Methods and apparatus for recycling electronic devices

Abstract

To provide a kiosk that visually analyzes electronic devices and offers the owner compensation for recycling those electronic devices. [Solution] Disclosed herein is a recycling kiosk (100) for recycling and monetary compensation for the submission of electronic devices (150). The recycling kiosk (100) includes an inspection area (106). The inspection area (106) preferably comprises two mirror-finished dome-shaped hemispheres arranged around a transparent table and a camera for imaging electronic devices (15) placed on the table. The recycling kiosk (150) identifies the electronic devices (150) using visual analysis, determines the condition of the electronic devices (150), and determines whether the electronic devices (150) are genuine.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to recycling of electronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a kiosk for visually analyzing an electronic device and providing compensation for recycling the electronic device to an owner. [[Background Art]]

[0002] The number of electronic devices used by typical consumers has increased significantly. Examples of these devices include mobile phones, PDAs, mp3 players, GPS devices, cameras, pagers, remote controls, cordless phones, calculators, and the like. As a result of successive introductions of electronic devices with new technologies and new models, many consumers frequently upgrade or replace one or more recyclable devices. In many cases, instead of disposing of their previously used electronic devices, consumers often stop using the old electronic devices and start using new ones. Such a situation may occur across several generations of these types of devices.

[0003] In addition to the electronic devices mentioned above, there are many other types of devices that are replaced relatively frequently (for example, portable mobile electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, MP3 players) and non-portable electronic devices (e.g., computers, printers)). Besides electronic devices, there is also content-based digital media (e.g., games or entertainment storage items on CDs, DVDs, or cartridges (e.g., CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays)). Such items need to be handled in an environmentally friendly manner using either recycling or proper disposal procedures. Recycling or proper disposal of such devices would be beneficial for electronic device owners. Currently, there is little incentive for device owners to "do the right thing" with used devices. If owners simply stop using a device and store it away, the opportunity for recycling or reuse by another party is lost. If owners simply throw a device in the trash, proper recycling or disposal of the device is hindered.

[0004] One specific problem related to this phenomenon can be illustrated with the example of mobile phones. The number of mobile phone users worldwide exceeds 3.6 billion, and the annual growth rate is 10%. As new models incorporate new features and new standards are rolled out, mobile handsets are replaced approximately every 18 months. Furthermore, as an incentive for consumers to sign up for lucrative two-year service contracts, wireless carriers offer new phones at sub-cost or even for free, resulting in a growing pile of old mobile phones. Old mobile phones and other mobile devices (pagers, PDAs) now pose a threat to the environment. As of 2007, there were over 7.5 billion mobile phones waiting to be recycled in drawers or in waste flows in the United States. Moreover, more than 150 million mobile phones are added to the recycling queue each year. Once these devices enter waste flows, lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and other toxic substances can leak from them into water supply. In local governments, waste is often incinerated, resulting in the instantaneous release of these toxic substances into the air and their return to the Earth's rainwater. One problem that needs to be addressed is ensuring that the general public has easy access to recycling or reselling their mobile phones and other recyclable devices. Two reasons why mobile phones are not recycled or resold are the difficulty in accessing recycling or resale facilities, and security concerns regarding the information stored on the phones. Similar problems exist with many other electronic devices besides mobile phones. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Conventional technologies fail to recognize problems related to mobile phone recycling in a way that is attractive to consumers and financially rewarding for recyclers. Furthermore, conventional technologies do not provide an automated means for visually inspecting the LCD screen of a mobile phone to determine if it is damaged. Moreover, conventional technologies do not provide an automated means for determining whether an electronic device submitted for recycling and compensation is authentic. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to securely recycle, donate, trade in, and / or sell mobile phones in a publicly accessible location. In an embodiment of mobile phone recycling, the present invention is used when a mobile phone owner submits their mobile phone for recycling via a recycling kiosk and receives consideration in some way. The consideration may be distributed via cash, discount coupons, credit or debit cards, or other magnetic or electronic transaction methods.

[0007] In one embodiment, a kiosk located in a publicly accessible location is used in a method for collecting used electronic devices for recycling and repair / adjustment purposes. The kiosk displays one or more transaction options. The method further includes interaction between the user and the kiosk display options. The kiosk display options may include powering the electronic device, testing and optical scanning, erasing stored data in the electronic device, and the consumer's determination and acceptance of consideration for the value of the electronic device. The method may further include the consumer selecting a variety of consideration methods through interaction with the kiosk (e.g., distribution of cash or redeemable discount vouchers via coupons, or debit or credit entries on a credit card, electronic donation to a user-specified charity(s), or other electronic payment methods).

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a method for evaluating monetary compensation to an electronic device and a user for the submission of an electronic device. The method includes placing the electronic device within an inspection area of ​​a kiosk, which is equipped with light. The method further includes imaging the display screen of the electronic device in deactivation mode. Next, the method includes imaging the display screen of the electronic device in activation mode. The light is turned off, and an electronic device analysis image is generated. The method further includes imaging the display screen of the electronic device in activation mode. The light is turned on, and a first image of the electronic device is generated. Next, the method includes subtracting the first image of the electronic device from the electronic device analysis image to generate a subtraction image of the electronic device. The subtraction image is compared with the image of the electronic device in deactivation mode to determine if there are defects in the display screen of the electronic device and to define the analyzed electronic device. Finally, the method includes determining the value of the analyzed electronic device. The method may also include automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.

