Abstract: Methods to remove data from a mobile device, such as a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet, or the like include stepwise verification of operation of hardware components of the mobile device prior to using a software tool to erase the data from the mobile device.

Abstract: A method of detecting a defect in an electronic display includes taking a digital image of the electronic display; and electronically determining if an area of the electronic display is defective based on data of the digital image.

Abstract: An electronic device front camera test station is shown and described. The front camera test station for evaluating the functionality of electronic device front-facing cameras includes a planar structure positioned above a magnetic movement table and an image target affixed to the underside of the structure. The image target, which may include QR codes or other visual markers, is captured by the electronic device's front-facing camera while positioned below the structure. A testing application on the device initiates image capture and analyzes the resulting images for clarity, focus, and recognition accuracy. The system determines pass/fail status based on predefined criteria and records results for quality assurance and device tracking.

Abstract: A device securement station and magnetic mover is shown and described. The system for securing and transporting electronic devices for automated testing includes a magnetic mover and a securement station. The magnetic mover features a securement section with side stoppers and a vise mechanism to hold an electronic device in place. The securement station includes a rotatable shaft with a tool head that engages the vise mechanism to apply or release pressure, and a positioning device that ensures proper alignment of the electronic device on the magnetic mover. The system enables precise and repeatable securement of devices for movement across a magnetic table and interaction with modular test stations.

Abstract: An electronic device logistics, grading, clearing, and testing system is shown and described. The system includes an entry point for receiving devices and a routing table that directs each device to different stations based on its condition and processing needs. These stations include a pre-grading station to check for significant damage, a memory wipe station to clear data, a cleaning station to remove debris and labels, a labeling station to apply new identifiers, a grading station to assess the device's condition, and a functional testing station to check components like the screen, buttons, speakers, and cameras. After testing, the system prepares the device for exit by removing any connectors, then organizes it for shipment or further handling. The entire process is designed to minimize human contact and improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

Abstract: An electronic device logistics and testing system is shown and described. A method for testing electronic devices begins when a device is placed on a movable platform, secured in place, and loaded with a testing app. The system identifies which tests are needed, guides the device to the appropriate stations, and records the results. Devices continue through the process until all tests are completed or a failure occurs, after which they are removed from the system.

Abstract: An electronic device touch screen testing station is shown and described. The touch screen test station for evaluating the functionality of electronic device touchscreens includes a bracket mountable to a magnetic movement table, an arm extending over the table, and a touch tip configured to interact with the touchscreen of a device secured to a magnetic mover. The system moves the device in a predetermined pattern beneath the touch tip, allowing the device to register and visually display touch inputs. A testing application on the device records touch responses, applies timing conditions, and generates a visual grid indicating successful and failed touch areas. Calibration features ensure accurate contact based on device thickness, and test results are recorded and optionally uploaded to a remote database.

Abstract: An electronic device speaker and microphone test station is shown and described. The speaker and microphone test station for evaluating audio components of electronic devices includes a movable housing configured to form a sound-isolated chamber over a device positioned on a magnetic movement table. The system initiates playback of predefined audio signals from the device's speakers and simultaneously records the output using the device's microphones. A computing system analyzes the recorded signals by comparing them to expected waveforms to determine audio fidelity and functionality. Multiple speaker-microphone combinations are tested, and results are recorded and optionally uploaded to a remote database. The station enables automated, repeatable, and acoustically controlled testing without requiring external audio hardware.

Abstract: An electronic device button test station is shown and described. The button test station for evaluating the functionality of physical and touch-based buttons on electronic devices includes a modular bracket mountable to a magnetic movement table and a set of specialized button testing tools. These tools include mechanisms for actuating switches, pressing physical buttons, and interacting with touchscreens and side-mounted sensors. The station is configured to accommodate various device sizes and button layouts. During testing, a computing system coordinates device positioning, initiates button actuation, and records responses via a test application running on the device. Results are displayed through a graphical interface and may be uploaded to a centralized database for tracking and analysis.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for grading user devices (e.g., mobile devices, smartphones, IoT devices, electronic devices, etc.). Image data associated with one or more portions of a user device may be determined as the user device traverses a conveyor system. The image data may be analyzed and a graphical depiction of regions of the user device where defects are present may be generated to rank, score, and/or grade the user device and/or portions of the user device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically removing customer data of a mobile device are disclosed according to various embodiments. In one example, a disclosed method comprises: detecting a mobile device connected to a slot; automatically determining whether the mobile device is valid based on data in a file system; upon determining that the mobile device is valid, automatically determining an operating system managing the mobile device; and automatically removing customer data of the mobile device based on the operating system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for grading user devices (e.g., mobile devices, smartphones, IoT devices, electronic devices, etc.). Image data associated with one or more portions of a user device may be determined as the user device traverses a conveyor system. The image data may be analyzed and a graphical depiction of regions of the user device where defects are present may be generated to rank, score, and/or grade the user device and/or portions of the user device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically removing customer data of a mobile device are disclosed according to various embodiments. In one example, a disclosed method comprises: detecting a mobile device connected to a slot; automatically determining whether the mobile device is valid based on data in a file system; upon determining that the mobile device is valid, automatically determining an operating system managing the mobile device; and automatically removing customer data of the mobile device based on the operating system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically removing customer data of a mobile device are disclosed according to various embodiments. In one example, a disclosed method comprises: detecting a mobile device connected to a slot; automatically determining whether the mobile device is valid based on data in a file system; upon determining that the mobile device is valid, automatically determining an operating system managing the mobile device; and automatically removing customer data of the mobile device based on the operating system.

Abstract: A system to calibrate a camera of a mobile device includes a fixture configured to hold the mobile device with the camera and a display of the mobile device exposed to an outside of the fixture; and a moving mechanism to move the fixture.

Abstract: Synthetic paper that includes at least one resin layer formed from a composition including a polymeric resin and a low aspect ratio filler, a tear additive, or both. The present invention also relates to methods for making the synthetic paper. The synthetic paper has the texture and appearance of tissue paper.

Abstract: A method of detecting a blemish in a digital camera includes capturing a digital image of a white area by the digital camera; reducing resolution of the digital image by grouping pixels of the digital data into a matrix of a plurality of data blocks; and comparing a luminance value of each of the plurality of data blocks to an average luminance value of other data blocks of the plurality of data blocks within a predetermined region to determine if each of the plurality of data blocks is a potentially bad data block.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically removing customer data of a mobile device are disclosed according to various embodiments. In one example, a disclosed method comprises: detecting a mobile device connected to a slot; automatically determining whether the mobile device is valid based on data in a file system; upon determining that the mobile device is valid, automatically determining an operating system managing the mobile device; and automatically removing customer data of the mobile device based on the operating system.

Abstract: A system to create a machine-readable code includes a digital camera; a computer including a processor communicatively coupled to the digital camera; and a monitor to display a graphical user interface provided by the computer, wherein the processor is configured to execute an application stored in a memory that is communicatively coupled to the processor, the application, when executed, causing the processor to: command the digital camera to capture a first image of identification information marked on an article, perform optical character recognition of the first image to identify characters of the identification information and create therefrom a second image, display the first image and the second image via the graphical user interface on the monitor so that the first image can be compared to the second image, and create a machine-readable code representing the identification information.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically removing customer data of a mobile device are disclosed according to various embodiments. In one example, a disclosed method comprises: detecting a mobile device connected to a slot; automatically determining whether the mobile device is valid based on data in a file system; upon determining that the mobile device is valid, automatically determining an operating system managing the mobile device; and automatically removing customer data of the mobile device based on the operating system.