Kiosk for evaluating and purchasing electronic devices and associated methods of manufacture and use

Abstract

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems and methods for evaluating devices and presenting price quotes to users. In some embodiments, a kiosk can receive information from and / or about the device and provide an initial offer. If the user rejects the initial offer, the kiosk can inform the user of a potential higher offer based on further evaluation / testing of the device. If the user decides to proceed with further evaluation / testing, the kiosk can provide instructions to run a software application on the device to perform one or more tests on the device and / or enable the user to perform further tests.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 484,972, filed February 14, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed to kiosks and associated apparatus, systems, and methods for evaluating and / or purchasing mobile phones and other electronic devices from users. [Background technology]

[0003] There are more mobile phones and other electronic devices (e.g., laptop computers, notebooks, tablets, PDAs, MP3 players, wearable smart devices, etc.) in use today than there are people on the planet. The rapid growth of electronic devices is due, in part, to the rapid pace at which they evolve. Due to the rapid pace of development, a relatively high percentage of electronic devices are replaced each year as consumers continually upgrade and acquire the latest features or better operating plans. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the United States alone discards as many as 370 million mobile phones, PDAs, tablets, and other electronic devices each year. Millions of other outdated or broken mobile phones and other electronic devices are simply tossed in junk drawers or otherwise stored until a suitable disposal solution arises.

[0004] Although many electronic device retailers and mobile phone stores now offer trade-in or buy-back programs, many old devices still end up in landfills or are improperly broken down and disposed of in developing countries. Unfortunately, mobile phones and similar devices typically contain substances that can be harmful to the environment, such as arsenic, lithium, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc. If not properly disposed of, these toxic materials can seep from the landfills where they are broken down into groundwater and contaminate the soil, with potentially harmful consequences for humans and the environment.

[0005] As an alternative to retailer trade-in or buy-back programs, consumers can recycle and / or sell their used mobile phones using self-service kiosks located in shopping malls, retail stores, or other publicly accessible areas. Such kiosks are operated by ecoATM, LLC, the assignee of the present application, and embodiments of these kiosks are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,463,646, 8,423,404, 8,239,262, 8,200,533, 8,195,511, and 7,881,965, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006] There is a continuing need to improve the means available to consumers to recycle or resell their mobile phones and other electronic devices. Simplifying the recycling / resale process, improving the consumer experience, and preventing fraud can encourage consumers to dispose of their old electronic devices in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a consumer-operated kiosk for purchasing mobile electronic devices from a user, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0008] [Figure 2A]2A-2C are a series of enlarged isometric views illustrating the structure and features associated with the inspection area of ​​the kiosk of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2B] 2A-2C are a series of enlarged isometric views illustrating the structure and features associated with the inspection area of ​​the kiosk of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2C] 2A-2C are a series of enlarged isometric views illustrating the structure and features associated with the inspection area of ​​the kiosk of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0009] [Figure 3A] 3A-3C are right front, left front, and left rear isometric views, respectively, of the inspection area of ​​FIGS. 2A-2C with the housing and other external structure removed to better illustrate the internal components associated with the inspection area, and FIG. 3D is a front view of an inspection area light mount configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 3B] 3A-3C are right front, left front, and left rear isometric views, respectively, of the inspection area of ​​FIGS. 2A-2C with the housing and other external structure removed to better illustrate the internal components associated with the inspection area, and FIG. 3D is a front view of an inspection area light mount configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 3C] 3A-3C are right front, left front, and left rear isometric views, respectively, of the inspection area of ​​FIGS. 2A-2C with the housing and other external structure removed to better illustrate the internal components associated with the inspection area, and FIG. 3D is a front view of an inspection area light mount configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 3D] 3A-3C are right front, left front, and left rear isometric views, respectively, of the inspection area of ​​FIGS. 2A-2C with the housing and other external structure removed to better illustrate the internal components associated with the inspection area, and FIG. 3D is a front view of an inspection area light mount configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0010] [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a right rear isometric view of a mobile device inspection tray assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless charger mounted on the inspection tray assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4A is a right rear isometric view of a mobile device inspection tray assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless charger mounted on the inspection tray assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0011] [Figure 5A] 5A-5G are a series of front views of a kiosk inspection area illustrating the operation of a mobile device flipper configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5B] 5A-5G are a series of front views of a kiosk inspection area illustrating the operation of a mobile device flipper configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5C] 5A-5G are a series of front views of a kiosk inspection area illustrating the operation of a mobile device flipper configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5D] 5A-5G are a series of front views of a kiosk inspection area illustrating the operation of a mobile device flipper configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5E] 5A-5G are a series of front views of a kiosk inspection area illustrating the operation of a mobile device flipper configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5F] 5A-5G are a series of front views of a kiosk inspection area illustrating the operation of a mobile device flipper configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 5G] 5A-5G are a series of front views of a kiosk inspection area illustrating the operation of a mobile device flipper configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0012] [Figure 6A] 6A-6C are a series of front views illustrating the operation of a mobile device flipping apparatus configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 6B] 6A-6C are a series of front views illustrating the operation of a mobile device flipping apparatus configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 6C] 6A-6C are a series of front views illustrating the operation of a mobile device flipping apparatus configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology.

[0013] [Figure 7A] 7A-7C are a series of cross-sectional side views of the kiosk of FIG. 1 illustrating three stages of operation of the inspection tray in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 7B] 7A-7C are a series of cross-sectional side views of the kiosk of FIG. 1 illustrating three stages of operation of the inspection tray in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 7C] 7A-7C are a series of cross-sectional side views of the kiosk of FIG. 1 illustrating three stages of operation of the inspection tray in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0014] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating various components associated with the kiosk of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0015] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a suitable network environment for implementing various aspects of an electronic device recycling system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0016] [Figure 10] 10 and 11 are isometric views of a wireless charger mounted or otherwise integrated into a structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 11]10 and 11 are isometric views of a wireless charger mounted or otherwise integrated into a structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0017] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a process for evaluating a device and presenting a price quote to a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0018] [Figure 13A] 13A-13C show a flowchart of a process for rating a mobile phone or other electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 13B] 13A-13C show a flowchart of a process for rating a mobile phone or other electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 13C] 13A-13C show a flowchart of a process for rating a mobile phone or other electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0019] The technology described herein will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. Embodiments or implementations illustrating aspects of the technology are illustrated by way of example, and like references may indicate similar elements. While the drawings depict various implementations for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative implementations may be employed without departing from the principles of the technology. Thus, while specific implementations are shown in the drawings, the technology may be subject to various modifications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Detailed Description The following disclosure describes various embodiments of systems, apparatuses, and methods that enable users to sell and / or recycle mobile phones and other electronic devices. In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a kiosk configured to receive information from an electronic device and provide the user (e.g., of the electronic device and / or the kiosk) with an initial offer to purchase the device. If the user rejects the initial offer, the kiosk can inform the user of a potentially higher offer based on further evaluation of the device. In some embodiments, if the user agrees to the further evaluation, the kiosk can perform one or more tests, such as an electrical test of the device and / or a visual test of the device (e.g., performed within the kiosk), to determine whether a higher offer is available for the device. If applicable, the higher offer can be displayed or otherwise provided to the user. If not applicable, in some embodiments, the kiosk can prompt the user to perform additional tests on the device, e.g., using analysis software loaded on the device, to determine whether a higher offer is available for the device. In some embodiments, the user may remove their device from the kiosk to perform the additional tests. If, after performing the additional testing, the kiosk determines that the device is worth a higher offer, the kiosk can instruct the user to place the device back into the kiosk to receive the higher offer. In one aspect of the technology, if the user decides to accept the higher offer and places the device back into the kiosk, the kiosk can verify that the accepted device is the same device that underwent additional testing (e.g., outside the kiosk) and not a different device (e.g., a less valuable untested device). After the kiosk verifies that the device is the same device that underwent additional testing, the kiosk can facilitate providing a reward to the user for the device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a kiosk or other structure having a wireless charger within or adjacent to a device inspection area. As described in more detail below, in various embodiments, the wireless charger can be used to obtain information about a device (e.g., a mobile phone) placed adjacent to the wireless charger, and the information can be used to determine a price quote for the device. For example, in some embodiments, the systems described herein can include a kiosk that utilizes the wireless charger to obtain information about the device, e.g., as part of the charging process. This information can include, for example, the device's manufacturer. The kiosk can also guide the user to navigate through or otherwise interact with the device (e.g., via user interaction with the device touchscreen) and cause the device to display additional information, such as the device's model, memory capacity, unique identifier (e.g., International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number), and / or mobile carrier. The kiosk can capture and evaluate the displayed information, e.g., via a camera and associated optical character recognition (OCR) system. Embodiments of such OCR systems are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 445,083, entitled "EVALUATING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION," filed August 13, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 116,020, entitled "EVALUATION AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION," filed November 19, 2020, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0022] In some embodiments, based on the unique identifier, the kiosk and / or associated system can determine additional information about the device, such as whether the device is stolen. If the device is not stolen, the kiosk can determine an estimated price or price range for the device based on the obtained information and present the price or price range to the user. The price range can include a high price and a low price. If the user wishes to proceed and sell the device, the kiosk can inform the user that further inspection of the device may be required (e.g., to inspect the device display screen for cracks) before the high price can be paid, and this additional inspection may take several minutes. If the user does not wish to wait, the user can accept the low price, and the kiosk can proceed to allow the purchase of the device at the lower price. If instead, the user wishes the device to be further inspected so that they may obtain a higher price, the kiosk can proceed to allow further inspection of the device and then offer a more accurate (and potentially higher) price based on the more thorough inspection. In some embodiments, the kiosks and other systems described herein can further inspect the device using one or more cameras that image the device, e.g., for visual inspection of the device display screen for cracks or other damage, and / or electrical cables that connect to the device and perform, e.g., electrical testing of device functionality.

[0023] The following disclosure also describes various embodiments of kiosk systems and apparatuses that can flip mobile devices within the kiosk's inspection area. As described in detail below, the apparatus (which may be referred to as a "flipping apparatus") enables the kiosk to capture an image of a first side (e.g., the front side) of a mobile phone using one or more cameras positioned above the phone, and then use the same one or more cameras to capture an image of a second side (e.g., the back side) of the mobile phone after the phone has been flipped over. Thus, one benefit of some embodiments of kiosks disclosed herein is that the flipping apparatus eliminates the need to position cameras both above and below the mobile device for visual inspection. Additionally, in some embodiments, the apparatus is operable to hold the phone in a non-horizontal orientation (e.g., edge-on, partial edge-on, or tilted orientation), for example, so that one or more cameras positioned above the phone can capture images of the left and / or right side of the phone without the need for a mirror.

[0024] Certain details are set forth in the following description and in Figures 1-13C 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 mobile electronic devices, consumer electronic devices, computer hardware, software, network systems, and the like, are not shown or described in detail 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 can be practiced without one or more of the details described herein or with other structures, methods, components, etc.

[0025] The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even as it is used in conjunction with the detailed description of certain examples of embodiments of the present technology. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restrictive manner will be specifically defined as such in this detailed description section.

[0026] The accompanying figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to be limiting of its scope. Details of components may be abstracted in the figures to exclude details such as the location of components and certain precise connections between such components when such details are unnecessary for a complete understanding of how to make and use the present invention. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the figures are merely illustrative of specific embodiments of the present technology. Thus, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that further embodiments of the present technology can be practiced without some of the details described below. In the figures, the same reference numbers identify the same, or at least generally similar, elements. To facilitate discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit(s) of any reference number refers to the figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, an element 1 10 will first be introduced and discussed with reference to FIG.

[0027] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a consumer action kiosk 100 for purchasing mobile phones and / or other electronic devices from a user, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The kiosk 100 includes an enclosure or housing 102 supporting a display screen 104 positioned above an inspection area access door 112. In some embodiments, the display screen 104 is positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal (e.g., at an angle of about 10 degrees to about 89 degrees, about 30 degrees to about 85 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 80 degrees, or about 70 degrees relative to the horizontal) to facilitate user viewing of the display screen 104. In other embodiments, the display screen 104 can be positioned in other suitable orientations, including, for example, a vertical orientation (e.g., at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the horizontal). The access door 112 can be formed from various types of plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polycarbonate, etc.), glass, etc., which can be transparent, opaque, or solid. The housing 102 can be manufactured in a conventional manner, for example, from sheet metal, plastic panels, etc. By way of example only, in some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can have a width W of about 7 inches to about 14 inches or about 8 inches to about 9 inches, a depth D of about 12 inches to about 18 inches or 14 inches to about 15 inches, and an overall height H of about 3 feet to about 5 feet, or about 4 feet. The foregoing dimensions are by way of example only, and in other embodiments, kiosks constructed in accordance with the present disclosure can have other dimensions without departing from the present disclosure.

[0028] Multiple user interface devices are provided on the front portion of the housing 102 for providing instructions and other information to a user and / or receiving user input and other information from a user. For example, in some embodiments, the display screen 104 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) or light-emitting diode (LED) display screen, a projected display (such as a head-up display or head-mounted device), or the like for providing information, prompts, and the like to the user. The display screen 104 may also display one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs), including one or more touchscreens for receiving user input and responses to displayed prompts. Additionally, or alternatively, the kiosk 100 may include a separate keyboard or keypad for receiving user input. The kiosk 100 may also include an ID reader or scanning device 108 (e.g., a driver's license scanning device), a fingerprint scanning device 118, and one or more external cameras 106 (e.g., digital still and / or video cameras). Kiosk 100 may additionally include output devices, such as a label printer (e.g., barcode label printer) 116 with an outlet, a payment (e.g., cash, voucher, coupon, etc.) dispenser 110 with an outlet, and / or a receipt dispenser 114 with an outlet. Although not identified in FIG. 1 , kiosk 100 may further include, for example, a speaker and / or headphone jack for audibly communicating information to a user, one or more lights for visually communicating signals or other information to a user, a handset or microphone for receiving verbal input from a user, a card reader (e.g., credit / debit card reader, loyalty card reader, etc.), and other user input and / or output devices. In addition, kiosk 100 may also include a barcode reader (e.g., for reading barcodes displayed on a mobile device), a QR Code reader (e.g., for reading QR codes displayed on a mobile device), a parcel or bag dispenser (e.g., a shipping parcel dispenser), a digital signature pad, etc.The user interface devices described above are representative of such devices that may be included with some embodiments of kiosk 100. Depending on the particular use case or commercial application, other embodiments of the kiosks disclosed herein may include other devices, or one or more of the above devices may be omitted. Thus, embodiments of kiosk 100 are not limited to the types or arrangements of user interface devices described above.

[0029] 2A-2C are a series of enlarged isometric views illustrating the structure and features associated with the inspection area 216 of the kiosk 100, configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. Referring initially to FIG. 2A , in some embodiments, a user wishing to sell an electronic device (e.g., a used cell phone 210) through the kiosk 100 would first approach the kiosk 100 and follow prompts displayed on the display screen 104. Such prompts may, for example, ask the user the type of phone they wish to sell / trade-in, the name of the cell phone carrier, etc. In response to receiving the user's input, the access door 112 ( FIG. 1 ) retracts upward behind the display screen 104, revealing the inspection area 216. In other embodiments, the access door 112 may be stored in the retracted position. The inspection area 216 includes an inspection tray 212 having a shelf 218. As can be seen in FIG. 2A , in some embodiments, the inspection tray 212 is initially positioned at an incline relative to the horizontal (e.g., at an angle greater than 0 degrees but less than 90 degrees, at an angle between about 10 degrees and about 85 degrees, at an angle between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees, at an angle between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees, or at an angle of about 35 degrees relative to the horizontal). However, in other embodiments, the inspection tray 212 can be initially positioned in other suitable orientations, including, for example, a horizontal orientation (e.g., a non-inclined orientation), etc. In some embodiments, the user is instructed (e.g., via a prompt on the display screen 104) to position the mobile phone 210 on the shelf 218 so that the phone (e.g., the phone's display screen) faces outward toward the user and the electrical connector receptacle on the mobile phone 210 faces downward toward the shelf 218, as shown in FIG. 2A . In other embodiments, the user may be instructed to position the mobile phone 210 on the shelf 218 so that the phone (e.g., the phone's display screen) faces inward toward the inspection tray 212. In some embodiments, the user may also be requested to turn on the mobile phone 210.

[0030] In some embodiments, kiosk 100 includes a wireless charger 222 that is positioned in relatively close proximity to mobile phone 210 when the phone is positioned on the inspection tray as shown in FIG. 2A . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, wireless charger 222 is mounted on the back side of inspection tray 212 (which may also be referred to as the underside of inspection tray 212). Wireless charger 222 may be, for example, a “Qi wireless charger” that functions according to the Qi open interface standard, which defines wireless power transfer using inductive charging over a distance of up to approximately 1.6 inches. In operation, wireless charger 222 can provide a fast charge to mobile phone 210 when it is placed on inspection tray 212 without power. Additionally, as described in more detail below, in some embodiments, wireless charger 222 can receive certain information about the mobile phone (e.g., make, model, a unique 32-bit identifier associated with the phone, and / or Qi standard, etc.) as part of the charging process. In these and / or other embodiments, wireless charger 222 or another wireless charger can be positioned elsewhere on and / or within kiosk 100, such as on top portion 103 of housing 102, above inspection area 216, behind kiosk display screen 104, etc. Thus, embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the use of one or more wireless chargers in any particular location on and / or within kiosk 100 unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In some embodiments, wireless charger 222 can be omitted.

[0031] In some embodiments, identifying the unique ID of mobile phone 210 and maintaining a wireless connection between wireless charger 222 and mobile phone 210 during a kiosk transaction allows kiosk 100 to monitor and / or detect whether the user is attempting to trade mobile phone 210 for another mobile phone (e.g., the same model but a different mobile phone of lesser value) at any time during the transaction. For example, if the connection between wireless charger 222 and mobile phone 210 is lost, kiosk 100 may request that the connection with mobile phone 210 be re-established prior to purchasing mobile phone 210. Re-establishing the connection may involve receiving the unique ID in a header packet of the wireless charging protocol. By obtaining the unique ID in the header packet, kiosk 100 may identify whether mobile phone 210 has been traded for a different phone or other object. If applicable, kiosk 100 may stop the transaction, display a warning to the user, and / or take other steps to prevent the user from committing fraud by pricing one phone but actually selling a different phone of lesser value to the kiosk, for example.

[0032] In some embodiments, the information obtained from the wireless charger 222 may include only the make (e.g., manufacturer or provider) of the mobile phone 210. In most instances, the make of the mobile phone 210 will be the only piece of information needed to provide an accurate price quote for the device. After receiving the make of the mobile phone 210, the kiosk 100 can offer to purchase the mobile phone 210 from the user at a lower price based solely on the phone's make. However, in at least some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can offer to perform a more thorough evaluation of the mobile phone 210, including, for example, an electrical and / or visual inspection of the mobile phone 210 and / or one or more tests performed on the mobile phone 210 by the user and facilitated via a software application loaded on the mobile phone 210, and potentially offer the user a higher price if the user wishes to wait until the more thorough evaluation is completed.

[0033] If the user decides to wait and allows the kiosk 100 to conduct a more thorough evaluation, the kiosk 100 may cause the mobile phone 210 to display information about the device, such as the model, mobile phone carrier, memory capacity, unique identification number (e.g., IMEI number), and may instruct the user (e.g., via prompts displayed on the kiosk display screen 104) on how to navigate (e.g., via touch) menus on the mobile phone 210 while it is positioned on the inspection tray 212, as shown in FIG. 2A . The kiosk 100 may adjust its user interface and / or instructions presented to the user based on, for example, the manufacturer of the mobile phone 210, obtained via the wireless charger 222. For example, the kiosk 100 may display information about the device, such as the model, mobile phone carrier, memory capacity, unique identification number (e.g., IMEI number), and may instruct the user (e.g., via prompts displayed on the kiosk display screen 104) on how to navigate (e.g., via touch) menus on the mobile phone 210 while it is positioned on the inspection tray 212, as shown in FIG. 2A . The kiosk 100 may adjust its user interface and / or instructions presented to the user based on, for example, the manufacturer of the mobile phone 210, as obtained via the wireless charger 222. (登録商標) The kiosk's user interface and / or instructions presented to the user via display screen 104 for the devices may be based, at least in part, on the different operating systems, settings, and / or menus of those devices, such as Apple (登録商標)The user interface and / or instructions presented for the device may differ. A camera (not shown in FIG. 2A ) in or near inspection area 216 can capture one or more images of the information displayed on mobile phone 210, and in some embodiments, an OCR system associated with kiosk 100 can extract device information from the images. Embodiments of such OCR systems are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 445,083 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 116,020, filed November 19, 2020, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Other embodiments are also described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 445,158 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 066,794, filed August 17, 2020, both of which are also incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. For example, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 12 , information obtained by the wireless charger 222 and / or associated OCR system can be used to present a more accurate price or price range to the user without the need to connect a cable from the kiosk 100 to the mobile phone 210.