[0009] The kiosk of the method includes a housing. The housing includes a user interface on the outer surface of the housing for user input, and also includes an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper and lower domes include multiple mirrors. The kiosk further includes an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, and a transparent surface. The kiosk further includes a processor. The processor is located within the housing and communicates with at least one camera. The processor is configured to identify the brand and model number of an electronic device based on information from the user and at least one of images from the at least one camera. The processor is configured to determine the monetary value of the electronic device.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for analyzing the monetary compensation to an electronic device and its user for the presentation of an electronic device. The method comprises placing the electronic device within an inspection area of ​​a kiosk, the inspection area having a camera. The method further comprises imaging a portion of the electronic device, the portion including the periphery of the electronic device, thereby obtaining a periphery image. The method further comprises examining the periphery image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera placed within the inspection area to determine whether there is a defect in the display screen of the electronic device and to define the analyzed electronic device. Finally, the method comprises determining a value for the analyzed electronic device.

[0011] The kiosk of the method includes a housing, a user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for user information input, and an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper and lower domes include multiple mirrors. The kiosk further includes an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, and a transparent surface. The kiosk also includes a processor. The processor is located within the housing and communicates with at least one camera, and is configured to identify the brand and model number of an electronic device based on at least one of information from the user and images from at least one of the cameras. The processor is configured to determine the monetary value of the electronic device.

[0012] In this method, information from the surrounding image also includes the model name and location of the LED aperture. Furthermore, the processor is configured to automatically adjust to the rectangular shape of the surrounding image. The surrounding image includes a 360-degree image. Information from the surrounding image includes the location of the USB port, volume control buttons, camera button, and power on / off button. Information from the surrounding image also includes the location of the camera lens and the logo of the electronic device.

[0013] A further aspect of the present invention is a method for monetary compensation to a user for the analysis of an electronic device and for the submission of the electronic device. The method includes placing the electronic device within an inspection area of ​​a kiosk. The inspection area is equipped with light. The method further includes imaging the display screen of the electronic device with the light of the inspection area illuminating the display screen of the device. Next, the method includes imaging the display screen of the electronic device with the light of the inspection area turned off to generate an analysis image of the electronic device. Next, the method includes subtracting the analysis image of the electronic device from the first image of the electronic device to generate a composite image of the electronic device. The subtraction image is compared with a training image of the electronic device. If the electronic device is found to be fake by a photograph printed on cardboard under the glass on which the LCD is normally placed, then the electronic device does not contain any electronic components. When the light is off, there is no light coming from the screen. The method assumes the electronic device is fake by performing some processing on the first image and detecting that the first image has multiple colors and color changes on the display screen area but there is no light emission from the first image. The method also explicitly trains the counterfeit display electronic device, since counterfeit display electronic devices typically have the same image within the LCD area. Finally, the method includes determining the value of the analyzed electronic device. The method may also include automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device.

[0014] This method also determines crack detection on the display screen. Crack detection relates to detecting whether there are multiple color changes in an electronic device. If the method determines that the actual cracks in the glass are confused with the photograph of the underside of the glass and therefore the actual cracks cannot be obtained in the image, it assists in distinguishing one crack from others using some kind of color entropy metric (multiple different colors do not originate from cracks in glass).

[0015] A further aspect of the present invention is a method for determining the authenticity of an electronic device by analysis of the electronic device and, if the electronic device is authentic, providing a monetary reward to a user for submitting the electronic device. The method includes placing the electronic device within an inspection area of ​​a kiosk, the inspection area being illuminated. The method also includes imaging the electronic device. The light in the inspection area is turned on to generate a first image. The method also includes imaging the electronic device. When the light in the inspection area is turned off, a second image of the electronic device is generated. The method also includes generating a composite image of the electronic device from the first and second images. The composite image is generated to resemble an image of the electronic device when the display screen is off. The method also includes determining the authenticity of an electronic device by comparing the composite image with training images of a plurality of electronic devices. The training images include display screens used by fraudulent electronic devices.

[0016] The method may further include detecting cracks within the display screen. Color entropy metric may also be used in the method.

