Patent Publication Number: US-2015066677-A1

Title: Pre-Acquisition Auction For Recycled Electronic Devices

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/570,309, filed on Dec. 14, 2011. The present application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/595,154, filed on Feb. 6, 2012. The present application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/438,924, filed on Apr. 4, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/472,611 filed on Apr. 6, 2011, now abandoned, and which is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/785,465 filed on May 23, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,200,533, issued on Jun. 12, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/727,624, filed on Mar. 19, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,881,965, which issued on Feb. 1, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/573,089, filed on Oct. 2, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 819,551, issued on Jun. 5, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/102,304 filed on Oct. 2, 2008, now abandoned, and 61/183,510 filed on Jun. 2, 2009, now abandoned, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to recycling of electronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pre-acquisition auction for setting a purchase price to pay for and acquire recycled electronic devices. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There has been a large increase in the number of electronic devices used by the typical consumer. These devices include cell phones, PDA&#39;s, MP3 players, GPS devices, cameras, beepers, remote controls, cordless phones, calculators, etc. The rapid pace at which new technology and models of electronic devices are introduced creates a situation where many consumers upgrade or replace one or more recyclable device on a frequent basis. Often, the consumer does not dispose of the prior electronic device, but rather just stops using it and begins using the new device. This may happen over several generations of such devices. 
     In addition to the electronic devices mentioned above, there are many other types of devices that have relatively high frequency replacement rates, including portable mobile electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, etc, and non-portable electronic devices, such as computers, printers, and the like. In addition to electronic devices, there are content based digital media such as games on CD, DVD, or cartridge, or entertainment mass storage items such as CDs, DVDs, BluRay, etc. There is a need for handling of such items in an ecologically friendly manner, both via recycling or by proper disposal procedures. It has not been convenient for owners of electronic devices to either recycle such devices or to properly dispose of such devices. There is currently little incentive for a device owner to “do the right thing” with a used device. When the owner just stops using a device and simply puts it in storage: the opportunity for recycling or re-use by another party is lost. If the owner just throws the device away in normal trash containers, the proper recycling or safe disposing of the device is thwarted. 
     One particular problem associated with this phenomenon can be illustrated by an example of mobile phones. There are more than 3.6 billion mobile phone users in the world with an annual growth of 10% per annum. The replacement rate of mobile handsets is roughly every 18 months as new models have more features and new standards evolve. Wireless carriers also offer new phones below cost, or free, as incentives to get customers to sign lucrative two-year service contracts ensuring a constant build-up of old mobile phones. Old mobile phones and other mobile devices (pagers, PDAs) present a growing threat to the environment. As of 2007, there are more than 750 million mobile phones waiting to be recycled in the US, either in drawers or already in the waste stream. Another 150+ million or so are added every year. Once in the waste stream, these devices may leak Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Arsenic and other toxic substances into the water supply. Municipalities often incinerate their waste, instantly putting these toxic elements into the air, and they return to earth in rain water. A problem that needs to be solved is to make it easy and accessible for the public to recycle or resell their mobile phones and other recyclable devices. Two reasons why mobile phones are not being recycled or resold are difficult access to recycling or reselling facilities, and secondly security concerns about the information stored on the mobile phone. In addition to mobile phones, the same problems apply to many other electronic devices. 
     Technology has not yet provided a resolution to this problem. One invention is Bishop, U.S. Pat. No. 4,951,308 for Automated Vending Of Cellular Hand-Held Telephones And Cellular Telephone Services, which discloses a vending machine that dispenses cellular telephones purchased by consumers through the vending machine. Bishop essentially adds to the problem by making it easier to acquire mobile phones. 
     Taylor et al, U.S. Patent Publication Number 2009/0190142, for a Method And System For Connecting A Data Storage Device To A Kiosk, discloses a kiosk with a docking port and an optical recognition device for identifying a data port on a data storage device. Taylor is directed at printing digital images at a photo kiosk. 
     The prior art has failed to recognize the problems associated with recycling electronic devices in a manner that is enticing to a consumer yet financially rewarding to the recycler. Further, the prior art has failed to determine a means for establishing a market price for an electronic device. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention allows for a process for a pre-acquisition auction to establish a purchase price for a recycled electronic device. 
     One aspect of the present invention a method for analysis of a mobile communication device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the mobile communication device. The method comprises identifying a mobile communication device, soliciting bids for a used model of the mobile communication device and receiving bids for the used model of the mobile communication device from a plurality of bidders. The method further comprises setting a purchase price to pay for the used model of the mobile communication device based on the plurality of bids received from the plurality of bidders and identifying a used model of the mobile communication device at a recycling kiosk for the mobile communication device. The method further comprises verifying the integrity of the used model of the mobile communication device at the recycling kiosk and offering the purchase price for the used model of the mobile communication device at the kiosk. Additionally, the method comprises purchasing the used model of the mobile communication device. Preferably, the method further comprises automatically binning the mobile communication device after purchasing the used model of the mobile communication device. The method may further comprise instructing the user to erase the data of the used model of the mobile communication device prior to positioning the mobile communication device in the recycling kiosk. 
