation that can be performed or facilitated by kiosk 100 on, with, or otherwise in relation to an electronic device. Such services and operations can include, for example, the sale, resale, recycling, donation, exchange, identification, evaluation, pricing, auction, disposal, transfer of data from or to, reconfiguration, modification, etc. of mobile phones and other electronic devices. While many embodiments of the present technology are described in the context of mobile phones, aspects of the present technology are not limited to mobile phones and generally apply to other electronic devices as well. Such devices include, by way of non-limiting example, any manner of mobile phone, smartphone, handheld device, PDA, MP3 player, tablet, notebook and laptop computer, e-book reader, camera, etc. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 can be envisioned to facilitate the sale and / or otherwise process larger electronic devices such as desktop computers, televisions, game consoles, etc., as well as smaller electronic devices such as Google Glass TM and smartwatches. Kiosk 100 and its various features can be at least generally similar in structure and function to the kiosks and corresponding features described in any of the U.S. patents incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, kiosk 100 is a floor-standing self-service kiosk configured for use by a user 101 (e.g., a consumer, customer, etc.) to recycle, sell, and / or perform other operations using a mobile phone or other consumer electronic device. In other embodiments, kiosk 100 can be configured for use on a counter or similar raised surface. Kiosk 100 is configured for use by consumers, but in various embodiments, kiosk 100 and / or its various parts can also be used by other operators, such as retail store clerks or kiosk assistants, to facilitate the sale or other processing of mobile phones and other electronic devices.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the kiosk 100 includes a housing 102, which can be approximately the size of a conventional vending machine. The housing 102 can be a conventional product, such as a metal sheet, a plastic panel, etc. A plurality of user interface devices can be provided on the front portion of the housing 102 to provide instructions and other information to the user and / or to receive user input and other information from the user. For example, the kiosk 100 can include a display screen 104 (such as a liquid crystal display ( "LCD") or a light emitting diode ( "LED") display screen, a projection display (a head-up display or a head-mounted device, etc.)) for providing information, prompts, etc. to the user. The display screen 104 can include a touch screen for receiving user input and responses to the displayed prompts. Additionally, or alternatively, the kiosk 100 can include a separate keyboard or keypad for this purpose. The kiosk 100 can also include an ID reader or scanner 112 (such as a driver's license scanner), a fingerprint reader 114, and / or one or more cameras 116 (such as individually identified as cameras 116a-c, each of which can include one or more digital still and / or video cameras). The kiosk 100 can include one or more output devices, such as a label printer having an outlet 110, and a cash dispenser having an outlet 118. Although not identified in FIG. 1, the kiosk 100 can further include a speaker and / or a headphone jack for audibly communicating information to the user, one or more lights for visually communicating signals or other information to the user, a handset or microphone for receiving oral input from the user, a card reader (such as a credit / debit card reader, a point card reader, etc.), a receipt or voucher printer and dispenser, and other user input and output devices. The input devices can include a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a joystick, a pen, a game pad, a motion sensor, a scanner, a line-of-sight monitoring system, etc.In addition, the kiosk 100 can also include a barcode reader, a QR code (registered trademark) reader, a bag / package dispenser, a digital signature pad, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the kiosk 100 further includes a header 120 having a display screen 122 for displaying marketing advertisements and / or other videos or graphical information to attract users to the kiosk. In some embodiments, the header 120 and associated components are manufactured as part of the housing 102. In addition to the user interface devices described above, the front portion of the housing 102 also includes an access panel or door 106 located directly below the display screen 104. As will be described in more detail below, the access door 106 is configured to automatically retract so that the user 101 can place an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone) within the inspection area 108 for automatic inspection by the kiosk 100.

[0026] The side wall portion of the housing 102 can include several conveniences to assist the user in recycling or otherwise processing their mobile phone. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the kiosk 100 includes an accessory sorting container 128 configured to receive mobile device accessories that the user desires to recycle or otherwise discard. In addition, the kiosk 100 can provide a free charging station 126 with a plurality of electrical connectors 124 for charging a variety of mobile phones and other consumer electronic devices. In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 includes an ultraviolet chamber or other cleaning device configured to disinfect or otherwise clean the user's mobile phone or other electronic device.

[0027] The kiosk 100 can further include one or more processors or processing devices 103 and one or more memories or another non-transitory computer-readable medium 105. The processor 103 can include a CPU, a GPU, or any other suitable processing device. Any of the elements of the kiosk 100 can be operably coupled to at least one of the processors 103 such that the processor 103 can control the operation of one or more of the elements of the kiosk 100. The memory 105 can store, for example, computer-readable instructions executable by the processor 103 to cause the processor 103 and / or the kiosk 100 to perform one or more functions (such as "open the access door 106", "display a prompt on the display screen 104", etc.). In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can be communicatively connected to a remote computing device 107 such as a remote server, a processor, and / or a memory or data storage device. The kiosk 100 can be connected to the remote computing device 107 via a wired, wireless, or any other suitable connection. The remote computing device 107 can be located remotely from the kiosk 100, for example, in a different room, building, city, zip code, state, country, continent, etc.

[0028] Figures 2A-2D are a series of isometric views of kiosk 100 with housing 102 removed to illustrate selected internal components configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Referring first to FIG. 2A, in the illustrated embodiment, kiosk 100 includes a connector carrier 240 and an inspection plate 244 operably disposed behind access door 106 (FIG. 1). In the illustrated embodiment, connector carrier 240 is configured to rotate about an axis (e.g., a generally horizontal axis) and is a rotatable carousel that carries a plurality of electrical connectors 242 (e.g., about 25 connectors) distributed around its outer periphery. In other embodiments, other types of connector-carrying devices (including both fixed and movable arrangements) can also be used. In some embodiments, connectors 242 can include a plurality of compatible USB connectors configured to provide power and / or exchange data with various different mobile phones and / or other electronic devices. In operation, connector carrier 240 automatically rotates about its axis and is configured to position appropriate ones of connectors 242 adjacent to an electronic device such as mobile phone 250 placed on inspection plate 244 for recycling. Connectors 242 can then be manually and / or automatically withdrawn from connector carrier 240 and connected to ports on mobile phone 250 for electrical analysis. Such analysis can include, for example, an evaluation of the make, model, configuration, condition, etc., using one or more of the methods and / or systems described in detail in co-owned patents and patent applications that are identified herein and incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the inspection plate 244 is configured to move a mobile device such as a mobile phone 250 back and forth in parallel (e.g., on parallel mounting tracks) between a first position directly behind the access door 106 and a second position between the upper chamber 230 and the lower chamber 232 facing the upper chamber 230. Also, in the present embodiment, the inspection plate 244 is transparent or at least partially transparent (e.g., formed from glass, plexiglass, etc.), and is mounted on or otherwise associated with the upper and lower chambers 230 and 232. For example, using one or more cameras, mirrors, etc., the mobile phone 250 can be photographed and / or otherwise optically evaluated from all or at least most of the viewing angles (e.g., top, bottom, side, through the inspection plate, etc.). When the mobile phone 250 is in the second position, the upper chamber 230 moves downward in parallel and can generally enclose the mobile phone 250 between the upper chamber 230 and the lower chamber 232. The upper chamber 230 can be operably coupled to a gate 238 that moves up and down in alignment with the upper chamber 230. As described above, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper chamber 230 and / or the lower chamber 232 include one or more cameras, magnifying tools, scanners (e.g., barcode scanners, infrared scanners, etc.), or other imaging components (not shown) and an array of mirrors (likewise not shown) for viewing, photographing, and / or otherwise visually evaluating the mobile phone 250 from multiple viewpoints. In some embodiments, one or more of the cameras and / or other imaging components discussed above can be movable to facilitate device evaluation. The inspection area 108 can also include a weighing scale, a thermal detector, a UV reader / detector, and equivalents for further evaluation of the electronic devices installed therein. The kiosk 100 can further include an angled sorting plate 236 for directing the electronic device from the transparent plate 244 into a collection sorting container 234 located within the lower portion of the kiosk 100.