[0017] A further aspect of the present invention is a dome-shaped device. The dome-shaped device includes an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper and lower domes include a plurality of walls. The plurality of walls are made up of mirrors. The dome-shaped device further includes a transparent surface and at least one camera. The camera can obtain a 360-degree view of an electronic device placed inside the dome-shaped device. The upper dome preferably includes an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably includes a lower chamber camera. Preferably, an image of a device placed on the transparent surface can be obtained by a combination of the upper and lower dome cameras and the plurality of mirrors. Preferably, a 360-degree view of an electronic device placed on the transparent surface can be obtained by a combination of the upper and lower dome cameras and the plurality of mirrors. The upper and lower dome cameras are each movable. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A method for analyzing monetary compensation for the electronic device and the user in relation to the submission of the electronic device, The electronic device is placed within the inspection area of ​​the kiosk, and the inspection area has a light source. The process involves imaging the aforementioned electronic device to generate a first image, wherein the light source in the inspection area is turned on. The process involves imaging the electronic device and generating an analysis image of the electronic device, wherein the light in the inspection area is turned off. The analysis image of the electronic device is subtracted from the first image of the electronic device to generate a composite image of the electronic device, The synthesized image of the electronic device is compared with multiple training images of the electronic device to identify the electronic device, determine whether the electronic device has defects, and define the analyzed electronic device. To determine the values ​​of the analyzed electronic devices, Methods that include... (Item 2) The method according to item 1, further comprising automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the analyzed electronic device. (Item 3) The method according to item 1, further comprising multiplying the analyzed image by a multiplier to take into account any brightness changes on the screen. (Item 4) A method for analyzing monetary compensation for the electronic device and the user in relation to the submission of the electronic device, The process involves imaging a portion of an electronic device, wherein the portion includes the display screen of the electronic device, and the imaging process yields a partial image. The process involves imaging a portion of the electronic device, wherein the portion includes the display screen of the electronic device, and when the environment is illuminated, an illuminated image is obtained. inspecting the partial images of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera arranged within an inspection area to determine dimensions of the electronic device; inspecting the lit image of the electronic device to determine whether there is any defect in a screen area of the electronic device, and defining the analyzed electronic device; determining a value of the analyzed electronic device; A method comprising: (Item 5) The kiosk comprises: a housing; a user interface provided on an outer surface of the housing for inputting information by the user; an upper chamber and a lower chamber; further comprising wherein the upper chamber comprises a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, a transparent surface and a processor, the processor is provided in the housing and communicates with the at least one camera, the processor is configured to identify a brand and a model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the image from the at least one camera, and the processor is configured to determine a monetary value of the electronic device. The method according to any one of Items 1 to 4. (Item 6) The method according to Item 4, wherein the information from the partial image includes a position of a camera lens of the electronic device. (Item 7) The method according to Item 4, wherein the electronic device includes one of a mobile phone, a tablet computer or an e-reader. (Item 8) A method for analyzing monetary compensation for the electronic device and a user with respect to submission of the electronic device, comprising: placing an electronic device within an inspection area of a kiosk, wherein the inspection area includes a camera; and The electronic device is imaged to generate a contour image of the electronic device, To generate multiple parameters of the electronic device based on the contour image, The electronic device is identified by comparing the multiple parameters of the contour image with multiple training images of the electronic device. Methods that include... (Item 9) The method according to item 8, wherein the aforementioned multiple parameters include the dimensions of the electronic device. (Item 10) The method according to item 8, wherein generating a plurality of parameters for the electronic device includes determining the size of the side portion of the electronic device. (Item 11) The method according to item 8, further comprising generating at least one illuminated image of the electronic device to determine the texture of the electronic device. (Item 12) The method according to item 8, further comprising determining the value of the aforementioned electronic device. (Item 13) The aforementioned kiosk is Housing and A user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for the user to input information, Upper chamber and lower chamber, It further includes, The upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a transparent surface, and a processor, the processor being located within the housing and communicating with at least one camera. The method described in item 8. (Item 14) The method according to item 13, wherein the processor is configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the images from the at least one camera, and the processor is configured to determine the monetary value of the electronic device. (Item 15) A method for analyzing monetary compensation for the electronic device and the user in relation to the submission of the electronic device, The aforementioned electronic device is placed within the inspection area, The electronic device is imaged in a first predetermined lighting environment to generate a first image, The electronic device is imaged in a second predetermined lighting environment to generate a second image, The process involves generating a composite image of the electronic device from the first image and the second image, wherein the composite image is generated to resemble the image of the electronic device as it would appear when the display screen is off. The synthesized image is compared with training images of multiple electronic devices to determine the identification of the electronic device. Methods that include... (Item 16) The method according to item 15, wherein the electronic device includes one of a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or an e-reader. (Item 17) A method for analyzing an electronic device to determine its authenticity, and providing monetary compensation to a user for submitting the electronic device if it is found to be authentic, The electronic device is placed within the inspection area of ​​the kiosk, and the inspection area is equipped with light. The process involves imaging the aforementioned electronic device, which includes turning on the light in the inspection area to generate a first image. The process involves imaging the electronic device, turning off the light in the inspection area, and generating an analytical image of the electronic device. To determine that the display screen of an electronic device contains multiple colors but does not emit light, Determining that the aforementioned electronic device is not genuine, Methods that include... (Item 18) The aforementioned kiosk is Housing and A user interface provided on the outer surface of the housing for the user to input information, Upper chamber and lower chamber, It further includes, The upper chamber includes a plurality of mirrors, an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera, a transparent surface, and a processor, the processor being located within the housing and communicating with the at least one camera, the processor being configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the images from the at least one camera, and the processor being configured to determine the monetary value of the electronic device. The method described in item 17. (Item 19) The method of item 17, further comprising using color entropy metricing. (Item 20) The method according to item 17, further comprising detecting a crack in the display screen. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a recycling kiosk. [Figure 1A] Figure 1 is a front view of the recycling kiosk. [Figure 1B] Figure 1 is a partial view of the front of the recycling kiosk. [Figure 1C] Figure 1 is a partial view of the front of the recycling kiosk. [Figure 2] This is a partial view of an electrical connector wheel. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the internal components of the kiosk. [Figure 3A] This is a perspective view of the internal components of the kiosk. [Figure 3B] This is a perspective view of the internal components of the kiosk. [Figure 3C] This is a perspective view of the internal components of the kiosk. [Figure 4] This is a partial view of the telephone section of a kiosk inspection plate. [Figure 4A] This is a partial diagram showing how a telephone is moved into a kiosk. [Figure 4B] This is a partial diagram showing how a telephone is moved into a kiosk. [Figure 4C] This is a partial diagram showing how telephones are binned inside a kiosk. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of the components of a recycling kiosk. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of the components of a recycling kiosk. [Figure 7] This is a partial diagram of the inspection area of ​​the kiosk. [Figure 8] This is a partial view of the camera inside the kiosk dome. [Figure 9] This is a partial view of the telephone within the inspection area of ​​a kiosk. [Figure 10] This is an image of a mobile phone with its light on. [Figure 11] This is an image of a cell phone with its lights off. [Figure 12] These are images showing the subtraction results for phones with the lights on and phones with the lights off. [Figure 13] This is an image of a training screen on a mobile phone with the screen turned off. [Figure 14] The graph above shows the intensity profile and demonstrates consistency (the spike line at 211 is a text area and does not exist in the training image). [Figure 15] The image shows a picture of a fraudulent mobile phone in its illuminated state (when the light in the inspection area is on), printed on cardboard and placed on the underside of the display screen glass instead of the LCD. [Figure 16] The image shows a non-lit, unlit mobile phone (with the light in the inspection area turned off), displaying nothing. [Figure 17] This is an image of a genuine mobile phone with a crack in the display screen. [Figure 18]This is a flowchart showing how to recycle electronic devices. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart showing how to recycle electronic devices. [Figure 20] This is a flowchart showing how to recycle electronic devices. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, an automated analysis of an electronic device can be performed to determine if the device is damaged and to determine its value if recycled. The automated analysis is preferably performed using a kiosk or a recycling machine. The kiosk has an inspection area including an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Preferably, each chamber has a camera. The kiosk also has a transparent plate between the inspection areas, which allows visibility of the underside of the electronic device placed on the transparent plate. Each chamber preferably has multiple mirrors that provide multiple views of the electronic device within the inspection area. These mirrors allow for obtaining a multidimensional view of the electronic device placed on the transparent plate. Preferably, these mirrors allow for obtaining a 360-degree view of the electronic device placed on a rotatable transparent plate. Preferably, these mirrors allow for obtaining the height, width, and / or length of the electronic device.