[0034] If kiosk 100 is unable to obtain the information necessary to more accurately price mobile phone 210 by guiding the user to navigate the phone display, for example, because the user is unable to follow the instructions provided or is unwilling to spend the time to do so, kiosk 100 can present an electrical connector configured to connect to mobile phone 210. For example, as described in more detail below, in some embodiments, kiosk 100 can present an appropriate electrical connector (not shown) by extending it outward through an opening in shelf 218 so that when the user positions mobile phone 210 on shelf 218 as shown in FIG. 2A , he / she may connect mobile phone 210 to the connector. Kiosk 100 can determine the appropriate electrical connector to present to the user based on the manufacturer of mobile phone 210 (e.g., as determined via wireless charger 222). The appropriate electrical connector can also be selected by kiosk 100 in response to a user's response to a question presented on display screen 104 regarding the type of phone the user wants to sell, for example. After a user connects the mobile phone 210 to the appropriate electrical connector, the kiosk 100 can perform an electrical test of the device to obtain additional device information via the electrical connector, as described below with reference to FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can perform an electrical test via the electrical connector when the inspection tray 212 is in the position shown in FIG. 2A. In other embodiments, the kiosk 100 can perform an electrical test of the mobile phone 210 when the inspection tray 212 is rotated to the position shown in FIG. 2B.

[0035] Before or after kiosk 100 obtains the additional device information, kiosk 100 can perform a visual inspection of mobile phone 210 to determine any defects associated with mobile phone 210 (e.g., whether the device screen is cracked or whether phone 210 has other physical damage), as also described below with reference to FIG. 2B. For example, when mobile phone 210 has a crack in its screen, the price offered for the mobile phone will be lower than if the screen were not cracked. After obtaining the device information and performing the visual inspection, kiosk 100 can present the user with a more accurate price for mobile phone 210.

[0036] Turning now to FIG. 2B , the inspection tray 212 has been rotated backward from the inclined position of FIG. 2A to a horizontal position so that the mobile phone 210 is facing upward in the inspection area 216. In some embodiments, the access door 112 ( FIG. 1 ) would normally be closed during this phase of kiosk operation, but the access door 112 is not shown in FIG. 2B (or FIG. 2C ) to better illustrate the operation of the inspection tray 212 and inspection area 216. As described above, the kiosk 100 can perform an electrical test of the mobile phone 210 via the electrical connector, for example, to identify the phone and further evaluate one or more specific components and / or its operating parameters, such as the phone's condition and / or memory, mobile phone carrier, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the kiosk 100 (e.g., the kiosk central processing unit (CPU) or other processing device) can query the mobile phone 210 (e.g., by using an operating system API) to obtain characteristic information about the mobile phone 210, which may include device identification, make, model, and / or configuration. In other embodiments, the characteristic information may further include device functionality, including hardware / software configuration, charging capabilities, memory capacity, etc. Information necessary to identify and / or evaluate a mobile device, such as mobile phone 210, may include, for example, a unique identifier (e.g., a mobile phone's IMEI number or MEID or equivalent, a hardware Media Access Control address (MAC address) for a network-connectable device, or a model number and serial number for an electronic device), information describing the device manufacturer (e.g., manufacturer name or ID code), model, characteristics and capabilities (e.g., CPU type and speed, storage capacity (SRAM, DRAM, disk, etc.)), radio carrier, radio band (frequency range and coding, such as CDMA, GSM, LTE, etc.), color, and / or condition, etc. In other embodiments, the electrical analysis may include evaluating the condition and / or functionality of the electronic device's charging circuitry.In some embodiments, kiosk 100 may perform electrical analysis using one or more of the methods and / or systems detailed in the patents and patent applications identified herein and incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0037] While the embodiments described above involve establishing an electrical connection between the mobile phone 210 and the kiosk 100 via an electrical connector, in other embodiments, the kiosk 100 can establish a wireless connection with the mobile phone 210 to facilitate performing all or a portion of the phone evaluation and purchasing steps described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can include a radio frequency transceiver accessible by an electronic device (e.g., the mobile phone 210). The kiosk 100 can establish a wireless connection with the mobile phone 210 by providing connection instructions and / or authentication information for the user to enter via the mobile phone 210 and / or via the display screen 104. For example, the kiosk 100 can prompt the user to make the mobile phone's Bluetooth connection discoverable and / or provide a Bluetooth pairing code that the user can type or otherwise enter on the phone's screen or on the kiosk 100's touchscreen. As another example, kiosk 100 may provide a Wi-Fi network name and / or password that, when selected and / or typed on the user's phone, allows the user to wirelessly connect their device to the indicated Wi-Fi network.

[0038] In other embodiments, establishing the connection may include providing a set of indicia (e.g., machine-readable indicia such as a visual code or image (e.g., a QR code, barcode, etc.)) for the user to scan using the mobile phone 210, such that scanning the code or image prompts the phone to connect to the kiosk's wireless network (e.g., upon user confirmation). In some embodiments, the code, image, and / or other indicia may be displayed on the kiosk display screen 104 and / or on another surface of the kiosk 100, for example, via a sticker or other graphic medium. Examples of series of codes / indicia are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 220,381, entitled "IDENTIFYING ELECTRONIC DEVICES USING TEMPORALLY CHANGING INFORMATION," filed July 9, 2021; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 220,890, entitled "IDENTIFYING ELECTRONIC DEVICES USING TEMPORALLY CHANGING INFORMATION," filed July 12, 2021; and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 811,548, entitled "IDENTIFYING ELECTRONIC DEVICES USING TEMPORALLY CHANGING INFORMATION," filed July 8, 2022, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In some embodiments, establishing a connection may include enabling a particular wireless device to join or use the wireless network or make a wireless connection. For example, when kiosk 100 detects mobile phone 210 and determines that the device is registered for access or otherwise recognized, kiosk 100 may automatically connect to mobile phone 210 without requiring further user authentication, and / or kiosk 100 may connect to mobile phone 210 after receiving user confirmation.In other embodiments, the user can load a mobile app onto the mobile phone 210, which can rate the electronic device and facilitate wireless communication between the mobile phone 210 and the kiosk 100 to facilitate the telephone rating and purchase via the kiosk 100. Various systems and methods for establishing a wireless connection between the kiosk 100 and a user's mobile phone or other electronic device are described in at least some of the patents and / or patent applications incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In other embodiments, the wireless connection between the kiosk 100 and the mobile phone or other electronic device can be established using other suitable means known in the art.

[0039] In addition to performing electrical inspections as described above, the kiosk 100 can also perform visual inspections of the mobile phone 210 using one or more cameras (not shown) positioned within the inspection area 216. In some embodiments, the visual inspection can include a 3D visual analysis (e.g., of the phone's shape and / or size) to confirm the phone's identity (e.g., make and model) and / or evaluate or assess the condition and / or functionality of the phone and / or its various components and systems. In some embodiments, the inspection tray 212 can be colored (e.g., colored green) so that a chromakey compositing or chromakeying (sometimes referred to as green screening when used in conjunction with a green screen) technique can be used, for example, to remove the inspection tray 212 from images of the mobile phone 210 acquired by one or more cameras positioned within the inspection area 216. Chromakeying the image can provide better definition of the phone's physical characteristics and enable the kiosk processor to better determine the size (e.g., width, height, and curvature) of the mobile phone 210 based on the image. As described in more detail below, in other embodiments, rather than being green (or some other opaque color), the inspection tray 212 can be configured as a light table to allow the image to provide a more accurate silhouette of the mobile phone 210 for visual analysis, e.g., of the phone's dimensions, shape, etc.

[0040] The visual analysis may also include inspecting the mobile phone 210 for cracks or other damage to the display screen (LCD), as well as cracks away from the display screen. In some embodiments, the visual inspection may include performing OCR to identify printed or displayed patterns, codes, and / or text, and comparing characteristics of the patterns, codes, and / or text (e.g., layout, size, font, color, etc.) to templates to determine the presence of a device identifier, such as a model number, serial number, IMEI number, etc. As described in more detail below, the visual inspection may be performed using one or more cameras, and the kiosk 100 may perform the visual analysis using one or more of the methods and / or systems described in detail in the patents and patent applications identified herein and incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0041] Some mobile phones include a unique identifier (e.g., an IMEI number) printed or otherwise formed on the phone's subscriber identity module (also known as a "SIM" card) holder or tray. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 can instruct the user to remove the SIM card tray from their phone and position it on inspection tray 212 so that the kiosk can perform OCR of the IMEI number on the SIM card tray. Additionally, in some embodiments, inspection tray 212 can include a designated area or small tray configured to hold the SIM card tray so that the kiosk camera can capture an image of the IMEI number for OCR. Some mobile phones (e.g., older iPhones) (登録商標) and Samsung (登録商標)In some cases, the IMEI number may be printed or otherwise formed on the back of the phone (opposite the display screen). In some embodiments, the kiosk may prompt the user to place such a phone on the inspection tray 212 with the back side facing outward so that the kiosk camera can capture an image of the IMEI number printed on the back side for OCR by the kiosk software.

[0042] As described in more detail below, in one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, inspection area 216 includes a device configured to invert mobile phone 210 when inspection tray 212 is in the position shown in FIG. 2B so that the front side of the phone (e.g., which may also be referred to as the front or front side of mobile phone 210, including the display screen) faces downward toward inspection tray 212. This allows kiosk 100 to perform a visual inspection of the back side of mobile phone 210 (which may also be referred to as the back or rear side of mobile phone, e.g., the side opposite the front side) using the same imaging system (e.g., camera system, lighting system, etc.) used to inspect the front side of mobile phone 210. This feature eliminates the need to mount mobile phone 210 on a transparent surface and provide a camera below the transparent surface to visually inspect the back side of mobile phone 210. In addition to saving costs, this feature can also save space and reduce the size of kiosk 100. In some embodiments, where the mobile phone 210 is initially placed on the inspection tray 212 with the back of the phone 210 facing outward (away from) the inspection tray 212, the device can flip the mobile phone 210 over when the inspection tray 212 is in the position shown in FIG. 2B so that the front of the phone faces upward and away from the inspection tray 212, thereby enabling the kiosk 100 to perform a visual inspection of the front of the mobile phone 210 after performing a visual inspection of the back.

[0043] In some embodiments, kiosk 100 can include a security feature that can detect whether a user reaches into inspection area 216 at an inappropriate time. For example, the security feature can detect whether a user reaches into inspection area 216 when inspection tray 212 is in the position shown in FIG. 2B , for example, to remove cell phone 210 and / or replace it with another phone. In some embodiments, the security feature can include a beam-breaking sensor system having emitter 220a (e.g., infrared (IR) emitter, laser beam emitter, etc.) mounted on a sidewall portion of inspection area 216 just inside the access door opening, and a corresponding sensor 220b (e.g., IR receiver, laser receiver, etc.) mounted on the opposing sidewall portion on the other side of the opening to detect the beam emitted by emitter 220a. If a user extends their hand / arm through the access door opening, this will break the beam emitted by emitter 220a, and the break in the beam will be sensed by sensor 220b. Sensor 220b can be configured to send a corresponding signal to the kiosk processor, and kiosk 100 can respond by stopping the transaction, displaying a warning to the user via display 104, etc. In other embodiments, an internal camera positioned within the inspection area can be used by kiosk 100 to detect whether a user reaches into inspection area 216 when the inspection tray is in the position shown in FIG. 2B . More specifically, the camera can be used to determine whether a hand reaches into inspection area 216 to replace mobile phone 210 with a different mobile phone. The different mobile phone may be of a lower value than mobile phone 210, and in response to detecting the attempted substitution, kiosk 100 can provide a warning to the user that the transaction has been terminated.

[0044] After the mobile phone 210 has been fully evaluated and the kiosk 100 has determined a purchase price (e.g., based at least in part on the make and / or model of the mobile phone 210, an electrical inspection, and / or a visual inspection), the purchase price can be offered to the user via the display screen 104. The kiosk 100 can determine the purchase price based on the evaluation performed at the kiosk, by accessing one or more pricing databases, using one or more pricing models, etc. If the user accepts the purchase price offer (e.g., by making a corresponding selection on the touchscreen portion of the kiosk display screen 104), the access door 112 remains closed and the purchase transaction proceeds. For example, in some embodiments, the user may be prompted to place their identification (e.g., a driver's license) into the ID scanning device 108 and provide a thumbprint via the fingerprint reader 118 ( FIG. 1 ). As a fraud prevention measure, kiosk 100 can be configured to transmit an image of the driver's license to a remote computer screen, allowing an operator at the remote computer to visually compare the photo (and / or other information) on the driver's license with the person standing in front of kiosk 100 as viewed by one or more of cameras 106 (FIG. 1) to verify that the person attempting to sell cell phone 210 is indeed the person identified by the driver's license. In some embodiments, one or more of cameras 106 may be movable to facilitate viewing of the kiosk user as well as other individuals in proximity to kiosk 100. Additionally, the user's biometric information (e.g., fingerprint, iris scan, etc.) can be checked against records of known fraudsters.

[0045] Once the user's identity is verified, the inspection tray 212 further rotates backward from the horizontal position of FIG. 2B to the inclined or tilted position shown in FIG. 2C so that the mobile phone 210 can slide out of the inspection tray 212 and into a storage box (not shown). (The access door 112 would normally be closed during this stage of operation, but the access door 112 is omitted from FIG. 2C for purposes of illustrative clarity.) The kiosk 100 can then facilitate payment of the purchase price to the user. In some embodiments, payment can be in the form of cash dispensed from the payment outlet 110. In other embodiments, the user can receive compensation for the mobile phone 210 in a variety of other useful ways. For example, the user can be paid via a redeemable cash voucher, coupon, electronic certificate, prepaid card, etc. dispensed from the kiosk 100, or via a gift code, redeemable voucher, coupon, electronic certificate, etc. sent to the user via email, text, or other form of electronic message. Additionally, in some embodiments, users can be paid via wired or wireless currency (e.g., cash) deposits to electronic accounts (e.g., bank accounts, credit accounts, points accounts, online commerce accounts, mobile wallets, etc.), for example, via PayPal, Venmo, etc., or using cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin), etc.

[0046] Alternatively, if the user rejects the purchase price offer, or if the user's identity cannot be verified, or if the kiosk 100 otherwise determines that the transaction presents a fraud risk, the transaction can be rejected and the mobile phone 210 returned to the user. More specifically, the inspection tray 212 rotates forward to the position illustrated in FIG. 2A and the access door 112 opens so that the user may retrieve the mobile phone 210 from the kiosk 100.

[0047] 3A-3C are right-front, left-front, and left-rear isometric views, respectively, of inspection area 216, with some external structure omitted to better illustrate certain operating components associated with inspection area 216, and FIG. 3D is a front view of a light mount 332 used in inspection area 216. Referring initially to FIG. 3A, inspection area 216 includes a camera 325 mounted above and pointed downward toward inspection tray 212. In some embodiments, camera 325 can be configured to capture still photographs and / or video images of a mobile phone positioned on inspection tray 212. In some embodiments, camera 325 can include or be combined with one or more magnifying tools, scanning devices, and / or other imaging components (e.g., other cameras) to view, photograph, and / or otherwise visually evaluate a mobile phone from multiple perspectives. Additionally, in some embodiments, camera 325 can be movable to facilitate visual inspection of the device. In addition to the camera 325, the inspection area 216 can also include one or more lights directed toward the inspection tray 212 to facilitate visual inspection of the mobile phone. For example, the inspection area can include a pair of lights 338a, 338b mounted within suitable beveled grooves on the backplate 356. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3D, the inspection area 216 can also include multiple lights 358a-c held within suitable beveled grooves on a light mount 332 that is mounted generally above the pusher member 322 toward the right side of the inspection area 216, as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0048] As described above, in some embodiments, the inspection tray 212 can be configured as a light table. In such embodiments, the inspection tray 212 (or at least the inspection surface portion 368 of the inspection tray 212, upon which the mobile phone is placed) can be made of a translucent (e.g., semi-transparent) material, such as translucent glass or plastic. By way of example only, in some embodiments, the thickness of the translucent inspection surface portion 368 can be approximately 0.08 inches to 0.25 inches, or approximately 0.12 inches. In such embodiments, the kiosk 100 can also include one or more lights 366a and 366b mounted to the kiosk chassis (or other adjacent kiosk structure) below the inspection area 216 and positioned to project light upward through the inspection tray 212, for example, during visual inspection of the mobile phone 210 ( FIG. 2B ). The lights 366a, 366b can include, for example, LEDs (such as white LEDs), fluorescent lights, incandescent lights, IR lights, etc. Configuring the inspection tray 212 as a light table during visual evaluation of the mobile phone can enhance the contrast and silhouette of the device as depicted in the image of the device captured by the camera 325. This can facilitate a more accurate assessment of the phone's size, shape, external features, etc. by the kiosk processor. Additionally, in some embodiments, it is contemplated that the kiosk 100 may also include one or more UV light sources that may be positioned to project UV light onto the mobile phone in the inspection area 216 to clean the phone.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the inspection area 216 further includes a flipping device 320 having a pusher member 322 (e.g., which may also be referred to as "member 322," "pusher 322," etc.) operably positioned toward the right side of the inspection tray 212 and a ramp member 324 (e.g., which may also be referred to as "member 324," "ramp 324," etc.) operably positioned toward the left side of the inspection tray 212. As described in more detail below, in operation, the pusher member 322 and the ramp member 324 cooperate to flip a mobile phone placed on the inspection tray 212 from one side to the other, such as from a face-up position to a face-down position. For example, if a mobile phone is positioned on the inspection tray 212 in a face-up position (e.g., with the front side of the phone (i.e., the side with the display screen) facing up and away from the inspection tray 212), the pusher member 322 and the ramp member 324 can cooperate to flip the phone so that the back side of the phone faces up and away from the inspection tray 212. Similarly, if a mobile phone is positioned on the inspection tray 212 in a face-down position (e.g., with the front side of the phone facing down and towards the inspection tray 212), the pusher member 322 and the ramp member 324 can cooperate to flip the phone so that the front side of the phone faces up and away from the inspection tray 212. It should thus be understood that embodiments of the flipping device 320 can flip a mobile phone from one side to the other, repeating the flipping process as necessary to position the phone in a desired orientation. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the pusher member 322 and / or ramp member 324 are not essential to all embodiments of the present technology.For example, in some embodiments, kiosk 100 may include a flipping device having other configurations, such as one of the flipping device configurations disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 167,390, entitled "APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TURNING OVER ELECTRONIC DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED KIOSKS FOR USE WITH SAME," filed February 10, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In other embodiments, flipping device 320 may be omitted, and the user may manually flip mobile phone 210 as needed or desired, for example, to facilitate phone inspection, evaluation, identification, etc. For example, in some embodiments where flipping device 320 may be omitted, kiosk 100 can rotate inspection tray 212 from the position shown in Figure 2B to the position shown in Figure 2A after one side of the phone (e.g., the front side) has been inspected with inspection tray 212 in the position shown in Figure 2B, and the user can be instructed by kiosk 100 to manually flip the phone on inspection tray 212. After the user has flipped the phone, inspection tray 212 can be rotated back to the position shown in Figure 2B so that kiosk 100 can inspect the other side (e.g., the back side) of the phone.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the ramp member 324 is pivotally mounted to the chassis (or other adjacent mounting structure, not shown) using a horizontal pivot shaft 334. In the illustrated embodiment, the ramp member 324 includes a generally smooth, curved (e.g., radiused) concave surface 327 facing toward the pusher member 322. In some embodiments, a lower portion of the ramp member 324 may include a mirror 326 that allows a camera 325 to capture an image of the adjacent side of a mobile phone (not shown) positioned on the inspection tray 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the inspection tray 212 is pivotally mounted (e.g., via a bearing) to the chassis (or other adjacent support structure (not shown)) using a horizontal pivot shaft 336 that is aligned with or otherwise defines a horizontal axis of rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot shaft 336 is fixedly attached to the inspection tray 212 and allows the inspection tray 212 to rotate about the horizontal axis between the positions shown in FIGS. 2A-2C . In other embodiments, the ramp member 324 and / or the inspection tray 212 may be pivotally or otherwise movably mounted to the chassis structure in other manners without departing from this disclosure.

[0051] 3B , a first pulley 346 is fixedly attached to the left end portion of the pivot shaft 336. The first pulley 346 is operably connected to a second pulley 342 using a drive belt 344 (e.g., a toothed rubber drive belt). The second pulley 342 is, in turn, fixedly attached to the drive shaft of a motor 340 (e.g., a stepper motor) mounted to the lower portion of the backplate 356. Thus, operation of the motor 340 (e.g., by a kiosk controller (not shown)) rotates the first pulley 346 using the second pulley 342 and drive belt 344. Rotation of the first pulley 346 rotates the pivot shaft 336, which in turn rotates the inspection tray 212. In this manner, operation of the motor 340 can be used to rotate the inspection tray 212 between the three positions illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C .