     The kiosk of the method comprises a housing, the housing comprising a user interface on an exterior surface of the housing for the user to input information, an upper dome and a lower dome, wherein the upper dome and the lower dome comprise a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk further comprises an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera and a transparent surface. The kiosk further comprises a processor within the housing and in communication with the at least one camera, the processor configured to identify the brand and model number of the mobile communication device based on at least one of the information from the user and the images from the at least one camera, the processor configured to determine a purchase price for the used model of the mobile communication device. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic device. The method comprises positioning an electronic device in an inspection area of a kiosk, the inspection area having a camera. The method further comprises imaging a screen shot of a about page of the electronic device, and inspecting the screen shot of the about page of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera disposed in the inspection area to determine if the electronic device has any defects. The method further comprises determining a value for electronic device. Lastly the method comprises determining a value for the electronic device. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic device. The method includes positioning an electronic device on a transparent plate for automatic transport to an inspection area of a recycling kiosk, the inspection area having at least one imaging component. The method also includes inspecting the electronic device within the inspection area at a remote location by an operator, the operator inspecting the electric device for visual analysis for identification and condition of the electronic device. The method also includes transferring data from the electronic device. The method also includes determining a value for the analyzed electronic device. 
     An additional aspect of the present invention is a kiosk for recycling electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet computes, e-readers, MP3 players, and the like. The kiosk preferably has a housing with a touch screen display for user interaction. The kiosk also has an inspection area defined by an upper chamber, a lower chamber and a transparent plate for transporting an electronic device into the inspection area. The upper and lower chambers preferably have mirrors on interior surfaces along with imaging components such as cameras in order to obtain multi-angled views, or even a 3-D profile, of an electronic device within the inspection area. The kiosk also preferably has a carousel with multiple different electrical connectors in order to electrically connect to an electronic device. The kiosk also preferably has a mechanism for automatically binning the electronic device. The kiosk also has a processor configured to perform visual analysis for identification of the electrical device and to determine a condition of the electronic device, especially a LCD display of the electronic device. The processor is configured to perform an electrical analysis of the electronic device. Further, the processor is configured to erase or transfer data from electronic device. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention a method for analysis of a mobile communication device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the mobile communication device. The method comprises identifying a mobile communication device, soliciting bids for a used model of the mobile communication device and receiving bids for the used model of the mobile communication device from a plurality of bidders. The method further comprises setting a purchase price to pay for the used model of the mobile communication device based on the plurality of bids received from the plurality of bidders and identifying a used model of the mobile communication device at a recycling kiosk for the mobile communication device. The method further comprises verifying the integrity of the used model of the mobile communication device at the recycling kiosk and offering the purchase price for the used model of the mobile communication device at the kiosk. Additionally, the method comprises purchasing the used model of the mobile communication device. Preferably, the method further comprises automatically binning the mobile communication device after purchasing the used model of the mobile communication device. The method may further comprise instructing the user to erase the data of the used model of the mobile communication device prior to positioning the mobile communication device in the recycling kiosk. 
     The kiosk of the method comprises a housing, the housing comprising a user interface on an exterior surface of the housing for the user to input information, an upper dome and a lower dome, wherein the upper dome and the lower dome comprise a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk further comprises an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera and a transparent surface. The kiosk further comprises a processor within the housing and in communication with the at least one camera, the processor configured to identify the brand and model number of the mobile communication device based on at least one of the information from the user and the images from the at least one camera, the processor configured to determine a purchase price for the used model of the mobile communication device. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis of a mobile electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the mobile electronic device. The method includes identifying a mobile communication device and a predetermined condition of the mobile communication device. The method also includes soliciting bids for a used model of the mobile communication device in the predetermined condition. The method also includes receiving bids for the used model of the mobile communication device from a plurality of bidders. The method also includes setting a purchase price to pay for the used model of the mobile communication device based on the plurality of bids received from the plurality of bidders. The method also includes identifying a used model of the mobile communication device at a recycling kiosk for the mobile electronic device. The method also includes verifying the integrity of the used model of the mobile communication device at the recycling kiosk. The method also includes offering the purchase price for the used model of the mobile communication device at the kiosk. The method also includes purchasing the used model of the mobile communication device. The method also includes erasing or transferring data from the mobile communication device at the kiosk. The method also includes delivering the mobile communication device to a winning bidder. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis of a mobile electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the mobile electronic device. The method includes establishing a plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices, each of the plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices established for a recycled electronic device in a predetermined condition. Each of the pre-acquisition purchase prices established by a winning bid from a bidder of a plurality of bidders for a recycled electronic device. The method also includes positioning an electronic device in an inspection area of a kiosk, the inspection area having at least one camera. The method also includes imaging the electronic device. The method also includes analyzing the electronic device for identification of the electronic device and a condition of the electronic device. The method also includes erasing or transferring data from the mobile communication device at the kiosk. The method also includes selecting a matching pre-acquisition purchase price from the plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices for the electronic device. The method also includes offering a consumer the pre-acquisition purchase price for the electronic device. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic device. The method comprises positioning an electronic device in an inspection area of a kiosk, the inspection area having a camera. The method further comprises imaging a screen shot of a about page of the electronic device, and inspecting the screen shot of the about page of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera disposed in the inspection area to determine if the electronic device has any defects. The method also includes erasing or transferring data from the mobile communication device at the kiosk. Lastly the method comprises determining a value for the electronic device. 
