Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a cellular mobile phone console for receiving, from a defined user, a malfunctioning cellular phone; and a dispensing said user with a functioning cellular telephone. It should be emphasized that the dispensed functioning cellular telephone is not necessarily the received malfunctioned cellular phone; furthermore, it should be emphasized that the dispensed functioning cellular telephone could be from a different model/type than the received malfunctioned cellular phone. 
         [0002]    The core concept behind the present invention is the ability to receive, from a defined user, a malfunctioning cellular phone; and to dispense said user with a functioning cellular telephone. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In recent years, the number of mobile communicators in the hands of the public has increased greatly, thus creating a need for efficient logistics for handling and replacement thereof. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention seeks to provide a user-friendly and a user-interactive cellular mobile phone replacement console, allowing a user to insert a malfunctioning mobile phone into the mobile phone console and receiving a replacement mobile phone from the cellular phone console 
         [0005]    It is one object of the present invention to provide a cellular phone console comprising: a receiving port for receiving, from a defined user, a malfunctioning cellular phone; and a dispensing mechanism for providing said user with a functioning cellular telephone. 
         [0006]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein the type of said functioning cellular telephone is different than the type of said malfunctioning cellular phone. 
         [0007]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said user interactive unit comprises a user data input device for providing data input to said console said input data comprises at least one of the following: a user identification code; cellular mobile phone manufacturer data; a cellular mobile phone serial number; a cellular mobile phone model type and any combination thereof. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said at least one cellular phone malfunction is selected from the group consisting of at least one hardware malfunction, at least one software malfunction and any combination thereof. 
         [0009]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, further comprising an outlet port for ejecting a replacement cellular mobile phone. 
         [0010]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, further comprising a selection of temporary replacement cellular mobile phones. 
         [0011]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, further comprising an ejection port for providing said user with said selected temporary replacement cellular mobile phone. 
         [0012]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for replacing a cellular mobile phone comprising:
       providing a cellular phone console, in a cellular phone station:   inserting a malfunctioning cellular mobile phone into a receiving port of said station; and,   dispensing a functioning cellular telephone.       
 
         [0016]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the method as defined above, additionally comprising step of inputting a user identification code into said console by means of a data input device. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the method as defined above, additionally comprising step of confirming that said user is a registered user. 
         [0018]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console is placed in public domains. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console is provided with at least one anti-theft mechanism adapted to prevent any burglary and theft of said malfunctioned cellular phones received. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console is provided with at least one identification mechanism adapted to identify said user. 
         [0021]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console is provided with at least one identification mechanism adapted to identify said malfunctioned cellular phones received. 
         [0022]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said identification mechanism is adapted to identify at least one selected from a group consisting of the model of said malfunctioned cellular phones received, the producer of said malfunctioned cellular phones received, the phone number of said user, the I.D. number of said user, the address of said user, the email of said user and any combination thereof. 
         [0023]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said malfunctioned cellular phones received is enclosed within a protected container. 
         [0024]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console is provided with means adapted to enable the back-up of information contained within said malfunctioned cellular phones received. 
         [0025]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console is provided with means adapted to diagnose said malfunctioned phone. 
         [0026]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein any accessories of said malfunctioned phone&#39;s are adapted to be tagged with radio frequency identification (RFID). 
         [0027]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said accessories are selected from a group consisting of bag, battery, charger and any combination thereof. 
         [0028]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console is provided with at least one camera adapted to identify said user. 
         [0029]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said cellular phone console is adapted to dispense at least one receipt once said malfunctioning cellular phone is received within said cellular phone station. 
         [0030]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said at least one receipt comprising at least one detail selected from a group consisting of details of said malfunctioned phone, detail on said user, the malfunction itself, details on the cellular phone console in which the malfunctioned phone had been deposit, detail on the date and time at which the malfunctioned phone has been deposited in said cellular phone console, and an identification number in case said malfunctioned phone is lost; and any combination thereof. 
         [0031]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said details of said malfunctioned phone is selected from a group consisting of type of said malfunctioned phone, phone number of said malfunctioned phone and any combination thereof. 
         [0032]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the cellular phone console as defined above, wherein said detail on said user is selected from a group consisting of name of said user, ID of said user, address of said user, reachable number of said user and any combination thereof. 
         [0033]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the method as defined above, additionally comprising step of dispensing at least one receipt once said malfunctioning cellular phone is received within said cellular phone station. 
         [0034]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the method as defined above, wherein said at least one receipt comprising at least one detail selected from a group consisting of details of said malfunctioned phone, detail on said user, the malfunction itself, details on the cellular phone console in which the malfunctioned phone had been deposit, and an identification number in case said malfunctioned phone is lost, detail on the date and time at which the malfunctioned phone has been deposited in said cellular phone console, and any combination thereof. 
         [0035]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the method as defined above, wherein said details of said malfunctioned phone is selected from a group consisting of type of said malfunctioned phone, phone number of said malfunctioned phone and any combination thereof. 
         [0036]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the method as defined above, wherein said detail on said user is selected from a group consisting of name of said user, ID number of said user, address of said user, reachable number of said user and any combination thereof. 
         [0037]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the method as defined above, wherein said details of said malfunctioned phone is selected from a group consisting of type of said malfunctioned phone, phone number of said malfunctioned phone and any combination thereof. 
         [0038]    It is another object of the present invention to provide the method as defined above, wherein said detail on said user is selected from a group consisting of name of said user, ID of said user, address of said user, reachable number of said user and any combination thereof. 
         [0039]    The present invention also seeks to provide an automatic mobile communicator depot system and methodology. There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an automatic mobile communicator depot system including a mobile communicator acceptor for accepting mobile communicators and providing mobile communicator acceptance inputs, a mobile communicator dispenser for dispensing substitute mobile communicators in response to substitute mobile communicator dispensing instructions, a customer interface receiving customer inputs identifying a specific mobile communicator with a specific customer, and a depot controller responsive at least to the customer inputs and the acceptance inputs and including dispenser control functionality for providing dispensing instructions to the mobile communicator dispenser to dispense a specific substitute mobile communicator to a specific customer and automatic telephone number transfer functionality for transferring a telephone number from a mobile communicator received by the mobile communicator acceptor from a given customer to the substitute mobile communicator dispensed by the mobile communicator dispenser to the customer. 
         [0040]    Preferably, the mobile communicator acceptor is operative to accept from a customer a mobile communicator to be repaired and the mobile communicator dispenser is operative to dispense to the customer a temporary replacement mobile communicator to be used until the customer&#39;s mobile communicator is returned in a repaired state to the customer. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile communicator acceptor is operative to accept from a customer a mobile communicator to be replaced and the mobile communicator dispenser is operative to dispense to the customer a permanent replacement mobile communicator. 