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the pusher member 322 includes a short vertical surface 378 extending upward adjacent the top surface of the inspection tray 212 and an angled surface 380 extending upward from the vertical surface 382. The pusher member 322 extends forward from a base 360. The base 360 ​​is slidably mounted on upper and lower guide shafts 328a and 328b, respectively. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the base 360 ​​includes two cylindrical bores 376a and 376b (FIG. 3C), and the guide shafts 328a, 328b may be cylindrical shafts that are slidably received in the corresponding bores 376a, 376b, respectively. The base 360 ​​is movably coupled to the drive screw 330 using a threaded coupling 364 (e.g., a drive nut). The opposite end portion of the drive screw 330 is fixedly attached to a first pulley 350. As shown in FIG. 3B , the first pulley 350 is operably coupled to a second pulley 348 using a drive belt 352 (e.g., a toothed rubber drive belt). The second pulley 348 is fixedly attached to the drive shaft of an electric motor 354 (e.g., a stepper motor) mounted to the rear surface of a backplate 356. In operation, a kiosk controller (not shown) can operate the motor 354 to rotate the second pulley 348, which in turn drives the first pulley 350 to rotate the drive screw 330. Rotation of the drive screw 330 in a first direction moves the pusher member 322 across the inspection tray 212 on the guide shafts 328 a, 328 b toward the ramp member 324. Conversely, rotation of the drive screw 330 in the opposite direction causes the pusher member 322 to move away from the ramp member 324 and return to its starting position on the opposite side of the inspection tray 212 .

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3C , base 360 ​​of pusher member 322 includes contact surface 370. In operation, as pusher member 322 approaches ramp member 324, contact surface 370 contacts a contact feature (e.g., a cylindrical pin) extending rearward from a lower portion of ramp member 324. As pusher member 322 continues to move toward ramp member 324 (i.e., from left to right in FIG. 3C ), contact surface 370 drives contact feature 372 to the right, thereby rotating ramp member 324 counterclockwise about pivot shaft 334 ( FIG. 3B ) as viewed in FIG. 3C , which is equivalent to rotating clockwise about pivot shaft 334 in FIG. 3B . When the pusher member 322 moves away from the ramp member 324, a return spring (not shown) and / or another biasing member operably coupled to the ramp member 324 rotates the ramp member 324 back to its original position.

[0054] 4A is a right-rear isometric view of an inspection tray 212 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, an electrical connector carrier assembly 478 is mounted to the underside of the inspection tray 212 and moves with the inspection tray 212 as it pivots between the three positions illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C discussed above. The connector carrier assembly 478 includes an electric motor 476 (e.g., a stepper motor) operably coupled to a camshaft (not shown). The camshaft includes multiple lobes each operably positioned to move a corresponding one of multiple mobile device electrical connectors 474 a-c (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, Android and / or iOS connectors, etc.) positioned within or near an opening 475 in the shelf 218 of the inspection tray 212. Electrical connectors 474a-c can be selectively deployed through opening 475 and operably connected to mobile phone 210 to create a wired communication link with mobile phone 210, for example, when kiosk 100 is unable to connect wirelessly to mobile phone 210. For example, in operation, kiosk controller (not shown) can activate motor 476, which in turn rotates the camshaft so that one of the lobes selectively drives the desired electrical connector (e.g., 474b) outward through opening 475, while the other electrical connectors (e.g., 474a and 474c) remain back in opening 475. With the desired electrical connector 474 in this position, a user can easily connect their mobile phone to the correct connector when placing their mobile phone on shelf 218, as illustrated above with reference to FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 4A, the camshaft configuration of carrier assembly 478 allows electrical connectors 474a-c to be compactly arranged in inspection tray assembly 470. In some embodiments, the correct electrical connector is selected based on the make and model of the phone that the user wishes to sell, which they have identified via display screen 104 (FIG. 1).Once the mobile phone has been electrically tested through the selected connector, motor 476 rotates the camshaft, driving the selected connector back through the opening and disengaging the connector from the mobile phone. This allows the mobile phone to be flipped over, as described in more detail below. Additional details regarding such carrier assemblies are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 445,178, entitled "CONNECTOR CARRIER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE KIOSK," filed August 16, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, testing area 216 and / or other portions of kiosk 100 may include other devices and systems for making a wired electrical connection to the mobile phone. Such devices and systems may include, for example, various types of connector cable systems, etc. Additionally, it is contemplated that some embodiments of kiosk 100 may be provided without a wired connector for making an electrical connection to the phone. Therefore, it should be understood that some embodiments of kiosks and related systems according to the present technology and described herein are not limited to use with electrical connector carrier assembly 478 and / or other carrier assemblies.

[0055] As described above with reference to FIG. 2A , in some embodiments, kiosk 100 includes a wireless charger 222 (e.g., a “Qi charger”) mounted to the underside of inspection tray 212 (e.g., via a number of screws or other fasteners). Wireless charger 222 is positioned so that charging pad 480 of charger 222 is relatively close to (e.g., within 1.6 inches of) a mobile phone placed on the front side (inspection surface) of inspection tray 212 so that the phone can be effectively charged. In some embodiments, wireless charger 222 can be a wireless charger provided by STMicroelectronics (Coppell, Texas, USA). In other embodiments, other wireless chargers can also be used.

[0056] 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating an on-board arrangement of a wireless charger 222 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless charger 222 is electrically connected to the kiosk processor 402 (e.g., via a serial port) and receives power from the kiosk power supply 404. In operation, when the charger 222 is powered on, it wirelessly provides power to the mobile phone 210, which responds by providing one-way communication to the wireless charger 222. This communication may be, for example, a device manufacturer (e.g., Apple (登録商標) , Samsung (登録商標) , Texas Instruments (登録商標) The packet may contain specific information about the phone, including a wireless power identifier (ID) packet, which may provide a unique identifier associated with the phone, such as a unique 32-bit identifier (TI), etc. As described herein, the kiosk processor 402 may use this information to guide and facilitate call capture and / or purchase transactions, as well as other useful purposes.

[0057] 5A-5G are a series of front views of inspection area 216 illustrating various stages of operation of inverter 320, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In these views, the front portion of inspection tray 212 has been omitted to better illustrate the operation of inverter components. Starting with FIG. 5A, mobile phone 210 is positioned on inspection tray 212 with the front side (e.g., display screen) facing upward, as indicated by arrow F. As an example, this position corresponds to mobile phone 210 undergoing electrical and visual inspection as shown in FIG. 2B. For example, the mobile phone can undergo electrical inspection and evaluation via a wireless connection and / or via appropriate electrical connectors 474a-c (FIG. 4A), and the front side of mobile phone 210 can be visually inspected and evaluated via camera 325, as described above. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the orientation of mobile phone 210 shown in FIG. 5A is provided by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, and that in other embodiments, mobile phone 210 may begin the evaluation process with the front side (e.g., display screen) facing downward, opposite the direction indicated by arrow F, or in another suitable orientation. In addition to visually inspecting the front (and / or back) side of mobile phone 210, the sides (e.g., first, or left side 586a and second, or right side 586b) of mobile phone 210 can be evaluated via camera 325, for example, using one or more mirrors. For example, mirror 326 positioned on the lower portion of ramp member 324 ( FIG. 3A ) can enable camera 325 to capture a reflected image of left side 586a of mobile phone 210, and mirror 362 positioned toward the lower portion of pusher member 322 ( FIG. 3B ) can enable camera 325 to capture a reflected image of right side 586b of mobile phone 210.As described in more detail below, in some embodiments, one or both of the mirrors 326, 362 can be omitted and the mobile phone 210 can be held in a partially inverted state, for example by the inverting device 320 or a user, to allow the camera 325 to capture one or more direct images of one or both of the phone's sides 586a, b for evaluation.

[0058] If one of the electrical connectors 474 was used to electrically test / assess the mobile phone 210, the electrical connector 474 can be disengaged from the mobile phone 210 after the electrical test / assessment is completed, as described above with reference to FIG. 4A . Once the front and / or sides 586 a, b of the mobile phone 210 have been visually evaluated and / or imaged as needed, the mobile phone 210 can be inverted, as described below, so that the back of the mobile phone 210 can be visually inspected via the camera 325. However, if the mobile phone 210 is initially placed on the inspection tray 212 with the front side facing downwards, the back of the mobile phone 210 can be visually evaluated and / or imaged by the camera 325, and then the mobile phone 210 can be inverted to allow the front side to be visually evaluated and / or imaged by the camera 325. Thus, those skilled in the art will understand that the flipping apparatus of the present technology may be configured to flip mobile phones and / or other electronic devices front to back, back to front, etc., so that both the front and back sides of these devices can be visually evaluated and / or imaged by camera 325, for example.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 5B , before beginning the flipping process, the camera 325 verifies that an electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone 210) is present on the inspection tray and that the phone is not too large for flipping. After confirming this, the flipping process begins by the pusher member 322 moving from right to left, as indicated by arrow D1. As the pusher member 322 moves in this direction, the vertical surface 378 contacts at least a portion of the right side 586b of the mobile phone 210, pushing the left side 586a against the lower portion of the curved surface 327 of the ramp member 324. This causes the left side 586a to slide upward against the curved surface 584 and the right side 586b to slide from right to left across the top surface of the inspection tray 212. If at any point the mobile phone 210 becomes jammed (e.g., as indicated by an overcurrent draw in the motor 354 (see FIG. 3B)), the pusher member 322 reverses direction and returns to the starting position, and the process is then repeated. If the mobile phone 210 cannot be flipped after a preset number of attempts, the user can be notified via the display screen 104 (FIG. 1) and the call can be returned to the user.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5C, continued movement of the pusher member 322 from right to left, as indicated by arrow D2, moves the mobile phone 210 to a generally vertical orientation, resting against the ramp member 324, with its right side 586b supported on the upper surface of the inspection tray 212. The reader will recall from the discussion of FIG. 3C above that as the pusher member 322 moves to this position, it interacts with the ramp member 324, causing the ramp member 324 to rotate clockwise about the pivot shaft 334 through an arc R1, as shown in FIG. 5D. In some embodiments, the arc may be between 5 degrees and about 25 degrees, or about 10 degrees. Rotating the ramp member 324 in this manner moves the mobile phone 210 past the overcenter position, causing it to fall onto the angled surface 380 of the pusher member 322, as shown in FIG. 5E. In this position, the mobile phone 210 lies on the angled surface 380 with the front side of the mobile phone (eg, the display screen) facing the angled surface 380 .

[0061] 5F, the ramp member 324 returns to its original position through arc R2 as the pusher member 322 moves from left to right as indicated by arrow D3. As the pusher member 322 moves to the right, the first side 586a of the mobile phone 210 slides downward along the angled surface 380 so that the mobile phone 210 lies flat on the inspection tray 212, with the front side now facing downward as indicated by arrow F, as the pusher member 322 arrives to return to its original position. In this position, the mobile phone 210 can be visually inspected using the camera 325 to determine whether any damage is present, for example, on the back of the mobile phone. Such damage may include, for example, cracks, grooves, damage to the phone's camera, etc. Additionally, as discussed above, on some mobile phones, the IMEI number is printed or otherwise formed on the back of the mobile phone. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 may visually inspect such phones (e.g., using optical character recognition (OCR)) to read or otherwise obtain the IMEI number from the back of the mobile phone once the phone is flipped over.

[0062] In some situations, the right side 586b of the mobile phone 210 may be positioned against or otherwise too close to the mirror 326 in the lower portion of the ramp member 324, and as a result, the camera 325 may not be able to capture a satisfactory side profile image of the mobile phone 210. For such situations, the kiosk may include one or more electromechanical vibrators 590 that, in response to a control signal from the kiosk processor 402, vibrate the inspection tray 212, thereby moving the mobile phone 210 away from the mirror 326 so that the camera 325 may capture one or more suitable side images. Additionally, in some embodiments, the inspection tray 212 may be positioned at a slight angle that slopes downward away from the ramp member 324 to facilitate such movement of the mobile phone 210 in response to vibration of the inspection tray 212.

[0063] In some embodiments, the right side 586b and / or left side 586a of the mobile phone 210 can be imaged directly by the camera 315 without using a mirror 326 positioned on the lower portion of the ramp member 324 ( FIG. 3A ) or a mirror 362 positioned toward the lower portion of the pusher member 322 ( FIG. 3B ). For example, after the mobile phone 210 is rotated past the overcenter position and supported by the angled surface 380 of the pusher 322 as shown in FIG. 5E , the left side 586a can be oriented toward and / or otherwise positioned within the field of view of the camera 325, or at least generally toward it. Once the mobile phone 210 is in this position, the camera 325 can be used to capture one or more images of the left side 586a of the mobile phone 210. These images can be used, for example, to evaluate the location, condition, etc. of any buttons, connector ports, and / or other features on the left side 586a of the phone 210. Similarly, one or more steps of the flipping process described above with reference to Figures 5A-5E are repeated, but the mobile phone 210 can start from a downward-facing orientation as shown in Figure 5G to position the right side 586b within the field of view of the camera 325. For example, after the mobile phone 210 is flipped a first time to the position shown in Figure 5G, the pusher 322 and ramp member 324 can repeat the actions described above to flip the phone a second time, e.g., returning the mobile phone 210 to the orientation of Figure 5A. During that process, the right side 586b of the mobile phone 210 can face toward and / or otherwise be positioned within the field of view of the camera 325 when the mobile phone 210 is supported by the angled surface 380 of the pusher 322 (e.g., as shown in Figure 5E, except that the mobile phone 210 faces in a direction opposite to the shown direction F). Thus, with the mobile phone 210 in this position, the camera 325 can capture one or more images of the right side 586b.

[0064] 6A-6C are a series of front views illustrating various stages of operation of an inverter device 320a configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. Many of the components and features of the inverter device 320a are at least generally similar in structure and function to the inverter device 320 described in detail above. However, in one aspect of the present embodiment, the inverter device 320a is configured to flip the mobile phone 210 over without requiring any “tipping” movement of the ramp member 324. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the top surface of the inspection tray 212 may curve or slope upward toward the base of the ramp member 324, as illustrated by the ramp feature 690. As shown in FIG. 6A , as the pusher member 322 moves from right to left, the first side 586a of the mobile phone 210 first slides over the ramp feature 690 and then slides over the curved surface 327 of the ramp member 324. 6B, as the pusher member 322 continues to push the right side 586b of the mobile phone 210 to the left, the right side 586b moves over the ramp feature 690 and further into the recess formed by the concave curved surface 327. As a result, the mobile phone 210 is now in an over-center position, which causes the mobile phone 210 to fall to the right and onto the angled surface 380 of the pusher member 322 without any necessary "shoving" or pushing by the ramp member 324. As shown in FIG. 6C, as the pusher member 322 moves to the right toward its starting position, the opposing sides 586a, 586b of the mobile phone 210 slide under the angled surface 380 and the ramp feature 690, respectively, so that the mobile phone 210 ultimately rests face down on the top surface of the inspection tray 212. Thus, the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C provides a method of inverting the mobile phone 210 without requiring the ramp member 324 to be rotated or otherwise moved.

[0065] While various embodiments of flipping devices are described herein, it is contemplated that other flipping devices configured in accordance with the present technology may also be provided for flipping cell phones and other mobile devices. For example, with reference to Figures 6A-6C, it is contemplated that ramp member 324 may be configured with a concavely curved surface similar to curved surface 327, but with an upper portion that extends further to the right in Figure 6A relative to the base of ramp member 324. By configuring the upper portion of curved surface 327 to extend further in this direction, it is contemplated that cell phones and other mobile devices may be moved to an overcenter position using a pusher member at least generally similar to pusher member 322 described above, without the need for ramp member 324 to move or otherwise impart any tipping action to cell phone 210.

[0066] In some embodiments, the flipper 320 described in detail above can be used to flip items other than cell phones and other handheld electronic devices. For example, in some embodiments, the flipper 320 can be used to flip a user's identification card (e.g., a driver's license or other ID card). In these embodiments, the user places their ID card face up on the inspection tray 212 when the tray is in the position shown in FIG. 2A , and then the inspection tray 212 would rotate back to the position shown in FIG. 2B . In this position, the inspection area camera 325 (see, e.g., FIG. 5A ) would capture an image of the face (front) of the ID card, and the flipper 320 would then flip the ID card over in the manner described above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5G so that the camera 325 could capture an image of the back side of the ID card. The image of the ID card can then be stored in a database and associated with the cell phone the user is selling. Additionally, identification information can be read from the ID card image (e.g., via OCR, etc.) and checked against a database of potentially fraudulent merchants as a means of fraud prevention. The image can also be transferred to a remote computer for display to a remote operator, who can compare information on the ID card (e.g., a person's age, height, weight, etc.) with an image of the user acquired via external camera 106 (FIG. 1) to verify the user's identity. In such embodiments, where the user's ID card or other form of identification is verified via inspection area camera 325 as described above, ID scanning device 108 (FIG. 1) may not be necessary and could potentially be omitted.

[0067] 7A-7C are a series of cross-sectional side views of kiosk 100 illustrating various stages in the processing of a mobile device (e.g., mobile phone 210) in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. As the reader will observe, the positions of inspection tray 212 in FIGS. 7A-7C correspond to the positions of inspection tray 212 in FIGS. 2A-2C, respectively, described above. Turning first to FIG. 7A, this figure illustrates mobile phone 210 positioned on inspection tray 212 with the bottom edge of phone 210 set against shelf 218. In some embodiments, wireless charger 222 can provide fast charging for mobile phone 210 when it is placed on inspection tray 212 without power. Additionally, in some embodiments, a second wireless charger 222a can be placed above or below top surface 700 of kiosk 100, for example, behind kiosk display 104. In these embodiments, a user can charge their mobile phone 210 by placing the mobile phone on surface 700 without kiosk 100 having to open and close access door 112 for each charge, leading to wear and tear on access door 112. In additional embodiments, when a user places mobile phone 210 on wireless charger 222, kiosk 100 is configured to wake up (activate from sleep or hibernation) to initiate the transaction. kiosk 100 navigates to the appropriate user interface page to conduct the transaction. In some embodiments, wireless charger 222 is configured to automatically shut off after a threshold amount of time, e.g., one minute, two minutes, etc. Automatic shutoff prevents users or malicious entities (who may not intend to sell the device) from lingering at kiosk 100. In some embodiments, wireless charger 222 is configured to offer longer charging cycles to users who register a valid identifier (e.g., email address or phone number) with kiosk 100 and opt in to receive marketing communications.In some embodiments, when kiosk 100 determines that mobile phone 210 is a Qi-enabled phone but the "Qi charging" feature does not work for mobile phone 210, kiosk 100 is configured to offer the user a reduced price for the particular model of phone. For example, kiosk 100 can use the IMEI number of mobile phone 210 to determine that the particular model of phone has Qi support but the Qi charging feature does not work. In some embodiments, the price offered by kiosk 100 is further based on the battery health of mobile phone 210 (e.g., the phone's maximum capacity, the number of charging cycles of the phone, etc.) and / or other information associated with mobile phone 210 received during an electrical test of mobile phone 210.

[0068] Additionally (whether the mobile phone 210 is fully or partially charged when it is placed on the inspection tray 212), the mobile phone 210 responds to receiving power from the wireless charger 222 by providing information about the phone to the wireless charger 222. In some embodiments as described above, this information can include a wireless power ID packet that can be transmitted to the kiosk processor 402 (FIG. 4B) and used, for example, to determine the manufacturer of the device. The phone manufacturer can be used to determine appropriate questions / prompts, etc. to display to the user via the kiosk display screen 104 for the phone inspection / purchase process. For example, if the mobile phone 210 is an Apple (登録商標) If a product, display screen 104 may provide instructions for the user to log out of their iCloud account so that the phone can be purchased through kiosk 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the unique phone identification information received from mobile phone 210 via wireless charger 222 may be used to track downstream processing of the mobile phone, thereby alleviating the need for users to apply identification labels or stickers (e.g., barcode stickers) to the phone for tracking purposes.

[0069] In some embodiments, the manufacturer of the mobile phone 210 will be only part of the information needed to provide an accurate price quote for the mobile phone 210. Thus, if the manufacturer is the only information available to the kiosk 100, the kiosk 100 can determine a price at the low end of a price range for a particular manufacturer of the phone (e.g., via accessing an associated price database) and offer to purchase the mobile phone 210 at a lower price. In addition, the kiosk 100 can also conduct a more thorough evaluation of the mobile phone 210 and potentially offer to arrive at a higher price for the phone 210 if the user is willing to wait. If the user chooses to sell the mobile phone 210 at a lower price (e.g., by selecting appropriate responses to prompts on the kiosk display screen 104), the kiosk 100 can reserve the phone 210 and facilitate rewarding the user, as described below. If the user decides to wait and allows the kiosk 100 to conduct a more thorough assessment, the kiosk 100 can obtain additional device information, such as the model, mobile phone carrier, memory capacity, IMEI number, etc., by prompting the user to provide additional information. For example, with the mobile phone 210 in the position shown in FIG. 7A , the kiosk 100 can instruct the user (via the kiosk display screen 104) on how to navigate menus and / or other options / commands on the display screen of the mobile phone 210 so that the mobile phone 210 displays information about the device. The kiosk 100 can adjust the instructions presented to the user based on the manufacturer of the mobile phone 210 obtained from the wireless charger 222. As an example, the user can use the phone's "Settings" menu to interact with the mobile phone's touchscreen display to cause a "Details" page to appear. The Details page can display various types of information about the phone that the kiosk 100 can capture via the camera 325 and process using, for example, associated OCR software.Such information may include, for example, model, serial number, operating system / operating system version, IMEI number, IP address, MAC address, mobile carrier, memory configuration, user information, cloud lock status, etc. This information can be used by kiosk 100 to determine a more accurate price or price range (e.g., high and low prices) for mobile phone 210 (e.g., via access to an associated pricing database) and present the price or price range to the user.