[0020] Mobile phones are preferably divided into the following three basic shapes: 1) a flip phone or clamshell type (e.g., MOTOROLA RAZR), 2) a slider phone that exposes the keyboard or screen (e.g., MOTOROLA DROID), and 3) a stick-shaped phone (e.g., Apple iPhone or Research in Motion BLACKBERRY). The present invention is also used in conjunction with a network of kiosks in public spaces. These kiosks perform a combination of recycling steps. The combination of recycling steps includes receiving, identifying, visually inspecting, electrically testing, electrically erasing, quality grading, containerizing (bagging), labeling, and inventorying recyclable electronic devices. Each kiosk determines some form of consideration for the device owner. This consideration preferably takes the form of a direct payment, a credit entry on an account, a donation to charity, a discount coupon to be used for future purchases, or some similar form of consideration. The device owner has the option of accepting the offered consideration or refusing the deal and retrieving the device.

[0021] In the following description, a mobile phone is given as an example. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that this system can be run with any number of other devices having an LCD screen without deviating from the intent and scope of this system.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C, a kiosk for recycling electronic devices and providing monetary compensation is primarily indicated by reference numeral 100. The electronic devices may include smartphones, tablet computers, iPod® devices, MP3 players, GPS devices, e-readers, etc. The kiosk 100 has a pseudo-cuboidal housing 105. The kiosk 100 is preferably a vending machine of typical size and shape (e.g., a soda machine, coin changer, can recycling machine, or other vending machine). A header 103 enables marketing and video. An access door 130 in the front body area 131 allows access to the electronic device inspection area 106. A display screen 115 is provided at the front of the housing 105. The display screen 115 provides information to the user and functions as a user interface in a touchscreen embodiment. Preferably, a label printer 125, a discount coupon distributor 126, a receipt printer 127, and a cash or card distributor 128 may also be provided on the exterior of the housing 105. A thumbprint reader may also be provided on the exterior housing.

[0023] The kiosk 100 enables automated visual analysis of electronic devices, allowing for the identification of electronic devices and the determination of whether they are damaged in order to determine their recycling value. Furthermore, the kiosk 100 also enables electrical analysis of electronic devices. As shown in Figure 2, the kiosk 100 includes a rotary conveyor 500 containing multiple electrical connectors 505a to 505y. Each electrical connector 505 has a unique connection plug for a removable connection to an electronic device. Each electrical connector 505a to 505y has a cartridge that is removablely fixed within the rotary conveyor 500. Thus, a new electrical connector 505 can be replaced with an old electrical connector 505. Furthermore, the kiosk 100 is designed to allow for automated removal of the electrical connectors 505 using a removal mechanism 511.

[0024] As shown in Figures 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C, the internal mechanism 101 of the kiosk 100 includes an upper chamber 520, a lower chamber 530, a binning plate 540, a transparent plate 545, a door 550, a small container 555, and a rotary conveyor 500. Preferably, the rotary conveyor 500 can hold about 25 electrical connectors 505. The electrical connectors 505 are interchangeable so that they can easily adapt to changes in USB and other similar connections. As shown in Figure 3B, a mobile phone 150 is placed on the transparent plate 545 and moved to the inspection area 106 in the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530. Both the upper and lower chambers preferably have a bell shape. As shown in Figure 3C, the mobile phone is moved between the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 to perform a visual analysis. The transparent plate is preferably made of glass made of a transparent plastic material, so that the imaging components in the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 can obtain multiple view images of the mobile phone 150. Preferably, a 3D profile of the mobile phone is generated to perform a visual analysis of the mobile phone's identification and state. After the visual analysis is complete, the transparent plate 545 moves out from between the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530.

