Abstract: An example kiosk for accepting a portable electronic device (PED) associated method and systems are described. The kiosk includes an upper container to evaluate the PED, a lower container to store the PED, a network interface to connect to a portable interaction control device, and a computer. The upper container includes at least one camera, and a plurality of mirrors arranged at one or more angles to enable capturing by the at least one camera, in one image, a top surface of the PED and reflected views of sides of the PED. The computer may, in response to an instruction received from a remote operator via the portable interaction control device control the at least one camera to capture the one image, and transmit, via the portable interaction control device, the captured one image to the remote operator.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and storage mediums associated with evaluating previously-owned electronic devices are described. An example apparatus includes an evaluation area configured to temporarily include within it a previously owned electronic device, and one or more cameras arranged to capture images of the previously owned electronic device within the evaluation area. The example apparatus also includes a processor configured to evaluate the previously-owned electronic device using at least the one or more cameras, and, based on the evaluation, provide at least one of a repair quote, a protection plan quote, a protection plan claim, a certification, or a promise to purchase for the previously-owned electronic device.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and storage mediums associated with evaluating previously-owned electronic devices are described. An example apparatus includes an evaluation area configured to temporarily include within it a previously owned electronic device, and one or more cameras arranged to capture images of the previously owned electronic device within the evaluation area. The example apparatus also includes a processor configured to evaluate the previously-owned electronic device using at least the one or more cameras, and, based on the evaluation, provide at least one of a repair quote, a protection plan quote, a protection plan claim, a certification, or a promise to purchase for the previously-owned electronic device.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to one or more peripheral devices at a location via a local advertisement server. In certain exemplary embodiments, the local advertisement server within a location receives advertisements from the central advertisement network and rebroadcasts them to peripheral devices within that location. Advertising information may be tracked and reported, e.g., for accounting, revenue-sharing, and/or other purposes in certain exemplary embodiments. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the distribution of advertisements is provided to peripherals via a non-web- and non-PC-dependent network. Moreover, in certain exemplary embodiments, reporting and advertising related communications are substantially bi-directional regardless of device type.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users so as to provide for social networking and/or other services. In certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, coordinating social networking services among and between patrons within and outside of the location and also providing for advertisement opportunities. In certain exemplary embodiments, the entertainment system within a location may serve as and/or be connected to a jukebox. The entertainment system within the location may be connected to one or more client devices, one or more displays, one or more bar-top or hand-held gaming devices, etc., in certain exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for use in connection with digital downloading jukeboxes are provided. Such systems and/or methods may be used to provide enhanced communications capabilities, e.g., to registered users of jukeboxes. In certain exemplary embodiments, users may become registered users directly at a jukebox. Registered users also may, in certain exemplary embodiments, receive coupons for free plays, import playlists from hardware devices and/or software applications, receive special pricing when playing certain instances of media, play playlists in whole or in part, create and/or manage playlists directly at a jukebox, establish and manage connections with other registered users, etc. Still further, in certain exemplary embodiments, one or more channels may be predefined and/or set up for a jukebox.

Abstract: Enhanced evaluation of pre-owned electronic devices related services are described. Example evaluation devices (e.g. kiosks etc.) and techniques for such enhanced evaluation are described. An example evaluation device includes an evaluation area in which a previously-owned electronic device (e.g. smartphone etc.) is arranged with one of its cameras configured to capture images of the evaluation area. An example apparatus includes an evaluation area, and a previously-owned electronic device arranged with one of its cameras configured to capture images of another previously-owned electronic device within the evaluation area.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users so as to provide for social networking and/or other services. In certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, coordinating social networking services among and between patrons within and outside of the location and also providing for advertisement opportunities. In certain exemplary embodiments, the entertainment system within a location may serve as and/or be connected to a jukebox. The entertainment system within the location may be connected to one or more client devices, one or more displays, one or more bar-top or hand-held gaming devices, etc., in certain exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to digital downloading jukebox systems of the type that typically include a central server and remote jukebox devices that communicate with the central server for royalty accounting and/or content updates. More particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that have revenue-enhancing features such as for example, music recommendation engines and bartender loyalty programs. Such innovative techniques help to both increase per jukebox revenue as well as keep jukebox patrons engaged with the jukebox.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and/or methods for distributing advertisements from a central advertisement network to one or more peripheral devices at a location via a local advertisement server. In certain exemplary embodiments, the local advertisement server within a location receives advertisements from the central advertisement network and rebroadcasts them to peripheral devices within that location. Advertising information may be tracked and reported, e.g., for accounting, revenue-sharing, and/or other purposes in certain exemplary embodiments. Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the distribution of advertisements is provided to peripherals via a non-web- and non-PC-dependent network. Moreover, in certain exemplary embodiments, reporting and advertising related communications are substantially bi-directional regardless of device type.