[0030] The kiosk 100 can be used in several different ways to efficiently facilitate the recycling, selling, and / or other processing of mobile phones and other consumer electronic devices. Referring together to FIGS. 1-2D, in one embodiment, a user desiring to sell a used mobile phone such as mobile phone 250 approaches the kiosk 100 and, in response to a prompt on the display screen 104, identifies the type of device the user desires to sell. Next, the user may be prompted to remove any cases, stickers, or other accessories from the device so that it can be accurately evaluated. Additionally, the kiosk 100 may print and deliver from the label exit 110 a unique identification label (e.g., a small back adhesive sticker with a quick response code (“QR code (registered trademark)”), bar code, or other machine-readable mark, etc.) for the user to adhere to the rear of the mobile phone 250. After this is done, the door 106 retracts and opens, allowing the user to place the mobile phone 250 on the transparent plate 244 within the inspection area 108 (FIG. 2A). The door 106 then closes, and the transparent plate 244 moves the mobile phone 250 under the upper chamber 230 as shown in FIG. 2B. The upper chamber 230 then moves downward, generally enclosing the mobile phone 250 between the upper and lower chambers 230 and 232, and cameras and / or other imaging components within the upper and lower chambers 230 and 232 perform a visual inspection of the mobile phone 250. In some embodiments, the visual inspection can include computer-implemented visual analysis (e.g., three-dimensional (“3D”) analysis) performed by a processing device (e.g., processor 103, CPU, etc.) within the kiosk to confirm the identification of the mobile phone 250 (e.g., the manufacturer, model, and / or sub-model) and / or to evaluate or appraise the condition and / or functionality of the mobile phone 250 and / or its various components and systems. For example, the visual analysis can include computer-implemented evaluation (e.g., digital comparison) of images of the mobile phone 250 taken from top, side, and / or end-face view perspectives to determine the length, width, and / or height (thickness) dimensions of the mobile phone 250.Visual analysis can further include a computer-implemented inspection of the display screen of the mobile phone 250 for checking, for example, for cracks in the glass and / or other damage or defects in the LCD (e.g., defective pixels, etc.). The inspection of the display screen on the mobile phone 250 is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5A-9. In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can perform visual analysis using one or more of the methods and / or systems described in detail in co-owned patents and patent applications that are identified and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0031] Next, referring to FIG. 2C, after the visual analysis is performed and the device is identified, the upper chamber 230 returns to its upper position, and the transparent plate 244 returns the mobile phone 250 to its initial position near the door 106. The display screen 104 can also provide an estimated price or an estimated price range that the kiosk 100 can propose to the user regarding the mobile phone 250, based on the visual analysis and / or based on user input (e.g., input regarding the type, conditions, etc. of the mobile phone 250). If the user indicates that they desire to proceed with the transaction (e.g., via input through the touch screen), the connector carrier 240 automatically rotates the appropriate one of the connectors 242 to a position adjacent to the transparent plate 244, and the door 106 is opened again. The user then pulls out the connector 242 (and its associated wire) selected from the carousel 240, inserts the connector 242 into the corresponding port (e.g., a USB port) on the mobile phone 250, and can be instructed (e.g., via the display screen 104) to reposition the mobile phone 250 within the inspection area on the transparent plate 244. After doing so, the door 106 closes again, and the kiosk 100 (e.g., the kiosk CPU) performs an electrical inspection of the device via the connector 242 and further evaluates the condition of the phone as well as the specific components and operating parameters of the memory, carrier, etc. In some embodiments, the electrical inspection can include determining the phone manufacturer information (e.g., vendor identification number or VID) or product information (e.g., product identification number or PID). In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can perform the electrical analysis using one or more of the methods and / or systems described in detail in co-owned patents and patent applications that are identified herein and incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0032] After visual and electrical analysis of the mobile phone 250, the user is presented with a buyback price for the phone (e.g., via the display screen 104). If the user declines the price (e.g., via the touch screen), a retraction mechanism (not shown) automatically disconnects the connector 242 from the mobile phone 250, the door 106 opens, and the user can reach for and retrieve the mobile phone 250. If the user accepts the price, the door 106 remains closed and the user may be prompted to place their identification document (e.g., driver's license) within the ID scanner 112 and provide a thumbprint via the fingerprint reader 114. In some embodiments, the user is prompted to place their identification document in front of the external camera 116 of the kiosk 100 or on the plate 244 such that the kiosk 100 can use one of its built-in cameras to image the identification document. As an anti-fraud measure, the kiosk 100 can be configured to transmit an image of the driver's license to a remote computer screen, and an operator at the remote computer can visually compare the photo (and / or other information) on the driver's license to an image of the person standing in front of the kiosk 100 as viewed by one or more of the cameras 116a-c (FIG. 1) to confirm that the person attempting to sell the phone 250 is the person actually identified by the driver's license. In some embodiments, one or more of the cameras 116a-c can be movable to facilitate viewing of the kiosk user as well as other individuals in proximity to the kiosk 100. Additionally, the person's fingerprint can be checked against a record of known fraudsters. If any of these checks indicate that the person selling the phone presents a risk of fraud, the transaction can be declined and the mobile phone 250 can be returned. After the user's identity is verified, the transparent plate 244 moves back towards the upper and lower chambers 230 and 232. However, as shown in FIG. 2D, when the upper chamber 230 is in the lower position, the gate 238 allows the transparent plate 244 to slide underneath rather than the electronic device carried thereon.As a result, gate 238 drops the mobile phone 250 onto sorting plate 236 from transparent plate 244 and into sorting container 234. The kiosk can then offer to pay the user the buyback price. In some embodiments, the payment can be made in the form of cash delivered from cash outlet 118. In other embodiments, the user can receive compensation for the mobile phone 250 in a variety of other useful ways. For example, the user can be paid via a reimbursable cash voucher, coupon, electronic certificate, prepaid card, electronic account (e.g., bank account, credit account, royalty account, online trading account, mobile wallet, etc.), wired or wireless deposit, cryptocurrency, etc.

[0033] Figures 3A and 3B are, respectively, a front view and a rear view of an exemplary electronic device, such as mobile phone 250, according to embodiments of the present technology. Referring to FIG. 3A, phone 250 can include a first (e.g., front) side or surface 352 that includes a display screen 354 (which may also be referred to as a "display" or "screen") and one or more first (e.g., front) cameras 356. Screen 354 can be an LCD display, an OLED display, an electronic ink display, and / or any other display. Turning to FIG. 3B, phone 250 includes a second (e.g., rear) side 358 opposite the first side. The second side 358 of phone 250 can include one or more second (e.g., rear, back, etc.) cameras 360.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the telephone 250 within the inspection area of the kiosk, such as the inspection area 108 of the kiosk 100. FIG. 4 includes a gap between the mobile phone 250 and the inspection plate 244 for illustrative clarity, and it should be understood that in practice, all or part of the mobile phone 250 may contact (e.g., rest directly thereon) the inspection plate 244. As described above, the inspection area 108 can include one or more cameras 462 positioned above and / or below the inspection plate 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the inspection area 108 includes one camera 462 positioned within an upper chamber or dome 230 above the inspection plate 244. The mobile phone 250 can be positioned on the inspection plate 244 such that the screen 354 of the phone comes within the field of view 464 of the camera 462. Thus, the camera 462 can be used to monitor and / or capture an image of the mobile phone 250, including the screen 354 of the mobile phone and / or any image displayed on the screen 354 of the mobile phone.

[0035] In some embodiments, the mobile phone 250 can be set to the camera or photo mode before, during, and / or after the mobile phone 250 is positioned within the inspection area 108 such that the screen 354 of the mobile phone 250 remains active and / or unlocked. By using the mobile phone 250 in the camera mode, the first camera 356 (FIG. 3A) and / or the second camera 360 of the phone 250 can be used to display an image on the screen 354 of the mobile phone. Thus, the display screen 354 can display an image corresponding to the light (e.g., luminance, color, hue, color tone, color shade, shadow, saturation, etc.) emitted by the irradiation elements 470a-b through at least one of the phone's cameras. Since the mobile phone 250 is in the camera mode, a change in the light emitted by one of the irradiation elements 470a-b can cause a corresponding change in the image shown on the display screen 354. For example, an individual one of the irradiation elements 470a-b can be dimmed or turned off to reduce the luminance of the image shown on the display screen 354 and / or to cause the display screen 354 to show a dark gray or black image. In some embodiments, the inspection area 108 can include one or more irradiation elements 470a-b configured to illuminate the field of view 472 of the second camera 360. For example, one or more of the irradiation elements 470a-b can be positioned within the field of view 472 of the second camera 360 such that the irradiation elements 470a-b directly illuminate the second camera 360. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more irradiation elements 470a-b (e.g., LEDs, light bulbs, etc.) are positioned within the lower chamber 232 and are oriented such that light from at least one of the irradiation elements 470a-b is incident on the second camera 360 of the mobile phone 250. In these and other embodiments, one or more of the irradiation elements 470a-b are not within the field of view 472 of the camera 360 and / or are positioned to illuminate a portion of the inspection area 108 within the field of view 472 of the camera 360 (e.g., the inner wall or other surface of the lower chamber 232).For example, a portion of the inspection area 108 could be a white (or lightly colored) wall that, when illuminated by the illumination elements 470a-b, would reflect the color of the illumination elements 470a-b. The illumination elements 470a-b can be positioned with respect to the field of view 472 of the second camera 360 such that when the mobile phone 250 is in camera mode, the display 354 can be uniformly illuminated via the second camera 360. In these and other embodiments, any of the illumination elements described herein can be a display screen (e.g., an LCD display screen, an OLED display screen, etc.) configured to display one or more images, videos, and / or patterns that can be shown on the display screen 354 via at least one of the cameras of the mobile phone 250. In some embodiments, the illumination elements 470a-b are configured to project a non-uniform image or pattern onto the surface of the inspection area 108. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the illumination elements 470a-b are positioned within the upper chamber 230 and, when the mobile phone 250 is in a camera mode (e.g., a "selfie" mode) that activates the first camera 356, the light from at least one of the additional illumination elements can be oriented to be incident on the first camera 356 (FIG. 3A).

