Patent Description:
There has been a large increase in the number of electronic devices used by the typical consumer. These devices include cell phones, PDA's, mp3 players, tablet computers, 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.

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.

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. <CIT> relates to a recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of a mobile telephone. The recycling kiosk includes an inspection area with a plurality of white walls in order to perform a visual analysis of the mobile telephone for determination of a value of the mobile telephone. The visual analysis inspects the LCD screen of the mobile phone to determine if the LCD screen is damaged. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor, a display and a user interface. <CIT> discusses how to improve workability and to expand inspection items while an article which is to be inspected is evenly irradiated with lighting light for no shade or bright spot, and imaging is performed with a camera at high inspection precision for efficient detection of a defective article. <CIT> relates to a 3D object scanner including a scanner body having an open upper surface. A pair of cover plates are slidably installed into the opening of the scanner body. A passage groove is formed on the boundary surface of each cover plate to allow passage of a three-dimensional object. A transparent mounting plate on which a three-dimensional object is mounted is installed horizontally inside the scanner body through a pass-through groove. A projection mirror is placed on the lower part of the transparent stand to project a three-dimensional object. The projector is moved horizontally by a horizontal movement device. Brackets are installed on both sides orthogonal to the direction of movement of the projector. At least one upper camera for directly photographing a three-dimensional object and at least one lower camera for photographing an image projected onto a projector are installed on both brackets. <CIT> relates to a 3D scanner capable of implementing a three-dimensional image by scanning a three-dimensional object and a 3D image output device using the scanner. A device capable of scanning the shape of a three-dimensional object in three dimensions is provided, wherein a laser beam output device and an imaging device are fixedly installed on the left and right of a mobile plate capable of horizontally moving back and forth and above and below a transparent mounting base, respectively, and a driving device capable of horizontally moving the mobile plate is provided, and the three-dimensional object is photographed using the imaging device while the mobile plate is horizontally moved back and forth while the three-dimensional object is placed on the transparent mounting base, and the data of information of the photographed three-dimensional object is analyzed to implement a 3D image on a computer. <CIT> discusses how to attach or detach a measuring apparatus for optically measuring at least granular objects to be inspected and a handling section for handling the granular objects.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved kiosk for evaluating and purchasing a used electronic device, and a method of operating such a kiosk. This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims which define the present invention.

The present invention enables one to securely recycle, donate, trade-in, and/or sell electronic devices in a publicly accessible location.

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 an 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.

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.

An additional 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 wherein the inspection area has a camera. The method further includes imaging the electronic device. The image of the electronic device obtained by at least one camera disposed in the inspection area is inspected to determine if the electronic device has any defects. Lastly, the method includes determining a value for electronic device.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is a dome shaped apparatus, the dome shaped apparatus comprising an upper dome, a lower dome and the upper and lower dome comprising 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 <NUM> 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 the 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 the each of the upper dome and lower dome cameras and the plurality of mirrors allow for a <NUM> degree of the electronic device placed on the transparent surface.

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 <NUM>, 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. 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 <NUM>, 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.

Another aspect of the invention is a dome shaped apparatus comprising a plurality of walls, wherein the plurality of walls composed of mirrors and at least one camera, wherein the camera is capable of obtaining a multiple views of an electronic device placed within the dome shaped apparatus. The invention optionally comprises an electrical connector dispensing device. The electrical connecting dispensing device comprises a cartridge containing a plurality of cables, wherein each of the plurality of cables have an interchangeable connector and wherein each of the cables is automatically retracted after an electrical analysis of an electronic device.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, a kiosk for recycling electronic devices and providing financial remuneration is generally designated <NUM>. The electronic device may be a Smart Phone, mobile phone, tablet, iPod, MP3 Player, e-reader, etc. The kiosk <NUM> has a housing <NUM> in a pseudo-rectangular cube shape. A header <NUM> allows for marketing and videos. An access door <NUM> in a front body area <NUM> provides access to an inspection area <NUM> for electronic devices. The front of the housing <NUM> has a display screen <NUM> for providing information to a user, and acts as a user interface in a touchscreen embodiment. The exterior of the housing <NUM> also preferably has a label printer <NUM>, a voucher dispenser <NUM>, a receipt printer <NUM>, and a cash or card dispenser <NUM>. The exterior housing may also have a thumbprint reader.