     The kiosk of the method comprises a housing, a user interface on an exterior surface of the housing for the user to input information, an upper dome and a lower dome, wherein the upper dome and the lower dome comprise a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk further comprises an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera and a transparent surface. The kiosk also comprises a processor within the housing and in communication with the at least one camera, the processor configured to identify the brand and model number of the electronic device based on at least one of the information from the user and the images from the at least one camera, the processor configured to determine a financial remuneration value for the electronic device. Preferably, the method further comprises comparing information derived from the barcode sticker to information derived from the about page. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, the invention comprises a method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic device. The method comprises positioning an electronic device in an inspection area of a recycling kiosk  100 , wherein the inspection area has a plurality of mirrors. The method further comprises placing the electronic device in an illuminated mode wherein a LCD screen of the electronic device is illuminated to visually enhance the appearance of any defects in the LCD screen and inspecting an image of the LCD screen of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera disposed in the inspection area to determine if the LCD screen of the electronic device has any defects. The method further comprises defining an analyzed electronic device. The method also includes erasing or transferring data from the mobile communication device at the kiosk. Lastly, the method comprises determining a value for the analyzed electronic device. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises performing an electrical analysis of the electronic device. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises powering up the electronic the device. In yet another embodiment of the present invention the method further comprises measuring the luminescence from the LCD screen of the electronic device. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises automatically binning the electronic device after a visual inspection and electrical inspection. Further, the method comprises completing the visual inspection and electrical inspection within an illumination period. The illumination period comprises the time from when the LCD of the phone is initially illuminated to the time the display screen transitions into an energy conserving mode, evidenced by the screen blacking out. 
     In yet another embodiment, the method comprises positioning an electronic device in an inspection area of a recycling kiosk  100 , powering up the electronic device and inputting a term on the electronic device. The inputted term comprises a plurality of characters and the term is displayed on the LCD screen of the electronic device. The method further comprises inspecting an image of the LCD screen of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera disposed in the inspection area utilizing an optical character recognition program of the recycling kiosk to determine if the LCD screen of the electronic device has any defects. The term is preferably a telephone number, a word or number. 
     Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system for data transfer from a recycled electronic device. 
         FIG. 2  is an isolated view of a mobile phone connected to an electrical connector for an erasure of data from the mobile phone. 
         FIG. 3  is an isolated view of data stored on the mobile phone of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an isolated view of a transfer of data from a recycled electronic device to a new electronic device within an inspection area of a recycling kiosk. 
         FIG. 5  is a view of a transfer of data from a recycled electronic device to a new electronic device within an inspection area of a recycling kiosk. 
         FIG. 6  is an isolated view of an imaging component within an inspection area of a recycling kiosk allowing for viewing of a mobile phone for analysis by a remote operator. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an operator viewing a display screen showing the image of a mobile phone within an inspection area of a recycling kiosk. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a recycling kiosk. 
         FIG. 8A  is a front view of the recycling kiosk of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 8B  is an isolated view of a front of the recycling kiosk of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 8C  is an isolated view of a front of the recycling kiosk of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 9  is an isolated view of an electrical connector wheel. 
         FIG. 9A  is an isolated view of an electrical connector is a staging area. 
         FIG. 9B  is an isolated view of an electrical connector in a detached position. 
         FIG. 9C  is an isolated view of an electrical connector being detached. 
         FIG. 9D  is an isolated view of an electrical connector being retracted. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk. 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk. 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk. 
         FIG. 10C  is a perspective view of internal components of a kiosk. 
         FIG. 11  is an isolated view of a phone an inspection plate of a kiosk. 
         FIG. 11  is an isolated view of a phone being transferred in the kiosk. 
         FIG. 11B  is an isolated view of a phone being transferred in the kiosk. 
         FIG. 11C  is an isolated view of a phone being binned in the kiosk. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram of components of a recycling kiosk. 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of components of a recycling kiosk. 
         FIG. 14  is an isolated view of an inspection area of a kiosk. 
         FIG. 15  is an isolated view of a camera in a dome of a kiosk. 
         FIG. 16  is an isolated view of a phone in an inspection area of a kiosk. 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of a phone. 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of a phone connected to an electrical connector. 
         FIG. 19  is a flow chart for recycling an electronic device. 
         FIG. 20  is a flow chart for a pre-acquisition auction method. 
         FIG. 21  is a flow chart of a method for analyzing an electronic device. 
         FIG. 22  is a flow chart of a method for analyzing an electronic device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention allows for a process for a pre-acquisition auction to establish a purchase price for a recycled electronic device. The pre-purchase auction is used in conjunction with a kiosk that uses automatic visual analysis of an electronic device to determine if the electronic device is damaged in order to ascertain a value for recycling the electronic device. The established purchase price is based on the condition of the electronic device, preferably a consumer electronic device such as a mobile phone, and the demand for such an electronic device. Thus, when a consumer goes to recycle an electronic device, the process has already established a price to be paid for the recycled electronic device. 
     The pre-acquisition auction identifies a recycled electronic device and a condition of the recycled electronic device. Bidders, preferably pre-qualified and online, bid on the recycled electronic device knowing that deliver of the recycled electronic device will be in the future since the recycled electronic device has not yet been acquired by the seller (the party conducting the auction) from a consumer. Once a purchase price is established, that purchase is used for purchasing the recycled electronic device from a consumer. The purchase price preferably includes a fee for the seller or costs of acquisition. Alternatively, the auction price is used as a base and a margin is added to generate a purchase price for the electronic device. 