[0036] In some embodiments, one or more illumination elements 470a-b can be mounted or coupled to the inspection plate 244 and configured to illuminate the field of view of the first camera 356 or the second camera 360. For example, at least a portion of the inspection plate 244 can be partially or fully transparent, and the mobile phone 250 can be placed on the inspection plate 244 with at least one of the cameras facing the transparent portion of the inspection plate 244, and the illumination elements 470a-b can be positioned to illuminate the field of view 472 of the camera through the transparent portion of the inspection plate 244. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the inspection plate 244 can be partially or fully opaque (e.g., constructed from enamel, metal, ceramic, polymer, composite, etc.), and the phone 250 can be positioned within the inspection area 108 such that the illumination element within the upper chamber 230 illuminates the field of view of the first camera 356 (e.g., with the first side 352 of the phone 250 facing the upper chamber 230 and the second side 358 in contact with at least partially the inspection plate 244 and / or the opaque portion). Also, in at least some embodiments, one or more mirrors (not shown) can be positioned within the upper chamber 230 and / or the lower chamber 232 to reflect light from the illumination elements 470a-b toward and / or into the field of view of the first camera 356 and / or the second camera 360.

[0037] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary evaluation or test image 566 that can be used to evaluate the display screen 354 of a mobile phone. The test image 566 can include one or more known or otherwise predetermined colors, patterns, objects, and / or any other suitable visual and / or graphic markings. In some embodiments, the test image 566 is a single color (e.g., white, black, red, green, blue, etc.). A single test image 566 is shown in FIG. 5A, but in at least some embodiments, it should be understood that the test image 566 can be one image in a series of images or a sequence of images such that one or more of the images in the series can include one or more patterns and / or colors. In at least some embodiments, for example, the test image 566 can be a first test image or pattern having a first color (e.g., red), a second test image or pattern having a second color (e.g., green), and / or a third test image or pattern having a third color (e.g., blue), and can be displayed in order or continuously. Any of the test images described herein can be displayed independently or in combination with one or more other test images described herein (e.g., as part of a series of test images or a sequence of test images). As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the test image 566 can be displayed on the display screen 354 of the mobile phone via one or more of the illumination elements 470a-b and the camera of the mobile phone. For example, one or more of the illumination elements 470a-b can emit light corresponding to the test image 566 that causes the test image 566 to be displayed on the display screen 354 of the mobile phone when received by one or more of the cameras of the mobile phone when the mobile phone is in camera mode. The test image 566 as displayed by the display screen 354 can be analyzed to determine the conditions of the display screen 354, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the analysis of the test image can include adjusting with respect to one or more artifacts (e.g., visual architecture) on the screen 354 of the phone 250 and / or within the test image 566 as displayed.In at least some embodiments, for example, the image of the test image 566 as displayed and captured by the camera 462 can include reflected light or glare, and the analysis can include masking or filtering the reflected light or glare before determining the conditions of the screen 354.

[0038] It should be understood that there are other ways to display the test image 566 on the display screen 354 of the mobile phone. For example, the kiosk 100 can interact with the mobile phone 250, load the test image 566 onto the mobile phone 250, and cause the test image 566 to be displayed on the screen 354. In these and other embodiments, the user can cause the test image 566 to be displayed on the screen 354. In some embodiments, displaying the test image 566 on the screen 354 may include, hereinafter, namely, (i) instructing the user to download an app on the phone 250, where the app is configured to display the test image 566, (ii) instructing the user to access a website on the phone 250, where the website is configured to display the test image 566, and / or (iii) displaying the test image 566 on or proximate to the kiosk 100 and instructing the user to take a photo of the test image 566 using at least one of the first camera 356 and / or the second camera 360 of the phone 250. However, in one or more of the above scenarios, the mobile phone 250 may be configured to turn off the screen 354 after a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.). Thus, the analysis of the test image 566 as displayed by the display screen 354 may be restricted or limited by that predetermined amount of time. However, by using the illumination element 470 to display the test image 566 such that the test image 566 is displayed on the display screen 354 of the phone via at least one of the phone's cameras while the mobile phone 250 is in camera mode, setting the mobile phone 250 to camera mode, and instructing the user to place the mobile phone 250 on the inspection plate 244, the screen 354 of the mobile phone can remain powered on for a greater amount of time compared to when the mobile phone 250 is not in camera mode. For example, in at least some embodiments, the screen 354 of the mobile phone can be configured to remain on, or otherwise not locked or turned off, as long as the mobile phone 250 is in camera mode.This can, in turn, increase the amount of time available for evaluating the display screen 354 of the mobile phone.

[0039] Figures 5B - 5D are front views of the screens 554a - c of an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone) as viewed from the perspective of line A - A of FIG. 4. The display screens 554a - c can each be at least generally similar to, or identical to, the display screen 354 of FIGS. 3A and 4, and can be configured to display test images 567a - c, i.e., test images 566 as displayed on the corresponding screens 554a - c. The displayed test images 567a - c can each be viewed or imaged by one or more cameras (e.g., camera 462 of FIG. 4) and analyzed to determine the condition of the corresponding screens 554a - c. For example, if the displayed test images 567a - c are different from the test images 566, the screens 554a - c may be damaged or otherwise in a defective condition.

[0040] Determining the conditions of screens 554a-c can include identifying one or more gradients or changes in the associated displayed test images 567a-c from one portion (e.g., one or more pixels) of screens 554a-c to another portion (e.g., one or more adjacent pixels). The gradient can include variations or anomalies in one or more sides of the displayed test image 566 that traverse the length and / or width of screens 554a-c. The gradient can appear, for example, as a portion or region of the displayed test images 567a-c having reduced luminance, incorrect coloring, etc. The gradient can be identified based on (e.g., solely based on) the analysis of the displayed test images 567a-c or the comparison of the displayed test images 567a-c with the test image 566. In some embodiments, the analysis of the displayed test images 567a-c can include calculating the standard deviation of one or more sides of the displayed test images 567a-c. The standard deviation analysis of the displayed test images 567a-c can be used to determine the overall uniformity or consistency of the associated screens 554a-c. For example, a displayed test image 567a-c that is substantially uniform (e.g., lacks a gradient) can generally have a lower standard deviation than a displayed test image 567a-c that lacks uniformity (e.g., includes a gradient). In some embodiments, the uniformity can be determined, at least in part, based on one or more of the standard deviation calculations associated with a given screen 554a-c. Thus, the uniformity of the displayed test images 567a-c can correspond to the presence, size, and / or severity of the gradient in the functionality of the associated displays 554a-c.

[0041] The standard deviation can be calculated at the level of each pixel on the screen 354 of the phone, and the colors, brightness, etc. of adjacent pixels are compared and values are assigned. For example, the screen 354 can be configured to display a test image of a constant color (e.g., white, red, green, blue, etc.), and the difference in color and / or brightness between one pixel and its adjacent pixels (e.g., any difference or a difference exceeding a predetermined threshold corresponding to the normal pixel-to-pixel screen variation for a given mobile phone and / or display screen type) can be recorded as a deviation value of "1". The deviation values between the first pixel and each adjacent pixel can be summed, for example, to determine an aggregated deviation value for all or a subset of the pixels within the display screen. The condition or quality of the display screen is determined, at least in part, based on the calculated standard deviation of the aggregated deviation values for all or a subset of the pixels within the display screen, and a higher standard deviation can indicate a lower uniformity in the overall displayed image, and thus a more damaged or otherwise less functional screen 354. In some embodiments, the deviation value for each pixel can include a plurality of different values or ranges thereof, each corresponding to the severity or magnitude of the difference between adjacent pixels. For example, the difference between adjacent pixels can be scaled to one or more values from "0" (e.g., no difference) to "10" (e.g., significant difference). Generally, a higher standard deviation of the deviation values per pixel for the displayed test images 567a-c can correspond to the presence of gradients in the associated displays 554a-c, gradients that occupy a larger area of the associated screens 554a-c, and / or gradients representing a larger magnitude of change to one or more adjacent portions of the displays 554a-c. This is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 7A-7C. Additionally, or alternatively, the standard deviation of the screens 554a-c can be calculated using a comparison between the displayed images 567a-c and the test image 566. In such embodiments, one or more pixels / regions on one or more of the screens 554a-c are compared to the corresponding (e.g., identical) pixels / regions of the test image 566.The deviation value can be assigned to the screens 554a-c based on differences in luminance, color, etc. between the displayed evaluation images 567a-c and the test image 566. In at least some embodiments, the standard deviation between the displayed images 567a-c and the test image 566 is used to check whether the screens 554a-c are uniformly defective, e.g., have little or no gradient across the screens 554a-c but display an image (e.g., different color, luminance, pattern, etc.) different from the expected test image 566.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5B, the displayed test image 567a is substantially uniform and / or consistent. Thus, the screen 554a can have a low or zero standard deviation value measured between individual pixels on the screen 554a corresponding to the general uniformity of the displayed test image 567a. A low or zero standard deviation value can indicate that the condition of the screen 554a is good, functioning, relatively undamaged, or without damage. However, when the standard deviation of the pixels is high when compared to the expected test image, this can indicate extensive damage to the screen 554a. For example, if the test image is a uniform green image and the screen 554a displays a uniform red image, the standard deviation calculated between the pixels on the screen 554a will be low, but the standard deviation of the deviation value between the screen pixels and the expected test image will be high. These various standard deviation values can be applied to the evaluation of the functional state of the screens 554a-c and can be used to lower or raise the price proposed to the user in exchange for their electronic device.