[0070] For example, if the kiosk 100 cannot obtain the required information by guiding the user because the user is unable to follow instructions, or if the user is unwilling to spend time following instructions, the kiosk 100 can establish a communication link with the mobile phone 210 to obtain the required information. In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can establish a wireless communication link with the mobile phone 210, for example, via a kiosk wireless transceiver as described herein. In other cases, the kiosk 100 can establish a wired communication link, for example, by presenting an electrical connector (e.g., one of the electrical connectors 474a-c described above with reference to FIG. 4A ) to connect to the mobile phone 210 as described above. The kiosk processor 402 can determine the appropriate electrical connector (e.g., a USB-C or Lightning connector) to present to the user on the inspection tray shelf 218 based on, for example, the manufacturer of the device 210. After establishing a communication link between kiosk 100 and mobile phone 210, kiosk 100 can obtain the required information through an electrical test as described above. Based on the information, kiosk 100 can then determine a more accurate price or price range for mobile phone 210 and present the price or price range to the user. If the user is not interested in the offered price or price range and no longer wishes to proceed with the transaction, the user can simply retrieve their mobile phone 210 from kiosk 100. If the user decides to proceed with the transaction, the user may be required to adhere a label with a unique code (e.g., a barcode) dispensed from exit 116 ( FIG. 1 ) to the back of mobile phone 210 for tracking purposes and then place the phone back on inspection tray 212.

[0071] At this point, in some embodiments, the user may choose to sell the mobile phone 210 at a price at the lower end of a more accurate price range, or the user may choose to have the phone further inspected, for example, for damage to the phone's display screen, to potentially obtain a higher price for the phone based on results from further testing and / or analysis of the mobile phone 210, such as whether the screen is damaged. If the user chooses to sell the mobile phone 210 at a lower price, the kiosk 100 may retain the mobile phone 210 and provide the user with a lower price reward, as described below. Alternatively, if the user allows the kiosk 100 to further inspect the mobile phone 210, for example, for damage to the phone's display screen, and potentially offer a higher price, the access door 112 closes and the inspection tray 212 rotates backward about the horizontal axis defined by the pivot shaft 336 to the position shown in FIG. 7B . In this position, the mobile phone 210 can be visually inspected to determine whether the device has any cracks, as described above. For example, as described above, in some embodiments, this involves visual inspection of the front side of the mobile phone 210, followed by visual inspection of the back side after the phone is flipped using the flipping device 320 described in detail above (or vice versa). As discussed above, lights 366a, 366b can facilitate the visual inspection in those embodiments in which the inspection tray 212 is configured as a light table. If the display or other portion of the mobile phone 210 has a crack, the price for the mobile phone 210 will be lower than if the device does not have a crack.

[0072] After obtaining the device information and performing a visual inspection, kiosk 100 can determine a price for mobile phone 210. For example, to determine the price, kiosk 100 may use information about the make and model of the mobile phone, one or more unique identifiers for the phone, and / or results of the visual inspection (e.g., aesthetic condition, display screen damage, etc.) and look up current prices for the phone in a database or pricing model. The database or pricing model may be, for example, a local lookup table of common devices and / or a remotely hosted database or web service to which kiosk 100 can transmit information about the electronic device and receive current market values ​​or offer prices for one or more electronic devices having the same (or at least generally similar) make, model, and / or condition. After the purchase price is determined, the user may be presented with the offer price via display screen 104.

[0073] If the user accepts the offered price, the kiosk 100 may verify the user's identity and / or implement other fraud prevention measures, as described above with reference to FIG. 2B . Once these steps are satisfactorily completed, the inspection tray 212 rotates further rearward, as shown in FIG. 7C , sliding the mobile phone 210 from the rear portion of the inspection tray 212 into a chute 792 that leads to a storage bin 794. Note that the front portion of the inspection tray 212 includes a skirt 796 that prevents the user from reaching under the inspection tray 212 and into the storage bin 794 when the access door 112 is open and the inspection tray 212 is in the position shown in FIG. 7B . Once the phone is accepted into the bin 794, the kiosk 100 may provide payment for the purchase price to the user, or the kiosk 100 may reserve the phone and facilitate rewarding the user as described herein. In some embodiments, payment may be made in the form of cash dispensed from the payment outlet 110. In other embodiments, users can receive rewards for their mobile phone 210 in various other ways. For example, users can be paid via redeemable cash vouchers, coupons (e.g., coupons for purchasing another mobile phone), electronic certificates, gift codes, prepaid cards, etc., dispensed from kiosk 100, or kiosk 100 can implement payments via gift codes, redeemable vouchers, coupons, electronic certificates, etc., sent to users via email, text, or other forms of electronic messaging. Additionally, in some embodiments, kiosk 100 can implement payments to users via wired or wireless currency deposits via kiosk 100 to electronic accounts (e.g., bank accounts, credit accounts, rewards accounts, online commerce accounts, mobile wallets, etc.), for example, via PayPal, Venmo, etc., or using cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin), etc.

[0074] In other embodiments, the price offered to the user for the mobile phone 210 may be a price quote or a range of price quotes. For example, in some embodiments, the kiosk 100 may provide the user with a range of price quotes for the mobile phone 210, with the final price paid for the phone depending on the results of a subsequent evaluation of the mobile phone 210 by a human operator at a remote facility. The highest price quote may be based on a human inspection confirming that the phone 210 is in the same condition as determined by the kiosk 100, while a lower price quote may be based on a human inspection determining that the phone 210 is in worse condition (e.g., more damage) than initially determined by the kiosk 100. In such embodiments, if the user wishes to proceed with the sales transaction based on the quoted price(s), the kiosk 100 accepts the mobile phone 210, but the user is not immediately paid for the phone by the kiosk 100. Alternatively, after the kiosk operator retrieves the mobile phone 210 from the kiosk 100 and the phone undergoes human inspection to verify the terms, the kiosk 100 can reserve the phone and facilitate rewarding the user as described herein, or the user can pay the final price (e.g., high or low quote) based on the terms by, for example, a check sent by mail, or by any number of different methods of electronic payment, including, for example, the transmission of an electronic certificate, gift code, coupon, redeemable voucher, etc., via email, text, or other form of electronic message, or via wired or wireless currency deposit to an electronic account (e.g., bank account, credit account, points account, online commerce account, mobile wallet, etc.).

[0075] 7B , in some instances, a user may simply leave their mobile phone 210 in kiosk 100 and walk away without completing a transaction. In such instances, it may be undesirable to move mobile phone 210 into bin 794 or otherwise retain mobile phone 210 within kiosk 100, as inspection personnel may then need to come to kiosk 100 and manually retrieve phone 210 from bin 794 and return it to the user. To avoid this scenario, some embodiments of the drive system for inspection tray 212 ( FIG. 3B ) can be configured to move inspection tray 212 from the position shown in FIG. 7B back to the position shown in FIG. 7A so quickly that it throws phone 210 out of kiosk 100 and onto the adjacent floor space (the kiosk access door 112 would, of course, open during this procedure).

[0076] While only one storage bin (i.e., storage bin 794) is shown in FIGS. 7A-7C , in some embodiments, kiosk 100 can include two or more storage bins for storing different types of mobile phones and / or for storing phones that may require different types of post-receive processing. For example, in some embodiments, storage bin 794 can be a first storage bin used to store mobile phones that will be collected from the kiosk and undergo normal processing procedures for resale, and kiosk 100 can include a second storage bin (not shown) that accepts mobile phones that may require some type of special processing or appraisal. Placing phones in this second type of storage bin allows a human operator to quickly access such phones if needed for appraisal, reporting, etc. As an example, to implement a second storage bin, chute 792 can include two exit paths and a deflector (not shown) or similar device to direct the mobile phones into the appropriate storage bin.

[0077] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing processes are merely some examples of how kiosk 100 may be used to purchase, recycle, or otherwise process consumer electronic devices, such as mobile phones. Additionally, it should be understood that the configuration of kiosk 100 described above is merely one example of a suitable mobile device evaluation, purchasing, and / or recycling system that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present technology. Thus, other embodiments of the present technology may use other systems without departing from this disclosure. While the foregoing examples are described in the context of a mobile phone, kiosk 100 and / or various embodiments thereof and / or the systems described herein may also be used in conjunction with other devices, such as MP3 players, tablet computers, laptop computers, e-readers, PDAs, Google Play Stores, and the like. (登録商標) Glass TM It should be understood that the kiosk 100 may be used in a similar manner to recycle virtually any type of consumer electronic device, such as a smartwatch, smartwatches, and other portable or wearable devices, as well as other relatively non-portable electronic devices, such as desktop computers, printers, televisions, DVRs, gaming devices, entertainment on CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, or other digital media. Also, while the foregoing examples are described in the context of use by consumers, the kiosk 100 and its various embodiments and / or the systems described herein can likewise be used by others, such as store clerks, to assist consumers in recycling, selling, exchanging, etc., their electronic devices.

[0078] FIG. 8 provides a schematic representation of the architecture of kiosk 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, kiosk 100 includes a suitable processor or CPU 402 that controls operation of kiosk 100 as described above in accordance with non-transitory computer-readable instructions stored on system memory 806. Processor 402 may be any logical processing unit, such as one or more CPUs, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. Processor 402 may be a single processing unit or multiple processing units within an electronic device, or may be distributed across multiple devices. Processor 402 is connected to memory 806 and may be internally coupled to other hardware devices and high-speed peripherals, for example, through the use of a bus (e.g., USB 3.0 hub 824, PCI Express, or Serial ATA bus, etc.). Processor 402 may be, by way of example, a standard personal computer (PC) (e.g., Dell (登録商標) OptiPlex (登録商標) 7010PC) or Windows® (e.g., Windows 8 Pro operating system), Linux (登録商標) , Android (registered trademark), iOS (登録商標)or other types of embedded computers running any suitable operating system, such as an embedded real-time operating system. In some embodiments, processor 402 may be a small form factor PC with an integrated hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) and USB or other ports for communicating with other components of kiosk 100. In other embodiments, processor 402 may include a microprocessor with a stand-alone motherboard interfacing with a separate HDD. Memory 806 may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) or other storage devices, such as a disk drive or SSD, that store executable applications, test software, databases, and / or other software required to control the kiosk components, process electronic device information and data (e.g., to evaluate device make, model, condition, pricing, etc.), communicate and exchange data and information with remote computers and other devices, etc. Program modules, such as an operating system, one or more application programs, other programs or modules, and program data, may be stored in system memory 806. Memory 806 may also include a web browser for enabling kiosk 100 to access and exchange data with websites via the Internet.

[0079] The processor 402 can provide information and instructions to the kiosk user via the display screen 104 and / or the audio system (e.g., speakers) 820. The processor 402 can also receive user input, for example, via a touchscreen associated with the display screen 104 and / or, in some embodiments, a keypad 814 with physical keys, and / or a microphone 816. Additionally, the processor 402 can receive personal identification and / or biometric information associated with the user via the ID reader 108 (e.g., a driver's license reader / scanning device), one or more of the external cameras 106, and / or the fingerprint reader 214. In some embodiments, the processor 402 can also receive information (such as user identification and / or account information) via the card reader 818 (e.g., a debit, credit, or loyalty card reader with a suitable magnetic stripe reader, optical reader, etc.). The processor 402 may also control the operation of the label dispenser 116 and the system for providing rewards to users, such as the payment (e.g., cash) dispenser 110 and / or receipt or voucher printer and its associated dispenser 114.

[0080] Processor 402 can also control the operation of electronic, optical, and electromechanical systems that kiosk 100 includes to electrically, visually, and / or physically analyze electronic devices installed within kiosk 100 and / or information displayed on such devices for purchase or recycling. Such systems can include one or more internal cameras (e.g., camera 325) for imaging and visual inspection of electronic devices, for example, to determine external dimensions and / or conditions such as whether and to what extent a mobile phone's LCD display may be cracked, and / or to perform OCR of information displayed on the electronic device in conjunction with OCR system 807. Such systems can also include electrical connectors 474a-c (e.g., USB connectors) for powering mobile phones and other electronic devices and performing electronic inspections, for example. Processor 402 can also be operably connected to connector carrier 478 to control the dispensing of connectors 474a-c, and to motors 340 and 354 to control the movement of inspection tray 212 and pusher member 322, respectively, as described in detail above. Kiosk 100 further includes a number of mechanical components 822 that are electronically activated to perform various functions of kiosk 100 during operation. Mechanical components 822 may include, for example, inspection area access door 112 (FIG. 1). Kiosk 100 further includes power 404, which may include battery power and / or utility power for operation of various electrical components associated with kiosk operation.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, kiosk 100 further includes a network connection 812 (e.g., a wired connection such as an Ethernet port, a cable modem, a FireWire cable, a Lightning connector, a USB port, etc.) suitable for communication with any manner of processing device (including a remote processing device), e.g., via communication link 808, and a wireless transceiver 813 (e.g., including a Wi-Fi access point, a Bluetooth transceiver, a near field communication (NFC) device, a wireless modem or cellular radio utilizing GSM, CDMA, 3G, 4G, and / or 5G technology, etc.) suitable for communication with any manner of processing device (including a remote processing device), e.g., via communication link 808 and / or directly, e.g., via a wireless peer-to-peer connection. For example, wireless transceiver 813 can facilitate wireless communication with an electronic device such as mobile device 810 (e.g., mobile phone 210), e.g., for wireless assessment of the mobile device, e.g., via a mobile application loaded on the device. Such communication with the mobile device 810 can occur when the device is in proximity to the kiosk 100 (e.g., in or near the inspection area 216) or when the device is remote from the kiosk. In other embodiments, the kiosk 100 can include other components and features that may differ from those described above, and / or one or more of the components and features described above may be omitted.

[0082] In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 810 is depicted as a handheld device, e.g., a mobile phone 210. However, in other embodiments, the electronic device 810 may be, for example, other handheld devices, PDAs, MP3 players, tablets, notebook and laptop computers, e-readers, cameras, desktop computers, TVs, DVRs, game consoles, Google (登録商標) Glass TM, smartwatches, etc. By way of example only, in the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 810 may include one or more features, applications, and / or other elements commonly found in smartphones and other known mobile devices. For example, the electronic device 810 may include a CPU and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU) 834 for executing computer-readable instructions stored on memory 836. In addition, the electronic device 810 may include an internal power source or battery 832, a dock connector 846, a USB port 848, a camera 840, and / or well-known input devices including, for example, a touchscreen 842, a keypad, etc. In many embodiments, the electronic device 810 may also include speakers 844 for two-way communication and audio playback. In addition to the aforementioned features, the electronic device 810 may include an operating system (OS) 831 and / or a device wireless transceiver, which may include, for example, one or more antennas 838 for wirelessly communicating with other electronic devices, websites, and the kiosk 100. Such communication may be performed, for example, via communications link 808 (which may include the Internet, a public or private intranet, a local or extended Wi-Fi network, a cellular base station, a plain old telephone system (POTS), etc.), direct wireless communication, etc.

[0083] 9 is a schematic diagram of a suitable network environment for implementing various aspects of an electronic device recycling system 900 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, multiple kiosks 100 (individually identified as kiosks 100a-100n) can exchange information with one or more remote computers (e.g., one or more server computers 904) via communication links 808. The one or more server computers 904 can be located remotely from one or more of the kiosks 100, for example, in a different room, building, city, zip code, state, country, continent, etc. The communication links 808 can include a publicly available network (e.g., the Internet with a web interface), although private communication links such as an intranet or other network can also be used. Also, in various embodiments, each kiosk 100 can be connected to a host computer (not shown) that facilitates the exchange of information between the kiosk 100 and remote computers, other kiosks, mobile devices, etc.

[0084] The server computer 904 can perform many or all of the functions for receiving, routing, and storing electronic messages, such as web pages, audio signals, and electronic images, necessary to implement the various electronic transactions described herein. For example, the server computer 904 can retrieve and exchange web pages and other content with one or more associated databases 906. In some embodiments, the databases 906 can include information related to mobile phones and / or other consumer electronic devices. Such information can include, for example, make, model, serial number, IMEI number, mobile operator plan information, pricing information, owner information, etc. In various embodiments, the server computer 904 also can include a server engine 908, a web page management component 910, a content management component 912, and a database management component 914. The server engine 908 can perform basic processing and operating system-level tasks associated with the various technologies described herein. The web page management component 910 can handle the creation and / or display and / or routing of web or other display pages. The content management component 912 can handle many of the functions associated with the routines described herein. The database management component 914 can perform various storage, retrieval, and query tasks associated with the database 906, which can store various information and data such as animations, graphics, visual and audio signals, and the like.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, kiosk 100 can also be operably connected to a number of other remote devices and systems via communications link 808. For example, kiosk 100 can be operably connected to a number of user devices 918 (e.g., PCs, laptops, handheld devices, etc.) having associated browsers 920. Similarly, as described above, kiosks 100 can each include wireless communication facilities for exchanging digital information with wireless-enabled electronic devices such as electronic device 810 (e.g., mobile phone 210). Kiosk 100 and / or server computer 904 can also be operably connected to a series of remote computers for obtaining data and / or exchanging information with necessary service providers, financial institutions, device manufacturers, government agencies, etc. For example, kiosk 100 and server computer 904 may be operatively connected to one or more mobile phone carriers 922, one or more device manufacturers 924 (e.g., mobile phone manufacturers), one or more electronic payment or financial institutions 928, one or more databases (e.g., the GSMA IMEI database, etc.), and one or more computers and / or other remotely located or shared resources associated with cloud computing 926. Financial institutions 928 may include any manner of entity associated with conducting financial transactions, including banks, credit / debit card facilities, online commerce facilities, online payment systems, virtual cash systems, money transfer systems, etc.

[0086] In addition to the foregoing, kiosks 100 and server computer 904 can also be operatively connected to a resale marketplace 930 and a kiosk operator 932. Resale marketplace 930 represents a system of remote computers and / or service providers associated with the resale of consumer electronic devices through both electronic and brick-and-mortar channels. Such entities and facilities can be associated, for example, with online auctions for reselling used electronic devices and for establishing market prices for such devices. Kiosk operator 932 can be a central computer or system of computers for controlling all manner of operation of the network of kiosks 100. Such operation can include, for example, kiosk maintenance (e.g., remote testing of kiosk functionality, downloading operating software and updates, etc.), inspections (e.g., periodic replenishment of cash and other consumables), remote monitoring and facilitating performance, etc. Additionally, kiosk operator 932 can further include one or more display screens operatively connected to receive images from one or more cameras (e.g., one or more of cameras 106 and 325) located on each of kiosks 100. This remote viewing capability allows operator personnel to verify user identification in real time during a transaction and / or perform other visual observations at kiosk 100. This can include remote evaluation of images of the electronic device by the remote operator to rate the physical condition of the device.

[0087] The foregoing description of electronic device recycling system 900 illustrates only one possible network system suitable for implementing the various techniques described herein. Thus, those skilled in the art will understand that other systems consistent with the present technology may omit one or more of the equipment described with reference to FIG. 9 or may include one or more additional equipment not described in detail in FIG. 9.

[0088] While specific circuitry is described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that microprocessor-based systems can also be used if any logical decisions are configured in software. The foregoing discussion of Figures 8 and 9 provides a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the present technology can be implemented. Although not required, aspects of the present technology are described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as routines, executed by a general-purpose data processing device, e.g., a server computer, a wireless device, or a personal computer. Those skilled in the art will understand that aspects of the present technology can be practiced with other communications, data processing, or computer system configurations, including Internet appliances, handheld devices (including personal digital assistants (PDAs)), wearable computers, all types of cellular or mobile telephones (including voice-over-IP (VoIP) phones), dumb terminals, media players, gaming devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics devices, set-top boxes, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Indeed, the terms "computer," "server," "host," "host system," and the like are generally used interchangeably herein to refer to any of the above devices and systems, as well as any data processor.

[0089] 10 and 11 are isometric views of a wireless charger 1010 mounted to or otherwise integrated into a structure 1000 and a structure 1100, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In FIG. 10, the structure 1000 may be a test tray that is part of a kiosk, such as the test tray 212 of the kiosk 100 described above. In FIG. 11, one or more wireless chargers 1010 (individually identified as wireless chargers 1010a-1010d) may be mounted to a structure 1100, which may be, for example, a piece of furniture such as a freestanding table or countertop, a coffee table, a desk, a bench, etc. The structure 1100 may be located in a publicly accessible area or facility. For example, the structure 1100 may be a table in a restaurant, coffee shop, etc.

[0090] The wireless charger 1010 can be mounted on the underside of the structures 1000 and 1100. The wireless charger 1010 can be installed within the surface of the structures 1000 and 1100 to prevent dismantling of the wireless charger 1010. For example, if the wireless charger 1010 is mounted on the underside of the structures 1000 and 1100, the wireless charger can be removed from the structures 1000 and 1100. To allow the wireless charger 1010 to be installed within the structures 1000 and 1100, the structures 1000 and 1100 can have a surface that is thicker than the thickness of the wireless charger. In some embodiments, the wireless charger 1010 can be added to an existing structure, such as an existing kiosk 100 or an existing table 1100, countertop, etc.