     The process for a pre-acquisition auction to establish a purchase price for a recycled electronic device is preferably utilized with a system and method for analyzing an electronic device performed at a recycling kiosk. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a system for data transfer from a recycled electronic device. A kiosk for recycling electronic devices and providing financial remuneration is generally designated  100 . The electronic device  150  may be a Smart Phone, mobile phone, tablet computer, IPOD® device, MP3 Player, GPS device, e-reader, etc. Within an inspection area, the electronic device  150  is placed on a transparent plate  545  and connected to an electrical connector  505 . Data from the electronic device  150  is either erased or transferred from the electronic device  150 . If erased, as shown in  FIG. 2 , a processor of the kiosk  100  is configured to instruct the electronic device  150  to erase all personal data, such as shown in  FIG. 3 . Other data, such as operating software for the electronic device, is not erased. If the data is to be transferred, one embodiment includes a processor of the kiosk  100  configured to transfer the data from the electronic device  150 , through the kiosk  100  over a network  50  to a server  75  for storage in a database for eventual retrieval by an end-user of the electronic device. In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , data is transferred from a recycled electronic device  150   a  to a new electronic device  150   b . Both devices  150   a  and  150   b  are preferably placed on a transparent plate  545  within the inspection area  106  and connected to electrical connectors  505   a  and  505   b  respectively. The transfer is shown on the display screens  153   a  and  153   b  of the electronic devices  150   a  and  150   b.    
     In yet another embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , an operator in a remote location visually inspects an electronic device  150  within an inspection area  106  of a kiosk  100  using at least one camera  610 . The operator also receives data from an electrical analysis of the electronic device  150  as explained below. In this manner, the remote operator provides human interaction for an end-user attempting to recycle the electronic device  150 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  8 A,  8 B and  8 C, the kiosk  100  has a housing  105  in a pseudo-rectangular cube shape. A header  103  allows for marketing and videos. An access door  130  in a front body area  131  provides access to an inspection area  106  for electronic devices. The front of the housing  105  has a display screen  115  for providing information to a user, and acts as a user interface in a touch screen embodiment. The exterior of the housing  105  also preferably has a label printer  125 , a voucher dispenser  126 , a receipt printer  127 , and a cash or card dispenser  128 . The exterior housing may also have a thumbprint reader. 
     The kiosk  100  allows for automatic visual analysis of an electronic device to identify the electronic device and to determine electronic device is damaged in order to ascertain a value for recycling the electronic device. Further, the kiosk  100  also allows for electrical analysis of the electronic device. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 ,  9 A,  9 B,  9 C and  9 D, the kiosk  100  comprises a carousel  500  containing a plurality of electrical connectors  505   a - 505   y . Each of the electrical connectors  505  has a unique connection plug for removable connection to an electronic device. Each of the electrical connectors  505   a - 505   y  has a cartridge removeably secured in the carousel  500 . Thus, new electrical connectors  505  can be substituted for older electrical connectors  505 . Further, the kiosk  100  is designed to allow for automatic removal of the electrical connector  505  using detachment mechanism  511 . In  FIG. 9A , the electrical connector  505  is in a staging area, where it would be connected to a port of an electrical device (as shown  FIG. 18 ). Next, as shown in  FIGS. 9B and 9C , hinged arms  512  of the detachment mechanism  511  engage a moveable member of the electrical connector  505  to force the outward movement of the moveable member and the disconnection of the electrical connector  505  from a port of an electronic device (as shown in  FIG. 18 ). As shown in  FIG. 9D , the electrical connector  505  is retracted by a cable from the detachment mechanism  511 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 ,  10 A,  10 B and  10 C, the internal mechanism  101  of the kiosk  100  includes an upper chamber  520 , a lower chamber  530 , a binning plate  540 , a transparent plate  545 , a door  550 , a bin  555  and the carousel  500 . Preferably, the carousel  500  is able to hold approximately 25 electrical connectors  505 , wherein the electrical connectors  505  are interchangeable to easily adapt to the variations in USB and other like connections. As shown in  FIG. 10B , a mobile phone  150  is placed on the transparent plate  545  and transferred to an inspection area  106  within upper chamber  520  and lower chamber  530 . Both the upper chamber and the lower chamber preferably have a bell-like shape. As shown in  FIG. 10C , the mobile phone is moved between the upper chamber  520  and the lower chamber  530  for visual analysis. The transparent plate, preferably composed of glass of a transparent plastic material, allows for imaging components within the upper chamber  520  and lower chamber  530  to obtain multiple view images of the mobile phone  150 . Preferably, a 3-D profile of the mobile phone is generated in order to provide visual analysis for identification and condition of the mobile phone. Once the visual analysis is complete, the transparent plate  545  moves out from between the upper chamber  520  and lower chamber  530 . 
       FIGS. 11 ,  11 A,  11 B, and  11 C, show the automatic transport and binning of an electronic device  150  within the internal mechanism  101  of the kiosk  100 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the door  550  is lowered to reside above the transparent plate  545 , which is then moved inward with the mobile phone  150  thereon. As shown in  FIG. 11A , as the transparent plate  545  is moved inward, the mobile phone is blocked by the door  550  and engages binning plate  540  as the mobile phone begins to fall into an opening created by the inward movement of the transparent plate  545 . As shown in  FIG. 11B , once the mobile phone is on the binning plate  540 , the binning plate  540  is slowly lowered on one side to open into the bin  555 . As shown in  FIG. 11C , the mobile phone  150  slowly falls through an opening  556  into the bin  555  to secure the mobile phone  150  and for collection at a later time. The entire process performed at a rate of speed to prevent damage to the electronic device being recycled. 