[0025] Figures 4, 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate the automatic movement and binning of the electronic device 150 within the internal mechanism 101 of the kiosk 100. As shown in Figure 4, after lowering the door 550 and placing it on the transparent plate 545, the door 550 is moved with the mobile phone 150 resting on the door 550. As shown in Figure 4A, as the transparent plate 545 moves inward, the mobile phone is blocked by the door 550 and engages with the binning plate 540 as it begins to fall into the opening created by the inward movement of the transparent plate 545. As shown in Figure 4B, once the mobile phone is placed on the binning plate 540, the binning plate 540 slowly descends upward to one side, opening into the small container 555. As shown in Figure 4C, the mobile phone 150 slowly falls into the small container 555 through the opening 556, where it is secured and subsequently collected. This entire process is carried out at a speed that avoids damage to the electronic device being recycled.

[0026] The kiosk 100 is of a typical size and shape for a vending machine (e.g., a soda machine, coin changer, can recycling machine, or other vending machine). The housing 105 of the kiosk 100 protects the internal mechanism 101 and secures the electronic device submitted for recycling. The housing 105 is preferably made of a metal material (e.g., steel or aluminum) to avoid authentication access to the kiosk 100.

[0027] The inspection area 106 is preferably designed to allow detailed visual inspection of electronic devices (e.g., tablet computers, e-readers, MP3 players, PDAs). The size of the inspection area 106 is preferably 30 centimeters ("cm") in length, 30 cm in width, and 20 cm in height. The walls of the inspection area are preferably white and / or mirror-finished, which allows for imaging of the electronic devices.

[0028] Connection from the kiosk 100 and connection to a remote computer are preferably a single connection to a communication network (e.g., the Internet) via a wired LAN, wireless LAN, cellular, or any other private communication system. The kiosk 100 preferably includes a processor 160. The processor 160 processes information obtained from the mobile phone and controls the components of the kiosk 100. Preferably, the processor 160 is a standard personal computer ("PC") or another type of embedded computer running any operating system (e.g., Linux® or MACOS). The processor 160 is most preferably a small form factor PC with an integrated hard disk drive ("HDD"), a central processing unit ("CPU"), and a Universal Serial Bus ("USB") port for communicating with other components of the kiosk 100. One most preferred CPU is the DELL PC OPTIPLEX 780. Alternatively, the processing means is a microprocessor comprising a standalone motherboard that interfaces with a separate HDD, power supply, and other components of the kiosk 100. The kiosk 100 preferably includes memory 161 or other storage devices (e.g., disk drives) for storing executable applications, test software, databases, and other software necessary for the operation of the recycling kiosk 100.

[0029] The external communication component for the kiosk 100 preferably includes wired Ethernet® for providing internet connectivity, or the external communication component includes a wireless modem (e.g., GSM®, CDMA, 3G, and 4G technologies for data communication).

[0030] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, visual inspection of an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone 150) in the inspection area 106 is preferably performed by at least one camera 610 in the upper chamber 520. The lower chamber 530 also preferably has at least one camera or other imaging component (e.g., a scanner). Alternatively, the visual inspection is performed by multiple cameras. A preferred camera 610 is a 1-megapixel machine vision camera. When a single camera 610 is used in the inspection area 106, the camera 610 is preferably movable, thereby increasing the field of view of the inspection area 106 when inspecting the electronic device 150 (e.g., a mobile phone placed on a transparent plate 545). Camera 161 is preferably movable. Preferably, the camera 610 is positioned to image the LCD screen 153 of the electronic device 150 to determine if the LCD screen 153 is damaged. The inner surfaces of the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530 preferably include mirrors 615 to optimize the visibility of electronic devices placed within the inspection area 106. As shown in Figure 9, the reflection 150' of the mobile phone 150 is illustrated. A camera 610 is also preferably movable to image the data port of the electronic device and determine the type of electrical connector 505 of the electronic device for performing electrical analysis of the electronic device. Alternatively, the imaging of the electronic device is optimized by mirroring the entire inner surface of the upper chamber 520 and the lower chamber 530. Alternatively, the camera(s) may be CCD or CMOSS.

[0031] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the main components of kiosk 100. The processor 160 preferably communicates with other components of kiosk 100. The memory 161 preferably includes a database of information on multiple mobile phones (e.g., images, physical characteristics, price, and other similar information). External communication 167 preferably communicates with a network via wireless connection or Ethernet® to send and receive information with remote parts. The power supply 170 is preferably received via a plug-in connection to a wall outlet. Mechanical components 165 include an electrical connector rotary conveyor 500, a transparent plate 545, a binning plate 540, a door 550, and other similar components. The camera 610 (one or more), electrical connectors, and user interface interact with the processor 160 as described above. Figure 5 shows the internal rear of the recycling kiosk 100. As shown in the figure, the processor 160 is preferably a personal computer and has a spare battery 170a, a wireless connection 167 for external communication, an electrical connection 140, a receipt dispenser 104, and a display screen 115.