[0043] FIG. 5C illustrates that the screen 554b is partially damaged or otherwise defective. Thus, the displayed test image 567b can include one or more zones or regions 568 that interrupt or otherwise differ from the test image 566. Each of the regions 568 can correspond to a portion of the screen 554b that is damaged, cracked, scratched, fragmented, discolored, burned-in, malfunctioning, or otherwise defective. For example, the regions 568 can have a color and / or luminance different from the test image 566 such that the regions 568 can create one or more gradients in the displayed test image 567b (e.g., between each of the regions 568 and the peripheral portion of the screen 554b). The gradients created by the regions 568 can reduce the uniformity of the displayed test image 567b. The reduction in uniformity can be determined by calculating the standard deviation of the pixel deviation values, as described above with respect to FIG. 5B. Thus, the regions 568 can be identified and used to determine the condition of the screen 554b. Thus, the screen 554b of FIG. 5C can have a higher standard deviation value compared to the screen 554a of FIG. 5B, corresponding to the presence of the damaged and / or less functional regions 568 of FIG. 5C that introduce gradients into the displayed test image 567b.

[0044] FIG. 5D illustrates a screen 554c that is overall damaged or otherwise completely defective. For example, the entire screen 554c may be defective, and thus the test image 567c being displayed is generally uniform but is displayed at one or more incorrect colors and / or luminance levels. In such an embodiment, the standard deviation of the deviation values between adjacent pixels indicates that the test image 567c being displayed is generally uniform and would thus falsely suggest that the screen 554c is in good condition. Therefore, the evaluation of the screen 554c and / or any of the other screens described herein may further include comparing the test image 567c being displayed to the test image 566 to determine, for example, whether the color and / or luminance of the test image 567c being displayed is generally similar to or the same as that of the test image 566. In the illustrated embodiment, the color and / or luminance of the test image 567c being displayed is different from the test image 566 (FIG. 5A), and thus the comparison of the test image 567c being displayed to the test image 566 will indicate that the display screen 554c is in poor condition. Therefore, although the screen 554c of FIG. 5D may have a lower standard deviation value between individual pixels than the screen 554b of FIG. 5B, the comparison of the test image 567c being displayed to the test image 566 can indicate that the screen 554c is damaged or otherwise defective.

[0045] In some embodiments, machine learning can be used to at least partially determine the condition of the screen 554a-c or any of the other screens described herein. The underlying machine learning algorithm or process can be configured to identify or recognize the screens 554a-c of the telephone 250, identify or recognize the defective regions 568 within the screen 354, calculate the standard deviation of the pixels of the test images 567a-c being displayed, compare the test images 567a-c being displayed to the test image 566, and / or determine whether the screens 554a-c are damaged or otherwise defective.

[0046] Figures 6A-6D are diagrams of individual screens 654a-d of an electronic device such as mobile phone 250 of FIG. 4 taken along line A-A of FIG. 4. Screens 654a-d may each generally resemble or be the same as screen 354 described above in this specification. Each of screens 654a-d can display a corresponding displayed test image 667a-d. Each of the displayed test images 667a-d can correspond to a test image associated with the irradiation level within the inspection area. In the illustrated embodiment, the test image corresponds to light generated by one or more of the irradiation elements 470a-b (FIG. 4) within the inspection area (FIG. 4). Specifically, the test images of FIGS. 6A and 6B correspond to one or more of the irradiation elements 470a-b that are on or in an illuminated state, and the test images of FIGS. 6C and 6D correspond to all of the irradiation elements 470a-b that are off or inactive. In some embodiments, the test images can be displayed in sequence. For example, for evaluating the display of a mobile phone under multiple irradiation conditions, a test image in which one or more of the irradiation elements 470a-b are activated is first displayed, followed by a test image in which all of the irradiation elements 470a-b are deactivated.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 6A, the test image (not shown) can correspond to the hue / brightness output by the irradiation elements 470a-b. In at least some embodiments, for example, the irradiation elements 470a-b can comprise white LEDs, and the test image can be at least partially or completely the color of white or the inner wall of the inspection area within the field of view of the camera of the mobile phone having screen 654a (in the absence of defects in screen 654a). The conditions of screen 654a can be determined based on the displayed test image 667a as described above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5D. As illustrated, screen 654a is in good condition because the displayed test image 667a is substantially uniform and generally resembles or is the same as the test image.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 6B, the displayed test image 667b corresponds to the same test image as that in FIG. 6B, but the displayed test image 667b also includes an area 668 with one or more defects. Area 668a may be generally similar to or the same as area 568 in FIGS. 5A - 5D and can be identified through standard deviation and / or uniformity analysis as described above. For example, when the irradiation elements 470a - b are powered on to provide a test image, area 668a may become darker (e.g., less intense, less luminous, colored differently, etc.) compared to the peripheral portion of the displayed test image 667a. This can generate one or more gradients on the screen 654b, which can be reflected in the standard deviation calculation as described above. Specifically, the analysis of the displayed test image 667a can indicate that the screen 654b is in poor condition.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 6C, the test image is generated in response to all the irradiation elements 470a - b being turned off, and the displayed test image 667c correspondingly becomes dark / black, for example, is substantially uniform and / or generally without any gradients. Therefore, the analysis of the displayed test image 667c will indicate that the screen 654c is in good condition.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 6D, the display 654d has received the same test image as that in FIG. 6C, but the displayed test image 667d includes an area 668b with one or more defects. Area 668b may be generally similar to area 568 in FIGS. 5A - 5D. Since the test image is dark / black, area 668b may be lighter or brighter (e.g., more intense, more luminous, colored differently, etc.) than the peripheral portion of the displayed test image 667d. Therefore, the analysis of the displayed test image 667d can indicate that the display 654d is in poor condition.

[0051] Figures 7A - 7C each illustrate an individual pixel group 780a - c (the "pixel group 780") according to an embodiment of the present technology. Each of the pixel groups 780a - c can include one or more pixels from the screens 754a - c of the electronic device. The displays 754a - c can each generally be similar to the screen 354 of the mobile phone 250 (FIG. 4) or any other screen described herein. Each of the pixel groups 780a - c includes an individual center or target pixel 782a - c and one or more neighboring pixels 784a - c adjacent to or otherwise proximate to the target pixels 782a - c. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, each pixel group 780a - c has eight neighboring pixels 784a 1-8 , 784b 1-8 , 784c 1-8 such that the neighboring pixels 784a - c surround or enclose the associated target pixel 782a - c.

[0052] The conditions of the screens 754a - c can be determined, at least in part, based on an analysis of one or more pixels of the pixel groups 780a - c. In at least some embodiments, for example, at least one of the target pixels 782a - c can be compared to one or more of the associated neighboring pixels 784a - c. The analysis of the target pixels 782a - c can be generally similar to or the same as the analysis described above and with reference to FIGS. 5A - 6D. For example, the color and / or luminance of the target pixels 782a - c can be compared to the individual color and / or luminance levels of the eight individual neighboring pixels 784a 1-8 , 784b 1-8 , 784c 1-8 to identify one or more gradients in the display. In other embodiments, each of the target pixels 782a - c can have fewer neighboring pixels 784a - c. For example, in some embodiments, the target pixels 782a - c can be positioned at the corners of or along the outer perimeter of the associated displays 754a - c and thus can have a reduced number of neighboring pixels.

[0053] Comparing the target pixels 782a-c with neighboring pixels can involve performing a convolution (e.g., a weighted average of deviation values between the target pixels and their surrounding neighboring pixels) involving at least one of the neighboring pixels 784a-c associated with the target pixels 782a-c. For example, each of the screens 754a-c can be set to display a substantially or substantially uniform image or pattern such that the target pixels 782a-c and the individual neighboring pixels 782a-c of each pixel grouping 780a-c are expected to have at least generally similar or identical colors and / or luminance levels. Thus, the presence of a gradient or difference in color and / or luminance level between the target pixels 782a-c and one or more of the individual neighboring pixels 782a-c can indicate the presence of at least one defective pixel (e.g., a target pixel or a neighboring pixel). This analysis can be performed for each pixel on the screens 754a-c and used to identify defective pixels within the screens 754a-c and / or count the number of defective pixels.