The kiosk <NUM> 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 <NUM> also allows for electrical analysis of the electronic device.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the kiosk <NUM> comprises a carousel <NUM> containing a plurality of electrical connectors 505a-505y. Each of the electrical connectors <NUM> has a unique connection plug for removable connection to an electronic device. Each of the electrical connectors 505a-505y has a cartridge removeably secured in the carousel <NUM>. Thus, new electrical connectors <NUM> can be substituted for older electrical connectors <NUM>. Further, the kiosk <NUM> is designed to allow for automatic removal of the electrical connector <NUM> using detachment mechanism <NUM>. In <FIG>, the electrical connector <NUM> is in a staging area, where it would be connected to a port of an electrical device (as shown <FIG>). Next, as shown in <FIG>, hinged arms <NUM> of the detachment mechanism <NUM> engage a moveable member of the electrical connector <NUM> to force the outward movement of the moveable member and the disconnection of the electrical connector <NUM> from a port of an electronic device (as shown in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the electrical connector <NUM> is retracted by a cable from the detachment mechanism <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the internal mechanism <NUM> of the kiosk <NUM> includes an upper chamber <NUM>, a lower chamber <NUM>, a binning plate <NUM>, a transparent plate <NUM>, a door <NUM>, a bin <NUM> and the carousel <NUM>. Preferably, the carousel <NUM> is able to hold approximately <NUM> electrical connectors <NUM>, wherein the electrical connectors <NUM> are interchangeable to easily adapt to the variations in USB and other like connections. As shown in <FIG>, a mobile phone <NUM> is placed on the transparent plate <NUM> and transferred to an inspection area <NUM> within upper chamber <NUM> and lower chamber <NUM>. Both the upper chamber and the lower chamber preferably have a bell-like shape. As shown in <FIG>, the mobile phone is moved between the upper chamber <NUM> and the lower chamber <NUM> for visual analysis. The transparent plate, preferably composed of glass of a transparent plastic material, allows for imaging components within the upper chamber <NUM> and lower chamber <NUM> to obtain multiple view images of the mobile phone <NUM>. Preferably, a <NUM>-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 <NUM> moves out from between the upper chamber <NUM> and lower chamber <NUM>.

<FIG>, and <FIG>, show the automatic transport and binning of an electronic device <NUM> within the internal mechanism <NUM> of the kiosk <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the door <NUM> is lowered to reside above the transparent plate <NUM>, which is then moved inward with the mobile phone <NUM> thereon. As shown in <FIG>, as the transparent plate <NUM> is moved inward, the mobile phone is blocked by the door <NUM> and engages binning plate <NUM> as the mobile phone begins to fall into an opening created by the inward movement of the transparent plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, once the mobile phone is on the binning plate <NUM>, the binning plate <NUM> is slowly lowered on one side to open into the bin <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the mobile phone <NUM> slowly falls through an opening <NUM> into the bin <NUM> to secure the mobile phone <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> of the kiosk <NUM> protects the internal mechanism <NUM> and secures electronic devices submitted for recycling. The housing <NUM> is preferably constructed of a metal material, such as steel or aluminum, to prevent authorized access to the kiosk <NUM>.

The inspection area <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> preferably includes a processor <NUM> for processing the information obtained from the mobile phone and for controlling the components of the kiosk <NUM>. Preferably, the processor <NUM> is a standard personal computer ("PC") or other type of embedded computer running any operating system such as Linux or MAC OS. The processor <NUM> 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 <NUM>. One most preferred CPU is a DELL PC OPTIPLEX <NUM>. 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 <NUM>. The kiosk <NUM> preferably includes a memory <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

The external communication component for the kiosk <NUM> 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, <NUM> and <NUM> technologies for data communications.