[0032] The processor 160 identifies the electronic device 150 submitted for recycling using information from visual inspection and the user interface. The processor 160 also uses information obtained during the visual inspection or from the user interface to determine the appropriate electrical connector 505 for connecting to the data port of the electronic device 150. The processor 160 also directs and receives information from the electrical analysis of the electronic device 150 performed using the electrical connector 505 connected to the data port of the electronic device 150. Preferably, the processor also determines the monetary value of the submitted electronic device 150 based on the visual inspection, optionally the electrical analysis, and data stored in the kiosk's memory 161 or information obtained externally through an external communication component 167.

[0033] A flowchart of a preferred recycling method is shown in Figure 19. In step 301, the consumer chooses whether to sell or recycle the electronic device. The consumer checks the list on the kiosk screen to see if the electronic device is sellable / repairable. The consumer activates the on-screen menu system and either directly enters the phone model or browses a series of menus to determine whether the electronic device is sellable or recyclable only. In decision block 302, the consumer determines that the electronic device is recyclable only. If the electronic device is recyclable only (i.e., it is not listed on the list of resalable electronic devices), the consumer can insert the electronic device into the receptacle in step 303, after which the electronic device falls into the small container 112 for recycling.

[0034] If the electronic device is repairable / resaleable, the consumer is encouraged to proceed with the system's test / evaluation operation. In step 304, the system determines the correct connector for connecting to the electronic device. Connectivity options are not limited to cables, standard or proprietary connectors, hard docks, removable or external physical memory for reading, or other wireless methods (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC). In step 305, the electronic device is connected to and inserted into the test area 106. If this is done correctly, the consumer is given some notification (e.g., a green light), and the system proceeds to step 306. In step 306, the electronic device is tested using diagnostics, for example, operating via an OMSI interface. Diagnostics preferably include electrical and physical tests (e.g., testing the electronic device's battery, screen, memory, button functionality, and structural integrity).

[0035] Preferably, the electronic device is imaged, and analysis software is used to identify scratches, cracks, wear patterns, dents, damage or missing parts, and functional features (e.g., lenses, buttons, connectors, badges, labels, and / or brands). Identification may be performed by image comparison methods or other similar methods, normalizing the captured image of the electronic device and comparing it to a reference image. Other inspection methods may be used in conjunction with visual and / or electrical testing (e.g., weighting), which determines a specific weight, and this data is used to further improve the accuracy of manufacturer matching and correct device model matching. In another embodiment, photographic images are used to identify the correct manufacturer and model number / product number. Visual identification may include any combination of the following: calculations based on measurements, physical (e.g., mm, inches), pixel count, etc. Identification is based on the dimensions of the electronic device, button location / size, LCD, and other physical characteristics. Height, width, and depth can be determined as needed using one or more cameras. Identification is based on OCR (Optical Character Recognition) of identifiers (e.g., carrier, brand, model, serial number, and other identifiers for (telephones and tablet computers)). Identification is based on barcodes. Consumers may be instructed to orient the CE onto the front, rear, and side, and then to change the orientation as needed. Furthermore, consumers may be instructed to remove the CE cover(s), battery, etc., to gain access to identifiable items (e.g., alphanumeric or barcode data). Kiosk 100 provides a method for identifying devices, determining their value, and reducing the likelihood of fraud by using visual inspection in conjunction with electrical inspection.

[0036] In one embodiment, the kiosk 100 communicates with the telecommunications carrier associated with the mobile phone to collect all information that may be closely related to the device (e.g., validity or authenticity, registered ownership, account status, service period). In some cases, if the consumer's specific information does not match the registered owner information, the kiosk 100 automatically contacts the assumed owner in some way (automated phone call, email, text message) to warn the owner of the phone about the possibility of a transaction.

[0037] Another function of the kiosk 100 embodiment is the ability to determine whether personal information is present on the electronic device. This is determined by checking for the presence of data in a specific memory register in memory (e.g., quick key save number), checking the file type (e.g., jpeg, mp3), or simply assuming that personal data is contained in all non-default storage locations. The consumer is given the opportunity to erase the data from the phone. One option is for the consumer to first download the data and then send it to a location specified by the consumer (e.g., email address, website). In another embodiment, a slot is provided for the consumer to insert a memory card (e.g., USB drive, memory stick). When a memory card is inserted through this slot, the kiosk 100 uploads the data to the memory device. In yet another embodiment, the kiosk 100 provides a web location from which the user can retrieve the data later when desired. In another embodiment, the user chooses to save the data on another electronic device purchased at the kiosk 100, or save it at the location of the kiosk 100 or some other storage location. The consumer preferably selects a username and password to access the storage location provided by the system.

[0038] After determining the value, this value is provided to the kiosk in step 307. The kiosk 100 then provides the consumer with the price or other consideration for the telephone. This price or other consideration is typically lower than the resale price. In step 311, the kiosk 100 completes any further testing and diagnostics of the electronic device, disconnects the cable from the electronic device, and prints a receipt for the consumer. The transfer of funds may be authenticated by the kiosk 100 by crediting the consumer's credit card, distributing a cash account, or distributing a discount voucher or coupon. In step 312, the kiosk 100 updates its inventory database and sends the updated information to the kiosk server via the communication network.