         [0041]    Preferably, the mobile communicator acceptor is also operative to accept from the customer the temporary replacement mobile communicator and the mobile communicator dispenser is operative to dispense the mobile communicator earlier received by the mobile communicator acceptor from the customer, to the customer in a repaired state. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile communicator acceptor is operative to accept from the customer a temporary replacement mobile communicator dispensed to the customer by a mobile communicator dispenser which is not the a mobile communicator dispenser, and the mobile communicator dispenser is operative to dispense the mobile communicator earlier received from the customer by a mobile communicator acceptor which is not the mobile communicator acceptor, to the customer in a repaired state. 
         [0042]    Preferably, the automatic telephone number transfer functionality is operative for transferring the telephone number from the temporary replacement mobile communicator received by the mobile communicator acceptor from the customer to the mobile communicator dispensed to the customer in a repaired state. 
         [0043]    Preferably, the depot controller also includes automatic data transfer functionality operable for transferring of data stored in a mobile communicator received by the mobile communicator acceptor from a given customer to the temporary substitute mobile communicator dispensed by the mobile communicator dispenser to the customer. Preferably, the data includes at least part of a contact list. Preferably, the transferring of data is at least partly wireless. Preferably, the automatic data transfer functionality is also operable for transferring of data stored in the temporary substitute mobile communicator earlier received by the mobile communicator acceptor from a given customer to the mobile communicator dispensed to the customer in a repaired state. 
         [0044]    Additionally or alternatively, the depot controller also includes automatic data transfer functionality operable for transferring of data of a given customer, the data stored in an internet accessible storage facility, to the temporary substitute mobile communicator dispensed by the mobile communicator dispenser to the customer. Preferably, the data includes at least part of a contact list. Preferably, the transferring of data is at least partly wireless. 
         [0045]    Preferably, the depot system also includes a customer internet interface operable for receiving customer inputs identifying a specific mobile communicator with a specific customer via the internet. Preferably, the customer inputs include at least a telephone number of the specific mobile communicator. Preferably, the customer inputs include at least a description of a malfunction of the specific mobile communicator which needs to be repaired and a preferred future pickup location of the specific mobile communicator in a repaired state. 
         [0046]    Preferably, the mobile communicator acceptor also includes imaging functionality for capturing an image of at least part of the specific mobile communicator. 
         [0047]    Preferably, the mobile communicator acceptor also includes depot-service center communication functionality operative for communicating between the depot and at least one mobile communicator service center. Preferably, the depot-service center communication functionality is operable for communicating at least some of the customer inputs to the at least one mobile communicator service center. 
         [0048]    Preferably, the mobile communicator acceptor is also operative to place the specific mobile communicator into a bin located within a mobile communicator storage and transport structure. 
         [0049]    Preferably, the depot-service center communication functionality is operable for communicating the identities of the bin and of the mobile communicator storage and transport structure to the at least one mobile communicator service center in association with a unique identifier of the specific mobile communicator. 
         [0050]    Preferably, at least part of the identities of the bin and of the mobile communicator storage and transport structure are encoded in barcodes imprinted on respective ones of the bin and the mobile communicator storage and transport structure. Preferably, the depot system also includes barcode scanning functionality operable for reading the barcodes. 
         [0051]    Preferably, the automatic telephone number transfer functionality is operative to employ the depot-service center communication functionality to employ the at least one mobile communicator service center for the transferring a telephone number. 
         [0052]    Preferably, the mobile communicator dispenser is also operable for dispensing, to the customer, mobile communicator accessories suitable for use with the substitute mobile communicators to be used until the customer&#39;s mobile communicator is returned in a repaired state to the customer, and the mobile communicator acceptor is also operable for accepting, from the customer, the mobile communicator accessories earlier dispensed to the customer, upon return of the customer&#39;s mobile communicator in a repaired state to the customer. Preferably, the accessories include at least one of a mobile communicator charger and a data synchronizing cable. 
         [0053]    Preferably, the mobile communicator storage and transport structure is operable for removal thereof from the depot and for transport between the depot and the mobile communicator service center. 
         [0054]    Preferably, the depot also includes customer messaging functionality operative to notify the customer that his mobile communicator has been repaired and will be available for pickup at a specific automatic mobile communicator depot at a specific time. Additionally or alternatively, the depot also includes customer messaging functionality operative to notify the customer that his mobile communicator has been repaired and is available for pickup at a specific automatic mobile communicator depot. 
         [0055]    There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for operating an automatic mobile communicator depot including accepting mobile communicators and providing mobile communicator acceptance inputs, dispensing substitute mobile communicators in response to substitute mobile communicator dispensing instructions, receiving customer inputs identifying a specific mobile communicator with a specific customer, and responsive at least to the customer inputs and the acceptance inputs, providing dispensing instructions to the mobile communicator dispenser to dispense a specific substitute mobile communicator to a specific customer, and automatically transferring a telephone number from a mobile communicator received by the mobile communicator acceptor from a given customer to the substitute mobile communicator dispensed by the mobile communicator dispenser to the customer. 
         [0056]    Preferably, accepting mobile communicators includes accepting from a customer a mobile communicator to be repaired, and dispensing substitute mobile communicators includes dispensing to the customer a temporary replacement mobile communicator to be used until the customer&#39;s mobile communicator is returned in a repaired state to the customer. Additionally or alternatively, accepting mobile communicators includes accepting from a customer a mobile communicator to be replaced, and dispensing substitute mobile communicators includes dispensing to the customer a permanent replacement mobile communicator. 
         [0057]    Preferably, accepting mobile communicators includes accepting from the customer the temporary replacement mobile communicator, and dispensing substitute mobile communicators includes dispensing the mobile communicator earlier received from the customer, to the customer in a repaired state. 
         [0058]    Preferably, the transferring includes automatically transferring the telephone number from the temporary replacement mobile communicator received from the customer to the mobile communicator dispensed to the customer in a repaired state. 
         [0059]    Preferably, the method also includes automatically transferring data stored in a mobile communicator received from a given customer to the temporary substitute mobile communicator dispensed to the customer. Preferably, the data includes at least part of a contact list. Preferably, the transferring of data is at least partly wireless. Preferably, the method also includes automatically transferring data stored in the temporary substitute mobile communicator earlier received from the given customer to the mobile communicator dispensed to the customer in a repaired state. 