     The kiosk  100  is of a typical size and shape of a vending machine, such as a soda machine, coin changing machine, can recycling machine, or other vending machines. The housing  105  of the kiosk  100  protects the internal mechanism  101  and secures electronic devices submitted for recycling. The housing  105  is preferably constructed of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum, to prevent authorized access to the kiosk  100 . 
     The inspection area  106  is preferably designed to permit a detailed visual inspection of an electronic device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, e-reader, MP3 players, PDA. The walls of the inspection area are preferably white and/or mirrored to provide imaging of the electronic device. 
     The couplings from the kiosk  100  and to a remote computer are preferably a single coupling to a communications network such as the internet via wired LAN, wireless LAN, cellular or any other proprietary communications system. The Kiosk  100  preferably includes a processor  160  for processing the information obtained from the mobile phone and for controlling the components of the kiosk  100 . Preferably, the processor  160  is a standard personal computer (“PC”) or other type of embedded computer running any operating system such as Linux or MAC OS. The processor  160  is most preferably a small form factor PC with integrated hard disk drive (“HDD”), central processing unit (“CPU”) and universal serial bus (“USB”) ports to communicate with the other components of the kiosk  100 . One most preferred CPU is a DELL PC OPTIPLEX  780 . Alternatively, the processing means is a microprocessor with a standalone motherboard which interfaces to a discrete HDD, power supply and the other components of the kiosk  100 . The kiosk  100  preferably includes a memory  161  or other storage device, such as a disk drive, that stores the executable applications, test software, databases and other software required to operate the recycling kiosk  100 . 
     The external communication component for the kiosk  100  preferably includes a wired Ethernet to provide connection to the internet, or alternatively the external communication component includes a wireless modem such as GSM, CDMA, 3G and 4G technologies for data communications. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , the visual inspection of an electronic device such as a mobile phone  150  in the inspection area  106  is preferably performed by at least one camera  610  within the upper chamber  520 . The lower chamber  530  also preferably has at least one camera or other imaging component such as a scanner. Alternatively, the visual inspection is performed by multiple cameras. A preferred camera  610  is a 1 megapixel machine vision camera. If a single camera  610  is utilized in the inspection area  106 , the camera  610  preferably is movable to increase a field of view of the inspection area  106  to inspect the electronic device  150  such as a mobile phone placed on the transparent plate  545 . The camera  161  is preferably movable. Preferably the camera  610  is positioned to image a LCD screen  153  of the electronic device  150  to determine if the LCD screen  153  is damaged. The interior surfaces of the upper chamber  520  and lower chamber  530  preferably include mirrors  615  in order to optimize viewing of an electronic device positioned within the inspection area  106 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , a reflection  150 ′ of a mobile phone  150  is illustrated. The camera  610  is also preferably movable to image a data port of the electronic device to determine the type of electrical connector  505  for the electronic device in order to perform an electrical analysis of the electronic device. Alternatively, the entire interior surfaces of the upper chamber  520  and the lower chamber  530  are mirrored for optimization of imaging of the electronic device. The camera(s) alternatively are CCD or CMOSS. 
     Also, time is of the essence when inspecting the electronic device. The analysis is completed within an illumination period of the electronic device, wherein the illumination device comprises the time from when the display screen of the electronic device is illuminated to the time the display screen converts to an energy conserving mode, evidences by the screen blacking out. During the inspection, the brightness of the illumination is also measured. The lighting preferably comprises LED based lighting with beam splitters, or alternatively UV lighting. 
     The transparent plate optionally operates as a weight scale to obtain a mass of the electronic device for use in determining a remuneration value. For example, if the mass of the electronic device  150  is less than set forth in a vendor specification for the electronic device, then one or more components of the electronic device may be missing, such as the battery for the electronic device  150 . 
     Preferably, visual inspection and recognition software is utilized by the kiosk  100  to analyze an electronic device. In one preferred method, a recognition algorithm is applied to a specific make and model of a electronic device. The visual inspection and recognition software determines the borders of a electronic device  150  under inspection to determine the external dimensions of the electronic device  150 . The external dimensions are utilized to determine a subset of possible mobile phones from a master database of mobile phones stored in the memory  161  of the kiosk  100  or available online to the kiosk  100  using external communications. The visual inspection and recognition software then preferably uses a set of secondary and tertiary features to further distinguish the electronic device  150 . These secondary and tertiary features can include placement and size of the display screen, placements and size of the keyboard, unique buttons, placement of ports, and other distinguishing features. Once an exact make and model of the electronic device is determined, the visual inspection and recognition software subtracts an image of the electronic device  150  from an image of a perfect electronic device for the same make and model. The result of the subtraction is preferably a quantifiable number of pixels that are calibrated into categories of broken or missing parts, cracked screen, and low, medium or high wear. 
