Screen Damage Detection Using Mirror Imaging and Neural Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The evaluation of the condition of used electronic devices, particularly the screen, is often subjective and time-consuming, leading to decreased user satisfaction and incentives for resale, as well as increased fraud and variability in pricing.
Innovation Solution
A method using a return application on the device to capture and analyze images of the screen reflection in a mirror, utilizing a neural network for automated damage detection, ensuring consistency and speed in determining the screen condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human evaluation is used to assess device condition, then subjective judgment can be applied, but the process becomes slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical human evaluation process with an automated image processing system. The system captures images of the device screen and uses computer vision algorithms to automatically detect damage, cracks, and defects, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining or improving evaluation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device evaluates its own condition by capturing images of its own screen through its camera system. The screen displays test patterns or colors, and the camera captures reflections or direct images to assess screen integrity, allowing the device to self-diagnose without external human intervention.
2Reliability
If manual inspection is performed at kiosks or stores, then condition assessment can be conducted, but user satisfaction decreases due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-evaluation by automatically capturing images of its screen and processing them through algorithms. This eliminates the need for users to wait at physical kiosks or stores, as the assessment is conducted instantly on the device itself or through a connected mobile application.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual inspection process at physical locations is replaced with an automated digital system. The device uses its camera, display, and processing capabilities to conduct the evaluation, substituting human inspectors and physical kiosks with software-based automation.
3Productivity
If automated image processing is used to detect screen damage, then evaluation speed increases, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses its existing camera and display components for the evaluation process, rather than adding specialized hardware. The camera captures images and the display shows test patterns, leveraging already-present components to perform the additional function of screen condition assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures an optical copy (image) of the screen through the camera and analyzes this copy digitally. This allows the physical screen to be examined through its digital representation, enabling automated detection of cracks, pixels, and defects without physically touching or manipulating the screen.
4Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured from different angles, then detection accuracy improves, but the time required for evaluation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures a sequence of images at different angles or with different display patterns in a rapid periodic manner. Multiple test patterns are displayed sequentially, and corresponding images are captured, allowing comprehensive assessment without requiring prolonged evaluation time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick, objective, and fraud-resistant evaluation of screen condition, enhancing user satisfaction and reducing resale time lags and fraud, thereby increasing the efficiency of device recycling and insurance claims.
Implementation Method 1
The return application may determine the condition of a device (e.g., for value determination, resale, insurance claims, warranty claims). The return application may display a first graphic on the screen of the device and prompt the user to position the device in front of a reflective surface, such as a mirror (e.g., to allow an image of the reflection of the device in the mirror to be captured by the device itself).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
In various implementations, a condition of one or more screens of a device may be determined. A user may select a return application that facilitates capturing image(s) of device screen(s). A user may capture images of a screen of using a camera of the same device or another device. In some implementations, the user may position the device proximate a mirror such that the device can capture an image of one or more screens of the device. The captured image(s) may be processed and/or analyzed to determine if the screen of the device is damaged. In some implementations, notifications based on the condition of the device screen(s) may be transmitted. A price for the device may be determined, in some implementations based on the condition of the screen.