         [0060]    Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes automatically transferring data of a given customer, the data stored in an internet accessible storage facility, to the temporary substitute mobile communicator dispensed to the customer. Preferably, the data includes at least part of a contact list. Preferably, the transferring of data is at least partly wireless. 
         [0061]    Preferably, the method also includes receiving customer inputs identifying a specific mobile communicator with a specific customer via the internet. 
         [0062]    Preferably, the customer inputs include at least a telephone number of the specific mobile communicator. Preferably, the customer inputs include at least a description of a malfunction of the specific mobile communicator which needs to be repaired and a preferred future pickup location of the specific mobile communicator in a repaired state. 
         [0063]    Preferably, the method also includes capturing an image of at least part of the specific mobile communicator. Preferably, the method also includes communicating between the depot and at least one mobile communicator service center. Preferably, the communicating includes communicating at least some of the customer inputs to the at least one mobile communicator service center. 
         [0064]    Preferably, the method also includes placing the specific mobile communicator into a bin located within a mobile communicator storage and transport structure. Preferably, the communicating includes communicating the identities of the bin and of the mobile communicator storage and transport structure to the at least one mobile communicator service center in association with a unique identifier of the specific mobile communicator. 
         [0065]    Preferably, at least part of the identities of the bin and of the mobile communicator storage and transport structure are encoded in barcodes imprinted on respective ones of the bin and the mobile communicator storage and transport structure. 
         [0066]    Preferably, the method also includes dispensing, to the customer, mobile communicator accessories suitable for use with the substitute mobile communicators to be used until the customer&#39;s mobile communicator is returned in a repaired state to the customer, and accepting, from the customer, the mobile communicator accessories earlier dispensed to the customer, upon return of the customer&#39;s mobile communicator in a repaired state to the customer. Preferably, the accessories include at least one of a mobile communicator charger and a data synchronizing cable. 
         [0067]    Preferably, the mobile communicator storage and transport structure is operable for removal thereof from the depot and for transport between the depot and the mobile communicator service center. 
         [0068]    Preferably, the method also includes notifying the customer that his mobile communicator has been repaired and will be available for pickup at a specific automatic mobile communicator depot at a specific time. Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes notifying the customer that his mobile communicator has been repaired and is available for pickup at a specific automatic mobile communicator depot. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0069]    A preferred embodiment of the current invention is described hereinbelow with reference to the following drawings: 
           [0070]      FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C  are simplified illustrations of three examples of an initial stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention: 
           [0071]      FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C  together are a simplified illustration of an automatic acceptance processing of a customer&#39;s mobile communicator stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0072]      FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F and 3G  together are a simplified illustration of a replacement mobile communicator personalization and dispensing stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0073]      FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F  together are a simplified illustration of a back-end processing stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0074]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  together are a simplified illustration of a replacement mobile communicator return stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0075]      FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D  together are a simplified illustration of replacement mobile communicator acceptance, validation and depersonalization functionality and customer&#39;s mobile communicator repersonalization and dispensing functionality in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0076]      FIGS. 7 a  and  b    show features of a cellular phone console, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention: 
           [0077]      FIG. 8  shows further features of the console, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0078]      FIG. 9  shows a front panel of the user interactive unit, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, 
           [0079]      FIGS. 10-11  illustrate another embodiment of the present invention in which a repair certificate mechanism (e.g., printer) is illustrated. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0080]    In the following description, various aspects of the invention will be described. For the purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that there are other embodiments of the invention that differ in details without affecting the essential nature thereof. Therefore the invention is not limited by that which is illustrated in the figures and described in the specification, but only as indicated in the accompanying claims, with the proper scope determined only by the broadest interpretation of said claims. 
         [0081]    This invention relates to a cellular mobile phone console for receiving, from a defined user, a malfunctioning cellular phone; and a dispensing said user with a functioning cellular telephone. It should be emphasized that the dispensed functioning cellular telephone is not necessarily the received malfunctioned cellular phone; furthermore, it should be emphasized that the dispensed functioning cellular telephone could be from a different model than the received malfunctioned cellular phone. The core concept behind the present invention is the ability to receive, from a defined user, a malfunctioning cellular phone; and to dispense said user with a functioning cellular telephone. 
         [0082]    The present invention also provides an automatic mobile communicator depot system and methodology. There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an automatic mobile communicator depot system including a mobile communicator acceptor for accepting mobile communicators and providing mobile communicator acceptance inputs, a mobile communicator dispenser for dispensing substitute mobile communicators in response to substitute mobile communicator dispensing instructions, a customer interface receiving customer inputs identifying a specific mobile communicator with a specific customer, and a depot controller responsive at least to the customer inputs and the acceptance inputs and including dispenser control functionality for providing dispensing instructions to the mobile communicator dispenser to dispense a specific substitute mobile communicator to a specific customer and automatic telephone number transfer functionality for transferring a telephone number from a mobile communicator received by the mobile communicator acceptor from a given customer to the substitute mobile communicator dispensed by the mobile communicator dispenser to the customer. 
         [0083]    It should be pointed out that the telephone number of the substitute mobile communicator dispensed by said mobile communicator dispenser to said customer may be identical to the telephone number of the mobile communicator received by said mobile communicator acceptor or may be different. 
         [0084]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A, 1B  and IC, which are simplified illustrations of three examples of an initial stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Turning to  FIG. 1A , there is shown a scenario wherein a customer, whose mobile communicator  100 , here a smartphone, is broken, initiates a repair over the internet such as by using his home computer to access the customer service website of cellular telephone service provider. 
         [0085]    Typically the customer identifies himself to the customer service website by entering his mobile communicator telephone number and a unique identifier, such as the last four digits of his credit card. The customer may then select the Automated Telephone Repair Service and is then prompted to describe the problem with his mobile communicator  100 , such as a broken screen. It is appreciated that once the customer enters the telephone number of mobile communicator  100 , the system already has information regarding the identity, type and functionality of mobile communicator  100 . 
         [0086]    The customer is preferably directed to the nearest repair depot  102  and may be shown its location on a map. 
         [0087]    Upon arrival at the repair depot  102 , the customer is prompted to identify himself and his mobile communicator  100  by entering his mobile communicator telephone number and a unique identifier, such as the last four digits of his credit card. 
         [0088]    Turning to  FIG. 1B , there is shown an alternative scenario wherein a customer, whose mobile communicator  100 , here a smartphone, is broken, initiates a repair over the internet such as by using another mobile communicator  103 , such as an iPAD to access the customer service website of cellular telephone service provider. 