     Alternatively, the visual inspection is performed using neural network pattern recognition techniques to identify the mobile phone  150 , then filter algorithms are utilized to determine defects such as cracked screens. Further, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other visual inspection techniques may be employed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     The electrical analysis of an electronic device  150  is preferably performed using an electrical connector  505  connected to a data port of a electronic device  150  as discussed above in reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A,  2 B,  2 C and  2 D. Once the make and model of the electronic device  150  is determined, either by visual inspection or user input using a user interface such as touch screen display  115 , the correct electrical connector  505  is dispensed by the carousel  500  for connection to the data port of the electronic device  150 . The connection of the electrical connector  505  to the electronic device  150  is preferably performed automatically by the kiosk  100 . Alternatively, the proper choice of electrical connector  505  is rotated into position on the carousel  500  and illuminated or in some other way presented to the consumer for manual connection of the electrical connector  505  to the data port of the electronic device  150 . Electrical analysis software is preferably utilized by the kiosk  100  to interact with the electronic device  150 . The electrical analysis preferably determines if the mobile phone is capable of activation, maintaining a charge, performing correctly, powering a display screen of the electronic device  150 , providing make, model, serial number and other pertinent information about the electronic device  150 , and other relevant information. 
     The touch screen display  115  preferably includes a keypad, user selection buttons, soft keys, and other similar components. The touch screen display  118  is used to enable quick and easy access to various features and functions of the recycling kiosk  100 . The recycling kiosk  100  preferably dispenses various forms of payment, including cash, credit cards, debit cards, chip cards, gift cards from the kiosk&#39;s host location or other gift cards, and other magnetic striped cards or electronic payment methods. The kiosk  100  also uses the barcode reader to read the barcode identification on the inside of the battery pack. A UV detector is used for reading “invisible” barcodes in use by certain vendors such as Apple and others. The bar code reader, camera, and/or UV detector of the kiosk  100  is another technique used to identify the product model, IMEI #, and/or FCC ID. Alternatively, the kiosk  100  communicates with the electronic device  150  using wireless communications to test and if necessary erase data from the electronic device  150 . 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of the main components of the kiosk  100 . A processor  160  is preferably in communication with the other components of the kiosk  100 . The memory  161  preferably contains a database of information on multiple mobile phones including images, physical characteristics, prices and other similar information. The external communications  167  preferably communicates through a wireless connection or Ethernet with a network to receive and transmit information to a remote site. The power supply  170  is preferably received through a plug-in connection to a wall outlet. The mechanical components  165  include the electrical connector carousel  500 , the transparent plate  545 , the binning plate  540 , the door  550 , and other similar components. The camera  610  or cameras, electrical connectors, and a user interface interact with the processor  160  as discussed above.  FIG. 12  illustrates an internal back of a recycling kiosk  100 . As shown a processor  160  is preferably a personal computer having a battery backup  170   a , a wireless connection  167  for external communications, an electrical connection  140 , a receipt dispenser  104  and a display screen  115 . 
     The processor  160  identifies the electronic device  150  submitted for recycling using information from the visual inspection and user interface. The processor  160  also determines the proper electrical connector  505  for connection to the data port of the electronic device  150  using information obtained during the visual inspection or from the user interface. The processor  160  also directs and receives information from the electrical analysis of the electronic device  150  performed using the electrical connector  505  connected to the data port of the electronic device  150 . The processor also preferably determines a financial remuneration for the submitted electronic device  150  based on the visual inspection, optionally the electrical analysis and data stored in the memory  161  of the kiosk or information provided externally through the external communication component  167 . 
     A flow chart for a preferred recycling method is shown in  FIG. 19 . At step  301  a customer elects to sell or recycle an electronic device. The customer checks to see if the electronic device is supported for sale/refurbishing from a list on the screen of the kiosk. The customer activates the on-screen menu system and either enters the phone model directly or goes through a series of menus to determine if the electronic device is eligible for sale or only for recycling. At decision block  302  it is determined if the electronic device is only available for recycling. If yes, (i.e. it is not on the list of electronic device available for reselling) the customer can insert the electronic device into receptacle at step  303  and the electronic device falls into bin  112  for recycling. 
     If the electronic device is supported for refurbishment/resale the customer is then encouraged to engage the testing/rating operation of the system. At step  304 , the system has determined the correct connector to couple to the electronic device. Connectivity options and are not limited to cable, standard or proprietary connectors, hard docks, reading removable or external physical memory or other wireless methods like WiFi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, and the like. At step  305  the electronic device is connected and inserted into inspection area  106 . If this has been done correctly, the customer is given some indication (e.g. a green light) and the system proceeds to step  306 . At step  306  the electronic device is tested for operation using diagnostics and operating via, for example, the OMSI interface. The diagnostics preferably includes electrical and physical testing including testing the electronic device&#39;s battery, screen, memory, button functionality and structural integrity. 
     Preferably, the electronic device is imaged and analysis software is used to identify scratches, cracks, wear patterns, dents, broken or missing pieces, inclusion of features such as lenses, buttons, connectors, badges, labeling and/or branding. Identification may be done by image comparison or other similar methods where the image taken of the electronic device is normalized and compared to a reference image. Other inspection methods may be used in conjunction with visual and/or electrical testing including weighing to determine specific weight and use that data to further refine verification of manufacturer and verification of exact device model. In another embodiment, the photographic image is used to identify the correct manufacturer and model number/product number. Visual identification could include any combination of the following: calculations based upon measurement, physical (e.g., mm, inches), pixel count or other. Identification based upon electronic device dimensions, location/size of buttons, LCD and other physical characteristics. One camera or multiple cameras may be used to determine height, width, depth as needed. Identification based on OCR (Optical Character Recognition) of identifiers such as Carrier (for phone and tablet computers), brand, model, serial number, other identifiers. Identification based upon barcodes. Consumer may be asked to orient CE on its front, back, side and then asked to change orientation as needed. Consumer may even be asked to remove CE cover(s), batteries and the like in order to gain access to identifiable items, such alphanumeric or barcode data. The kiosk  100  provides a way to use visual inspection with electrical inspection to identify a device, determine its value, and reduce possible fraud. 