[0054] In addition, or alternatively, each of the target pixels 782a-c can be compared with an expected or reference value, for example, as part of a pixel group analysis, to determine the condition of the target pixels 782a-c. This can be generally similar to or the same as the comparison between the test image 566 and the test image 567c displayed, which is performed on the pixels rather than the display, as described above with respect to FIG. 5D. The expected value for the target pixels 782a-c can correspond to the area of the test image displayed on the associated screens 754a-c. During operation, the target pixels 782a-c can display a portion of the test image, which can be a substantially or substantially uniform image (e.g., a single color with a constant luminance), and if the portion of the image displayed by the target pixels 782a-c is different from the corresponding portion of the test image, the target pixels 782a-c can be defective.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 7A, in the illustrated embodiment, the target pixel 782a has the same color and / or luminance as each of the neighboring pixels 784a 1-8 Accordingly, if the target pixel 782a is displaying the correct color and / or luminance, the analysis of the pixel group 780a will not result in any pixel being identified as defective. However, if the target pixel 782a is displaying an incorrect color and / or luminance, the analysis of the pixel group 780a will result in the target pixel 782a and all neighboring pixels 784a 1-8 being identified as defective.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 7B, in the illustrated embodiment, both neighboring pixels 784b4 and 784b7 have a color and / or luminance level different from that of the target pixel 782b. Accordingly, if the target pixel 782b is displaying the correct color and / or luminance, the analysis of the pixel group 780b will result in the neighboring pixels 784b4 and 784b7 being identified as defective. However, if the target pixel 782b is displaying an incorrect color and / or luminance, the analysis of the pixel group 780b will result in the target pixel 782b and neighboring pixels 784b 1-3 , 784b5, 784b6, and 784b8 being identified as defective (e.g., the display 754b shows a uniform test image where the pixels should have the same color and / or luminance, and thus any neighboring pixel 784 that matches a defective target pixel 782 is expected to be defective). Additionally, if the target pixel 782b is defective, at least one of the remaining neighboring pixels 784b4 or 784b7 can be identified as defective if it does not match the test image.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 7C, in the illustrated embodiment, the neighboring pixels 784c 1-8 each have the same color and / or luminance, and the target pixel 782c has the same color and / or luminance as the neighboring pixels 784c 1-8has a different color and / or brightness. Thus, the analysis of pixel group 780c can further include a comparison of the color and / or brightness of target pixel 782c to an expected value, as described above. If the target pixel 782c is displaying the correct color and / or brightness, the analysis of pixel group 780c will identify each of the neighboring pixels 784c 1-8 as being defective. If the target pixel 782c is displaying an incorrect color and / or brightness, the analysis of pixel group 780c will identify only the target pixel 782c as being defective.

[0058] This specification and the figures described below include representative flowcharts and other information depicting processes used in some embodiments of the present technology. These flowcharts may not show all function or data exchanges; instead, they provide an understanding of the commands and data exchanged under the systems described herein. One skilled in the art will recognize that some functions or command and data exchanges may be repeated, varied, omitted, or supplemented, and that other (less important) aspects not shown may be readily implemented. One skilled in the art will understand that the blocks shown in the flowcharts discussed below may be modified in various ways. For example, although a process or block is presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform the routine in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be rearranged, deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified to provide alternative or secondary combinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, although a process or block is shown as being performed continuously at any time, these processes or blocks may instead be performed or implemented in parallel or at different times. The steps depicted in the flowcharts and / or represented by other tables, formulas, etc. can include sequences of operations that are not necessarily described herein themselves. One skilled in the art can create source code, microcode, programmable logic arrays, and / or computer-readable instructions for implementing the steps and routines described based on the flowcharts and detailed descriptions provided herein.Routines and portions thereof can be stored in non-volatile memory (e.g., memory 105 of FIG. 1) that forms part of a processor (e.g., processor 103 of FIG. 1) contained within kiosk 100 or otherwise associated with kiosk 100 (e.g., a remote processor such as remote computing device 107 of FIG. 1 operably connected to kiosk 100 via a wired / wireless communication link, etc.), or they can be stored on a removable medium such as a disk or hardwired or pre-programmed in a chip such as an EEPROM semiconductor chip.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of routine 800 that can be implemented by kiosk 100 to purchase a device, e.g., a mobile phone and / or other electronic device, from a user, according to an embodiment of the present technology. The routine can be executed by a processing device in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored on a memory. Routine 800 is illustrated as a series of steps or blocks 802-816. Some or all of blocks 802-816 can be implemented by remote computing device 107 and / or by processor 103 of kiosk 100 (FIG. 1). At block 802, the routine receives a device from the user (e.g., within inspection area 108 of kiosk 100 (FIGS. 1-2D and 4)). At block 804, the routine performs an evaluation, e.g., a visual and / or electrical inspection of the device, to determine various information about the device that can affect its value. Such information can include, for example, the device's manufacturer, model, sub-model, device features (e.g., memory size, mobile phone service carrier, etc.), device operability, device charging and / or rechargeability, physical condition, display function and condition, etc. After the device has been evaluated, the routine proceeds to block 806 to determine a price to propose to the user for the device. At block 808, the routine presents the proposal to the user (e.g., via a text message on display screen 104, an audio speaker, etc.). At decision block 810, the routine determines whether the user has accepted the proposed price (e.g., by providing an input via a touch screen, keypad, microphone, etc., operably coupled to kiosk 100). If the user rejects the proposal, the routine proceeds to block 812 to return the device to the user. Conversely, if the user accepts the proposal, the routine proceeds to block 814 to provide the user with a reward in the amount of the purchase price.Such compensation or payment may be in the form of, for example, cash, vouchers redeemable for cash, goods, services, etc., electronic value (e.g., Bitcoin, digital certificates, credits to an electronic payment account, etc.), credit (e.g., prepaid credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, etc.), coupons, loyalty points, and / or other forms of value. At block 816, the routine retains the device (e.g., within the collection sorting container 234 of the kiosk 100), and the routine ends.

[0060] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the foregoing routines are merely some examples of ways in which kiosk 100 can be used to recycle or otherwise process consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones. For example, in other embodiments, the user can attach an electrical connector to mobile phone 250 before kiosk 100 performs a visual analysis of the phone. In such embodiments, the user approaches kiosk 100 and identifies the type of device (e.g., manufacturer and model) that he or she desires to recycle and / or the appropriate electrical connector for connecting to the device. Connector carrier 240 then rotates the appropriate connector 242 to a position adjacent to transparent plate 244, and kiosk door 106 is opened. Next, the user may be prompted to remove any case, sticker, or other accessories from mobile phone 250. Additionally, kiosk 100 may print and deliver a unique identification label from label outlet 110 for the user to adhere to the back of mobile phone 250. After this, door 106 retracts, and the user pulls the selected connector 242 from carrier 240, inserts it into the corresponding port (e.g., USB port) on mobile phone 250, and is instructed to reposition mobile phone 250 within the inspection area on transparent plate 244. Door 106 then closes, and kiosk 100 can perform an electrical inspection of mobile phone 250 as described above and, after the electrical inspection, a visual inspection of mobile phone 250 as described above with respect to FIGS. 5A-7C. In some embodiments, the visual inspection is performed before and / or instead of the electrical inspection. The foregoing examples are described in the context of mobile phones, but it should be understood that kiosk 100 and its various embodiments can also be used in a similar manner to recycle virtually any consumer electronic device, such as MP3 players, tablet computers, PDAs, and other portable devices, as well as other relatively non-portable electronic devices such as devices for implementing games, entertainment, or other digital media on desktop computers, printers, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray (registered trademark), etc.Also, while the foregoing embodiments are described in the context of consumer use, the kiosk 100 in its various embodiments can be similarly used by others, such as store employees, to assist consumers in the recycling, selling, exchanging, etc. of those electronic devices.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a routine 900 for determining a price for an electronic device, such as a mobile phone 250 (FIG. 2A-3), for recycling, at least in part, based on the determined conditions of a screen of the electronic device (e.g., screen 354 or any other screen described herein). Although described with reference to screen 354 of mobile phone 250, those skilled in the art will understand that routine 900 can be used to evaluate other screens and / or other devices. In various embodiments, one or more processors 103 of kiosk 100 and / or another processing device (e.g., a server) operatively connectable to kiosk 100, such as remote computing device 107, can implement some or all of routine 900. In some cases, for example, a user who owns a mobile phone 250 (e.g., a smartphone) may desire to know the worth of the phone so that he or she can determine whether to sell it. Routine 900 of FIG. 9 enables kiosk 100 to evaluate the conditions of screen 354 of the phone so that the user can quickly obtain a proposed price for phone 250 (e.g., without asking the user to manually provide information about phone 250 and its conditions and / or configuration).