         [0089]    Typically the customer identifies himself by entering his mobile communicator telephone number and a unique identifier, such as the last four digits of his credit card. The customer may then select the Automated Telephone Repair Service and is then prompted to describe the problem with his mobile communicator  100 , such as a broken screen. It is appreciated that once the customer enters the telephone number of mobile communicator  100 , the system already has information regarding the identity, type and functionality of mobile communicator  100 . 
         [0090]    The customer is preferably directed to the nearest repair depot  102  and may be shown its location on a map. 
         [0091]    Upon arrival at the repair depot  102 , the customer is prompted to identify himself and his mobile communicator by entering his mobile communicator telephone number and a unique identifier, such as the last four digits of his credit card. 
         [0092]    Turning to  FIG. 1C , there is shown a scenario wherein a customer, whose mobile communicator  100 , here a smartphone, is broken, is unable to initiate a repair over the internet, since he does not have access to the internet. In such a case, the customer may go directly to a repair depot  102 . 
         [0093]    Typically the repair depot  102  interacts directly with the customer and prompts the customer to identify himself by entering his mobile communicator telephone number and a unique identifier, such as the last four digits of his credit card. The customer is then prompted to describe the problem with his mobile communicator, such as a broken screen. It is appreciated that once the customer enters the telephone number of mobile communicator  100 , the system already has information regarding the identity, type and functionality of mobile communicator  100 . 
         [0094]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C , which together are a simplified illustration of an automatic acceptance processing of a customer&#39;s mobile communicator stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 2A , upon arrival at depot  102 , a customer is prompted to place his mobile communicator  100  in a receiving receptacle  104 . 
         [0095]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , depot  102  preferably includes functionality for confirming that mobile communicator  100  is placed in the receptacle  104  with its screen  106  facing upwards and also includes a camera  108  for photographing the top surface of mobile communicator  100 , the top surface including screen  106 . 
         [0096]    A robotic mechanism  110  is preferably employed for initially repositioning the receptacle  104  containing mobile communicator  100  from its initial position, shown in  FIG. 2A , at which the customer placed mobile communicator  100  therein, to a second position, shown in  FIG. 2B  at which the top surface of mobile communicator  100  is photographed by camera  108 , to a third position in which mobile communicator is disposed within one of a multiplicity of bins  112 , each of which is preferably identified by a barcode  114  and which are located in a storage and transport structure  116 . 
         [0097]    A barcode scanner  118  is preferably mounted on robotic mechanism  110  for reading barcode  114  of bin  112  in which the customer&#39;s mobile communicator  100  is placed, for recording the identity of bin  112  and for associating it with the identity of customer&#39;s mobile communicator  100  in a computerized database. 
         [0098]    As shown in  FIG. 2C , a virtual repair ticket  120  is preferably generated. Virtual repair ticket  120  preferably includes the customer&#39;s mobile communicator telephone number, the bin number of the bin in which mobile communicator  100  is disposed, and a description of the required repair as provided by the customer. The virtual repair ticket  120  is preferably transmitted via the internet to a central server  122 , typically located at a site remote from depot  102 , which site may house a repair center. 
         [0099]    The customer receives an acknowledgement of receipt of the deposited mobile communicator  102 , preferably in the form of an audio-visual message which is backed up by a virtual email message and preferably is prompted to select a preferred pick up location, which need not be the same depot  102 . Upon receipt of a user pick up location selection input, the depot  102  preferably provides an acknowledgement, preferably in the form of an audio-visual message which is backed up by a virtual email message. 
         [0100]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F and 3G , which together are a simplified illustration of a replacement mobile communicator personalization and dispensing stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3G , it is a particular feature of the present invention that, upon request by the customer, a replacement mobile communicator is automatically provided to the customer by the depot. 
         [0101]    As shown in particular in  FIG. 3A , depot  102  offers the customer a replacement mobile communicator to be used while his broken mobile communicator is being repaired. As further shown in  FIG. 3B , upon accepting the offer, the customer is then asked by depot  102  whether he would prefer that his contact list be transferred to the replacement mobile communicator. 
         [0102]    Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 3C , depot  102  selects a replacement communicator bin  130  which is located in a replacement communicator storage and transport structure  132  and which contains a replacement mobile communicator, and preferably employs barcode scanner  118  which is preferably mounted on robotic mechanism  110  to read the barcode  136  of bin  130 . 
         [0103]    As further shown in  FIG. 3C , a virtual mobile communicator activation instruction  140  is preferably generated by depot  102 , which instruction  140  preferably includes the customer&#39;s mobile communicator telephone number and the bin number of bin  130  retrieved from barcode  136 . Instruction  140  is preferably transmitted via the internet to a central server  122 , typically located at a site remote from depot  102 , which site may house a service center. It is appreciated that server  122  stores information for associating bin numbers of bins in replacement communicator storage and transport structure  132  with identifiers of mobile communicators stored therewithin. Therefore, server  122  may utilize the information in instruction  140  to associate the customer&#39;s mobile communicator telephone number with the identifier of the replacement mobile communicator located in bin  130 , and to store this information for ascertaining, upon return of repaired mobile communicator  100  to the customer, that the replacement mobile communicator dispensed to the customer is indeed returned. 
         [0104]    Responsive to instruction  140 , server  122  preferably activates the replacement mobile communicator located in bin  130  in association with the customer&#39;s mobile communicator telephone number. 
         [0105]    As yet further shown in  FIG. 3C , depot  102  then generates a virtual contact list synchronization instruction  150 , which instruction  150  preferably includes the customer&#39;s/mobile communicator&#39;s identifier and the bin number of bin  130  retrieved from barcode  136 . Instruction  150  is preferably transmitted via the internet to central server  122  and instructs server  122  to download the customer&#39;s contact list to depot  102 . It is appreciated that contact lists stored on mobile communicators are typically also stored on the internet on various backup facilities, such as, for example, on a central backup server of the cellular telephone service provider, and therefore may be accessible to server  122 . 
         [0106]    As yet further shown in  FIG. 3C , upon receiving virtual contact list synchronization instruction  150 , server  122  preferably transmits the customer&#39;s contact list  160  to depot  102  where it is temporarily stored. 
         [0107]    Turning now to  FIG. 3D , it is shown that robotic mechanism  110  is preferably employed for retrieving replacement mobile communicator  162  from bin  130 . Preferably, after replacement mobile communicator  162  is retrieved, depot  102  loads contact list  160  onto mobile communicator  162  preferably by wirelessly communicating therewith. It is appreciated that communication between depot  102  and replacement mobile communicator  162  may alternatively be wired. 
