Abstract: Systems and associated methods for recycling and performing other processes with consumer electronic devices are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods for identifying and evaluating an electronic device to facilitate processing (e.g., purchasing) the device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a self-service evaluation apparatus and a cashier terminal that identifies and evaluates a device and that facilitates purchase and recycling of the device. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 28, 2015
Date of Patent:
September 17, 2019
Assignee:
ecoATM, LLC
Inventors:
Mark Vincent Bowles, Michael Librizzi, Jeffrey Ploetner, John Andrew Beane, Eric Rosser
Abstract: A machine for processing electronic devices in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology includes a cable system at least partially disposed within a housing. The cable system can include a hub, a plurality of cable components detachably coupled to the hub, and a drive mechanism operably connected to the plurality of cable components. The drive mechanism can be configured to cause a given one of the plurality of cable components to be staged for testing. The cable system can further include a controller and a test port. The controller can include memory, processing circuitry, and testing circuitry. The memory can store instructions that, when executed by the controller using the processing circuitry, cause the testing circuitry to test the staged cable component while the staged cable component is detachably coupled to the test port.
Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the cracks in illuminated electronic device screens are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an image of an electronic device screen and retrieving a plurality of kernels, each having values corresponding to a line region and a non-line region, with the orientation of the line region and the non-line region differing for each kernel. At least some of the kernels are applied to the image to obtain, at various locations of the image, values corresponding to the line regions and the non-line regions. Based on the values corresponding to the line regions and the non-line regions, cracks are automatically identified in the electronic device screen.
Abstract: A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 13, 2017
Date of Patent:
December 18, 2018
Assignee:
ecoATM, LLC
Inventors:
Mark Vincent Bowles, Thomas L. Tullie, John Andrew Beane, Jeff Ploetner, John Miller, Neil Vesco
Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting cracks in an electronic device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an image of a front side of a mobile device and automatically identifying edges in the image. For given edges among the identified edges, the method includes determining whether another edge among the identified edges is present within a predetermined distance of the given edge. Next, straight line segments corresponding to the edges for which another edge is within the predetermined distance are identified, and then a crack evaluation assessment is assigned to the mobile device based at least in part on the identified straight line segments.
Abstract: A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 4, 2012
Date of Patent:
August 21, 2018
Assignee:
ecoATM, LLC
Inventors:
Mark Vincent Bowles, Thomas L. Tullie, John Andrew Beane, Jeff Ploetner, John Miller, Neil Vesco
Abstract: The system enables one to securely recycle an electronic device in a publicly accessible location. In particular, the embodiment described may be used by a mobile phone owner to submit his/her mobile phone for recycling via an electronic kiosk and receive compensation in some form. The compensation might be dispersed via cash, voucher, credit or debit card, or other magnetic or electronic transaction methods.