[0062] In various embodiments, routine 900 and other flow routines described in detail herein can be implemented by kiosk 100, which can obtain information about mobile phone 250. Mobile phone 250 can be one of various consumer electronic devices, such as a used mobile telecommunications device, including any type of handheld device (e.g., smartphone, computer, television, home automation device, etc.) having wired and / or wireless communication capabilities. In some embodiments, the user can display one or more test images on screen 354 of phone 250 such that kiosk 100 can determine the conditions of screen 354 based at least in part or completely on the displayed test images. In some embodiments, the user can access an app store or other software repository (e.g., Apple® App Store, Google Play TM Store, Amazon® Appstore TMfrom a website, from a kiosk such as kiosk 100 (e.g., by side-loading the app via a wired or wireless data connection), from a removable memory device such as an SD flash card or a USB drive, etc., download an app configured to display a test image on phone 250. In some embodiments, the test image can be accessed via a website, and the user can be prompted by kiosk 100 to visit the website using phone 250. In some embodiments, the test image can be displayed by kiosk 100 within, on top of, and / or otherwise proximate thereto, and the user can take a photo of the test image using, for example, at least one of the cameras of phone 250 (e.g., first camera 356, second camera 360). In some embodiments, kiosk 100 can put phone 250 in camera or video mode and prompt the user to position phone 250 such that one or more illumination elements 470a-b, illuminated portions, or displays of the kiosk come within the field of view of one or more cameras of phone 250.

[0063] In block 902, routine 900 receives user requests for pricing phone 250. For example, the user can activate kiosk 100 (e.g., by interacting with touch screen display 104 of kiosk 100) and select a function to begin the process for pricing one or more phones 250. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 enables the user to select a particular phone 250 from a list of mobile phones corresponding to the phones connected to kiosk 100 and / or from a list of mobile phones previously stored in memory 105. In some cases, phone 250 is electrically connected to kiosk 100 (e.g., via one of the electrical connectors within carousel 240 or via a wireless data connection), while in other cases, phone 250 may be disconnected from kiosk 100 when the user desires to find the value of phone 250. In some embodiments, receiving user requests for pricing phone 250 can include prompting the user to display at least one test image on the screen of phone 250. The test image can be generally similar to or identical to test image 566 of FIG. 5, the test images of FIGS. 6A - 6D, or any other suitable test image.

[0064] In decision block 904, routine 900 determines whether phone 250 is displaying a test image. For example, the camera 462 of the kiosk can be used to capture one or more images of the screen 354 of phone 250 (e.g., the displayed test images such as the displayed test images 567a - d shown in FIGS. 5A - D, the displayed test images 667a - d shown in FIGS. 6A - D, or any other suitable displayed test image), and the processor 103 can compare the captured images with the test images to determine whether phone 250 is displaying a test image.

[0065] When the phone 250 is not displaying the test image, at block 906, routine 900 instructs the user to perform one or more actions to display the test image on the screen 354 of the phone 250. For example, kiosk 100 can display on screen 104 instructions to download an app, navigate to a specific website or URL, use the phone to take a photo of the test image, and / or set the phone 250 to camera mode and position the phone 250 so that one or more illumination elements 470a-b or the display comes within the field of view of at least one of the phone cameras, as described previously herein. After block 906, routine 900 returns to decision block 904. If the screen 354 of the phone 250 is inoperable or otherwise unable to display the test image, routine 900 can proceed directly to block 912.

[0066] Once the phone 250 displays the test image, routine 900 proceeds to block 908. At block 908, kiosk 100 captures or otherwise obtains one or more images of the displayed test image as displayed on the screen 354 of the phone 250 (e.g., via one or more cameras). As described previously and with reference to FIG. 4, the phone 250 can be positioned within the inspection area 108 (e.g., on the inspection plate 244 and / or between the upper chamber 230 and the lower chamber 232). The upper chamber and / or lower chamber 232 can each include one or more cameras 462 configured to image the first side 352 and / or the second side 358 of the phone 250, and at least one of the cameras 462 can be configured to capture an image of the screen 354 of the phone 250. Routine 900 can store the captured image of the screen 354 in memory 105 and / or remotely from the kiosk 100 (e.g., in a data structure maintained on a server computer at remote server 107, a cloud storage facility, another kiosk, etc.).

[0067] In block 910, routine 900 evaluates the image captured at block 908. As previously described with respect to FIGS. 5A-7C, kiosk 100 can determine the conditions of the screen 354 of the telephone 250. For example, kiosk 100 can analyze a captured image of a test image as displayed on screen 354. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 can analyze one or more target pixels 782 and / or neighboring pixels 784 (FIGS. 7A-C) of pixel group 780. Additionally or alternatively, kiosk 100 can calculate the standard deviation of the deviation values with respect to screen 354, identify any gradients in screen 354, determine the uniformity of the displayed test image, etc. In some embodiments, this can include comparing the captured image to one or more reference test images stored, for example, in memory 105 or otherwise available to kiosk 100 (e.g., via a wired or wireless communication connection).

[0068] In some embodiments, as part of evaluating telephone 250, kiosk 100 can further identify and / or assess the condition of telephone 250. For example, kiosk 100 can identify telephone 250 by determining one or more of the target device platform, manufacturer, model, carrier (e.g., with respect to a mobile phone), features, configuration (e.g., memory and / or other storage capacity), upgrades, peripheral devices, etc. based on the target device information.

[0069] In block 912, routine 900 determines a proposed price for phone 250, at least in part, based on the evaluation performed in block 910. In some embodiments, routine 900 can reference a local or remote database to price phone 250 based on the information and evaluation of phone 250. For example, if the evaluation determines the manufacturer, model, and configuration of phone 250, routine 900 can search a data structure that maps the manufacturer, model, and / or configuration of the phone to a price for the phone. In some embodiments, when kiosk 100 determines the conditions of screen 354, routine 900 can search a data structure that maps the screen conditions to a price for the phone. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 can transmit some or all of the information received in block 908 and / or the results of the evaluation performed in block 910 to a remote server. The remote server can then use the information and / or evaluation results to determine the current market value of phone 250 (such as by looking up the value of phone 250 in a database) and return a price that kiosk 100 can propose to the user for phone 250. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 downloads pricing data from a remote server (e.g., remote server 107 of FIG. 1) and determines a proposed price for phone 250 based on the pricing data downloaded from the server. For example, in some embodiments, kiosk 100 can download a database of prices such as a lookup table, a pricing model, or other data structure containing prices for popular mobile phones. Kiosk 100 can use the information about the manufacturer and model of phone 250 to look up the current value of the target phone 250 in the table. In various embodiments, the pricing data is updated periodically, such as on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis. Routine 900 can ensure that such pricing data is kept up-to-date so that kiosk 100 proposes only the current accurate price. In some embodiments, routine 900 can adjust the proposed price based on the determined conditions of screen 354.For example, the proposed price can be reduced based on the presence of damaged or defective areas within screen 354 (e.g., defective area 568 in FIG. 5C, defective areas 668a-b in FIGS. 6B and 6D), and / or based on the number of defective pixels (FIGS. 7A-C).

[0070] In block 914, routine 900 presents the price for phone 250 to the user. For example, kiosk 100 can display the price on display screen 104. For example, routine 900 can indicate that the proposed price will be valid for a certain time period. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 can block the inspection area prior to presenting the price to the user. In some embodiments, if the user accepts the proposed price for phone 250, kiosk 100 can transfer phone 250 to sorting container 234 as described above and with reference to FIGS. 2A-D. After block 914, routine 900 ends.

[0071] Although various embodiments of the present technology are described herein using mobile phones and other handheld devices as examples of electronic devices, the technology generally applies to any type of electronic device. Such devices include, by way of non-limiting example, mobile phones of all types, smartphones, handheld devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 or other digital music players, tablets, notebooks, ultrabooks, and laptop computers, e-book readers, cameras of all types, GPS devices, set-top boxes, universal remote controls, wearable computers, etc. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 is a larger consumer electronic device such as a desktop computer, television, game console, etc., as well as Google (TM) Glass TM , smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch TM , Android (TM) Wear such as Moto 360 (TM) etc. TMDevice, or Pebble Steel TM It is contemplated that it may facilitate the selling, evaluating, and / or otherwise disposing of smaller electronic devices such as watches).