         [0108]    Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 3E , robotic mechanism  110  preferably places replacement mobile communicator  162  into receptacle  104 , and also preferably places a compatible mobile communicator accessory kit  164  into a dispenser bin  166 . It is appreciated that mobile communicator accessory kit  164  may include, for example, a mobile communicator charger and data synchronizing cables. 
         [0109]    Turning now to  FIG. 3F , is shown that depot  102  thereafter notifies the customer that a replacement mobile communicator having his contact list loaded thereupon has been prepared for him, and prompts the customer to remove replacement mobile communicator  162  and mobile communicator accessory kit  164  from receptacle  104  and bin  166 , respectively. As further shown in  FIG. 3G , after retrieving replacement mobile communicator  162  and mobile communicator accessory kit  164 , the customer ascertains that replacement mobile communicator  162  is loaded with his contact list, and that replacement mobile communicator  162  is fully functional. 
         [0110]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F , which together are a simplified illustration of a back-end processing stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4A , a mobile communicator depot service employee arrives at depot  102  and removes storage and transport structure  116  from depot  102 . As described hereinabove with regard to  FIG. 2A , storage and transport structure  116  preferably comprises bins  112 , each of bins  112  preferably containing a mobile communicator destined for repair. 
         [0111]    As further shown in  FIG. 4A , after removing storage and transport structure  116  from depot  102 , the depot service employee inserts an alternative storage and transport structure  170  into depot  102 , transport structure  170  preferably having repaired mobile communicators disposed in bins therewithin. The method by which mobile communicators are repaired and disposed within transport structure  170  will be described in greater detail hereinbelow with regard to  FIGS. 4B-4E . 
         [0112]    As yet further shown in  FIG. 4A , after inserting alternative storage and transport structure  170  into depot  102 , the depot service employee removes storage and transport structure  116  from the premises and, as shown in  FIG. 4B , delivers storage and transport structure  116  to a mobile communicator service center. 
         [0113]    Turning now to  FIG. 4B , it is shown that a mobile communicator service center employee receives storage and transport structure  116  from the depot service employee and preferably scans the barcode of each of bins  112  which contains a broken mobile communicator into a computer  172 . It is appreciated that computer  172  preferably communicates with server  122  and is operative to retrieve information associated with broken mobile communicator  100  which was submitted to server  122  via a virtual repair ticket, such as virtual repair ticket  120  of  FIG. 2C . As described hereinabove with regard to  FIG. 2C , this information may include, for example, a bin identification number of the bin  112  containing broken mobile communicator  100 , a mobile communicator customer identifier such as a telephone number, and a description of the required repair. The information also preferably includes an identifier of the particular depot at which mobile communicator was deposited and an identifier of the preferred pickup location of the repaired mobile communicator as, for example, specified by the customer in the illustration of  FIG. 2C . 
         [0114]    As yet further shown in  FIG. 4B , after retrieving the information of virtual repair ticket  120  from computer  172 , the service center employee retrieves mobile communicator  100  from its bin  112  and repairs mobile communicator  100 . 
         [0115]    It is appreciated that while being repaired, the contact list stored in mobile communicator  100  may be partially or completely deleted. The contact list may have also been partially or completely deleted upon breakage of mobile communicator  100 . Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 4C , the service center employee preferably utilizes computer  172  to access server  122  to download the customer&#39;s contact list  160  to computer  172  in preparation for reactivation of mobile communicator  100 . As described hereinabove with regard to the illustration of  FIG. 3C , it is appreciated that mobile communicator contact lists are typically also stored on the internet on various backup facilities, such as, for example, on a central backup server of the cellular telephone service provider, and therefore may be accessible to server  122 . 
         [0116]    As further shown in  FIG. 4C , the service center employee preferably loads contact list  160  onto mobile communicator  100  by wirelessly transmitting contact list  160  from computer  172  to mobile communicator  100 . Alternatively, transmission of the contact list from computer  172  to mobile communicator  100  may be wired. 
         [0117]    Turning now to  FIG. 4D , it is shown that after completing the repair of mobile communicator  100  and loading contact list  160  onto repaired mobile communicator  100 , the service center employee then preferably utilizes computer  172  to generate a virtual delivery ticket  176  for repaired mobile communicator  100 , which ticket  176  preferably includes a physical identifier of communicator  100 , such as an IMEI identifier. It is appreciated that the physical identifier may be retrieved from communicator  100 , for example, by scanning a barcode embedded in communicator  100  or by manually querying communicator  100  via its user interface. 
         [0118]    Preferably, the service center employee also scans a barcode identifier  178  of bin  174  into computer  172  and adds identifier  178  to ticket  176 . The service center employee then preferably utilizes computer  172  to communicate with server  122 , where the identifier of communicator  100  as provided in ticket  176  is used to identify communicator  100  as that of the customer of FIGS.  1 A- 3 G. Server  122  is also preferably operative to associate the customer&#39;s identifier, such as his telephone number, and the preferred pickup location as originally specified by the customer, with ticket  176 . 
         [0119]    It is appreciated that server  122  is also preferably operative to provide the service center employee with an identifier of a storage and transport structure  180  which is destined for delivery to the customer&#39;s preferred pickup location. Upon verifying that the details of ticket  176  are correct, the service center employee preferably submits the completed ticket  176  to server  122 . As shown in  FIG. 4E , the service center employee then places repaired mobile communicator into bin  174  and inserts bin  174  into storage and transport structure  180  which is destined for delivery to the customer&#39;s preferred pickup location. 
         [0120]    As further shown in  FIG. 4E , server  122  then preferably sends a message  181  to the customer, notifying the customer that his mobile communicator has been repaired and will be available at the pickup location he originally specified on the following day at or after a particular time, such as 10:00 AM. It is appreciated that message  181  may be, for example, an email message or an SMS message sent to the customer&#39;s replacement mobile communicator  162 . 
         [0121]    Turning now to  FIG. 4F , it is shown that a communicator depot service employee arrives at the mobile communicator service center on the following day at 6:00 AM, and retrieves storage and transport structure  180  for transport to a mobile communicator depot  182  located at the customer&#39;s preferred pickup location. 
         [0122]    As further shown in  FIG. 4F , upon arriving at depot  182 , the communicator depot service employee preferably removes a storage and transport structure  184  from within depot  182  for transport to mobile communicator service center. Thereafter, the communicator depot service employee inserts storage and transport structure  180  into depot  182 , storage and transport structure  180  having repaired mobile communicators disposed therewithin. As yet further shown in  FIG. 4F , upon insertion of storage and transport structure  180  into depot  182 , depot  182  preferably sends a message to server  122 , notifying server  122  that storage and transport structure  180  having repaired mobile communicators disposed therewithin has been inserted into depot  182 . 
