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.
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Estimation ou détermination des prix; Collecte de fonds
G06Q 20/18 - Architectures de paiement impliquant des terminaux en libre-service, des distributeurs automatiques, des bornes ou des terminaux multimédia
G06Q 20/20 - Systèmes de réseaux présents sur les points de vente
G06K 7/10 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture de supports d'enregistrement par radiation corpusculaire
H02J 7/02 - Circuits pour la charge ou la dépolarisation des batteries ou pour alimenter des charges par des batteries pour la charge des batteries par réseaux à courant alternatif au moyen de convertisseurs
H02J 7/00 - Circuits pour la charge ou la dépolarisation des batteries ou pour alimenter des charges par des batteries
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.
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Estimation ou détermination des prix; Collecte de fonds
G06Q 10/30 - Administration du recyclage ou de l’élimination des produits
G06Q 20/18 - Architectures de paiement impliquant des terminaux en libre-service, des distributeurs automatiques, des bornes ou des terminaux multimédia
G06Q 20/20 - Systèmes de réseaux présents sur les points de vente
G06Q 30/018 - Certification d’entreprises ou de produits
G06V 10/44 - Extraction de caractéristiques locales par analyse des parties du motif, p.ex. par détection d’arêtes, de contours, de boucles, d’angles, de barres ou d’intersections; Analyse de connectivité, p.ex. de composantes connectées
G06V 20/00 - RECONNAISSANCE OU COMPRÉHENSION D’IMAGES OU DE VIDÉOS Éléments spécifiques à la scène
G08B 13/196 - Déclenchement influencé par la chaleur, la lumière, ou les radiations de longueur d'onde plus courte; Déclenchement par introduction de sources de chaleur, de lumière, ou de radiations de longueur d'onde plus courte utilisant des systèmes détecteurs de radiations passifs utilisant des systèmes de balayage et de comparaison d'image utilisant des caméras de télévision
H04W 8/18 - Traitement de données utilisateur ou abonné, p.ex. services faisant l'objet d'un abonnement, préférences utilisateur ou profils utilisateur; Transfert de données utilisateur ou abonné
H04W 8/22 - Traitement ou transfert des données du terminal, p.ex. statut ou capacités physiques
H02J 7/02 - Circuits pour la charge ou la dépolarisation des batteries ou pour alimenter des charges par des batteries pour la charge des batteries par réseaux à courant alternatif au moyen de convertisseurs
3.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VENDING AND/OR PURCHASING MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
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.
G06Q 20/18 - Architectures de paiement impliquant des terminaux en libre-service, des distributeurs automatiques, des bornes ou des terminaux multimédia
G07F 17/00 - Appareils déclenchés par pièces de monnaie pour la location d'articles; Installations ou services déclenchés par pièces de monnaie
H04M 15/00 - Dispositions de comptage, de contrôle de durée ou d'indication de durée
4.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING CRACKS IN ILLUMINATED ELECTRONIC DEVICE SCREENS
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.
Systems and methods for detecting the presence or absence of screen covers on electronic device screens are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining an image of a front side of an electronic device and automatically identifying line segments in the image. For each identified line segment, the method includes calculating the angle of the identified line segment. The method further includes determining an amount of the line segments having vertical or horizontal orientations. If the amount of identified vertical or horizontal line segments exceeds a predetermined threshold amount, then the presence of a screen cover is indicated.
Systems and methods for detecting the asymmetrical damage to electronic devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining an image of a front side of an electronic device and comparing a first portion of the image with an inverted second portion of the image. The first portion of the image includes a first edge of the electronic device and the second portion of the image includes a second, opposite edge of the electronic device. Based on the comparison, a condition of the electronic device is evaluated.
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.
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 enabling, e.g., a retailer to identify and evaluate a used or pre-owned consumer electronic device, such as a mobile phone, laptop, etc. to facilitate purchasing the device from the consumer. In some embodiments, the present technology includes an evaluator input device and an evaluator hub device that together evaluate a device and facilitate its purchase and recycling. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Estimation ou détermination des prix; Collecte de fonds
G07F 7/06 - Mécanismes actionnés par des objets autres que des pièces de monnaie pour déclencher ou actionner des appareils de vente, de location, de distribution de pièces de monnaie ou de papier-monnaie, ou de remboursement par des récipients consignés, p.ex. des bouteilles
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of methods and systems for operating a kiosk that is configured to purchase electronic items from a user. One or more cameras on the kiosk record a transaction which is stored as a record on a computer-readable medium. A record is also kept of the times at which events occur such as the user activating a control or button, as well as times when graphical user interface (GUI) screens are presented to the user. The transaction record can be analyzed in real time or at a later date to determine why some transactions are not completed or to improve the user experience with the kiosk.