[0091] The structure 1000, 1100 can accommodate multiple wireless chargers 1010, as seen in FIG. 11. A hardware or software processor, such as the processor 402 of FIGS. 4B and 8, can wirelessly connect the multiple wireless chargers 1010 to a cell phone or other electronic device 1020 (“device 1020”), determine which wireless charger receives the strongest signal from the device, and use the wireless charger receiving the strongest signal to communicate with and charge the device. Having multiple wireless chargers 1010 allows the structure 1000, 1100 to charge large or small devices placed anywhere on the surface of the structure 1000, 1100. Additionally, having multiple chargers 1010 allows multiple people seated at the structure 1100, for example, to charge their devices. Mounting multiple wireless chargers 1010 on structure 1100 (e.g., on the underside of structure 1100) allows wireless chargers 1010 to be within operating range for charging a cell phone or other electronic device regardless of where the device is placed on structure 1100. In some embodiments, wireless charger 1010 may be a Qi wireless charger and may be the same as or at least similar to wireless charger 222 described above. In other embodiments, wireless charger 1010 may be another type of wireless charger.

[0092] In some embodiments, the wireless charger 1010 coupled to the structure 1100 can communicate directly or indirectly with the device 1020. In an example of direct communication, the wireless charger 1010 can cause the device 1020 to display a message to the user, such as informing the user of a price for the device 1020 and asking the user if they would like to sell the device. In an example of indirect communication, the wireless charger 1010 can communicate with a processor associated with a third device, such as a cloud computer or a local computer proximate to the structure 1100, which can in turn cause the device 1020 to display a message to the user.

[0093] In some embodiments, in addition to the wireless charger 1010, a camera 1130 mounted on the ceiling above the structure 1100 can record images of the display of the device 1020. The camera 1130 can communicate with a processor, such as the processor 402 of FIGS. 4B and 8, which can recognize information displayed on the device 1020 using an OCR system, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 445,083 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 116,020, filed November 19, 2020, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. The processor can be associated with a third device, such as a cloud computer or a local computer.

[0094] 10 and 11 , when a mobile phone or other electronic device (“device”) 1020 is in proximity to a wireless charger 1010, such as lying on a structure 1000, 1100, the device 1020 and wireless charger 1010 can engage if the device 1020 is equipped with internal wireless charging circuitry. The wireless charger 1010 can be activated under various conditions, such as whenever the device 1020 is placed in proximity to the wireless charger 1010. For example, in some embodiments, the wireless charger 1010 can be associated with a proximity sensor 1030 that detects the presence of the device 1020. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 1030 can be a Hall-effect sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitance sensor, or other sensor known in the art. In some embodiments, the wireless charger 1010 can be activated after a user indicates that they wish to sell the device 1020, and the wireless charger 1010 can provide a timed charge, such as for up to five minutes. To indicate that a user desires to sell the device 1020, the user can place the device 1020 on the structure 1000, 1100, or can make a selection at the kiosk 100 or at the device 1020, as described in the examples below. For example, in some embodiments, the structure 1000, 1100 can have a proximity sensor 1030 that detects the presence of the device 1020. In response to detecting the presence of the device 1020, the proximity sensor can activate the wireless charger 1010. In another example, the wireless charger 1010 can be activated after the user places the device 1020 on the inspection tray 1000 for a predetermined amount of time, such as 30 seconds. In a third example, the user can make a selection via the kiosk 100 to indicate that the user is interested in selling the device 1020. In a fourth example, the user can make a selection via the device 1020, such as activating an appropriate indicator that indicates to the kiosk 100 that the user is interested in selling the device. Kiosk 100 can then use the OCR system to understand the device display.

[0095] While the device 1020 is charging, the device 1020 can use wireless charging messages to provide information about the device 1020 to a system configured to purchase the device 1020, such as the kiosk 100. The wireless charging messages can conform to protocols such as the wireless charging protocol, the 3GPP® / LTE standard, the 3GPP® / 5G standard, etc. The wireless charging messages sent from the device 1020 to the system can be part of a required message exchange during protocol initiation between the device 1020 and the system. For example, the wireless charging message can be part of a header packet that initiates the wireless charging protocol.

[0096] The wireless charging protocol header packet sent from the device 1020 to the system can include a unique identifier for the device 1020. The unique identifier for the device 1020 prevents a user from placing an expensive device on the structure 1000, 1100 for evaluation and then replacing it with a less expensive device prior to the device being deposited at the kiosk 100. For example, to prevent a person from replacing the device 1020, the wireless charger 1010 can request a header packet containing a unique identifier each time the device 1020 is placed in the inspection tray 1000 or on the table 1100. The wireless charger 1010 can detect a device replacement if, at any point in the evaluation process, the unique identifier detected in the header packet received from the device 1020 changes from the unique identifier originally detected when charging was initiated. Even if the device 1020 is out of battery, the device 1020 can be activated through the wireless charger 1010 to obtain the necessary information as described herein.

[0097] In one embodiment, the device 1020 can transmit information to the wireless charger 1010 that identifies the manufacturer of the wireless charger on the device 1020. For example, the wireless charging protocol can include a packet transmitted by the device 1020 that contains a wireless charger identifier (ID) that identifies the manufacturer of the device's wireless charger. The manufacturer of the wireless charger can then be used to uniquely identify the manufacturer of the device 1020. For example, if the device 1020 is connected to a Google (登録商標) If this is a device, this means that this is Google (登録商標) However, all Google (登録商標) The device may have a TI wireless charger. As a result, if the manufacturer of the wireless charger on device 1020 is TI, the system determines whether device 1020 is a Google (登録商標) Similarly, it can be determined that the device is an Apple (登録商標) If the device is a wireless charger, the wireless charger ID identifies the manufacturer of the wireless charger to Apple. (登録商標) and if the device 1020 is a Samsung device, the wireless charger ID may define the wireless charger as Samsung. As a result, a hardware or software processor, for example, the processor 402 of FIGS. 4B and 8 associated with the wireless charger 1010, can infer and determine the manufacturer of the device 1020 based on the information packet from the device 1020. Based on the manufacturer of the device 1020, the processor can offer a price quote to the user. To provide a more accurate price, the processor can obtain additional information about the device 1020, such as the device model, the device's memory capacity, the mobile carrier, and the condition of the device's display screen. The processor can obtain the required information in several ways, as described below.

[0098] In a first example, a processor associated with the wireless charger 1010 can provide instructions to the user to guide the user in selecting an appropriate menu on the device 1020 so that the device 1020 provides additional information to the processor, such as by displaying the additional information. The instructions can be provided to the user, for example, via a user interface display, such as the display screen 104 of the kiosk 100 described above, or via the display of the device 1020. The instructions can guide the user to select the appropriate menu, such as "select the following menu: Settings > About Phone." Once the appropriate information is displayed on the device 1020, the processor can record the additional information shown on the display of the device 1020 using one or more cameras (e.g., the camera 325 in the inspection area 216 as described above with reference to FIG. 3A or the camera 1130 of FIG. 11) and can extract the required information from the recording.

[0099] In a second example, based on the manufacturer of the device, the processor can determine a cable that can be connected to the device 1020, as described above with reference to Figure 4A. The user can then connect the cable to the device 1020, and the processor associated with the wireless charger 1010 can obtain the additional information as described above.

[0100] In a third example, one or more cameras positioned above structure 1000 (e.g., camera 325 in inspection area 216 as described above with reference to FIG. 3A ) or, in the case of structure 1100, one or more cameras 1130 associated with wireless charger 1010 at a similar location relative to structure 1100, can record images of device 1020. Based on the images, a processor associated with wireless charger 1010 can determine the width and height of device 1020 and the shape of the curvature of the corners of device 1020. For example, a processor associated with an Apple device such as an iPhone® can determine the width and height of device 1020 and the shape of the curvature of the corners of device 1020.(登録商標) The device has a specific corner curvature, while Android® devices and Microsoft (登録商標) Devices tend to have sharper corners than an iPhone®. Based on the width, height, and / or curvature, the processor can use visual identification (ID) to determine the make and / or model of the device. Additionally, the processor can determine cables that may connect to the device 1020, from which additional information may be obtained.

[0101] In another embodiment, the device 1020 can transmit information to the wireless charger 1010 that identifies the make and model of the device 1020. The wireless charging protocol can include a packet containing a wireless power ID and a packet containing an extended ID. The wireless power ID can be a (登録商標) The extended ID may include the manufacturer of the device 1020, such as Apple (登録商標) iPhone X (登録商標) Based on the make and model of the device 1020, the processor can offer the user a more accurate price quote than a price quote based solely on the device's manufacturer. For example, the processor can (登録商標) If the processor determines that it is a phone, but does not know the model of the phone, the processor may offer a low price, such as $30, because the device may be an iPhone 1. However, if the processor determines that the device is an iPhone 11, the processor may offer $100 for the phone.

[0102] In a fourth example, the device 1020 can wirelessly transmit additional information to a processor associated with the wireless charger 1010. The processor can obtain the information using a wireless protocol, or the processor can obtain the information through an NFC protocol. The NFC protocol can be communicated using a dedicated NFC antenna and / or the wireless charger 1010. The additional information can include: Serial number Operating system (OS) / OS version IMEI (primary and secondary) IP address (ipv4 / 6) BT Wi-Fi MAC Address Mobile phone companies (AT&T, Verizon, etc.) Memory capacity User information: email, phone number, name Cloud Lock Status (via login screen for new users)

[0103] Some of the more important factors in determining the price of the device 1020 are the make, model, mobile carrier, memory capacity, and IMEI. The IMEI uniquely identifies the device 1020. Using the IMEI, the processor can determine whether the device 1020 has been stolen and should not be sold. Based on all of this information, the processor can produce a more accurate price quote to the user for the device 1020.

[0104] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a process for valuing a mobile phone or other electronic device and presenting a price quote to a user according to embodiments of the present technology. In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can value the device 1020 using the front-facing camera 106 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the kiosk 100 can display a unique identifier for the device 1020, such as an IMEI number, MEID number, serial number, etc., on the device's display and instruct the user to point the unique identifier toward the front-facing camera 106 or otherwise position the unique identifier within the camera's 106 field of view. The camera 106 captures an image of the unique identifier, and the kiosk 100 evaluates the image (e.g., via OCR, a barcode reader, etc.) and obtains the unique identifier. In some embodiments, to obtain the unique identifier, such as an IMEI number, the kiosk 100 can instruct the user to dial a specific number on the device 1020, such as "*#06#," which causes the device to display the IMEI number (which may be displayed as a barcode). In other embodiments, the user can be instructed to display a device detail page, which may include the IMEI or other unique identifier. The kiosk 100 can communicate instructions to the user through the kiosk display 104 or by having the device 1020 display instructions to the user. Based on the IMEI number or other unique identifier, the kiosk 100 can, for example, determine the make and / or model of the device and present a price range (e.g., high and low prices) to the user. In some embodiments, the high price may be based on a device in very good condition, while the low price may be based on a device in poor (e.g., damaged) condition. The user can choose to accept the low price of the price range without waiting, or the user can wait for the kiosk 100 to conduct a more detailed inspection of the device 1020 and receive a higher price. The user can also choose to terminate the transaction by walking away from the kiosk 100.If the user decides to continue with the transaction, the user can place the device 1020 on the inspection tray 212 of FIG. 2A of the kiosk 100 so that the kiosk 100 can proceed with a more detailed inspection as described above. Other embodiments of such a process are described below with reference to FIGS. 13A-13C.

[0105] As described above, in other embodiments, a processor (e.g., kiosk processor 402) associated with the wireless charger 1010 of FIGS. 10 and 11 can obtain the necessary information to fully evaluate the device wirelessly, without the need to connect the device 1020 to a cable. For example, in step 1200, the processor can determine whether the device 1020 supports wireless charging. To determine whether the device 1020 supports wireless charging, the processor can instruct the wireless charger 1010 to send an initial message to the device 1020 over a wireless protocol (e.g., the Qi wireless protocol). If the device 1020 responds to the initial message, the processor can determine that the device 1020 supports wireless charging.

[0106] If the processor does not receive a response from the device 1020, the processor may perform visual ID and obtain the make and / or model of the device 1020, for example, based at least in part on the width, height, and / or curvature of the device 1020 as described above. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may access a database that stores information regarding whether a particular make and / or model of a device supports wireless charging. Based on the make and / or model of the device 1020 (e.g., determined using the visual ID) and information from the database, the processor can determine whether the device 1020 supports wireless charging.

[0107] If the device 1020 does not support wireless charging, in step 1210, the processor may perform visual ID (e.g., if not previously performed to determine whether the device 1020 supports wireless charging, as described above) to determine the make and / or model of the device 1020. Based on the make and / or model of the device 1020, the processor may present a cable connector (e.g., one of connectors 474a-c) to the device and attempt to obtain necessary information such as the make, model, IMEI, mobile operator, and memory capacity through the cable connector, as described above. If the user declines to connect the device 1020 to the connector, the processor may proceed to step 1230. If the user connects the device 1020 to the connector, the processor may obtain the necessary information through the cable by performing an electrical test and may proceed to step 1220. Before or after performing step 1220, the processor may perform a visual test, as described herein. Prior to performing the visual inspection, the processor may ask the user whether they wish to wait for the visual inspection, as the price may increase in response to the visual inspection.

[0108] If the device 1020 does not support wireless charging, instead of or in addition to performing step 1210, the processor may perform step 1230, charge the device, and then send a message to the user to return the device for evaluation.

[0109] If the device 1020 supports wireless charging, then in step 1240, the processor may determine whether the device is being charged. To determine whether the device 1020 is being charged, the processor may instruct the wireless charger 1010 to send an initial message over the air to the device 1020. If the device 1020 responds to the initial message, the processor may determine that the device 1020 is being charged.

[0110] If the device 1020 is not charging, then in step 1250 the processor may ask (e.g., via an associated user interface display) whether the user wants to wait a few minutes to charge. The processor may explain to the user that the wait will be short, approximately three minutes, and is needed to ensure that the device 1020 has not been stolen. If the user does not want to wait a few minutes to charge, the processor may proceed to step 1260, 1270, or 1280.

[0111] In step 1280, the processor may refuse to purchase the device 1020 if the device is not powered because the device 1020 may be stolen. Without powering the device 1020, obtaining the device's unique identifier (UID), and checking whether the UID is stolen, the processor cannot determine whether the device 1020 is available for sale.

[0112] In step 1270, the processor may perform a visual ID of the device 1020. Based on the make and / or model of the device 1020, the processor may offer a purchase price for the device 1020 that represents the lower end of a price range associated with the device 1020. For example, the price range for the device 1020 may be $45 for a device in poor condition and $150 for a device in good condition. The processor may offer the user $45 if the user does not want to wait to power the device or if the device cannot be powered.

[0113] If the user accepts the offer, then in step 1290, the processor may accept the device 1020. For example, the kiosk 100 of FIG. 2A may slide the device into a chute 792 leading to a depository 794, as described above with reference to FIG. 7C, and initiate or otherwise cause payment to be made to the user for the device 1020, or the kiosk 100 may reserve the device 1020 and facilitate providing a reward to the user as described herein. If the user does not accept the offer, then in step 1295, the transaction between the user and the kiosk 100 and / or structure 1100 is terminated.

[0114] In step 1260, the processor may perform a visual ID of the device 1020 and determine the make and / or model of the device 1020. Based on the make and model of the device 1020, the processor may determine whether the device 1020 is expensive and likely to be stolen. The processor may make the determination by accessing a database containing a list of devices and prices and / or containing a list of stolen devices. If the device is expensive and likely to be stolen, the processor may attempt to power the device 1020 in step 1205. If the device is not expensive and unlikely to be stolen, the processor may proceed to step 1270 and provide a price.

[0115] The processor may reach step 1205 if, in step 1250, the user acknowledges that the user may wait to charge, or if, in step 1260, the processor determines that the device 1020 is expensive and may be stolen. In step 1205, the processor may attempt to power the device 1020 using, for example, the wireless charger 1010. Wireless charging of the device 1020 may fail if the wireless charger on the device 1020 is broken. If wireless charging fails, the processor may proceed to steps 1270 and 1280, as described above.

[0116] If the device can be charged, in step 1215, the processor may power the device 1020 via the wireless charger 1010. In step 1225, the processor may obtain information from the wireless charger 1010, either automatically in step 1235 or manually in step 1245, as described above. To obtain information automatically in step 1235, the processor may obtain various information from the wireless charger 1010, as described herein. For example, the processor may obtain the make, model, mobile operator, memory capacity, and / or IMEI of the device 1020 from the wireless charger 1010, etc.

[0117] Additionally, the processor may be operably connectable (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection) to an NFC antenna 1040, which may be embedded within or otherwise mounted thereto (e.g., under an inspection tray) in the structure 1000 of FIG. 10 or embedded within the structure 1100 of FIG. 11 (e.g., a table). The NFC antenna 1040 associated with the processor can communicate with an NFC antenna 1040a contained within the device 1020 to obtain information about the device without the user having to do anything other than place the device in proximity to the embedded NFC antenna 1040. The device NFC antenna 1040a can communicate information about the device 1020 to the NFC antenna 1040, which information may include the make, model, mobile carrier, capacity, etc. of the device 1020. NFC communication therebetween may enable the two electronic devices to communicate over a distance of 4 cm (1.5 inches) or less. The NFC communication may use any of the NFC communication protocol sets such as ISO / IEC 18092, ISO / IEC 21481 and / or NFC protocols defined by consortia such as GSMA, StoLPaN, NFC Forum, etc.

[0118] In addition to, or instead of, automatic step 1235, the processor may prompt the user to provide additional information to the processor in step 1245. For example, the processor may instruct the user how to navigate menus on the device 1020 so that the device 1020 may display information about the device. A camera associated with the processor may capture an image of the device display, perform OCR, and extract device information. In some embodiments, the processor may instruct the user to dial a specific number, such as "*#06#," to obtain a unique identifier for the device 1020, such as an IMEI number. In other embodiments, the processor can instruct the user to place the device 1020 on the structure 1100 (or on the inspection tray 212 (see FIG. 2A)) with the display side of the device 1020 facing the structure 1100 (or facing the inspection tray 212), so that the camera 1130 of FIG. 11 (or the camera 325 of FIG. 3A) can read the back of the device 1020 because, in some embodiments, the device 1020 may have a unique identifier, such as an IMEI number, printed in small text on the back of the device 1020.

[0119] In manual step 1245, the user may be able to have a video call, such as a Skype / Zoom call, with technical support, where a remote agent may turn on both the external camera 106 of FIG. 1 to see the user's face and / or the internal camera 325 to see how the user is interacting with the device 1020 in the kiosk 100. By viewing the device display, the remote agent can inform the user how to interact with the device display. For example, via the internal camera 325, the remote agent can view the user's finger in relation to the device 1020 and inform the user, for example, to "move right and click the app with the green icon." In some embodiments, the remote agent may be a chatbot or artificial intelligence. The remote agent may interact with the user using video, audio, and / or text provided by the kiosk 100.

[0120] For example, if the processor is unable to obtain the necessary information in step 1225 because the user is unable to follow the instructions, or if the user is unwilling to spend the time to follow the instructions, the processor may obtain the information via a cable. The kiosk 100 may present a cable to be connected to the device 1020 as described herein. In step 1220, the processor may obtain a list of stolen devices, including the UID of the stolen device. The processor may track whether the UID of the device 1020, such as an IMEI number, is contained in the list. If the UID of the device 1020 is on the list of stolen devices, in step 1255, the processor may refuse to accept the device 1020. In some embodiments, the processor further flags the kiosk's location in a record of the stolen device in a database that contains the UID of the stolen device. If the UID of the device 1020 is not on the list of stolen devices, the processor may present a purchase price for the device 1020, determined based on the information obtained in step 1225 from the device 1020, in step 1265.

[0121] In one embodiment, prior to presenting an offer price to the user, the processor may further visually inspect the device 1020 for cracks or other damage to the display screen (LCD), as well as cracks away from the display screen, as described herein. After inspection and collection of device information, the processor may offer an accurate price for the device 1020.

[0122] In another embodiment, the processor can present a price to the user without performing a visual inspection based on the collected information and suggest that the price may increase if the user is willing to wait for the visual inspection to be performed. If the user accepts the presented price, the processor does not perform the visual inspection and accepts the device as described herein, facilitating a reward for the user. If the user indicates that they are willing to wait, the processor can perform the visual inspection as described herein and can offer the user a final price based on additional information obtained through the visual inspection.

[0123] The processor may perform a visual inspection as described herein before or after step 1220.

[0124] The processor may collect information about successfully completed transactions in which users accepted the offer and transactions in which users did not accept the offer or did not even proceed to the step of viewing the offer. The processor may determine which of steps 1200-1290 resulted in a majority of users completing the transaction. The majority of users may be at least 20% of all users who completed the transaction. For example, the processor may determine that a majority of users completed the transaction in step 1210 when a cable was presented due to privacy concerns. As a result, the processor may replace step 1210 with steps 1270 and 1290. In another example, the processor may determine that a majority of users completed the transaction in step 1245 when they needed to manually navigate the device 1020. As a result, the processor may eliminate manual step 1245, obtain information available through the automated process 1234, and provide a price based on the obtained information.