         [0123]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , which together are a simplified illustration of a replacement mobile communicator return stage of mobile communicator depot methodology in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5A , after storage and transport structure  180  containing repaired mobile communicator  100  has been deposited in depot  182 , such as at 8:00 AM, the customer preferably receives a message from server  122  that his repaired mobile communicator  100  is now available at his preferred pickup location. It is appreciated that the message may be, for example, an email message or an SMS message sent to the customer&#39;s replacement mobile communicator  162 . 
         [0124]    Thereafter, such as at 10:00 AM, the customer arrives at depot  182  and identifies himself to depot  182  by entering his mobile communicator telephone number and a unique identifier, such as the last four digits of his credit card. The customer is then prompted to select a service option, and proceeds to select the Retrieve Repaired Telephone service. 
         [0125]    Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the customer is prompted by depot  182  to return replacement mobile communicator  162  and accessory kit  164 . The customer then preferably proceeds to place replacement mobile communicator  162  into receiving receptacle  104  and accessory kit  164  into bin  166 . Depot  182  then preferably notifies the customer that the returned equipment is being processed. 
         [0126]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D , which together are a simplified illustration of replacement mobile communicator acceptance, validation and depersonalization functionality and customer&#39;s mobile communicator repersonalization and dispensing functionality in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0127]    As shown in  FIG. 6A , depot  182  preferably includes functionality for confirming that replacement mobile communicator  162  is placed in receptacle  104  with its screen  106  facing upwards, and also includes a camera  108  for photographing the top surface of mobile communicator  162 . It is appreciated that photographing of replacement mobile communicator  162  by camera  108  is operative to ascertain that mobile communicator  162  is not significantly damaged. 
         [0128]    Robotic mechanism  110  is preferably employed for initially repositioning the receptacle  104  containing replacement mobile communicator  162  from its initial position, shown in  FIG. 5B , at which the customer placed replacement mobile communicator  162  therein, to a second position, shown in  FIG. 6A  at which the top surface of replacement mobile communicator  162  is photographed by camera  108 . Preferably, the replacement mobile communicator  162  is verified by depot  182  to be identical to the replacement mobile communicator originally dispensed to the customer in the illustrations of  FIGS. 3A-3G , for example by scanning the IMEI identifier of replacement mobile communicator  162  and comparing the scanned IMEI identifier to the IMEI identifier of the replacement mobile communicator originally dispensed to the customer, as stored on server  122 . 
         [0129]    Robotic mechanism  110  then preferably removes replacement mobile communicator  162  from receptacle  104  and disposes replacement mobile communicator  162  into one of bins  186  located in a replacement communicator storage and transport structure  188 . Each of bins  186  is preferably identified by a barcode  190 . Barcode scanner  118  which is preferably mounted on robotic mechanism  110  is preferably employed for reading the barcode of bin  186  in which replacement mobile communicator  162  is disposed, for recording the identity of the bin  186  and for associating the identity of bin  186  with the identifier of replacement mobile communicator  162  in a computerized database. 
         [0130]    Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 6B , accessory kit  164  is preferably retrieved from bin  166  by a second robotic arm  190 . Upon completing the retrieval of replacement mobile communicator  162  and accessory kit  164  from receptacle  104  and bin  166 , depot  182  preferably communicates with server  122  and requests deactivation of replacement mobile communicator  162  and reactivation of mobile communicator  100  in association with the customer&#39;s mobile communicator telephone number. It is appreciated that, as described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 4D , the customer&#39;s mobile communicator telephone number is associated by server  122  with mobile communicator  100  and is therefore sufficient to uniquely identify mobile communicator  100 . 
         [0131]    As yet further shown in  FIG. 6B , responsive to the communication from depot  182 , server  122  deactivates replacement mobile communicator  162  and activates mobile communicator  100  in association with the customer&#39;s mobile communicator telephone number. Preferably, server  122  also provides the identifier of the specific bin  174  in storage and transport structure  180  which contains repaired mobile communicator  100 . It is appreciated that upon deactivation of replacement mobile communicator  162 , depot  182  may ascertain whether the customer has stored new data on replacement mobile communicator  162  during the period of time in which he was in possession of replacement mobile communicator  162 , and may transfer the new data to mobile communicator  100  upon activation of mobile communicator  100 . 
         [0132]    Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 6C , barcode scanner  118 , which is preferably mounted on robotic mechanism  110 , is employed to identify and locate bin  174  by its barcode identifier  178 , which identifier  178  was provided by server  122  to  182  as identifying the bin in which repaired mobile communicator  100  is disposed. 
         [0133]    Upon locating bin  174 , robotic mechanism  110  is preferably employed to retrieve repaired mobile communicator  100  from bin  174  and to deposit repaired mobile communicator  100  into receptacle  104 , and to thereafter reposition receptacle  104  to a position which is accessible to the customer. As further shown in  FIG. 6C , the customer is then prompted by depot  182  to retrieve his repaired mobile communicator from receptacle  104 . 
         [0134]    Turning now to  FIG. 6D , it is shown that upon retrieving his repaired mobile communicator  100  from receptacle  104 , the customer verifies that mobile communicator  100  is in working condition and that his contact list is present on communicator  100 . 
         [0135]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 7 a   , which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the system comprising a housing  12 , a receiving port  14  for receiving a malfunctioning cellular mobile phone  16  and a dispensing mechanism  1000  for providing said user with a functioning cellular telephone. 
         [0136]    It should be emphasized that the functioning cellular telephone does not necessarily have to be the same as the malfunctioning cellular mobile phone  16  (either the actual same phone or the same type) received. 
         [0137]    It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of the present invention the cellular phone console will be able to operate in a minimal interaction time between the client and the system in order to prevent any queues from creation and to maximize the convenient of use in the cellular phone console. 
         [0138]    It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of the present invention the cellular phone console will be adapted to be placed in public domains; but, will be with the ability to prevent any burglary and theft of the content of the cellular phone console (i.e., the malfunctioned cellular phones received). 
         [0139]    It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of the present invention the cellular phone console will have an identification mechanism adapted to identify the user/client. The identification mechanism can be based on identifying the client&#39;s phone number and the identification that the client himself is indeed who he claims to be. 
         [0140]    It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of the present invention the cellular phone console will have an identification mechanism that will identify the malfunctioned cellular phone received (i.e., the model of the same, the producer of the same, the phone number of the client, the I.D. number of the client, address, email et cetera). 