[0039] One preferred method of the present invention is shown in the flowchart of Figure 18. Method 1000 begins in block 1001. A mobile phone 150 is placed in the inspection area 106 of a kiosk 100. The inspection area has light. The electronic device is imaged in deactivation mode. In block 1002, the display screen of the electronic device is imaged. The electronic device is in activation mode, and when the light in the inspection area 106 is turned off, an analysis image of the electronic device is obtained. In block 1003, the display screen of the electronic device 150 is imaged again, but the light in the inspection area 106 is turned on, and a first image of the electronic device is obtained. The mobile phone 150 must have its camera function set to camera mode. In block 1004, the first image of the electronic device is subtracted from the analysis image to generate a subtraction image of the electronic device. In block 1005, the subtraction image is compared with the image of the electronic device in deactivation mode to determine if there is a defect in the display screen of the electronic device, and the analyzed electronic device is defined. In block 1006, the value of the mobile phone is determined as described in more detail below.

[0040] Preferably, the kiosk 100 of the method includes a housing 105. The housing 105 includes a user interface on the outer surface of the housing for user information input and also includes an upper dome and a lower dome. The upper dome and the lower dome include a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk 100 further includes an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera and a transparent surface. The kiosk 100 further includes a processor 160. The processor 160 is located inside the housing and communicates with at least one camera. The processor 160 is configured to identify the brand and model number of an electronic device based on information from the user and at least one of images from the at least one camera. The processor 160 is configured to determine the monetary value of the electronic device.

[0041] The upper and lower domes preferably include walls made of mirrors. The dome-shaped device further includes a transparent surface and at least one camera. The camera can obtain multiple views of an electronic device placed inside the dome-shaped device. The upper dome preferably includes an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably includes a lower chamber camera. Preferably, a combination of the upper and lower dome cameras, each with multiple mirrors, can position images of the device onto the transparent surface. Preferably, a combination of the upper and lower dome cameras, each with multiple mirrors, can position 360-degree electronic devices onto the transparent surface. Preferably, the upper and lower dome cameras are each movable.

[0042] Another method of the present invention is shown in the flowchart of Figure 20. When method 2000 starts from block 2001, an electronic device is placed within the inspection area of ​​kiosk 100. The inspection area 106 has a camera. In block 2002, a portion of the electronic device is imaged, including the periphery of the electronic device, and as a result, a peripheral image is obtained. In block 2003, the peripheral image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera placed within the inspection area is inspected. In block 2004, it is determined whether there is a defect in the display screen of the electronic device and the analyzed electronic device is defined. In block 2005, the values ​​of the analyzed electronic device are determined.

[0043] Information from the peripheral image preferably includes the model name and location of the LED aperture. Furthermore, the processor 160 is configured to automatically adjust the peripheral edges to a rectangular shape to compensate for screen damage that causes image distortion due to the loss of specific parts of the screen. The peripheral image includes a 360-degree image. Information from the peripheral image includes the location of the USB port, volume control buttons, camera button, and power on / off button. Information from the peripheral image also includes the location of the camera lens and the logo of the electronic device.

[0044] Preferably, visual inspection and recognition software is used by the kiosk 100 for the analysis of the mobile phone 150. In one preferred method, a recognition algorithm is applied to a mobile phone 150 of a specific type and model. The visual inspection and recognition software determines the boundaries of the mobile phone 150 being inspected and determines the external dimensions of the mobile phone 150. Using the external dimensions, some of the possible mobile phones are determined from a master database of mobile phones stored in the memory 161 of the kiosk 100 or from a master database of mobile phones available online to the kiosk 100 using external communication. The visual inspection and recognition software then preferably uses a set of second and third features to further distinguish the mobile phone 150. These second and third features may include the arrangement and size of the display screen, the arrangement and size of the keyboard, unique buttons, the arrangement of ports, and other distinguishing features. After determining the correct type and model of the mobile phone, the visual inspection and recognition software subtracts an image of the mobile phone 150 from an image of a complete mobile phone of the same type and model. The subtraction results are preferably a quantifiable number of pixels and are inspected for categories of damaged or missing parts, screen cracks, and low, medium, or high levels of wear.

[0045] Alternatively, a visual inspection is performed using neural network pattern recognition technology to identify the mobile phone 150. Then, a filtering algorithm is used to determine defects (e.g., screen cracks). Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that other visual inspection techniques can be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention.

[0046] Furthermore, the visual inspection optionally includes obtaining a thermal signature for the mobile phone 150. One preferred method for obtaining a thermal signature of the mobile phone 150 is to rasterize a laser on the mobile phone to characterize the decay thermal profile of the submitted mobile phone 150. This decay thermal profile is then compared with the decay thermal profile of a complete sample of the same mobile phone 150. The decay thermal profile indicates wear on the outer surface of the mobile phone 150. This wear is used to calculate the monetary value of the mobile phone 150.

[0047] A further method of the present invention includes placing an electronic device within an inspection area of ​​a recycling kiosk 100, supplying power to the electronic device, and displaying a known image on the LCD screen of the electronic device. The known image on the LCD screen of the electronic device is compared with a stored copy of the known image stored on the recycling kiosk to determine defects in the LCD screen of the electronic device and define the analyzed electronic device. The method further includes determining a value for the analyzed electronic device.

[0048] In one embodiment of this method, the known image is a startup image for a telecommunications carrier of an electronic device. In another embodiment, the known image is an image of a national park. This method may further include performing an electrical analysis of the electronic device.