[0125] 13A-13C show a flowchart of a process 1300 for valuing a mobile phone and / or other electronic device (e.g., mobile device 210, 1020) and presenting a price quote to a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In some embodiments, all or a portion of routine 1300 can be implemented by kiosk 100 and / or processor 402 according to non-transitory computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as memory 806. Referring initially to FIG. 13A, in step 1302, kiosk 100 can detect a user who wishes to sell and / or recycle a mobile device, for example, in response to input provided by the user via the kiosk's front-facing camera 106 and / or via a touchscreen portion of the kiosk display screen 104 shown in FIG. 1. In step 1304, in response to detecting the user, the kiosk 100 may instruct the user to display a unique identifier associated with the device 1020, such as an IMEI number, MEID number, serial number, etc., on the display of the device 1020. In some embodiments, for example, the kiosk 100 may instruct the user to dial “*#06#” to cause the device 1020 to display the device's IMEI number (which may be displayed, for example, as a barcode or other machine-readable indicia). Additionally or alternatively, the kiosk display screen 104 may instruct the user to display a “details page” for the device 1020, which may include the IMEI or other unique identifier. The kiosk 100 may communicate instructions to the user via the kiosk display 104 or by sending a wireless communication to the mobile device 1020, or the instructions may be displayed on the screen of the mobile device 1020 via a mobile app loaded on the device 1020. In step 1306, the kiosk 100 may instruct the user to point the unique identifier toward the front camera 106 or otherwise position the display screen of the mobile device and / or the unique identifier shown thereon within the field of view of the camera 106.In step 1308, the camera 106 captures an image of the unique identifier, and the kiosk 100 (e.g., the kiosk processor 402) can evaluate the image (e.g., via OCR, a barcode reader, etc.) to obtain the unique identifier.

[0126] In some embodiments, process 1300 includes step 1310, in which kiosk 100 instructs the user to enter contact information (e.g., related to device 1020) and / or enable another method for kiosk 100 to communicate with the user. For example, kiosk 100 may instruct the user to enter a phone number, email address, other electronic address, etc. via kiosk display screen 104 and / or via a website associated with kiosk 100 that the user accesses via device 1020. In step 1312, kiosk 100 may receive the contact information from the user via kiosk display screen 104, a website, etc. The kiosk 100 may provide a message or other indicia to the user, e.g., via kiosk display screen 104, a message sent to mobile device 1020, etc., to verify that kiosk 100 has received the contact information.

[0127] Based at least in part on the IMEI number and / or one or more other unique identifiers received by the kiosk 100 in step 1308, the kiosk 100 may determine, for example, the make and / or model of the device 1020 and, in step 1314, may present an initial offer to the user regarding the device 1020 based on the make and / or model. The kiosk 100 may present the offer to the user via the kiosk display screen 104 and / or via the device 1020 (e.g., text message, email, mobile app, etc.). If the user accepts the initial offer for the device (step 1316 "Yes"), for example, by making an appropriate selection via display screen 104, then in step 1318 kiosk 100 can instruct the user to place device 1020 on inspection tray 212 when inspection tray 212 is in the position shown in FIG. 7A, for example, and in step 1320 kiosk 100 accepts device 1020 into depository 794, for example, by rotating inspection tray 212 from the position shown in FIG. 7A to the position shown in FIG. 7C. Once kiosk 100 accepts device 1020 from the user, in step 1322 kiosk 100 can facilitate providing a reward to the user according to the initial offer. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 provides a reward directly to the user, for example, in the form of cash, a voucher, an electronic certificate, etc. Additionally or alternatively, kiosk 100 may facilitate providing a reward to the user electronically, for example, via PayPal, Venmo, cryptocurrency (e.g., bitcoin), and / or any other suitable form of reward. Process 1300 may end after kiosk 100 has finished providing or facilitating the provision of a reward to the user.

[0128] If the user does not accept the initial offer (“No” at step 1316), then in step 1324, the kiosk 100 may inform the user of the possibility of receiving a potentially higher offer based on further evaluation of the device 1020. The potentially higher offer may be based at least in part on information associated with the unique identifier obtained from the device 1020 (step 1308) (e.g., including the make and / or model of the device 1020) and / or the results of one or more tests (e.g., including electrical and / or visual tests) performed on the device 1020, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 may provide the user (e.g., via a touchscreen portion of the display screen 104) with an estimated time to complete the further evaluation, for example, to help the user decide whether to proceed with the further evaluation. If the user does not wish to proceed with the further evaluation of the device (“No” at step 1326), then the process 1300 ends. The user can also choose to end the transaction by simply walking away from the kiosk 100. However, if the user wishes to proceed with further evaluation of the device 1020 in hopes of receiving a higher offer (step 1326 "Yes"), the kiosk 100 can proceed with a more detailed evaluation and inspection of the device 1020, as described below with reference to FIG. 13B. In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 may provide the user with one or more subsequent opportunities to accept the initial offer (step 1314) during the further evaluation, for example, if the user has second thoughts and decides they no longer wish to proceed with the further evaluation. For example, the kiosk display screen 104 may temporarily or persistently display an option for the user to discontinue the further evaluation and / or accept or otherwise return to the initial offer (step 1314) during all or part of one or more steps of the further value evaluation, e.g., as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 13B.

[0129] In some embodiments, if the initial offer (step 1314) is equal to or below a predetermined value valuation threshold (e.g., less than $20, less than $10, less than $5, less than $2, less than $1, etc.), process 1300 may, for example, instruct the user to retrieve device 1020 from kiosk 100 and / or exit if the user does not accept the initial offer (step 1316 "No"), instead of informing the user of the possibility of receiving a potentially higher offer based on further valuation of device 1020 (step 1324). However, if the initial offer (step 1314) is above the predetermined value valuation threshold, process 1300 may proceed to step 1324, as described in more detail herein.

[0130] 13A as separate steps, in some embodiments, kiosk 100 can inform the user of the likelihood of receiving a potentially higher offer (step 1324) at the same time that kiosk 100 provides the user with the initial offer (step 1314). For example, both the initial offer (step 1314) and the likelihood of receiving a potentially higher offer (step 1324), including, for example, a quote for the potentially higher offer, can be displayed to the user to enable the user to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with further evaluation.

[0131] 13B, in step 1328, the kiosk 100 can instruct the user to place the device 1020 within the kiosk 100 on the inspection tray 212, and in step 1330, the kiosk 100 receives the device 1020 from the user on the inspection tray 212. In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can receive the device 1020 with the inspection tray 212 in an inclined position, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A. In step 1332, the kiosk 100 (e.g., one or more of the kiosk processors) can connect to the device 1020, for example, via a wireless connection (via WiFi, Bluetooth, wireless charger 222, etc.) and / or a wired connection (e.g., via one of the cable connectors 474a-c (FIG. 4A)). For example, in some embodiments, the kiosk 100 can include a wireless radio transceiver that is accessible by the user device (e.g., the device 1020). The kiosk 100 can establish a wireless connection with the device 1020 by providing connection instructions and / or authentication information for the user to enter via the device 1020 and / or display screen 104. For example, the kiosk 100 can prompt the user to make their mobile phone's Bluetooth connection discoverable and / or provide a Bluetooth pairing code that the user can type or otherwise enter on the screen of the device 1020 or on the touchscreen of the kiosk 100. As another example, the kiosk 100 can provide a Wi-Fi network name and / or password that, when selected and / or entered on the user's device 1020, allows the user to wirelessly connect the device 1020 to the indicated Wi-Fi network. In other embodiments, establishing the connection can include providing a visual code or image (e.g., a QR code) for the user to scan using the device 1020, such that scanning the code or image prompts the phone to connect to the kiosk's wireless network (e.g., upon user confirmation).In some embodiments, establishing a connection may include enabling a particular wireless device to enter or use the wireless network or make a wireless connection. For example, when the kiosk 100 detects the device 1020 and determines that the device 1020 is registered for access or otherwise recognized, the kiosk 100 automatically connects to the device 1020 without requiring further user authentication. In other embodiments, the user may load a mobile app onto the device 1020, which may rate the electronic device and facilitate wireless communication between the device 1020 and the kiosk 100, facilitating telephone rating and purchases via the kiosk 100. Various systems and methods for establishing a wireless connection between the kiosk 100 and a user's mobile phone or other electronic device are described in at least some of the patents and / or patent applications incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In other embodiments, a wireless connection between the kiosk 100 and mobile phones and other electronic devices may be established using other suitable means known in the art. In other embodiments, the kiosk 100 can establish a wired connection to the mobile device 1020 using any suitable one of the connectors 474a-c described above with reference to FIG. 4A.

[0132] In step 1334, the kiosk 100 may further evaluate the device 1020, for example, by performing one or more tests on the device 1020. In some embodiments, prior to performing one or more of the tests, the kiosk 100 may rotate the inspection tray 212 backward from the tilted position shown in FIG. 7A to the horizontal position shown in FIG. 7B. The one or more tests may include visual and / or electrical tests, including any of the tests described herein and / or in any of the applications incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 may perform tests and / or obtain data and / or other information (e.g., device identification information, device capability information, etc.) from the mobile device 1020, for example, using the connection between the kiosk 100 and the device 1020 established in step 1332. Additionally or alternatively, the kiosk 100 may further inspect the device 1020 (e.g., the physical condition of the device, such as the condition of the display screen, buttons, and other external features) by evaluating an image of the device 1020 acquired by the camera 325.

[0133] If the additional tests (e.g., electrical and / or visual tests) are sufficient to confirm the higher offer (step 1336 "yes"), then in step 1338 the higher offer (e.g., step 1324) can be displayed to the user, for example, via the kiosk display screen 104. If the user accepts the higher offer (step 1340 "yes"), then in step 1342 the kiosk 100 can bin the device 1020 (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 7C), and in step 1344 the kiosk 100 can facilitate providing the user with a reward. Process 1300 then ends. If the user does not accept the higher offer provided in step 1338 (“No” at step 1340), process 1300 may proceed to step 1337, where kiosk 100 may inform the user of the possibility of receiving a potentially higher offer (e.g., an offer potentially higher than the highest offer or the higher offer provided in step 1338) based on further evaluation of the device (e.g., different from the test performed by kiosk 100 in step 1334). The potentially higher offer may be based at least in part on information associated with the unique identifier obtained from device 1020 (step 1308) (e.g., including the make and / or model of device 1020), the results of one or more tests (e.g., including electrical and / or visual inspections) performed on device 1020 by the kiosk (step 1334), and / or the results of one or more additional tests performed on device 1020 by the user and facilitated by a software application loaded on device 1020, as described in more detail below. If the user accepts further evaluations (step 1339 "yes"), the process may proceed to step 1348, which is described in more detail below.However, if the user does not accept further evaluation (step 1339 "No"), then in step 1341, kiosk 100 may, for example, rotate inspection tray 212 from the horizontal position of FIG. 7B to the initial position of FIG. 7A, open door 112 (FIG. 1) to inspection area 216, and instruct the user to retrieve device 1020 from inside kiosk 100. Process 1300 then ends.

[0134] In some embodiments, kiosk 100 may provide the user with one or more subsequent opportunities to accept a higher offer (step 1338) during the further evaluation, e.g., if the user changes their mind and decides they no longer wish to proceed with the further evaluation. For example, kiosk display screen 104 may temporarily or persistently display an option to discontinue the further evaluation and / or to accept or otherwise return to the initial offer (step 1338) during all or part of one or more steps of the further value evaluation, e.g., as described in more detail below with reference to one or more of steps 1348-1357.

[0135] 13B as separate steps, in some embodiments, kiosk 100 can inform the user of the likelihood of receiving the potentially higher offer (step 1337) at the same time that kiosk 100 provides the user with the higher offer (step 1338). For example, both the higher offer (step 1338) and the likelihood of receiving the potentially higher offer (step 1337), including, for example, a quote for the potentially higher offer, can be displayed to the user to enable the user to make an informed decision about whether to proceed with further evaluation.

[0136] Turning again to decision step 1336, if the additional tests performed by the kiosk in step 1334 are not sufficient to confirm a higher offer (step 1336 “no”), then in step 1337 the kiosk may inform the user of the possibility of potentially receiving a higher offer based on further evaluation of the device 1020. At least some aspects of step 1337 may be at least generally similar to or the same as step 1324 of FIG. 13A . For example, in some embodiments, the kiosk 100 may provide the user (e.g., via the display 104) with an estimated time to complete the further evaluation, e.g., to aid the user in deciding whether to proceed with the further evaluation. If the user does not accept the further evaluation (step 1339 “no”), then in step 1341 the kiosk 100 may rotate the inspection tray 212 to the position of FIG. 7A , open the door 112, and instruct the user to retrieve the device 1020 from the inspection area. The process 1300 then ends.

[0137] If the user accepts the further evaluation (step 1339 "Yes"), the user can be prompted to conduct further testing to confirm a higher offer. For example, in step 1348, the kiosk 100 can open the door 112 to the inspection area 216 and instruct the user to retrieve the device 1020 from inside the kiosk 100 (e.g., at least generally similar to or the same as step 1346). The user can then load a software application (e.g., a mobile application, a web application, diagnostic software, testing software, and / or other suitable software application) onto the device 1020 to enable further testing of the device 1020. For example, in step 1350, the kiosk can provide the user (e.g., via the kiosk display 104) with instructions for loading the software application onto the device 1020. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 instructs the user to scan a machine-readable code (e.g., a QR code) or other indicia (e.g., a QR code) with device 1020, and in step 1352, the machine-readable code may connect device 1020 to the kiosk and / or its associated wireless network, which loads a software application onto device 1020. The machine-readable indicia may be displayed on the exterior of kiosk 100, such as printed or posted on housing 102, displayed via kiosk display screen 104, or displayed using any other suitable means known in the art. In other embodiments, the software application may be loaded onto device 1020 using kiosk cable connectors 474a-c, downloaded by the user via an app store and / or from the internet, and / or loaded onto device 1020 using another suitable process or technique.In still other embodiments, the software application may be loaded onto the mobile device 1020 at the time of manufacture of the device, and / or all or a portion of the functionality performed by the software application may be implemented through other suitable processes or techniques known in the art, which may or may not require downloading software or other computer-readable media onto the device 1020. In some cases, instead of loading the software application onto the device 1020, the user may also choose to complete the transaction by walking away from the kiosk 100 with the device 1020.

[0138] In some embodiments, kiosk 100 can monitor the charging status of device 1020. For example, kiosk 100 can monitor the amount of power provided to device 1020 via kiosk 100's wireless charger (e.g., wireless charger 222, wireless charger 1010, etc.) and / or information received from device 1020 via the wireless charger, and determine that device 1020 is in a low power and / or low charge state based at least in part on the monitored amount of power and / or information received / powered via the wireless charger. Additionally or alternatively, kiosk camera 325 can capture an image of the device's display screen during visual analysis of device 1020 (e.g., step 1334), and kiosk 100 can read a battery fill indicator and determine the percentage of battery charge, for example, using OCR or other suitable visual analysis. If the kiosk 100 determines (e.g., in step 1353) that the charge state of the device 1020 is insufficient to perform further evaluations, the kiosk 100 can instruct the user to leave the device 1020 within the kiosk 100 on the wireless charger 222 and / or otherwise allow the device 1020 to charge for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., at least 5 minutes, at least 10 minutes, at least 15 minutes, etc.) and / or to a predetermined battery level (e.g., at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, etc.). After the predetermined amount of time has passed and / or once the device's battery has reached the predetermined battery level, the kiosk 100 can instruct the user to remove the device 1020 from the kiosk 100 (step 1348) and perform additional tests on the device 1020 (step 1353, described below). In other embodiments, the kiosk 100 may instruct the user to remove the device 1020 from the kiosk 100 and use a different charger to charge the device 1020. For example, the kiosk 100 may instruct the user to place the device 1020 on a wireless charger outside the inspection area 216, for example, on the top surface 103 of the kiosk housing 102.Once the device 1020 is sufficiently charged, the user can perform additional tests on the device 1020 (step 1353 described below).

[0139] In step 1353, the user may perform one or more tests on the device 1020, e.g., by following instructions and / or prompts provided by the software application. The tests may include (i) prompting the user to, e.g., respond to questions about the device, device conditions, etc. and / or interact with the device 1020, and (ii) analyzing the results of the interaction. For example, the software application may prompt the user to touch, select, or otherwise interact with a portion of the display screen of the device 1020 and use the results of the interaction to determine whether the portion of the display screen is operational. As another example, a software application may prompt a user to press one or more of the device's buttons (e.g., volume buttons, mute switch, power button, etc.) and / or enable / disable one or more of the device's features (e.g., WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, location services, etc.), and use the results of this interaction to determine whether the associated features of the device are functional (e.g., volume buttons increase / decrease volume, mute switch turns off ringer, power button locks the phone, etc.). In some embodiments, the software application prompts the user to shake, swivel, tilt, and / or otherwise move the phone in one or more particular orientations (e.g., portrait, landscape, etc.) and / or through one or more patterns (e.g., circle, figure eight, etc.), and use the results of this interaction to determine whether one or more components of the device (e.g., accelerometer) are functional.

[0140] In step 1354, the kiosk 100 may receive results from one or more of the tests administered on the mobile device 1020, for example, in step 1353. The kiosk 100 may receive the test results wirelessly via a software application. For example, the software application may upload the test results from the kiosk 100 to a server remote from the kiosk 100, and the kiosk 100 may download the test results from the remote server. Additionally or alternatively, the software application may connect directly to the kiosk 100 (e.g., via a wired and / or wireless connection with the mobile device 1020, such as those described previously herein) and use that connection to provide the test results to the kiosk 100. If the tests administered by the user are not sufficient to confirm a higher offer (step 1356, "No"), the process 1300 may proceed to step 1341 (described previously herein) and end. However, if the test performed by the user is sufficient to confirm the higher offer (step 1356 "yes"), then in step 1357, process 1300 may include determining whether the user accepts the higher offer. If the user does not accept the higher offer (step 1357 "no"), process 1300 may proceed to step 1341 (described earlier herein) and terminate. However, if the user accepts the higher offer (step 1357 "yes"), then process 1300 may proceed by verifying the identity of device 1020, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 13C, before providing the reward to the user.

[0141] In some embodiments, the kiosk 100 may visually assess the device 1020 during all or a portion of the further assessment, such as, for example, after the user removes the device 1020 from the kiosk 100 (step 1348) and while the user performs tests on the device (step 1352). For example, the kiosk 100 may activate one or more externally facing cameras (e.g., one or more of the external cameras 106) and assess the physical and / or aesthetic condition of the device 1020, for example, by looking for scratches, damage, and / or other signs of wear on the device 1020, for example, while the user positions the device 1020 in front of or otherwise within the field of view of one or more of the externally facing cameras.

[0142] 13C , in some embodiments, to verify the identity of the device 1020, the kiosk 100 can instruct the user to cause a unique image to be displayed on the display screen of the device 1020. The unique image can include, for example, a QR code, a barcode or other machine-readable indicia, a graphic or text image, a URL (e.g., a unique URL), and / or another unique image. The unique image can be displayed on the device 1020 via the diagnostic software application (e.g., step 1350) in response to user input and / or in response to wireless commands from the kiosk 100, a remote server, etc., such as after completion of a test using the diagnostic software and / or confirmation that the test was sufficient to confirm a higher offer (e.g., “Yes” at step 1356). In some embodiments, the unique image may be automatically loaded in response to touching an area (e.g., a box, message, prompt, etc.) on the screen (e.g., the touchscreen portion of the kiosk display screen 104) as prompted by the diagnostic software application running on the device 1020. For example, after the user accepts the higher offer (step 1357, "Yes"), the diagnostic software can prompt the user to touch or select an area on the kiosk display screen 104, and in response, the kiosk 100 can cause the diagnostic software running on the device 1020 to display a unique image on the display screen of the device 1020. In some embodiments, the diagnostic software application automatically displays the unique image via the display screen of the device 1020 upon completion of the test (e.g., at step 1353), after the kiosk 100 receives results from the test (e.g., at step 1354), if the results from the test are sufficient to confirm the higher offer (e.g., at step 1356), and / or after the user accepts the higher offer (step 1357, "Yes").The unique image, in some embodiments, may be generated and displayed on the display screen of device 1020 when the user loads the unique instance of the website on device 1020, such as by touching a prompt provided by the diagnostic software application, by scanning a machine-readable code on kiosk 100 or displayed by kiosk display screen 104, etc. In step 1358, kiosk 100 instructs the user to place device 1020 in kiosk 100 via inspection tray 212, with the unique image displayed on the display screen of device 1020.