         [0141]    It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of the present invention the cellular phone console will present the client with a menu in which the client will elect the malfunction of the phone. 
         [0142]    According to another embodiment, the client would be able to add any comment/complaint with respect to the service or the malfunctioned phone. 
         [0143]    According to another embodiment, the client would be able to receive an alternative functioning phone. 
         [0144]    According to another embodiment, the cellular phone console will be provided with the ability to detect errors (e.g., in the client&#39;s message). 
         [0145]    According to another embodiment, once the malfunctioned phone has been received within the cellular phone console, the client will receive a detailed document informing him on at least one detail selected from (a) the malfunctioned phone received; i.e., the identification of the phone&#39;s type, the number of the same etc. (b) the malfunction itself; (c) the time which the functioning phone will be provided; (d) the client&#39;s detail. i.e., name, ID number, a second number at which he can be reached, home address etc.; and, (e) an identification number in case something is lost; (e) the cellular phone console&#39;s identification number, its exact position, etc; (f) detail on the date and time at which the malfunctioned phone has been deposited in said cellular phone console; an approximation as for the time that will be needed for the repair of said malfunctioned phone; and any combination thereof. 
         [0146]    Thus, according to this embodiment, the client, once depositing a malfunctioned phone, will receive a receipt. The receipt will include details of the malfunctioned phone (type, number etc.), the client (name, address, reachable number etc.), the malfunction itself (either software malfunctions or hardware malfunctions, etc.), details on the cellular phone console in which the malfunctioned phone had been deposit, detail on the date and time at which the malfunctioned phone has been deposited in said cellular phone console, and an identification number in case something is lost; and any combination thereof. 
         [0147]    According to another embodiment, the malfunctioned phone, once deposited, is sent to the manufacturer and/or agent for repair. Once the malfunctioned phone has been repaired, the same can be sent to either (a) directly to the client; (b) to the cellular phone console in which the malfunctioned phone was deposited; or (c) another cellular phone console. 
         [0148]    According to another embodiment, the client, when receiving the repaired phone, will be given by the cellular phone console a detailed second receipt in which there will be details of the malfunction, and the repair (i.e., whatever was repair in the malfunctioned phone, e.g. broken external panel). 
         [0149]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the repaired phone can be received from the cellular phone console at which said malfunctioned phone was deposit or a different cellular phone console. 
         [0150]    According to another embodiment, once the malfunctioned phone has been received, the same will be enclosed within a protected container. Said container will be protected against theft. 
         [0151]    According to another embodiment, the client would be able to back-up the information obtained within the malfunctioned phone. 
         [0152]    According to another embodiment, the client would be able to diagnose his malfunctioned phone. 
         [0153]    According to another embodiment, all of the malfunctioned phone&#39;s accessories (e.g., bag, battery, charger etc.) will be tagged with radio frequency identification (RFID). 
         [0154]    According to another embodiment, once the malfunctioned phone is repaired, an SMS message will be sent to the client informing him of the same. 
         [0155]    It should be emphasized that according to another embodiment of the present invention the cellular phone console will be provided with a camera adapted to identify the client. 
         [0156]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 7 b   , which shows a cellular phone console  10 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The cellular phone console  10  includes, inter alia, a housing  12 , a receiving port  14  for receiving a malfunctioning cellular mobile phone  16  as well as a user interactive unit  18  for displaying the current status and the current functionalities of the console  10 , including a menu of cellular mobile phone malfunctions  20 . 
         [0157]    According to one embodiment, the user complaining of the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  inserts the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  into the receiving port  14  and the user interactive unit  18  displays, inter alia, a menu of mobile phone malfunctions  20 , which include hardware malfunctions  21  and software malfunctions  23 , as described below. 
         [0158]    The user selects at least one malfunction  22  from the menu of mobile phone malfunctions  20 , typically, by touching an appropriate menu display malfunctions  25 , as displayed by the user interactive unit  18 . 
         [0159]    It is appreciated that the user is also able to select at least one hardware malfunction, at least one software malfunction and/or a combination of hardware and software malfunctions. 
         [0160]    The console  10  also includes a processor  24 , which controls the operational procedures and processes in the console  10 . 
         [0161]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7 b   - 8 , which shows further features of the console  10 , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0162]    The console  10  may also include a replacement mobile phone storage compartment  1220  coupled to an ejection port  82 . Thus, following the insertion of the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  in the receiving port  14 , the user interactive unit  18  displays on the display panel  1060  (see  FIG. 9 ) a list of temporary replacement cellular mobile phones  124 , for selection by the user. 
         [0163]    The malfunctioning mobile phone  16  is now prepared for forwarding to the mobile manufacturer and/or agent for repair. 
         [0164]    If the user wishes to select a replacement mobile phone  124 , the user selects this option by activating the appropriate option on the interactive unit  18  and appropriately responds to a relevant prompt displayed on a display unit  1060  (see  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0165]    During the period of time in which the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  is being repaired by forwarding the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  the phone manufacturer and/or agent for repairs, a replacement mobile phone  124  is available to the user and obtained via the ejection port  82  of the console  10 . 
         [0166]    In order to obtain the replacement phone  124 , the console  10  provides the user with an appropriate repair certificate that the malfunctioning phone  16  is being forwarded to the mobile phone manufacturer and/or agent for repair. 
         [0167]    Otherwise, the user receives the repair certificate without the replacement mobile phone  124 . 
         [0168]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the console  10  provides the user with an appropriate repair certificate that the malfunctioning phone  16  is being forwarded to the mobile phone manufacturer and/or agent for repair. 
         [0169]    The repair certificate  500  (not shown in the figures) is being issued by a repair certificate mechanism (e.g., printer)  501  (see  FIGS. 10-11 ), once an issuing signal  502  (not shown in the figures) is being sent from the processor  24 . 
         [0170]    The repair certificate can comprise at least one detail selected from (a) the malfunctioned phone received; i.e., the identification of the phone&#39;s type, the number of the same etc. (b) the malfunction itself; (c) the time which the functioning phone is expected to be provided; (d) the client&#39;s detail. i.e., name, I.D. number, a second number at which he can be reached, home address etc.; and, (e) an identification number in case something is lost; (f) the cellular phone console&#39;s identification number, its exact position, etc.; (g) detail on the date and time at which the malfunctioned phone has been deposited in said cellular phone console, approximate time in which the malfunctioned phone will be repaired; and any combination thereof. 
         [0171]    According to another embodiment, the malfunctioned phone, once deposited, is sent to the manufacturer and/or agent for repair. Once the malfunctioned phone has been repaired, the same can be sent to either (a) directly to the client; (b) to the cellular phone console in which the malfunctioned phone was deposited; or (c) another cellular phone console. 