[0049] The method preferably involves imaging the electronic device once it is placed in the kiosk, regardless of its state. The method then compares the image with a training database of all different types of electronic devices that have been trained in the past (preferably with all training images in an off state).

[0050] Preferably, the method images the portion of the electronic device that extends beyond the display screen. In other words, preferably, the method images the entire electronic device (for example, a keyboard on a BlackBerry that is lit up).

[0051] The method preferably involves subtracting the analysis image from the first image. The method also preferably involves multiplying the analysis image by a multiplier to account for changes in screen brightness. For example, if the screen brightness did not change between the two images, the multiplier is 1. If the screen brightness at the time of analysis was half the brightness of the "first image" at the time of analysis, the analysis image is multiplied by 2. This process aligns the brightness and improves subtraction (essentially, a brightness compensation factor exists to account for screens with automatic brightness changes when the kiosk's dome light is turned on / off). This image is a "composite" image because it is partially combined through subtraction. The term "subtracted image" is used synonymously with "composite image."

[0052] Preferably, the method involves first identifying the electronic device by comparing the subtracted image with all different training images of the electronic device, and then analyzing defects after the electronic device has been identified. However, the main purpose of subtraction is to generate an image of the appearance of the electronic device when the screen is off, because it is preferable to first identify the electronic device by comparing such an image with the training image of the electronic device when the screen is off. After the electronic device has been identified (or after the expected appearance has been identified, if it may be a set of 5 or 10 similar electronic devices), defects are then analyzed.

[0053] Preferably, images of electronic devices in the kiosk are generated and compared with training data to identify the electronic devices and determine the state of all their features.

[0054] In another embodiment, the process involves the following two steps: 1) obtaining a contour image to determine the position and size of the electronic device within the kiosk (e.g., side view, size of the side of the electronic device); and 2) obtaining a fully illuminated image and "mapping the texture" of the electronic device onto the contour image to determine not only the contour but also the actual appearance of the electronic device when it is surrounded by light.

[0055] In one embodiment, the mirror is a small portion of the chamber wall. Most of the wall is preferably white plastic / painted to diffuse the light for even illumination and minimizing specular reflection.

[0056] In a suitable kiosk, five of the six faces of an electronic device are illustrated. The upper camera captures the front and three sides (left, top, and right) of the electronic device, while the lower camera captures the back of the electronic device. Because there are three mirrors instead of four, the upper bottom part of the electronic device (where the cable connector is located in the case of an iPhone) cannot be seen. Therefore, the combination of both cameras captures five of the six sides, and the upper camera captures only four of the six sides. The position, size, shape, and color of all buttons are imaged regardless of their function. For example, an iPhone 4S mobile phone has the same appearance as a Verizon iPhone 4 mobile phone (except that the SIM card slot is located on the side). Therefore, kiosk 100 uses the presence of the SIM card slot to determine that the electronic device is an iPhone 4S mobile phone and not a Verizon iPhone 4 mobile phone.

[0057] Preferably, the present invention extracts features from training images and stores these features in a database along with other information (e.g., type and model of electronic devices, screen area / location, and other data).

[0058] "Peripheral images" are preferably not used to detect defects within the screen. This invention helps identify a device by analyzing the contour (region) of the image. This is because the contour provides the dimensions of the phone, which helps narrow down the devices to be compared in the training database (comparing only to other phones of similar size is not meaningful, as comparing with all small phones is not meaningful).

[0059] Figure 10 is an image of the mobile phone 150 with the light on. The mobile phone's display screen 153 is visible. Touchscreen buttons 153a to 153c are visible. Physical buttons 156, 157, and 159 are visible around the phone 150. Figure 11 is an image of the phone from Figure 10 with the light off. The display screen 153 is barely visible. Figure 12 is the subtraction result obtained by subtracting the image of the phone 150 with the light off from the image of the phone 150 with the light on. Figure 13 is an image of the phone with the display screen 153 off. Figure 14 shows the line intensity profile of the image in Figure 13 (solid line 1401) and the image of the phone 150 in Figure 12 (dashed line 1402). The spike at time 211 indicates the text area in Figure 12.

[0060] Another aspect of the present invention is the detection of counterfeit electronic devices. As shown in Figure 15, the image of a counterfeit mobile phone 150 in its illuminated state (when the light in the inspection area is turned on) shows a photograph printed on cardboard and placed below the display screen glass 153, rather than on the LCD. This image has numerous and color variations on the screen area. However, there is no light emission from the mobile phone. When the light in the inspection area is turned off, the display screen of the mobile phone 150 displays nothing, as shown in Figure 16. Therefore, the kiosk 150 of the present invention can automatically detect non-genuine (counterfeit) electronic devices. Furthermore, images of counterfeit phones are stored in a database for training purposes, as such images are often used multiple times. Also, counterfeit phones do not contain electronic components in their housing. Therefore, since the mass of a counterfeit phone differs from that of a genuine phone, if the kiosk 100 is equipped with a weighing scale, another means of detecting counterfeit phones becomes possible.

[0061] Another aspect of the present invention is the detection of cracks in a telephone screen. As shown in Figure 17, the image of a genuine mobile phone 150 has cracks in the display screen 153. The present invention can distinguish between actual cracks in the display screen glass and an image containing multiple color changes by performing color entropy metering, because multiple different colors do not originate from cracks in glass.

Claims

[Claim 1] The invention described herein.

Images