[0143] In step 1360, the kiosk 100 may accept the device 1020 from the user, for example, by rotating the inspection tray 212 backward to the position of FIG. 7B. In step 1362, the kiosk 100 may then verify that the device 1020 accepted in step 1360 is the same device that the user tested outside the kiosk 100 (e.g., in step 1354). For example, if the unique image includes a QR code or other machine-readable code, unique indicia, or the like, the kiosk 100 may obtain an image of the QR code displayed on the display screen of the device 1020 via the camera 325, analyze the image, and verify that the QR code displayed by the device 1020 was the same QR code that was provided to the device 1020 in response to one or more tests performed using diagnostic software via the kiosk 100 (e.g., in step 1354). For example, the kiosk 100 may receive (e.g., from a software application, e.g., via a remote computer or other connectivity) a copy of the QR code or other unique image at the completion of the test (e.g., in step 1353). The kiosk 100 may then compare this received copy of the QR code or other unique image with the QR code or other unique image shown on the device's display screen. If the QR code or other unique image are identical (e.g., they match), the kiosk can verify that the device 1020 within the kiosk 100 is the same device that took the test outside of the kiosk 100.In some embodiments, the unique image includes a unique URL associated with the test of the device 1020 and / or an alphanumeric code generated specifically for the device 1020 based at least in part on the results of one or more of the tests (e.g., performed in 1353), and the kiosk can scan or read the alphanumeric code (e.g., using OCR) to confirm or verify that the device 1020 is the same device on which the user performed the test outside of the kiosk 100 (e.g., in step 1354).

[0144] In step 1364, kiosk 100 may verify that the device is the same device that underwent testing inside kiosk 100 (e.g., in step 1334). For example, kiosk 100 may perform an electrical and / or visual test of the device received in step 1360 and compare the results of the electrical and / or visual test with the results of the tests performed in step 1334 to verify that the device is the same device that underwent testing inside kiosk 100. Additionally or alternatively, kiosk 100 may receive information from device 1020, for example, via wireless charger 222, and compare that information with information previously received from the electronic device (e.g., via wireless charger 222, the unique identifier from step 1308, the results of one or more of the tests performed in step 1334, etc.) to verify that the device is the same device that underwent testing inside kiosk 100. By verifying that the device accepted in step 1360 is the same device that has undergone additional testing (e.g., testing outside the kiosk in step 1353 and / or testing inside the kiosk in step 1334) and not a different device (e.g., an untested device and / or a device of lower value), kiosk 100 can reduce or prevent fraud or other instances in which a user performs testing on one device but provides the kiosk with another device of lower value in step 1360.

[0145] If the kiosk 100 is unable to verify the device's identity (step 1366 "No"), for example, then in step 1368 the kiosk 100 can rotate the inspection tray 212 to the position of FIG. 7A , open the door 112, and instruct the user to retrieve the device 1020 from the inspection area, and process 1300 can end. However, if the kiosk 100 confirms the device's identity (step 1366 "Yes"), then in step 1370 a higher offer (e.g., step 1324) can be displayed to the user, for example, via the kiosk 100.

[0146] If the user accepts the higher offer (step 1372 "yes"), then in step 1374, the kiosk 100 may prompt the user to place the device 1020 in a bin (e.g., as described above with reference to FIG. 7C) and provide a reward to the user in step 1376. If the user does not accept the higher offer (step 1372 "no"), then in step 1368, the kiosk 100 may open the door 112 to the inspection area 216 and / or instruct the user to retrieve the device 1020 from inside the kiosk 100, as described above. [Example]

[0147] At least some aspects of the present technology will now be described with reference to the following examples. 1. A method for purchasing an electronic device at a kiosk, comprising: obtaining, via the kiosk, first information associated with the electronic device while the electronic device is positioned within an inspection area of ​​the kiosk; providing a first offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the first offer being provided via a user interface of the kiosk, the first offer being based at least in part on the first information; receiving a first input from a user in response to the first offer, the first input being received via a user interface, the first input indicating a rejection of the first offer; After receiving the first input, prompting the user to remove the electronic device from the inspection area; prompting a user to load a software application onto an electronic device; receiving, via the software application, second information associated with the electronic device; providing a second offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the second offer being provided via the user interface, the second offer being based at least in part on the second information; receiving a second input from the user in response to the second offer, the second input being received via a user interface, the second input indicating acceptance of the second offer; prompting the user via the user interface to return the electronic device to the inspection area; verifying, by the kiosk, that the electronic device in the inspection area is the same electronic device associated with the first information and the second information; after verifying, providing a reward to the user via the kiosk for the electronic device, the reward being based on the second offer; A method comprising: 2. Prompting the user to remove the electronic device from the inspection area includes prompting the user via a user interface; Prompting the user to load the software application on the electronic device includes prompting the user via a user interface; receiving second information associated with the electronic device includes receiving the second information by a kiosk; The method described in Example 1. 3. Before acquiring the first information, acquiring initial information associated with the electronic device via the kiosk; providing an initial offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the initial offer provided via a user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on the initial information; receiving input from a user in response to the initial offer, the input being received via a user interface indicating a rejection of the initial offer; prompting a user to position the electronic device within an inspection area; The method of Example 1 or 2, further comprising: 4. The method of example 3, wherein the initial information includes a make, model, and / or identification number of the electronic device. 5. The operation of the software application causes the kiosk or remote computer to receive and verify the unique identifier, acquiring, via a kiosk, an image of a display screen of an electronic device; verifying that the image on the display screen includes a unique identifier; The method of any of Examples 1-4, comprising: 6. The method of example 5, wherein the unique identifier comprises a barcode, a QR code, an alphanumeric code, and / or other machine-readable code. 7. The step of acquiring first information includes: conducting electrical testing of the electronic device via a wired and / or wireless connection to the electronic device; and / or conducting a visual inspection of the electronic device via a camera of the kiosk; The method of any of Examples 1-6, comprising: 8. The method of example 7, wherein performing an electrical test includes determining the condition of a battery of the electronic device. 9. The method of example 7 or 8, wherein performing a visual inspection of the electronic device includes visually inspecting a display screen of the electronic device for cracks or other damage. 10. The method of any of Examples 1-9, wherein the step of receiving the second information includes receiving results from one or more tests conducted on the electronic device by the user via a software application. 11. The method of example 10, wherein the one or more tests include prompting a user, via a software application, to interact with a portion of a display screen of the electronic device, and using the results of the interaction to determine the state of the display screen and / or other aspects of the electronic device. 12. The method of example 10 or 11, wherein the one or more tests include prompting a user, via a software application, to press one or more buttons on the electronic device and, based on the presses, determining whether a function of the electronic device associated with the one or more buttons operates. 13. The method of any of Examples 10-12, wherein the one or more tests include prompting a user, via a software application, to move the electronic device in one or more specific orientations, and determining whether an accelerometer of the electronic device operates based on the movement of the electronic device. 14. The method of any of Examples 1-13, wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone. 15. A method for purchasing an electronic device at a kiosk, comprising: receiving an electronic device within an inspection area of ​​the kiosk; inspecting the electronic device via the kiosk while the electronic device is positioned within the inspection area; providing a first offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the first offer being provided via a user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on an inspection of the electronic device; receiving a first input from a user in response to the first offer, the first input being received via a user interface while the electronic device is positioned within the inspection area, the first input indicating a rejection of the first offer; prompting the user to remove the electronic device from the inspection area; prompting a user to load a software application onto the electronic device, the software application configured to prompt the user to perform one or more tests on the electronic device; providing a second offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the second offer provided via the user interface and based at least in part on results of the one or more tests; receiving a second input from the user in response to the second offer, the second input being received via a user interface, the second input indicating acceptance of the second offer, the software application being further configured to cause a unique image to be displayed on a display screen of the electronic device after the user interface receives the second input; prompting the user via the user interface to return the electronic device to the inspection area while the display screen displays the unique image; capturing an image of the display screen via the kiosk after the electronic device is returned to the inspection area; detecting whether the electronic device returned to the testing area via the kiosk is the same electronic device on which the one or more tests were performed, the detecting being based at least in part on whether the image on the display screen includes a unique image; providing, via the kiosk, a reward to the user for the electronic device based on the second offer in response to detecting that the electronic device returned to the testing area is the same electronic device as the electronic device on which the one or more tests were performed; A method comprising: 16. The first offer is based on first information associated with the electronic device, the method further comprising: obtaining, via the kiosk, second information associated with the electronic device prior to providing the reward; comparing the first information and the second information to verify that the electronic device returned to the kiosk is the same electronic device from which the first information was obtained; The method of Example 15, comprising: 17. The method of example 16, wherein inspecting the electronic device includes performing a first electrical test and / or a first visual test of the electronic device and obtaining first information, and obtaining second information includes performing a second electrical test and / or a second visual test of the electronic device. 18. The method of example 16 or 17, wherein inspecting the electronic device includes obtaining first information from the electronic device via a wireless charger at the kiosk, and obtaining second information includes obtaining the second information via the wireless charger. 19. The method of any of Examples 16-18, wherein comparing the first information and the second information includes verifying that the second information is identical to the first information. 20. The method of any of Examples 15-19, wherein the unique image comprises a barcode, a QR code, an alphanumeric code, and / or other machine-readable code. 21. The kiosk is configured to receive a copy of the unique image from the software application, and the detecting step comprises: acquiring, via the kiosk, an image of the display screen, the image of the display screen including an image of the unique image; comparing an image of the unique image with a copy of the unique image to verify that the image and copy are identical; The method of any of Examples 15-20, comprising: 22. The method of any of Examples 15-21, wherein a unique image is generated for the electronic device based at least in part on a unique URL associated with one or more tests performed on the electronic device. 23. Obtaining initial information associated with the electronic device via a kiosk prior to inspecting the electronic device; providing an initial offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the initial offer provided via a user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on the initial information; receiving input from a user in response to the initial offer, the input being received via a user interface indicating a rejection of the initial offer; prompting a user to position the electronic device within an inspection area; The method of any of Examples 15-22, further comprising: 24. The method of any of Examples 15-23, wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone. 25. A kiosk system for purchasing electronic devices, comprising: a housing defining an inspection area; a user interface coupled to the housing; Including, kiosks, one or more processors; When executed by one or more processors, the kiosk system: receiving, via the kiosk, first information associated with the electronic device while the electronic device is positioned within the inspection area; providing a first offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the first offer being provided via a user interface of the kiosk, the first offer being based at least in part on the first information; receiving a first input from the user in response to the first offer, the first input being received via the user interface, the first input indicating a rejection of the first offer; After receiving the first input, prompting the user via the user interface to remove the electronic device from the inspection area; prompting a user via a user interface to load a software application onto the electronic device; receiving, via the software application, second information associated with the electronic device; providing a second offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the second offer being provided via the user interface, the second offer being based at least in part on the second information; receiving a second input from the user in response to the second offer, the second input being received via the user interface, the second input indicating acceptance of the second offer; prompting the user via the user interface to return the electronic device to the inspection area; verifying that the electronic device in the inspection area is the same electronic device associated with the first information and the second information; and after verification, providing the user with a reward for the electronic device based on the second offer via the kiosk. one or more non-transitory computer-readable media carrying instructions; A kiosk system comprising: 26. The instructions further include: acquiring, via the kiosk, initial information associated with the electronic device prior to acquiring the first information; providing an initial offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the initial offer being provided via a user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on the initial information; receiving input from a user in response to the initial offer, the input being received via a user interface indicating a rejection of the initial offer; prompting the user to position the electronic device within the inspection area; The kiosk system described in Example 25. 27. The kiosk system of Example 26, wherein the initial information includes the manufacturer, model, and / or identification number of the electronic device. 28. The software application operates to display and verify a unique identifier on a display screen of the electronic device, and the instructions include: Capture an image of the display screen via the kiosk, Verifying that the image on the display screen contains a unique identifier; 29. The kiosk system of any of Examples 25-28. 29. The kiosk system of example 28, wherein the unique identifier comprises a barcode, a QR code, an alphanumeric code, and / or other machine-readable code. 30. To obtain the first information, the instruction is to the kiosk system: Conducting electrical testing of the electronic device via wired and / or wireless connections to the electronic device; and / or Conduct a visual inspection of the electronic device via a camera on the kiosk; 30. The kiosk system of any of Examples 25-29. 31. The kiosk system of example 30, wherein the kiosk is configured to perform an electrical test and determine the status of a battery of the electronic device. 32. The kiosk system of example 30 or 31, wherein the kiosk is configured to perform a visual inspection of the electronic device and analyze the display screen of the electronic device for cracks or other damage. 33. A kiosk system described in any of Examples 25-32, wherein to receive the second information, the instructions further cause the kiosk system to receive results from one or more tests conducted on the electronic device by the user via the software application. 34. The kiosk system of Example 33, wherein the one or more tests prompt a user to interact with a portion of a display screen of the electronic device and use the results of the interaction to determine whether the portion of the display screen is operational. 35. A kiosk system as described in Example 33 or 34, wherein the one or more tests prompt a user to press one or more buttons on an electronic device and use the results of the one or more button presses to determine whether a function of the electronic device associated with the one or more buttons operates. 36. A kiosk system as described in any of Examples 33-35, wherein the one or more tests prompt the user to move the electronic device in one or more specific orientations and use the results of the electronic device movements to determine whether the accelerometer of the electronic device is operational. 37. A kiosk system as described in any of Examples 25-36, wherein the kiosk includes one or more processors and / or one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. 38. A kiosk system according to any of Examples 25-37, wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone. 39. A kiosk system for purchasing electronic devices, comprising: a housing defining an inspection area; a user interface coupled to the housing; Including, kiosks, one or more processors; When executed by one or more processors, the kiosk system: receiving the electronic device within an inspection area of ​​the kiosk; having the electronic device inspected via the kiosk while the electronic device is positioned within the inspection area; providing a first offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the first offer being provided via a user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on an inspection of the electronic device; receiving a first input from a user in response to the first offer, the first input being received via the user interface while the electronic device is positioned within the inspection area, the first input indicating a rejection of the first offer; prompting the user to remove the electronic device from the inspection area; prompting a user to load a software application onto the electronic device, the software application configured to prompt the user to perform one or more tests on the electronic device; providing a second offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the second offer provided via the user interface and based at least in part on the results of the one or more tests; receiving a second input from the user in response to the second offer, the second input being received via the user interface, the second input indicating acceptance of the second offer, the software application further configured to cause a display screen of the electronic device to display a unique image after the user interface receives the second input; prompting the user, via the user interface, to return the electronic device to the inspection area while the display screen displays the unique image; After the electronic device is returned to the inspection area, a unique image is captured via a kiosk; detecting whether the electronic device returned to the testing area via the kiosk is the same electronic device on which the one or more tests were performed, the detecting step being based at least in part on the unique image; and in response to detecting that the electronic device returned to the testing area is the same electronic device as the electronic device on which the one or more tests were performed, causing the kiosk to provide a reward to the user for the electronic device based on the second offer. one or more non-transitory computer-readable media carrying instructions; A kiosk system comprising: 40. The first offer is based on first information associated with the electronic device, and the instructions further include: capturing, via the kiosk, second information associated with the electronic device prior to providing the reward; comparing the first information and the second information to verify that the electronic device returned to the kiosk is the same electronic device from which the first information was obtained; The kiosk system described in Example 39. 41. The kiosk system of Example 40, wherein, to inspect the electronic device, the instructions cause the kiosk system to conduct an electrical and / or visual inspection of the electronic device via the kiosk and obtain first information, and, to obtain second information, the instructions cause the kiosk system to conduct another electrical and / or visual inspection of the electronic device via the kiosk. 42. A kiosk system as described in example 40 or 41, wherein, to inspect the electronic device, the instructions cause the kiosk system to obtain first information from the electronic device via the kiosk and via the kiosk's wireless charger, and, to obtain second information, the instructions cause the kiosk system to obtain the second information via the wireless charger. 43. A kiosk system according to any of Examples 40-42, wherein, to compare the first information and the second information, the instructions cause the kiosk system to verify that the second information is identical to the first information. 44. A kiosk system as described in any of Examples 39-43, wherein the unique image includes a barcode, a QR code (registered trademark), an alphanumeric code, and / or other machine-readable markings. 45. The instruction to the kiosk system to detect Capture an image of the display screen via the kiosk, Verifying that the image on the display screen contains a unique image; 45. A kiosk system as described in any of Examples 39-44, including instructions. 46. ​​The kiosk is configured to receive a copy of a unique image from a software application; The instructions to cause the kiosk to capture the unique image include instructions to cause the kiosk system to capture, via the kiosk, an image of the display screen, the image of the display screen including an image of the unique image; The instructions to cause the kiosk system to detect include instructions to cause the kiosk system to compare an image of the unique image with a copy of the unique image and confirm that the image and the copy are identical; A kiosk system as described in any of Examples 39-45. 47. A kiosk system as described in any of Examples 39-46, wherein a unique image is generated for the electronic device based at least in part on a unique URL associated with one or more tests conducted on the electronic device. 48. The instructions further require the kiosk system to: capturing, via the kiosk, initial information associated with the electronic device prior to inspecting the electronic device; providing an initial offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the initial offer being provided via a user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on the initial information; receiving input from a user in response to the initial offer, the input being received via a user interface indicating a rejection of the initial offer; prompting the user to position the electronic device within the inspection area; A kiosk system according to any one of Examples 39-47. 49. A kiosk system according to any of Examples 39-48, wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone.

[0148] While at least some of the embodiments described above include steps for purchasing an electronic device from a user, the present technology may also include steps for enabling a user to purchase an electronic device, for example, via kiosk 100. For example, in some embodiments, kiosk 100 may display a list of one or more electronic devices available for purchase via kiosk 100 before, during, and / or after the user recycles their current electronic device. This may allow a user to "trade up" by recycling their current phone and applying the proceeds from its sale toward the purchase price of another (e.g., newer) phone. Rather than directly paying out a reward to the user for recycling their electronic device, e.g., by dispensing cash, a gift card, etc., and / or by making an electronic transfer of value to a user account, etc. (step 1322 of FIG. 13A , step 1344 of FIG. 3B , step 1376 of FIG. 13C , etc.), the kiosk can be configured to reduce / discount the purchase price of another electronic device selected by the user by the amount the user would have received in reward for recycling their current electronic device (or in some embodiments, by a higher or lower amount). The price reduction / discount can be applied immediately to the purchase price of the other electronic device (e.g., as part of a single purchase transaction made by the user via kiosk 100), or it can be saved and applied to the purchase price of a new device within a certain period of time after issuance (e.g., within 1, 2, 3, 4 days, etc. of recycling the current electronic device) at the same kiosk where the user recycled their current device and / or at another location (e.g., another kiosk, store, website, etc.). The price reduction / discount may be provided to the user in the form of a voucher (e.g., a printed voucher, an electronic voucher, etc.), email, text message, alphanumeric code, QR code, bar code and / or other machine-readable indicia, graphic or text image, and / or via another suitable process or technique.

[0149] While at least some instances of the process 1300 described above include performing two sets of tests on the device 1020 (e.g., step 1334 and step 1353), in other instances, the process 1300 may include performing three, four, five, or more sets of tests on the device. In at least some instances, for example, one or more steps of the process 1300 may be repeated to allow additional testing / evaluation of the device 1020. For example, the user may be instructed to return the device 1020 to the kiosk 100 one or more times (e.g., as described in step 1318, step 1328, step 1358, etc.) to allow additional testing / evaluation of the device 1020 by the kiosk 100. Additionally or alternatively, the user may be instructed to remove the device 1020 from the kiosk 100 one or more times (e.g., as described in step 1348), e.g., to allow for additional testing / evaluation of the device 1020 by the user or another individual (e.g., a store clerk). The kiosk 100 can use the results from the additional testing / evaluation, e.g., to verify one or more of the offers provided by the kiosk 100 (e.g., in step 1314, step 1338, step 1370, etc.), determine whether still further testing / evaluation of the device 1020 is required, identify the possibility of another potentially higher offer for the device 1020 (e.g., as described with reference to step 1337), etc.

[0150] While many embodiments of the present technology are described herein in the context of a mobile phone, aspects of the present technology are not limited to mobile phones and apply generally to other consumer electronic devices. Such devices include, by way of non-limiting example, all styles of mobile phones, smartphones, handheld devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 or other digital music players, tablets, notebooks, ultrabooks, and laptop computers, e-readers, cameras of all types, GPS devices, set-top boxes, universal remote controls, wearable computers, etc. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 may be configured to work with larger consumer electronic devices such as desktop computers, TVs, game consoles, as well as Google (登録商標) Glass TM , smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch) TM , Moto 360 (登録商標) Android Wear etc. TM device, or Pebble Steel TMIt is envisioned that the kiosk 100 may facilitate the sale and / or otherwise disposing of smaller electronic devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, or watch. Embodiments of the kiosk 100 and various features thereof are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The following patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference: 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; Nos. 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 / 445,799, 17 / 445,821, 17 / 445,799, 17 / 445,178, 17 / 445,158, 17 / 445,083, 17 / 445,082, and 17 / 125,994 No. 16 / 794,009, No. 16 / 719,699, No. 16 / 794,009, No. 16 / 534,741, No. 15 / No. 057,707, No. 14 / 967,183, No. 14 / 964,963, No. 14 / 663,331, No. 14 / 660,768 No. 14 / 598,469, No. 14 / 568,051, No. 14 / 498,763, No. 13 / 794,816, No. 13 / No. 794,814, No. 13 / 753,539, No. 13 / 733,984, No. 13 / 705,252, No. 13 / 693,032 Nos. 13 / 658,828, 13 / 658,825, 13 / 492,835, 13 / 113,497, U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 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,No. 714, No. 62 / 782,947, No. 62 / 782,302, No. 62 / 332,736, No. 62 / 221,510, No. 62 / 202,330, No. 62 / 169,072, No. 62 / 091,426, No. 6 No. 2 / 090,855, No. 62 / 076,437, No. 62 / 073,847, No. 62 / 073,840, No. 62 / 059,132, No. 62 / 059,129, No. 61 / 607,572, No. 61 / 607,5 48, 61 / 607,001, 61 / 606,997, 61 / 595,154, 61 / 593,358, 61 / 583,232, 61 / 570,309, 61 / 551,410, 61 / 472,611, 61 / 347,635, 61 / 183,510, and 61 / 102,304. All patents and patent applications listed in the foregoing sentence and any other patents or patent applications identified herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Additionally, embodiments of kiosk 100 and / or various features thereof may be at least generally similar in structure and function to the systems, methods, and / or corresponding features described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 445,082, filed August 13, 2021, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 445,158, filed August 16, 2021, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 445,083, filed August 13, 2021, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 445,178, filed August 16, 2021, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 167,390, filed February 10, 2023 (each of which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0151] Aspects of the present invention can be embodied in a special purpose computer or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions described in detail herein. While aspects of the present technology, such as certain functions, are described as being implemented exclusively on a single device, the technology can also be practiced in a distributed environment where functions or modules are shared among heterogeneous processing devices linked through a communications network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0152] Aspects of the present technology may be stored or distributed on tangible computer-readable media, including magnetic or optically readable computer disks, wired or pre-programmed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memories, biological memories, or other data storage media. Non-transitory computer-readable media may generally store instructions described herein that, when executed by at least one computing device, may implement methods as shown and described herein and their equivalents. Alternatively, computer-implemented instructions, data structures, screen displays, and other data under aspects of the present technology may be distributed over a period of time on signals propagated on a propagation medium (e.g., electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves, etc.), via the Internet or other networks (including wireless networks), or provided over any analog or digital network (packet-switched, circuit-switched, or other scheme).