G07F 7/06 - Mécanismes actionnés par des objets autres que des pièces de monnaie pour déclencher ou actionner des appareils de vente, de location, de distribution de pièces de monnaie ou de papier-monnaie, ou de remboursement par des récipients consignés, p.ex. des bouteilles
G07F 9/02 - Dispositifs pour donner l'alarme ou une indication, p.ex. quand l'appareil est vide; Aménagements publicitaires des appareils déclenchés par des pièces de monnaie
G07F 19/00 - Systèmes bancaires complets; Dispositions à déclenchement par carte codée adaptées pour délivrer ou recevoir des espèces ou analogues et adresser de telles transactions à des comptes existants, p.ex. guichets automatiques
The present disclosure is directed to consumer operated kiosks for providing products and/or product samples to consumers. In one embodiment, a consumer operated kiosk includes a plurality of cartridges having cavities of different sizes that can contain various products of different sizes. The cartridges include engagement features that are substantially similar or identical, and the engagement features can be gripped by a gripping mechanism on a robotic delivery system. The cartridges can have differing shapes and sizes but the gripping mechanism can grasp each of the cartridges in a similar or identical manner by grasping the associated engagement feature.
The present disclosure is directed toward methods, systems, and apparatuses for payment fulfillment. The disclosed embodiments include a payment server that receives a request from an entity (e.g., a business or organization) that wants to make a payment to a consumer. In some embodiments, a consumer can initiate a request for payment from an entity. In one embodiment, the payment server sends a notification to a consumer regarding the payment, and the consumer can respond with preferences for delivery. Based on information received from the consumer's computing device (e.g., mobile phone or computer), the payment server can send fulfillment instructions to a kiosk located within a network of kiosks. The consumer can receive payment in the form of a redeemable voucher at the kiosk after the consumer has verified his or her identity and/or input security information.
G06Q 20/12 - Architectures de paiement spécialement adaptées aux systèmes de commerce électronique
G06Q 20/18 - Architectures de paiement impliquant des terminaux en libre-service, des distributeurs automatiques, des bornes ou des terminaux multimédia
G07F 17/16 - Appareils déclenchés par pièces de monnaie pour la location d'articles; Installations ou services déclenchés par pièces de monnaie pour dispositifs présentant la publicité, des annonces, des tableaux, ou analogues
12.
SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR EXCHANGING GIFT CARDS
The present disclosure is directed a gift card exchange server and associated systems and methods that are configured to receive information about a gift card that a user would like to sell. The gift card exchange server determines an offer for the gift card and transmits the offer to a computing device for presentation to the user. In one embodiment, if the offer is accepted, the user is queried to see if they would like the proceeds from the sale to be applied as a credit to an account, such as an on-line retailer account. If so, the server sends a message to the account indicating that a credit is to be given to the user along with an indication that the credit is conditioned upon completing a transaction and/or draining the purchased gift card of funds. The user can use the credit to purchase goods or services. However, the purchase transaction will not be consummated or the goods and services will not be shipped until the exchanged gift card is redeemed or the server computer otherwise confirms that the server system has received the value from the gift card. Once the server computer receives an indication that the card value has been received, the server computer sends a message to release a hold on the credit.
G06Q 20/34 - Architectures, schémas ou protocoles de paiement caractérisés par l'emploi de dispositifs spécifiques utilisant des cartes, p.ex. cartes à puces ou cartes magnétiques
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Estimation ou détermination des prix; Collecte de fonds
G06Q 30/06 - Transactions d’achat, de vente ou de crédit-bail
13.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VISUALLY EVALUATING ELECTRONIC DEVICES
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of systems and methods for recycling mobile phones and other consumer electronic devices. In various embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein include device imaging systems for inspecting, evaluating, identifying, and/or obtaining other information about devices. Such imaging systems can include one or more flatbed scanners, and can be employed by a user-operated kiosk to determine a price to offer a user for a mobile phone or other electronic device based on the information.