As shown in <FIG>, the visual inspection of an electronic device such as a mobile phone <NUM> in the inspection area <NUM> is preferably performed by at least one camera <NUM> within the upper chamber <NUM>. The lower chamber <NUM> 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 <NUM> is a <NUM> megapixel machine vision camera. If a single camera <NUM> is utilized in the inspection area <NUM>, the camera <NUM> preferably is movable to increase a field of view of the inspection area <NUM> to inspect the electronic device <NUM> such as a mobile phone placed on the transparent plate <NUM>. The camera <NUM> is preferably movable. Preferably the camera <NUM> is positioned to image a LCD screen <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> to determine if the LCD screen <NUM> is damaged. The interior surfaces of the upper chamber <NUM> and lower chamber <NUM> preferably include mirrors <NUM> in order to optimize viewing of an electronic device positioned within the inspection area <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a reflection <NUM>' of a mobile phone <NUM> is illustrated. The camera <NUM> is also preferably movable to image a data port of the electronic device to determine the type of electrical connector <NUM> for the electronic device in order to perform an electrical analysis of the electronic device. Alternatively, the entire interior surfaces of the upper chamber <NUM> and the lower chamber <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>.

Preferably, visual inspection and recognition software is utilized by the kiosk <NUM> 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 <NUM> under inspection to determine the external dimensions of the electronic device <NUM>. The external dimensions are utilized to determine a subset of possible mobile phones from a master database of mobile phones stored in the memory <NUM> of the kiosk <NUM> or available online to the kiosk <NUM> 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 <NUM>. 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>, 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 of the present invention.

The electrical analysis of an electronic device <NUM> is preferably performed using an electrical connector <NUM> connected to a data port of a electronic device <NUM> as discussed above in reference to <FIG>, <FIG>. Once the make and model of the electronic device <NUM> is determined, either by visual inspection or user input using a user interface such as touch screen display <NUM>, the correct electrical connector <NUM> is dispensed by the carousel <NUM> for connection to the data port of the electronic device <NUM>. The connection of the electrical connector <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM> is preferably performed automatically by the kiosk <NUM>. Alternatively, the proper choice of electrical connector <NUM> is rotated into position on the carousel <NUM> and illuminated or in some other way presented to the consumer for manual connection of the electrical connector <NUM> to the data port of the electronic device <NUM>. Electrical analysis software is preferably utilized by the kiosk <NUM> to interact with the electronic device <NUM>. 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 <NUM>, providing make, model, serial number and other pertinent information about the electronic device <NUM>, and other relevant information.

The touch screen display <NUM> preferably includes a keypad, user selection buttons, soft keys, and other similar components. The touch screen display <NUM> is used to enable quick and easy access to various features and functions of the recycling kiosk <NUM>. The recycling kiosk <NUM> preferably dispenses various forms of payment, including cash, credit cards, debit cards, chip cards, gift cards from the kiosk's host location or other gift cards, and other magnetic striped cards or electronic payment methods. The kiosk <NUM> 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 <NUM> is another technique used to identify the product model, IMEI #, and/or FCC ID. Alternatively, the kiosk <NUM> communicates with the electronic device <NUM> using wireless communications to test and if necessary erase data from the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of the main components of the kiosk <NUM>. A processor <NUM> is preferably in communication with the other components of the kiosk <NUM>. The memory <NUM> preferably contains a database of information on multiple mobile phones including images, physical characteristics, prices and other similar information. The external communications <NUM> preferably communicates through a wireless connection or Ethernet with a network to receive and transmit information to a remote site. The power supply <NUM> is preferably received through a plug-in connection to a wall outlet. The mechanical components <NUM> include the electrical connector carousel <NUM>, the transparent plate <NUM>, the binning plate <NUM>, the door <NUM>, and other similar components. The camera <NUM> or cameras, electrical connectors, and a user interface interact with the processor <NUM> as discussed above. <FIG> illustrates an internal back of a recycling kiosk <NUM>. As shown a processor <NUM> is preferably a personal computer having a battery backup 170a, a wireless connection <NUM> for external communications, an electrical connection <NUM>, a receipt dispenser <NUM> and a display screen <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> identifies the electronic device <NUM> submitted for recycling using information from the visual inspection and user interface. The processor <NUM> also determines the proper electrical connector <NUM> for connection to the data port of the electronic device <NUM> using information obtained during the visual inspection or from the user interface. The processor <NUM> also directs and receives information from the electrical analysis of the electronic device <NUM> performed using the electrical connector <NUM> connected to the data port of the electronic device <NUM>. The processor also preferably determines a financial remuneration for the submitted electronic device <NUM> based on the visual inspection, optionally the electrical analysis and data stored in the memory <NUM> of the kiosk or information provided externally through the external communication component <NUM>.