[0072] (Application incorporated by reference) The embodiments of the kiosk 100 and its various features are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, the following patents and patent applications, namely, U.S. Patent Nos. 11,482,067, 11,462,868, 11,080,672, 10,860,990, 10,853,873, 10,572,946, 10,475,002, 10,445,708, 10,438,174, 10,417,615, 10,401,411, 10,269,110, 10,127,647, 10,055,798, 9,885,672, 9,881,284, 8,200,533, 8,195,511, and 7,881,965, U.S. Patent Application Nos. 18 / 167,390, 17 / 811,548, 17 / 645,039, 17 / 445,821, 17 / 445,799, 17 / 445,178, 17 / 445,158, 17 / 445,083, 17 / 445,082, 17 / 125,994, 16 / 794,009, 16 / 719,699, 16 / 794,009, 16 / 534,741, 15 / 057,707, 14 / 967,183, 14 / 964,963, 14 / 663,331, 14 / 660,768, 14 / 598,469, 14 / 568,051, 14 / 498,763, 13 / 794,816, 13 / 794,814, 13 / 753,539, 13 / 733,984, 13 / 705,252, 13 / 693,032, 13 / 658,828, 13 / 658,825, 13 / 492,835, 13 / 113,497, U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 484,972, 63 / 365,778, 63 / 267,911, 63 / 220,890, 63 / 220,381, 63 / 127,148, 63 / 116,020, 63 / 116,007, 63 / 088,377, 63 / 070,207, 63 / 066,794, 62 / 950,075, 62 / 807,165, 62 / 807,153, 62 / 804,714, 62 / 782,947, 62 / 782,302, 62 / 332,736, 62 / 221,The systems, methods, and corresponding features described in U.S. Patent No. 510, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 202,330, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 169,072, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 091,426, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 090,855, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 076,437, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 073,847, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 073,840, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 059,132, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 059,129, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 607,572, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 607,548, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 607,001, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 606,997, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 595,154, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 593,358, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 583,232, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 570,309, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 551,410, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 472,611, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 347,635, U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 183,510, and U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 102,304 may be at least generally similar in structure and function. All patents and patent applications listed in the foregoing text, as well as any other patents or patent applications identified herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.,

[0073] (Example) Some aspects of the technology are described with reference to the following examples. 1. A kiosk system for recycling an electronic device having a display screen with a plurality of pixels, the kiosk system comprising: A kiosk, A housing, An inspection area within the housing, the inspection area being configured to receive the electronic device, A camera positioned within the housing and configured to acquire one or more images of the display screen, And including, One or more processors Comprising, The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and the execution of the instructions causes the one or more processors to Acquire an image of the display screen while the display screen is displaying a test image, Determining a standard deviation of color and / or luminance for at least a subset of a plurality of pixels, at least in part based on an image of a display screen; Determining a proposed price for an electronic device, at least in part based on the standard deviation; A kiosk system causing the above to be performed. 2. The camera is a first camera, the electronic device includes a second camera, the kiosk further includes one or more illumination elements positioned within an inspection area, and execution by one or more processors activates an individual one of the one or more illumination elements, causes the second camera to receive light from the activated illumination element, thereby causing a test image to be displayed on the display screen. The kiosk according to Example 1. 3. The one or more illumination elements are positioned to directly illuminate the second camera, the kiosk further includes a kiosk display screen, and execution of the instructions further causes one or more processors to activate, via the kiosk display screen, The camera mode of the electronic device; Prompt the user to place the electronic device within the inspection area with the second camera oriented toward the one or more illumination elements. The kiosk according to Example 2. The kiosk according to Example 2, which prompts the user to perform the above. 4. The one or more illumination elements are positioned to illuminate a surface within the inspection area, the kiosk further includes a kiosk display screen, and the instructions further cause one or more processors to activate, via the kiosk display screen, The camera mode of the electronic device; Prompt the user to place the electronic device within the inspection area with the second camera oriented toward the illuminated surface within the inspection area. The kiosk according to Example 2. The kiosk according to Example 2, which prompts the user to perform the above. 5. The kiosk according to any one of Examples 2-4, wherein the second camera and the display screen are positioned on the same side of the electronic device. 6. The second camera and the display screen are located on different sides of the electronic device, and the kiosk described in any of Examples 2-4. 7. The test image is the first test image, and the execution of the instructions further causes one or more processors to deactivate each of one or more irradiation elements and display a second test image different from the first test image on the display screen; while the display screen is displaying the second test image, acquire one or more images of the display screen; and the kiosk described in any of Examples 2-6. 8. The standard deviation is the standard deviation of luminance. As part of determining the standard deviation, the execution of the instructions causes one or more processors to for at least one pixel in the subset, determine a first luminance of the at least one pixel; determine a second luminance of one or more adjacent pixels; determine a difference between the first luminance and the second luminance; and determine the condition of the display screen based at least in part on the difference; and the kiosk described in any of Examples 1-7. 9. The standard deviation is the standard deviation of color. As part of determining the standard deviation, the instructions cause one or more processors to for at least one pixel in the subset, determine a first color of the at least one pixel; determine a second color of one or more adjacent pixels; determine a difference between the first color and the second color; and determine the condition of the display screen based at least in part on the difference; and the kiosk described in any of Examples 1-8. 10. The execution of the command further causes one or more processors to compare at least a portion of the test image displayed on the display screen with at least the corresponding portion of the expected test image. The proposed price is based at least in part on standard deviation and comparison, for the kiosk according to any of Examples 1-9. 11. The kiosk system according to any of Examples 1-10, wherein the one or more processors are one or more processors of the kiosk. 12. The kiosk system according to any of Examples 1-10, wherein the one or more processors are one or more processors of a remote computing device. 13. A computer-implemented method for evaluating an electronic device, the method comprising: receiving an electronic device within an inspection area of a kiosk, the electronic device including a display screen having a plurality of pixels; acquiring an image of the display screen of the electronic device while the display screen is displaying a test image via a camera of the kiosk; determining a standard deviation of color and / or luminance for at least a subset of the plurality of pixels of the display screen, based at least in part on the image of the display screen; determining a proposed price for the electronic device, based at least in part on the standard deviation. A computer-implemented method as described above. 14. The camera is a first camera, the electronic device includes a second camera, and the method further includes activating one or more illumination elements positioned within the inspection area and causing the second camera to receive light from the activated illumination elements, thereby causing the display screen to display a test image, for the computer-implemented method according to Example 13. 15. setting the electronic device to camera mode; positioning the electronic device on the inspection area with the second camera oriented towards one or more illumination elements. The computer-implemented method according to Example 14, further comprising prompting the user to perform 16. Setting the electronic device to camera mode and placing the electronic device on the inspection area with the second camera oriented towards a surface within the inspection area illuminated by one or more illumination elements The computer-implemented method according to Example 14, further comprising prompting the user to perform 17. The test image is a first test image, and the method further deactivating each of the one or more illumination elements and displaying a second test image different from the first test image on the display screen; and acquiring one or more images of the display screen while the display screen is displaying the second test image The computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 14-16, comprising 18. The standard deviation is the standard deviation of luminance, and determining the standard deviation for at least one pixel in the subset, determining a first luminance of the at least one pixel; determining a second luminance of one or more adjacent pixels; determining a difference between the first luminance and the second luminance; and determining the condition of the display screen based at least in part on the difference The computer-implemented method according to any one of Examples 13-17, comprising 19. The standard deviation is the standard deviation of color, and determining the standard deviation for at least one pixel in the subset, determining a first color of the at least one pixel; determining a second color of one or more adjacent pixels; determining a difference between the first color and the second color; and Determining the conditions of the display screen, at least in part, based on differences A computer-implemented method according to any of Examples 13-17, including 20. The test image displayed by the display screen corresponds to the expected test image, The method further includes comparing at least a first portion of the test image displayed by the display screen with at least a corresponding second portion of the expected test image, Determining the proposed price includes determining the proposed price, at least in part, based on the standard deviation and the comparison of the test image and the expected test image, a computer-implemented method according to any of Examples 13-20. 21. The first portion of the test image includes the color of at least one of the plurality of pixels, and the second portion of the expected test image includes the expected color for at least one of the plurality of pixels. Comparing includes comparing the color with the expected color, a computer-implemented method according to Example 20. 22. The first portion of the test image includes the luminance of at least one of the plurality of pixels, and the second portion of the expected test image includes the expected luminance for at least one of the plurality of pixels. Comparing includes comparing the luminance with the expected luminance, a computer-implemented method according to Example 20 or Example 21. 23. The standard deviation and / or the proposed price are determined via one or more processors of the kiosk, a computer-implemented method according to any of Examples 13-22. 24. The standard deviation and / or the proposed price are determined via one or more processors of a remote computing device, a computer-implemented method according to any of Examples 13-22.

[0074] (Conclusion) This technology enables the screens of various types of devices such as mobile phones (e.g., smartphones and feature phones), tablet computers, wearable computers, gaming devices, media players, laptop and desktop computers, etc. (e.g., phone 250) to be evaluated by automated kiosks such as kiosk 100. This technology enables kiosk 100 to obtain information about an electronic device such as phone 250, determine the condition of the device's screen (e.g., screen 354), obtain a price estimate for the device, and present the price estimate to the user so that the user can more reliably and quickly sell the device (e.g., at kiosk 100).