     In one embodiment, the kiosk  100  communicates with the carrier associated with a mobile phone to collect any information that could be germane to the device, including, for example, validation or authentication, registered ownership, account status, time in service, and the like. In some cases, when the customer&#39;s identification information does not match the registered owner information, the kiosk  100  automatically contacts the assumed owner in some manner (automated telephone call, email, text message, etc.) to alert the owner of the phone of the possible transaction. 
     Another feature of an embodiment of the kiosk  100  is to determine if there is personal information on the electronic device. This is determined by the presence of data in particular storage registers in the memory (e.g., quick-key stored numbers) or by looking at file types (jpegs, mp3&#39;s, etc.,), or just assuming all non-default storage locations must contain personal data. The customer is offered the chance to erase the data from the phone. One option allows the customer to request that the data be first downloaded and then sent to a location designated by the customer (e.g., email address, website, etc.). In another embodiment, there is a slot for the customer to enter a memory card (e.g. USB drive, memory stick, etc.) whereupon the kiosk  100  uploads the data to the memory device. In still another embodiment, the kiosk  100  offers a web location from which the user retrieves the data at some later time if desired. In another embodiment, the user elects to have the data placed in another electronic device purchased by the customer at the kiosk  100  or in the location of the kiosk  100  or some other store. The customer preferably selects a user name and password to access the system provided storage location. 
     Once the value is determined, the value is provided at step  307  to the kiosk. The kiosk  100  then offers the customer a price or other remuneration for the phone that is typically less than the resale value. In other embodiments, the kiosk  100  offers the customer a price or remuneration that is at the current real-time market price. At step  308  it is determined if the user wishes to accept the offer. If not, the kiosk  100  proceeds to step  309  and opens the door and releases the electronic device back to the customer. If the user wishes to accept the offer, the kiosk  100  proceeds to step  310 . At a point where the user accepts a price, the kiosk  100  may then lock down the inspection area to prevent further access to the electronic device by the user. The kiosk  100  then disconnects any cables that have been attached. At step  310 , the user indicates acceptance of the decision by confirming on the keypad or touch-screen. At this point the kiosk  100  proceeds with deleting the personal data from the electronic device. In addition, once the transaction is confirmed, the kiosk  100  tags the electronic device with a transaction number that is associated with the diagnostic data and the transaction itself. This is preferably a printed adhesive label that is affixed physically to the phone and/or the loading of electronic data corresponding to the transaction number onto the phone itself for traceability purposes. 
     At step  311 , the kiosk  100  completes any additional testing and diagnostics of the electronic device, disconnects the cable from the electronic device, and prints a receipt for the customer. Transfer of funds may be authorized via the kiosk  100  by crediting a customer credit card or account by dispensing cash, or by dispensing a voucher or coupon. At step  312  the kiosk  100  updates its inventory database and transmits the update via a communications network to a kiosk server. 
     One preferred method for a pre-acquisition auction is illustrated in the flow chart of  FIG. 20 . A method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic device is generally designated  1000 . At block  1001 , an electronic device is identified. At block  1002 , bids are solicited for a used model of the electronic device in a predetermined condition. The bids are preferably solicited online through a website and the bidders are preferably pre-qualified. At block  1003 , bids for the used model of the electronic device are received from a plurality of bidders. At block  1004 , a purchase price to pay for the used model of the electronic device is set based on the plurality of bids received from the plurality of bidders. Typically, the purchase price is based on the winning bid. The shipping information for the winning bidder is preferably obtained at this time. At block  1005 , a used model of the electronic device is identified at a recycling kiosk for the electronic device. Preferably, a consumer desires to recycle the electronic device. At  1006 , the integrity of the used model of the electronic device is verified at the recycling kiosk. Preferably, the condition of the electronic device is established at the kiosk, with the kiosk determining any damage to the electronic device based on visual and electronic analysis of the electronic device. At block  1007 , the electronic device is evaluated and graded. At block  1008 , the purchase price for the used model of the electronic device is offered to a consumer at the kiosk. At block  1009 , the electronic device is automatically binned after purchasing the used model of the electronic device from the consumer at the kiosk. At block  1010 , the electronic device is shipped to the winning bidder. 
     Preferably, the kiosk  100  of the method comprises a housing  105 , the housing  105  comprising a user interface on an exterior surface of the housing for the user to input information, an upper dome and a lower dome, wherein the upper dome and the lower dome comprise a plurality of mirrors. The kiosk  100  further comprises an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera and a transparent surface. The kiosk  100  further comprises a processor  160  within the housing and in communication with the at least one camera, the processor  160  configured to identify the brand and model number of the mobile communication device based on at least one of the information from the user and the images from the at least one camera, the processor  160  configured to determine a purchase price for the used model of the mobile communication device. 
     An alternative method for a pre-acquisition auction begins with a mobile communication device identified for acquisition. Bids are solicited for a used model of the mobile communication device. Bids for the used model of the mobile communication device are received from a plurality of bidders. A purchase price to pay for the used model of the mobile communication device is set based on the plurality of bids received from the plurality of bidders. A used model of the mobile communication device is identified at a recycling kiosk for the mobile communication device. The integrity of the used model of the mobile communication device is verified at the recycling kiosk. The purchase price for the used model of the mobile communication device is offered to a consumer at the kiosk. The mobile communication device is automatically binned after purchasing the used model of the mobile communication device from the consumer at the kiosk. The mobile communication device is shipped to the winning bidder. 