A flow chart for a preferred recycling method is shown in <FIG>. At step <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> and the electronic device falls into bin <NUM> 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 <NUM>, 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 <NUM> the electronic device is connected and inserted into inspection area <NUM>. If this has been done correctly, the customer is given some indication (e.g. a green light) and the system proceeds to step <NUM>. At step <NUM> 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'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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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's identification information does not match the registered owner information, the kiosk <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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'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 <NUM> uploads the data to the memory device. In still another embodiment, the kiosk <NUM> 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 <NUM> or in the location of the kiosk <NUM> 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 <NUM> to the kiosk. The kiosk <NUM> 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 <NUM> offers the customer a price or remuneration that is at the current real-time market price. At step <NUM> it is determined if the user wishes to accept the offer. If not, the kiosk <NUM> proceeds to step <NUM> and opens the door and releases the electronic device back to the customer. If the user wishes to accept the offer, the kiosk <NUM> proceeds to step <NUM>. At a point where the user accepts a price, the kiosk <NUM> may then lock down the inspection area to prevent further access to the electronic device by the user. The kiosk <NUM> then disconnects any cables that have been attached. At step <NUM>, the user indicates acceptance of the decision by confirming on the keypad or touch-screen. At this point the kiosk <NUM> proceeds with deleting the personal data from the electronic device. In addition, once the transaction is confirmed, the kiosk <NUM> 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 <NUM>, the kiosk <NUM> 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 <NUM> by crediting a customer credit card or account by dispensing cash, or by dispensing a voucher or coupon. At step <NUM> the kiosk <NUM> 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>. A method for analysis of an electronic device and financial remuneration to a user for submission of the electronic device is generally designated <NUM>. At block <NUM>, an electronic device is identified. At block <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, bids for the used model of the electronic device are received from a plurality of bidders. At block <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, the electronic device is evaluated an graded. At block <NUM>, the purchase price for the used model of the electronic device is offered to a consumer at the kiosk. At block <NUM>, the electronic device is automatically binned after purchasing the used model of the electronic device from the consumer at the kiosk. At block <NUM>, the electronic device is shipped to the winning bidder.

Preferably, the kiosk <NUM> of the method comprises a housing <NUM>, the housing <NUM> 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 <NUM> further comprises an upper chamber camera, a lower chamber camera and a transparent surface. The kiosk <NUM> further comprises a processor <NUM> within the housing and in communication with the at least one camera, the processor <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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.

Claim 1:
A kiosk (<NUM>) for evaluating and purchasing a used electronic device, the kiosk comprising:
a housing (<NUM>);
a first door (<NUM>) movable to control access to an interior of the housing;
an upper chamber (<NUM>) within the housing;
a lower chamber (<NUM>) within the housing;
a transparent plate (<NUM>) within the housing, wherein the transparent plate (<NUM>) is movable between -
a first position at which the transparent plate (<NUM>) receives the electronic device, and
a second position at which the transparent plate (<NUM>) supports the electronic device within an inspection area between the upper (<NUM>) and lower (<NUM>) chambers;
a camera (<NUM>) configured to image the electronic device while the transparent plate (<NUM>) supports the electronic device within the inspection area;
a binning plate (<NUM>) within the housing (<NUM>), wherein the binning plate (<NUM>) is positioned below the transparent plate (<NUM>) and configured to direct the electronic device through an opening (<NUM>) and into a storage receptacle (<NUM>); and
a second door (<NUM>) within the housing (<NUM>), wherein the second door (<NUM>) is configured to be lowered toward the transparent plate (<NUM>) to block movement of the electronic device between the first position and the second position such that, when the second door (<NUM>) is lowered and the transparent plate (<NUM>) is moved from the first position toward the second position with the electronic device thereon, the second door (<NUM>) displaces the electronic device from the transparent plate (<NUM>) onto the binning plate (<NUM>).