[0075] This technology includes various other types and embodiments of recycling machines. For example, this technology includes embodiments such as counter recycling stations and / or retail store-based interfaces operated by or with the assistance of retail store employees (such as partially automated systems). As another example, this technology includes embodiments such as recycling machines configured to receive any type of device, including larger items (e.g., desktop and laptop computers, televisions, gaming consoles, DVRs, etc.).

[0076] The above detailed description of the embodiments and implementations of the present invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed above. Specific embodiments of the present invention are described above for illustrative purposes, but various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention, as would be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0077] References to features, advantages, or similar language throughout the foregoing description do not imply that all such features and advantages must be present in any single embodiment of the present technology. Rather, language referring to features and advantages is understood to mean that the specific features, advantages, or characteristics described in connection with an embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, discussions of features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0078] Furthermore, the features, advantages, and characteristics described herein may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present technology may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages that may not be present in all embodiments of the present technology may be recognized in a particular embodiment.

[0079] Any of the patents and applications and other references described above, including any that may be listed in the accompanying applications, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, except to the extent that such incorporation would result in a disclaimer or denial of any subject matter, and except to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent with the explicit disclosure herein (in which case the language of the present disclosure shall control). Aspects of the present invention may, if necessary, be modified by adopting the various systems, functions, and concepts of the references described above to provide yet further implementations of the present invention.

[0080] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and the coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import refer to the application as a whole and not to any particular portion of the application when used in this application. Where the context permits, the words in the detailed description above that use the singular or plural may also include the plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" associated with a list of two or more items covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0081] The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems and not necessarily to the systems described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the invention. Some alternative implementations of the invention may include additional elements to those implementations described above, but may also include fewer elements. Further, any specific numbers described herein are merely examples, and alternative implementations may employ different values or ranges.

[0082] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description of various embodiments and the assumed best mode of the present invention. Regardless of the level of detail of the above text, the present invention can be practiced in many ways. The details of the system, while its specific implementation can vary significantly, still fall within the technology. As described above, specific terminology used when describing a certain feature or aspect of the present invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is redefined herein so as to be limited to any specific property, feature, or aspect of the present invention to which the terminology is associated. Generally, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the present invention to the specific examples disclosed herein unless the detailed description section above explicitly defines such terms. Thus, the actual scope of the present invention includes not only the disclosed examples but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the present invention under the claims.

[0083] From the foregoing, it should be understood that specific embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. Further, while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of the present invention have been described above in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments necessarily exhibit such advantages in order to fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

[0084] Certain aspects of the present invention are presented below in the form of certain claims, but the applicant contemplates various aspects of the present invention in any number of claim forms. Thus, the applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing the present application and to pursue such additional claim forms in either the present application or a continuation application.

Claims

1. A kiosk system for recycling and using an electronic device having a display screen with a plurality of pixels, the kiosk system comprising: a kiosk, a housing, an inspection area within the housing, the inspection area being configured to receive the electronic device, a camera positioned within the housing and configured to acquire one or more images of the display screen, the kiosk including, one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, and the execution of the instructions causes the one or more processors to: acquire an image of the display screen while the display screen is displaying a test image; determine a standard deviation of color and / or luminance for at least a subset of the plurality of pixels based at least in part on the image of the display screen; determine a proposed price for the electronic device based at least in part on the standard deviation. A kiosk system.

2. The camera is a first camera, the electronic device includes a second camera, the kiosk further includes one or more illumination elements positioned within the inspection area, and the execution of the instructions causes the one or more processors to activate an individual one of the one or more illumination elements and cause the second camera to receive light from the activated illumination element, thereby causing the test image to be displayed on the display screen. The kiosk according to claim 1.

3. The one or more illumination elements are positioned to directly illuminate the second camera, the kiosk further includes a kiosk display screen, and the execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to: activate the camera mode of the electronic device via the kiosk display screen; prompt the user to place the electronic device within the inspection area with the second camera oriented toward the one or more illumination elements. The kiosk according to claim 2.

4. ​ The one or more illumination elements are positioned to illuminate a surface within the inspection area, the kiosk further comprises a kiosk display screen, and the instructions further cause the one or more processors, via the kiosk display screen, to activate a camera mode of the electronic device, to place the electronic device within the inspection area with the second camera oriented towards the illuminated surface within the inspection area and to prompt the user to do so. The kiosk according to claim 2.

5. The kiosk according to claim 2, wherein the second camera and the display screen are positioned on the same side of the electronic device.

6. The kiosk according to claim 2, wherein the second camera and the display screen are positioned on different sides of the electronic device.

7. The test image is a first test image, and the execution of the instructions further causes the one or more processors to deactivate individual ones of the one or more illumination elements and cause the display screen to display a second test image different from the first test image, and to obtain one or more images of the display screen while the display screen is displaying the second test image. The kiosk according to claim 2.

8. The standard deviation is a standard deviation of luminance, and as part of determining the standard deviation, the execution of the instructions causes the one or more processors to for at least one pixel in the subset, determine a first luminance of the at least one pixel, determine a second luminance of one or more adjacent pixels, determine a difference between the first luminance and the second luminance, and determine the condition of the display screen based at least in part on the difference. The kiosk according to claim 1.

9. The standard deviation is a standard deviation of color, and as part of determining the standard deviation, the instructions cause the one or more processors to for at least one pixel in the subset, determine a first color of the at least one pixel, determine a second color of one or more adjacent pixels, determine a difference between the first color and the second color, Determining the conditions of the display screen at least partially based on the difference The kiosk according to claim 1, which causes the above to be performed.

10. The execution of the command further causes the one or more processors to compare at least a part of the test image displayed on the display screen with at least a corresponding part of the expected test image. The proposed price is the kiosk according to claim 1, which is at least partially based on the standard deviation and the comparison.

11. The one or more processors are the one or more processors of the kiosk. The kiosk system according to claim 1.

12. The one or more processors are the one or more processors of a remote computing device. The kiosk system according to claim 1.

13. A computer-implemented method for evaluating an electronic device, the method comprising: Receiving an electronic device within an inspection area of a kiosk, the electronic device including a display screen having a plurality of pixels; Acquiring an image of the display screen of the electronic device while the display screen is displaying a test image via a camera of the kiosk; Determining a standard deviation of color and / or luminance for at least a subset of the plurality of pixels of the display screen at least partially based on the image of the display screen; Determining a proposed price for the electronic device at least partially based on the standard deviation; A computer-implemented method including the above.

14. The camera is a first camera, the electronic device includes a second camera, and the method further includes activating one or more illumination elements positioned within the inspection area and causing the second camera to receive light from the activated illumination elements, thereby causing the display screen to display the test image. The computer-implemented method according to claim 13.

15. Putting the electronic device into camera mode; Prompting the user to place the electronic device on the inspection area with the second camera oriented towards the one or more illumination elements; The computer-implemented method according to claim 14, further including the above.

16. Putting the electronic device into camera mode; placing the electronic device on the inspection area with the second camera oriented towards a surface within the inspection area illuminated by the one or more illumination elements The computer-implemented method according to claim 14, further comprising prompting a user to do so. **Claim 17** The test image is a first test image, and the method further comprises deactivating each of the one or more illumination elements and causing a second test image different from the first test image to be displayed on the display screen; acquiring one or more images of the display screen while the display screen is displaying the second test image The computer-implemented method according to claim 14, comprising. **Claim 18** The standard deviation is a standard deviation of luminance, and determining the standard deviation comprises for at least one pixel in the subset, determining a first luminance of the at least one pixel; determining a second luminance of one or more adjacent pixels; determining a difference between the first luminance and the second luminance; determining conditions of the display screen based at least in part on the difference The computer-implemented method according to claim 13, comprising. **Claim 19** The standard deviation is a standard deviation of color, and determining the standard deviation comprises for at least one pixel in the subset, determining a first color of the at least one pixel; determining a second color of one or more adjacent pixels; determining a difference between the first color and the second color; determining conditions of the display screen based at least in part on the difference The computer-implemented method according to claim 13, comprising. **Claim 20** The test image displayed by the display screen corresponds to an expected test image, the method further comprising comparing at least a first portion of the test image displayed by the display screen with at least a corresponding second portion of the expected test image, determining the proposed price comprises determining the proposed price based at least in part on the standard deviation and the comparison of the test image and the expected test image. The computer-implemented method according to claim 13, comprising. **Claim 21** The first portion of the test image includes the color of at least one of the plurality of pixels, the second portion of the expected test image includes the expected color for the at least one of the plurality of pixels, and comparing includes comparing the color to the expected color, the computer-implemented method of claim 20.

22. The first portion of the test image includes the luminance of at least one of the plurality of pixels, the second portion of the expected test image includes the expected luminance for the at least one of the plurality of pixels, and comparing includes comparing the luminance to the expected luminance, the computer-implemented method of claim 20.

23. The standard deviation and / or the proposed price are determined via one or more processors of the kiosk, the computer-implemented method of claim 13.

24. The standard deviation and / or the proposed price are determined via one or more processors of a remote computing device, the computer-implemented method of claim 13.

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