Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems and methods for evaluating a device and presenting a price quote for the device by using an optical character recognition (OCR) system and/or other associated devices and systems. The system can utilize a wireless charger to obtain information about the device while charging the device. The information can include the make of the device. The system can guide the user to navigate the device to provide additional information such as model, memory capacity, unique identifier, and carrier associated with the device, which can be extracted from the device using OCR. Based on, e.g., the unique identifier, the system can determine whether the device has been stolen. If the device has not been stolen, the system can determine a price based on information obtained from the device and can present the price to the user. If the user accepts the price, the system can facilitate purchase of the device.

Abstract: Disclosed here are various embodiments to evaluate a device and present a price quote to the user by detecting a presence of a device in proximity to a wireless charger. The system can utilize a wireless charger to obtain information about the device while charging the device. The information can include the make of the device. The system can guide the user to navigate the device to provide additional information such as model, memory capacity, unique identifier, and carrier associated with the device. Based on the unique identifier, the system can determine whether device has been stolen. If the device has not been stolen, the system can determine a price based on information obtained from the device and can facilitate presenting the price to the user. If the user accepts the price, the system can facilitate purchase of the device.

Abstract: A device includes an image capture device configured to capture a first video. The device includes a memory configured to store one or more videos. The device further includes a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to concatenate the first video and a second video to generate a combined video. The second video is included in the one or more videos or is accessible via a network. The second video is selected by the processor based on a similarity of a first set of characteristics with a second set of characteristics. The first set of characteristics corresponds to the first video. The second set of characteristics corresponds to the second video.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are described for a drinkable cap and a drinkable cap system. The disclosed embodiments describe, amongst other things, for example, a drinkable cap that may be removably secured to a drinking vessel. The cap may be configured such that a user doesn't need to touch their lips or mouth to the cap in order to drink.

Abstract: A device includes an image capture device configured to capture a first video. The device includes a memory configured to store one or more videos. The device further includes a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to concatenate the first video and a second video to generate a combined video. The second video is included in the one or more videos or is accessible via a network. The second video is selected by the processor based on a similarity of a first set of characteristics with a second set of characteristics. The first set of characteristics corresponds to the first video. The second set of characteristics corresponds to the second video.

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: An apparatus and method are described for a convenience towel. The disclosed embodiments describe, amongst other things, for example, a towel that may be draped over a “water” bottle. The towel may comprise a variety of shapes and may have one or more layers. The towel may have an opening that may allow a bottle spout to protrude making it available to consumers. In addition, the towel may have a handle or loop for gripping.

Abstract: Kiosk systems and methods for vending mobile phones and other electronic devices to, and/or for purchasing mobile phones and other electronic devices from, consumers are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, such systems can include subsystems for preparing purchased mobile phones for resale, moving mobile phones between different processing stations, transferring data from, e.g., an old phone to a newly purchased phone, etc. In some embodiments, the kiosk systems disclosed herein can purchase a mobile phone from one consumer, process the mobile phone for resale (e.g., by removing personal data, etc.), and then sell the mobile phone to another consumer.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are described for unique storage of baby teeth. The disclosed embodiments describe a storage unit that may have a removable (or removably secure) cover and a base. A baby tooth storage kit may include the storage unit adapted to house tubes that may store baby teeth together with their corresponding “tooth fairy” note. The kit may also be adapted to store a writing implement and a plurality of notes. Also, described herein is a unique game or instruction set for using the kit in an original way if so desired.

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: An apparatus and method are described for a convenience towel. The disclosed embodiments describe, amongst other things, for example, a towel that may be draped over a “water” bottle. The towel may comprise a variety of shapes and may have one or more layers. The towel may have an opening that may allow a bottle spout to protrude making it available to consumers. In addition, the towel may have a handle or loop for gripping.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating the physical and/or cosmetic condition of electronic devices using machine learning techniques are disclosed. In one example aspect, an example system includes a kiosk that comprises an inspection plate configured to hold an electronic device, one or more light sources arranged above the inspection plate configured to direct one or more light beams towards the electronic device, and one or more cameras configured to capture at least one image of a first side of the electronic device. The system also includes one or more processors in communication with the one or more cameras configured to extract a set of features of the electronic device and determine, via a first neural network, a condition of the electronic device based on the set of features.

Abstract: Connector carriers (e.g., connector carousels) for use with electronic device processing kiosks, such as mobile phone recycling kiosks, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a connector carrier includes a chassis and a plurality of electrical connectors fixedly positioned around a periphery of the chassis. In operation, the connector carrier is configured to rotate about a central axis to position a selected one of the electrical connectors in a first position adjacent to an inspection area of the kiosk, and then move toward the inspection area to move the selected electrical connector from the first position to a second position in which a user can connect a mobile phone to the electrical connector.

Abstract: Consumer operated kiosks for recycling electronic devices are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the kiosk includes a rotatable inspection plate configured to receive an electronic device when the inspection plate is in a first position. The kiosk can include a camera having a field of view including at least a portion of the inspection plate. The kiosk can include a wired and/or wireless connectivity device configured to connect to the electronic device and one or more processors configured to: receive characteristic information about the electronic device via the wired and/or wireless connectivity device; cause the inspection plate to rotate to a second position; receive one or more images of the electronic device via the camera when the inspection plate is in the second position; and facilitate determination of an offer price for the electronic device based at least in part on the characteristic information and the one or more images.

Abstract: Kiosk systems and methods for vending mobile phones and other electronic devices to, and/or for purchasing mobile phones and other electronic devices from, consumers are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, such systems can include subsystems for transferring data from, e.g., a purchased phone to a vended phone.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are described for unique storage of baby teeth. The disclosed embodiments describe a storage unit that may have a removable (or removably secure) cover and a base. A baby tooth storage kit may include the storage unit adapted to house tubes that may store baby teeth together with their corresponding “tooth fairy” note. The kit may also be adapted to store a writing implement and a plurality of notes. Also, described herein is a unique game or instruction set for using the kit in an original way if so desired.

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: An apparatus and method are described for conveniently food preparation. The food preparation apparatus may sit directly over a bowl. The apparatus may comprise, amongst other things, a waste receptacle and a measuring tray.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for removably coupled footwear. The disclosed embodiments describe amongst other things, for example, a pair of shoes whereby the soles or top surfaces of each shoe may be connected and disconnected easily.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for conveniently food preparation. The food preparation apparatus may sit directly over a bowl. The apparatus may comprise, amongst other things, a waste receptacle and a measuring tray.