     Another alternative method for a pre-acquisition auction begins with establishing a plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices. Each of the plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices is established for a recycled electronic device in a predetermined condition. Each of the pre-acquisition purchase prices is established by a winning bid from a bidder of a plurality of bidders for a recycled electronic device. An electronic device is positioned in an inspection area of a kiosk. The inspection area has at least one camera. The electronic device or a portion thereof is imaged. The image of the electronic device obtained by the at least one camera disposed in the inspection area is inspected to determine if the electronic device has any defects. The electronic device is identified and a condition of the electronic device is determined. A matching pre-acquisition purchase price is selected from the plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices for the electronic device. A consumer is offered the pre-acquisition purchase price for the electronic device. 
     An alternative method of the present invention is illustrated in the flow chart of  FIG. 21 . A method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of a mobile communication device is generally designated  2000 . At block  2001 , a mobile communication device is identified. At block  2002 , bids are solicited for a used model of the mobile communication device. At block  2003 , bids for the used model of the mobile communication device are received from a plurality of bidders. At block  2004 , a purchase price to pay for the used model of the mobile communication device is set based on the plurality of bids received from the plurality of bidders. At block  2005 , a used model of the mobile communication device is identified at a recycling kiosk for the mobile communication device. At  2006 , the integrity of the used model of the mobile communication device is verified at the recycling kiosk. At block  2007 , the purchase price for the used model of the mobile communication device is offered to a consumer at the kiosk. At block  2008 , the mobile communication device is automatically binned after purchasing the used model of the mobile communication device from the consumer at the kiosk. At block  2009 , the mobile communication device is shipped to the winning bidder. 
     Alternatively, the method comprises imaging a screen shot of a known screen of a battery charging screen display of the electronic device and inspecting the screen shot of the known screen of the battery charging screen display of electronic device obtained by at least one camera. 
     The present invention further includes is a dome shaped apparatus, the dome shaped apparatus comprising an upper dome, a lower dome. The upper and lower dome comprises a plurality of walls, wherein the plurality of walls are composed of mirrors. The dome shaped apparatus further comprises a transparent surface and at least one camera, the camera capable of obtaining a  360  degree view of an electronic device placed within the dome shaped apparatus. The upper dome preferably comprises an upper chamber camera. The lower dome preferably comprises a lower chamber camera. Preferably, a combination of each of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and the plurality of mirrors allow for an image of the device placed on the transparent surface. Preferably, the combination of each of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and the plurality of mirrors allow for a  360  degree of the electronic device placed on the transparent surface. Preferably, each of the upper dome and lower dome cameras are moveable. 
     Alternatively, the mobile phone  150  positioned within an inspection area  106  of a kiosk  100 . The mobile phone is powered up. A term is inputted into the mobile phone  150  for display on a LCD screen of the mobile phone  150 . A preferred term is a telephone number for display on a LCD screen  153  as shown in  FIG. 14 . The term may also be a word, characters, or like inputs. The LCD screen  153  is inspected for damage such as cracks, pixel defects, discoloration and the like. The kiosk  100  inspects the LCD screen  153  for defects in the display of the telephone number or like term. Further, the luminescence of the LCD screen  153 , particularly the telephone number, can also be measured to determine if the luminescence is performing at levels set forth by the manufacturer of the mobile phone  150 . An optional electrical analysis is performed on the mobile phone  150  as discussed in more detail below. Lastly, the value of the mobile phone is determined as discussed in more detail below. 
     Yet another alternative method of the present invention is illustrated in the flow chart of  FIG. 22 . The method  3000  begins at block  3001  with establishing a plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices. Each of the plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices is established for a recycled electronic device in a predetermined condition. Each of the pre-acquisition purchase prices is established by a winning bid from a bidder of a plurality of bidders for a recycled electronic device. At block  3002 , an electronic device is positioned in an inspection area of a kiosk. The inspection area has at least one camera. At block  3003 , the electronic device or a portion thereof is imaged. At block  3004 , the image of the electronic device obtained by the at least one camera disposed in the inspection area is inspected to determine if the electronic device has any defects. At block  3005 , the electronic device is identified and a condition of the electronic device is determined. At block  3006 , a matching pre-acquisition purchase price is selected from the plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices for the electronic device. At block  3007 , a consumer is offered the pre-acquisition purchase price for the electronic device. 
     Preferably, the method further comprises automatically binning the electronic device after determining the value of the electronic device. The method preferably comprises using the robotic finger to call a test phone number or alternatively to send a text a test phone number. The text preferably comprises each letter of the alphabet which allows determining the functionality of all letters of the keyboard. The method further comprises the text comprises a character string comprising the numbers 1 through 10, allowing determination of the functionality of all numbers on the keyboard. Further, the robotic finger may be used to send a text comprising each symbol on the keyboard. The method alternatively comprises using the robotic finger to active a camera mode of the electronic device such as disclosed in Bowles et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/658,828, filed on Oct. 24, 2012 for a Method And Apparatus For Recycling Electronic Devices, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, or such as disclosed in Bowles et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/658,825, filed on Oct. 24, 2012 for a Method And Apparatus For Recycling Electronic Devices, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes modification and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.