[0153] References to features, advantages, or similar language throughout the foregoing description do not imply that all of the features and advantages that can be realized using the present technology should or are present in any single embodiment of the present invention. Rather, language referring to features and advantages is understood to mean that the specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is 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.

[0154] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the present technology may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Those skilled 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 cases, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present technology.

[0155] Any patents and applications and other references mentioned above, including any that may be listed in accompanying applications, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, except for any disclaimer or rejection of subject matter, and except to the extent that the incorporated material is inconsistent with the express disclosure herein, in which case the language of the present disclosure shall control. Aspects of the present invention can be modified, where necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide still further implementations of the present invention.

[0156] As used herein, the use of relative terminology such as "about," "generally," "approximately," "substantially," and the like, refers to the recited value plus or minus 10 percent. For example, use of the term "about 100" refers to the range of 90 to 110, inclusive. Where the context otherwise requires and / or relative terminology is used in reference to something that does not include or relate to a numerical value, the terms will be given their ordinary meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0157] The above detailed description of examples and embodiments of the present invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. Specific examples of the present invention are described above for illustrative purposes, but as those skilled in the art will recognize, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, while processes are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform routines having steps or employ systems having blocks in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes are sometimes described as being performed sequentially, these processes may instead be performed or implemented in parallel, or performed at different times.

[0158] The teachings of the present technology provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. Elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the present invention. Some alternative implementations of the present invention may include additional elements to those implementations described above, or may include fewer elements. Furthermore, any specific numbers described herein are examples only, and alternative implementations may employ different values ​​or ranges.

[0159] While the above description describes various embodiments and contemplated best modes of the invention, regardless of the degree of detail in the above text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. While the details of the system may vary significantly in its specific implementation, it is still encompassed by the present disclosure. As described above, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology has been redefined herein to be limited to any specific characteristic, feature, or aspect of the invention with which the terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed herein unless the Detailed Description section above explicitly defines such terms. Therefore, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

[0160] From the foregoing, it should be understood that, although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, 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, to fall within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited, except as by the appended claims.

[0161] While many embodiments of the present technology are described herein in the context of a mobile phone, aspects of the present technology are not limited to mobile phones and apply generally to other consumer electronic devices. Such devices include, by way of non-limiting example, all styles of mobile phones, smartphones, handheld devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 or other digital music players, tablets, notebooks, ultrabooks, and laptop computers, e-readers, cameras of all types, GPS devices, set-top boxes, universal remote controls, wearable computers, etc. In some embodiments, kiosk 100 may be configured to work with larger consumer electronic devices such as desktop computers, TVs, game consoles, as well as Google (登録商標) Glass TM , smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch) TM , Moto 360 (登録商標) Android Wear etc. TM device, or Pebble Steel TMIt is envisioned that the kiosk 100 may facilitate the sale and / or otherwise disposition of smaller electronic devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, or watch. Embodiments of the kiosk 100 and various features thereof are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The following patents and patent applications are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Nos. 11,907,915; 11,843,206; 11,803,954; 11,798,250; 11,790,328; 11,790,237; 11,734,654; 11,526,932; 11,443,289; 11,436,570; 11,315,093; 11,232,412; No. 1,126,973, No. 11,107,046, No. 11,482,067, No. 11,462,868, No. 11,080, No. 672, No. 11,080,662, No. 11,010,841, No. 10,909,673, No. 10,860,990, No. 1 No. 0,853,873, No. 10,825,082, No. 10,572,946, No. 10,496,963, No. 10,475,0 No. 02, No. 10,445,708, No. 10,438,174, No. 10,417,615, No. 10,401,411, No. 10 ,269,110, 10,157,427, 10,127,647, 10,055,798, 10,032,140, ​​9,911,102, 9,885,672, 9,881,284, 9,818,160, 9,904,911, 8,463,646, 8,423,404, 8,239,262, 8,200,533, 8,195,511, and 7,881,965, U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 18 / 499,518, 18 / 472,994, 18 / 47 No. 2,054, No. 18 / 464,023, No. 18 / 462,213, No. 18 / 437,212, No. 18 / 417,971, No. 18 / 346,618, No. 18 / 324,921, No. 18 / 324,903, No. 18 / 051,512, No. 17 / 933 ,046, No. 17 / 817,296, No. 17 / 815,205, No. 17 / 655,217, No. 17 / 644,330, No. No. 17 / 393,168, No. 17 / 225,932, No. 17 / 086,357, No. 16 / 575,090, No. 16 / 534,741, 15 / 855,320, 15 / 641,145, 15 / 214,791, 13 / 492,835, 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, No. 63 / 088,377, No. 63 / 070,207, No. 63 / 066,794, No. 62 / 950,075, No. 62 / 807,165, No. 62 / 807,1 No. 53, No. 62 / 804,714, No. 62 / 782,947, No. 62 / 782,302, No. 62 / 332,736, No. 62 / 221,510, No. 62 / 202,330 , No. 62 / 169,072, No. 62 / 091,426, No. 62 / 090,855, No. 62 / 076,437, No. 62 / 073,847, No. 62 / 073,840, No. No. 62 / 059,132, No. 62 / 059,129, No. 61 / 607,572, No. 61 / 607,548, No. 61 / 607,001, No. 61 / 606,997, No. 61 / The present invention may be at least generally similar in structure and function to the systems, methods, and corresponding features described in US Pat. Nos. 595,154, 61 / 593,358, 61 / 583,232, 61 / 570,309, 61 / 551,410, 61 / 472,611, 61 / 347,635, 61 / 183,510, and 61 / 102,304. All patents and patent applications listed in the foregoing sentence and any other patents or patent applications identified herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0162] Although certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, Applicant contemplates various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms, and accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing this application and to pursue such additional claim forms in either this application or any continuing application.

Claims

1. 1. A method for purchasing an electronic device at a kiosk, the method comprising: obtaining, via the kiosk, first information associated with the electronic device while the electronic device is positioned within an inspection area of ​​the kiosk; providing a first offer to purchase the electronic device from a user, the first offer being provided via a user interface of the kiosk, the first offer being based at least in part on the first information; receiving a first input from the user in response to the first offer, the first input being received via the user interface, the first input indicating a rejection of the first offer; After receiving the first input, prompting the user to remove the electronic device from the inspection area; prompting the user to load a software application onto the electronic device; receiving, via the software application, second information associated with the electronic device; providing a second offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the second offer being provided via the user interface, the second offer being based at least in part on the second information; and receiving a second input from the user in response to the second offer, the second input being received via the user interface, the second input indicating acceptance of the second offer; and prompting the user via the user interface to return the electronic device to the inspection area; verifying, by the kiosk, that the electronic device in the inspection area is the same electronic device associated with the first information and the second information; after verification, providing a reward to the user via the kiosk for the electronic device, the reward being based on the second offer; and A method comprising:

2. Prompting the user to remove the electronic device from the inspection area includes prompting the user via the user interface; prompting the user to load the software application on the electronic device includes prompting the user via the user interface; The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving the second information associated with the electronic device comprises receiving the second information by the kiosk.

3. acquiring, via the kiosk, initial information associated with the electronic device prior to acquiring the first information; providing an initial offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the initial offer provided via the user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on the initial information; and receiving input from the user in response to the initial offer, the input being received via the user interface and indicating a rejection of the initial offer; prompting the user to position the electronic device within the inspection area; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the initial information includes a make, model, and / or identification number of the electronic device.

5. Operation of the software application causes the kiosk or remote computer to receive and verify a unique identifier. capturing an image of a display screen of the electronic device via the kiosk; verifying that the image on the display screen includes the unique identifier; and The method of claim 1 , comprising:

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the unique identifier comprises a barcode, a QR code, an alphanumeric code, and / or other machine-readable code.

7. Obtaining the first information includes: conducting electrical testing of the electronic device via a wired and / or wireless connection to the electronic device; and / or conducting a visual inspection of the electronic device via a camera in the kiosk; The method of claim 1 , comprising:

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein performing the electrical test includes determining a state of a battery of the electronic device.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein performing the visual inspection of the electronic device includes visually inspecting a display screen of the electronic device for cracks or other damage.

10. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the second information comprises receiving results from one or more tests conducted on the electronic device by the user via the software application.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more tests include prompting the user, via the software application, to interact with a portion of a display screen of the electronic device and using results of the interaction to determine a state of the display screen and / or other aspects of the electronic device.

12. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more tests include prompting the user, via the software application, to press one or more buttons on the electronic device and determining, based on the pressing, whether a function of the electronic device associated with the one or more buttons operates.

13. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more tests include prompting the user, via the software application, to move the electronic device in one or more particular orientations and determining, based on the movements of the electronic device, whether an accelerometer of the electronic device is operational.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone.

15. 1. A method for purchasing an electronic device at a kiosk, the method comprising: receiving the electronic device within an inspection area of ​​the kiosk; inspecting the electronic device via the kiosk while the electronic device is positioned within the inspection area; providing a first offer to purchase the electronic device from a user, the first offer being provided via a user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on the inspection of the electronic device; receiving a first input from the user in response to the first offer, the first input being received via the user interface while the electronic device is positioned within the inspection area, the first input indicating a rejection of the first offer; prompting the user to remove the electronic device from the inspection area; prompting the user to load a software application onto the electronic device, the software application configured to prompt the user to perform one or more tests on the electronic device; providing a second offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the second offer provided via the user interface and based at least in part on results of the one or more tests; and receiving a second input from the user in response to the second offer, the second input being received via the user interface, the second input indicating acceptance of the second offer, the software application being further configured to cause a unique image to be displayed on a display screen of the electronic device after the user interface receives the second input; prompting the user via the user interface to return the electronic device to the inspection area while the display screen displays the unique image; capturing an image of the display screen via the kiosk after the electronic device is returned to the inspection area; detecting whether the electronic device returned to the inspection area via the kiosk is the same electronic device on which the one or more tests were performed, said detecting being based at least in part on whether the image on the display screen includes the unique image; and providing, via the kiosk, a reward to the user for the electronic device based on the second offer in response to detecting that the electronic device returned to the inspection area is the same electronic device as the electronic device on which the one or more tests were performed; A method comprising:

16. The first offer is based on first information associated with the electronic device, and the method further comprises: obtaining, via the kiosk, second information associated with the electronic device prior to providing the reward; comparing the first information and the second information to verify that the electronic device returned to the kiosk is the same electronic device from which the first information was obtained; and 16. The method of claim 15, comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein inspecting the electronic device comprises performing a first electrical and / or a first visual inspection of the electronic device to obtain the first information, and wherein obtaining the second information comprises performing a second electrical and / or a second visual inspection of the electronic device.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein inspecting the electronic device comprises obtaining the first information from the electronic device via a wireless charger at the kiosk, and obtaining the second information comprises obtaining the second information via the wireless charger.

19. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein comparing the first information and the second information includes verifying that the second information is identical to the first information.

20. The method of claim 15 , wherein the unique image comprises a barcode, a QR code, an alphanumeric code, and / or other machine-readable code.

21. The kiosk is configured to receive a copy of the unique image from the software application, and detecting includes: acquiring, via the kiosk, an image of the display screen, the image of the display screen including an image of the unique image; comparing the image of the unique image with the copy of the unique image to verify that the image and the copy are identical; 16. The method of claim 15, comprising:

22. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the unique image is generated for the electronic device based at least in part on a unique URL associated with the one or more tests performed on the electronic device.

23. obtaining, via the kiosk, initial information associated with the electronic device prior to inspecting the electronic device; providing an initial offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the initial offer provided via the user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on the initial information; and receiving input from the user in response to the initial offer, the input being received via the user interface and indicating a rejection of the initial offer; prompting the user to position the electronic device within the inspection area; 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

24. The method of claim 15 , wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone.

25. 1. A kiosk system for purchasing electronic devices, the kiosk system comprising: A kiosk, a housing defining an inspection area; a user interface coupled to the housing; Including, kiosks, one or more processors; one or more non-transitory computer-readable media carrying instructions; Equipped with The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the kiosk system to: receiving, via the kiosk, first information associated with the electronic device while the electronic device is positioned within the inspection area; providing a first offer to purchase the electronic device from a user, the first offer being provided via a user interface of the kiosk, the first offer being based at least in part on the first information; receiving a first input from the user in response to the first offer, the first input being received via the user interface, the first input indicating a rejection of the first offer; After receiving the first input, prompting the user via the user interface to remove the electronic device from the inspection area; prompting the user via the user interface to load a software application onto the electronic device; receiving, via the software application, second information associated with the electronic device; providing a second offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the second offer being provided via the user interface, the second offer being based at least in part on the second information; and receiving a second input from the user in response to the second offer, the second input being received via the user interface, the second input indicating acceptance of the second offer; and prompting the user via the user interface to return the electronic device to the inspection area; verifying that the electronic device within the inspection area is the same electronic device associated with the first information and the second information; and after verification, providing a reward to the user via the kiosk for the electronic device based on the second offer. A kiosk system that allows you to do the following.

26. The instructions further include: acquiring, via the kiosk, initial information associated with the electronic device prior to acquiring the first information; providing an initial offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the initial offer provided via the user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on the initial information; and receiving input from the user in response to the initial offer, the input being received via the user interface and indicating a rejection of the initial offer; prompting the user to position the electronic device within the inspection area; 26. The kiosk system of claim 25, wherein the kiosk system causes the following to be performed:

27. 27. The kiosk system of claim 26, wherein the initial information includes a make, model, and / or identification number of the electronic device.

28. The instructions to the kiosk system include: acquiring an image of the display screen via the kiosk; verifying that the image on the display screen includes the unique identifier; and 26. The kiosk system of claim 25, wherein the kiosk system causes the following to be performed:

29. 30. The kiosk system of claim 28, wherein the unique identifier comprises a barcode, a QR code, an alphanumeric code, and / or other machine-readable code.

30. To obtain the first information, the instructions may include: conducting electrical testing of the electronic device via a wired and / or wireless connection to the electronic device; and / or conducting a visual inspection of the electronic device via a camera in the kiosk; 26. The kiosk system of claim 25, wherein the kiosk system causes the following to be performed:

31. 31. The kiosk system of claim 30, wherein the kiosk is configured to perform the electrical test and determine the status of a battery of the electronic device.

32. 31. The kiosk system of claim 30, wherein the kiosk is configured to perform the visual inspection of the electronic device and analyze a display screen of the electronic device for cracks or other damage.

33. 26. The kiosk system of claim 25, wherein, to receive the second information, the instructions further cause the kiosk system to receive results from one or more tests administered on the electronic device by the user via the software application.

34. 34. The kiosk system of claim 33, wherein the one or more tests prompt the user to interact with a portion of a display screen of the electronic device and use the results of the interaction to determine whether the portion of the display screen is operational.

35. 34. The kiosk system of claim 33, wherein the one or more tests prompt the user to press one or more buttons on the electronic device and use the results of the one or more button presses to determine whether a function of the electronic device associated with the one or more buttons operates.

36. 34. The kiosk system of claim 33, wherein the one or more tests prompt the user to move the electronic device in one or more particular orientations and use the results of the movements of the electronic device to determine whether an accelerometer of the electronic device is operational.

37. 26. The kiosk system of claim 25, wherein the kiosk includes the one or more processors and / or the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media.

38. 26. The kiosk system of claim 25, wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone.

39. 1. A kiosk system for purchasing electronic devices, the kiosk system comprising: A kiosk, a housing defining an inspection area; a user interface coupled to the housing; Including, kiosks, one or more processors; one or more non-transitory computer-readable media carrying instructions; Equipped with The instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the kiosk system to: receiving the electronic device within the inspection area of ​​the kiosk; inspecting the electronic device via the kiosk while the electronic device is positioned within the inspection area; providing a first offer to purchase the electronic device from a user, the first offer being provided via a user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on the inspection of the electronic device; receiving a first input from the user in response to the first offer, the first input being received via the user interface while the electronic device is positioned within the inspection area, the first input indicating a rejection of the first offer; prompting the user to remove the electronic device from the inspection area; prompting the user to load a software application onto the electronic device, the software application configured to prompt the user to perform one or more tests on the electronic device; providing a second offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the second offer provided via the user interface and based at least in part on results of the one or more tests; and receiving a second input from the user in response to the second offer, the second input being received via the user interface, the second input indicating acceptance of the second offer, the software application being further configured to cause a unique image to be displayed on a display screen of the electronic device after the user interface receives the second input; prompting the user via the user interface to return the electronic device to the inspection area while the display screen displays the unique image; capturing the unique image via the kiosk after the electronic device is returned to the inspection area; and detecting whether the electronic device returned to the inspection area via the kiosk is the same electronic device on which the one or more tests were performed, said detecting being based at least in part on the unique image; and providing, via the kiosk, a reward to the user for the electronic device based on the second offer in response to detecting that the electronic device returned to the inspection area is the same electronic device as the electronic device on which the one or more tests were performed; A kiosk system that allows you to do the following.

40. The first offer is based on first information associated with the electronic device, and the instructions further include: obtaining, via the kiosk, second information associated with the electronic device prior to providing the reward; comparing the first information and the second information to verify that the electronic device returned to the kiosk is the same electronic device from which the first information was obtained; and 40. The kiosk system of claim 39, wherein the kiosk system causes the following to be performed.

41. 41. The kiosk system of claim 40, wherein, to inspect the electronic device, the instructions cause the kiosk system to perform an electrical and / or visual inspection of the electronic device via the kiosk and obtain the first information, and to obtain the second information, the instructions cause the kiosk system to perform another electrical and / or visual inspection of the electronic device via the kiosk.

42. 41. The kiosk system of claim 40, wherein to inspect the electronic device, the instructions cause the kiosk system to obtain the first information from the electronic device via the kiosk via a wireless charger of the kiosk, and to obtain the second information, the instructions cause the kiosk system to obtain the second information via the wireless charger.

43. 41. The kiosk system of claim 40, wherein the instructions for comparing the first information and the second information cause the kiosk system to verify that the second information is the same as the first information.

44. 40. The kiosk system of claim 39, wherein the unique image comprises a barcode, a QR code, an alphanumeric code, and / or other machine-readable indicia.

45. The instructions to the kiosk system to detect include instructions to the kiosk system to: acquiring an image of the display screen via the kiosk; verifying that the image on the display screen includes the unique image; and 40. The kiosk system of claim 39, including instructions to:

46. the kiosk is configured to receive a copy of the unique image from the software application; the instructions to cause the kiosk to capture the unique image include instructions to cause the kiosk system to capture, via the kiosk, an image of the display screen, the image of the display screen including an image of the unique image; 40. The kiosk system of claim 39, wherein the instructions to cause the kiosk system to detect include instructions to cause the kiosk system to compare the image of the unique image with the copy of the unique image and confirm that the image and the copy are identical.

47. 40. The kiosk system of claim 39, wherein the unique image is generated for the electronic device based at least in part on a unique URL associated with the one or more tests administered on the electronic device.

48. The instructions further include: obtaining, via the kiosk, initial information associated with the electronic device prior to inspecting the electronic device; providing an initial offer to purchase the electronic device from the user, the initial offer provided via the user interface of the kiosk and based at least in part on the initial information; and receiving input from the user in response to the initial offer, the input being received via the user interface and indicating a rejection of the initial offer; prompting the user to position the electronic device within the inspection area; 40. The kiosk system of claim 39, wherein the kiosk system causes the following to be performed.

49. 40. The kiosk system of claim 39, wherein the electronic device is a mobile phone.

Images