         [0172]    According to another embodiment, the client, when receiving the repaired phone, will be given by the cellular phone console a detailed second receipt in which there will be details of the malfunction, and the repair (i.e., whatever was repair in the malfunctioned phone, e.g. broken external panel). 
         [0173]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the repaired phone can be received from the cellular phone console at which said malfunctioned phone was deposit or a different cellular phone console. 
         [0174]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 9 , which shows a front panel  1010  of the user interactive unit  18 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0175]    The front panel  1010  includes, inter alia, a data input unit  1020 , such as a touch-type unit, for the user to input requisite data  1040 , such cellular mobile phone type and model number and a display screen  1060 , such as an LCD screen, for displaying various data, such as the user inputted data  104  as well as selected malfunction data as well as informing the user of the status and progress of a repair procedure. 
         [0176]    The front panel  1010  includes, inter alia, a data input unit  1020 , such as a touch-type unit, for the user to input data  1040  and also a user identification code  105 . 
         [0177]    The front panel  1010  is typically divided into a hardware section  1080  and a software section  1100 . The sections  1080  and  1100  include various options  1120  and  1140 , respectively, available for the user to identify and define to the console  10 , the mobile phone malfunction and/or malfunctions. Typically, the malfunctions include the hardware malfunctions  21  and the software malfunctions  23  listed above. 
         [0178]    It should be emphasized, however, that in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, console  10  doesn&#39;t necessarily includes a data input unit  1020 , hardware section  1080  and the software section  1100 . 
         [0179]    If the user detects that a mobile phone malfunction is not included in the options  1120  and/or  1140 , the console  10  includes an option for the user to input a non-listed malfunction  1200  (not shown in the figures) by the user inputting the non-listed malfunction into the console  10  by means of the input unit  1020 . 
         [0180]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 10-11  illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a repair certificate mechanism (e.g., printer)  501  is illustrated. 
         [0181]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 10 , which shows a cellular phone console  10 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The cellular phone console  10  includes, inter alia, a housing  12 , a receiving port  14  for receiving a malfunctioning cellular mobile phone  16  as well as a user interactive unit  18  for displaying the current status and the current functionalities of the console  10 . 
         [0182]    A user complaining of the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  inserts the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  into the receiving port  14  and the user interactive unit  18  displays, inter alia, a menu of mobile phone malfunctions  20 , which include hardware malfunctions  21  and software malfunctions  23 , as described below. 
         [0183]    It should be emphasized that the interactive unit  18  displays does not necessarily displays the malfunctions  20  and the user simply deposit the malfunctioning cellular mobile phone  16  in console  10 . 
         [0184]    Thus, alternatively, it should be pointed out that the user merely deposit the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  without selecting a malfunction from the menu of mobile phone malfunctions  20 . 
         [0185]    Alternatively, the user selects at least one malfunction  22  from the menu of mobile phone malfunctions  20 , typically, by touching an appropriate menu display malfunctions  25 , as displayed by the user interactive unit  18 . 
         [0186]    The malfunction  22  can be at least one hardware malfunctions  21  or at least one software malfunctions  23  or any combination thereof. 
         [0187]    It is appreciated that the user is also able to select at least one hardware malfunction, at least one software malfunction and/or a combination of hardware and software malfunctions. 
         [0188]    The console  10  also includes a processor  24 , which controls the operational procedures and processes in the console  10 . 
         [0189]    According to this embodiment, the console  10  also include a replacement mobile phone storage compartment  1220  coupled to an ejection port  82 . 
         [0190]    Thus, following the insertion of the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  in the receiving port  14 , the user interactive unit  18  displays on the display panel  1060  (see  FIG. 9 ) a list of temporary replacement cellular mobile phones  124 , for selection by the user. 
         [0191]    The malfunctioning mobile phone  16  is now prepared for forwarding to the mobile manufacturer and/or agent for repair. 
         [0192]    If the user wishes to select a replacement mobile phone  124 , the user selects this option by activating the appropriate option on the interactive unit  18  and appropriately responds to a relevant prompt displayed on a display unit  1060 . 
         [0193]    During the period of time in which the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  is being repaired by forwarding the malfunctioning mobile phone  16  the phone manufacturer and/or agent for repairs, a replacement mobile phone  124  is available to the user and obtained via the ejection port  82  of the console  10 . 
         [0194]    In order to obtain the replacement phone  124 , the console  10  provides the user with an appropriate repair certificate that the malfunctioning phone  16  is being forwarded to the mobile phone manufacturer and/or agent for repair. The repair certificate  500  is being issued by a repair certificate mechanism (e.g., printer)  501 , once an issuing signal  502  is being sent from the processor  24 . 
         [0195]    The repair certificate will comprise details selected from (a) the malfunctioned phone received; i.e., the identification of the phone&#39;s type, the number of the same etc. (b) the malfunction itself; (c) the time which the functioning phone will be provided; (d) the client&#39;s detail. i.e., name, ID number, a second number at which he can be reached, home address etc.; and, (e) an identification number in case something is lost; (f) the cellular phone console&#39;s identification number, its exact position, etc. (g) detail on the date and time at which the malfunctioned phone has been deposited in said cellular phone console, and any combination thereof. 
         [0196]    Otherwise, the user receives the repair certificate without the replacement mobile phone  124 . 
         [0197]    According to another embodiment, the malfunctioned phone, once deposited, is sent to the manufacturer and/or agent for repair. Once the malfunctioned phone has been repaired, the same can be sent to either (a) directly to the client; (b) to the cellular phone console in which the malfunctioned phone was deposited; or (c) another cellular phone console. 
         [0198]    According to another embodiment, the client, when receiving the repaired phone, will be given by the cellular phone console a detailed second receipt in which there will be details of the malfunction, and the repair (i.e., whatever was repair in the malfunctioned phone, e.g. broken external panel). 
         [0199]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the repaired phone can be received from the cellular phone console at which said malfunctioned phone was deposit or a different cellular phone console. 
         [0200]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the malfunctioning cellular phone&#39;s number dispensed into the cellular phone console has the same phone number as the dispensed functioning cellular telephone. 
         [0201]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cellular phone console will comprise means adapted to transfer data stored in the malfunctioning cellular phone to said functioning cellular telephone. 
         [0202]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the data comprises at least part of a contact list. 
         [0203]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the transfer of data is at least partly wireless. 
         [0204]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art. 
         [0205]    In the foregoing description, embodiments of the invention, including preferred embodiments, have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Technology Category: h