Abstract: Enhanced evaluation of pre-owned electronic devices related services are described. Example evaluation devices (e.g. kiosks etc.) and techniques for enhanced evaluation are described. An example evaluation device includes an evaluation area in which a previously-owned electronic device (e.g. smartphone etc.) is arranged with its camera configured to capture images of the evaluation area. An example apparatus includes a previously-owned electronic device arranged with its camera configured to capture images of another previously-owned electronic device within an evaluation area.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments described herein relate to digital downloading jukebox systems of the type that typically include a central server and remote jukebox devices that communicate with the central server for royalty accounting and/or content updates. More particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that have revenue-enhancing features such as for example, music recommendation engines and bartender loyalty programs. Such innovative techniques help to both increase per jukebox revenue as well as keep jukebox patrons engaged with the jukebox.

Abstract: An example kiosk for accepting a portable electronic device from a client in exchange for payment, associated method and systems are described. The kiosk may include at least one display, an imaging chamber that includes at least one camera and one or more mirrors fixedly-arranged to capture images of a portable electronic device, at least one communication connection to a remote server and/or operator, and at least one computer. The computer may be configured to, in conjunction with the remote server and/or operator, capture one or more images of the portable electronic device in the imaging chamber while said at least one camera and said mirrors remain in unchanged positions. The computer may also transmit the captured images to the remote server and/or operator, receive an acceptance of the offered payment amount based upon an offered payment amount for the portable electronic device received from the remote server and/or operator, and provide for secure deposit of the portable device in the kiosk.

Abstract: A portable evaluation device for at least partially evaluating a pre-owned electronic device is described. An evaluation app executing on the portable electronic device communicates with a diagnostic app executing on the pre-owned electronic device perform the at least partial evaluation of the pre-owned electronic device. The portable evaluation device may be used with or without being associated with an evaluation kiosk.

Abstract: This invention in certain example instances relates generally to coin-operated video entertainment systems. More particularly, certain exemplary aspects of the invention provide methods and/or systems for controlling access to a portable coin-operated interactive entertainment device that may be used to play video games and access other forms of entertainment as well as providing features via such portable coin-operated interactive entertainment devices.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods for use in connection with digital downloading jukeboxes are provided. Such systems and/or methods may be used to provide enhanced communications capabilities, e.g., to registered users of jukeboxes. In certain exemplary embodiments, users may become registered users directly at a jukebox. Registered users also may, in certain exemplary embodiments, receive coupons for free plays, import playlists from hardware devices and/or software applications, receive special pricing when playing certain instances of media, play playlists in whole or in part, create and/or manage playlists directly at a jukebox, establish and manage connections with other registered users, etc. Still further, in certain exemplary embodiments, one or more channels may be predefined and/or set up for a jukebox.

Abstract: A kiosk for accepting a portable electronic device from a client in exchange for payment includes a display, one or more cameras, a portable device receiving arrangement, a payment dispensing arrangement, and a communication connection to a remote server and/or operator. The kiosk is configured to, in conjunction with the remote server and/or operator, perform one or more of associating a fundraising even with an amount payable for the accepted portable electronic device, change or defer payments in accordance with at least some attributes that are yet to be evaluated, and to perform authentication of the accepted portable electronic device.

Abstract: This invention in certain example instances relates generally to coin-operated video entertainment systems. More particularly, certain exemplary aspects of the invention provide methods and/or systems for controlling access to a portable coin-operated interactive entertainment device that may be used to play video games and access other forms of entertainment as well as providing features via such portable coin-operated interactive entertainment devices.

Abstract: A handheld-device imaging and collection apparatus, associated techniques and systems are described. An example apparatus may include a first container and a second container attached to each other. The first container includes a top panel arranged to enable acquiring a clear view of an inside of the first container, and one or more mirrors arranged facing inside of the first container, such that an image captured by a camera through the top panel captures reflections, in the one or more mirrors, of an handheld-device placed inside the first container. The second container includes a collection chamber configured to store the handheld-device.

Abstract: An example kiosk for accepting a portable electronic device from a client in exchange for payment, associated method and systems are described. The kiosk may include at least one display, an imaging chamber that includes at least one camera and one or more mirrors fixedly-arranged to capture images of a portable electronic device, at least one communication connection to a remote server and/or operator, and at least one computer. The computer may be configured to, in conjunction with the remote server and/or operator, capture one or more images of the portable electronic device in the imaging chamber while said at least one camera and said mirrors remain in unchanged positions. The computer may also transmit the captured images to the remote server and/or operator, receive an acceptance of the offered payment amount based upon an offered payment amount for the portable electronic device received from the remote server and/or operator, and provide for secure deposit of the portable device in the kiosk.