Systems and methods for recycling electronic and/or other consumer electronic devices are disclosed herein. A kiosk configured in accordance with one embodiment of the technology includes a laser device, an imaging device, a processor operably coupled to the laser device and/or the imaging device, and a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored therein that are executable by the processer. The laser device is configured to form a laser beam line across at least one exterior surface of the electronic device, the imaging device is configured to acquire an image of the laser beam line, and the instructions are executable by the processer to determine one or more physical attributes of the electronic device based at least in part on an evaluation of the laser beam line in the image.
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
G06K 9/78 - Combinaison de l'obtention de l'image et de fonctions de reconnaissance
Hardware and/or software systems and associated methods for user verification at a kiosk are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods associated with verifying that a user matches an identification photo, comparing a user at a kiosk to a known image of the user, comparing a user's image to images of persons who are blocked from kiosk use, recognizing the presence of potential hawkers, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
The present disclosure is directed a mobile computing device that is programmed to communicate with a gift card exchange server that allows a user to exchange gift cards for consideration from a remote location. The mobile computing device is configured to receive information about a gift card from a user and to transmit the information to the gift card exchange server. The gift card exchange server determines an offer for the gift card and transmits it to the mobile computing device for presentation to the user. In one embodiment, if the offer is accepted, the user is prompted to provide personal identifying information. In order to reduce fraud, the gift card exchange server also requests device specific identifying information that is unique to the mobile computing device itself and associates the device specific identifying information with the offer. In order to redeem funds, the user is asked to present the personal identifying information and the mobile device having the device specific mobile identifying information that is associated with the offer before they can be paid. The particular device specific identifying information requested may vary from transaction to transaction.
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of methods and systems for dynamically developing pricing and performing other processes associated with purchasing and recycling mobile phones, other consumer electronic devices, and/or other goods and services. In some embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein can be employed by a user-operated kiosk to determine a price to offer a user for a mobile phone or other electronic device to maximize or at least increase total margins. In some embodiments, the price can be dynamically adjusted to respond to varying market conditions.
G06Q 30/06 - Transactions d’achat, de vente ou de crédit-bail
G07F 7/06 - Mécanismes actionnés par des objets autres que des pièces de monnaie pour déclencher ou actionner des appareils de vente, de location, de distribution de pièces de monnaie ou de papier-monnaie, ou de remboursement par des récipients consignés, p.ex. des bouteilles
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of methods and systems for identifying a device that is being offered for purchase from a user at a kiosk. In some embodiments, the kiosk queries a database to determine or corroborate the type of equipment being offered for purchase based on an unique identifier such as an I MEI/MEID number or a TAC code for the device. In one embodiment the database may be a database created by a governing organization that associates IMEI/MEID numbers with particular equipment types. In another embodiment, a database stores records of transactions involving particular types of equipment and TAC numbers associated with the types of equipment used in the transaction.
G07F 7/06 - Mécanismes actionnés par des objets autres que des pièces de monnaie pour déclencher ou actionner des appareils de vente, de location, de distribution de pièces de monnaie ou de papier-monnaie, ou de remboursement par des récipients consignés, p.ex. des bouteilles
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 a used or pre-owned consumer electronic device, such as a mobile phone, laptop, etc. to facilitate purchasing the device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a counter-top evaluation terminal that evaluates a device and facilitates purchase and recycling of the device. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of methods and systems for providing a kiosk with coupon/promotion information that is selected for the physical location of the kiosk or the owner of the location where the kiosk is located. A server computer is connected to the kiosks through a communication network that may include a wired or wireless link. A database at the server stores information about coupons/promotions that is transmitted to individual kiosks and stored in memory. The coupon/promotion information is sent to one or more kiosks when an operator of the server chooses to update the information. In another embodiment, a kiosk sends identifying information that can be analyzed to determine if any new coupon/promotion information is available for the kiosk.
G07F 7/06 - Mécanismes actionnés par des objets autres que des pièces de monnaie pour déclencher ou actionner des appareils de vente, de location, de distribution de pièces de monnaie ou de papier-monnaie, ou de remboursement par des récipients consignés, p.ex. des bouteilles
Hardware and software application systems and associated methods for obtaining information from, evaluating, and pricing mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and/or other electronic devices for recycling and/or other processing are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods associated with an electronic evaluator device that facilitates processing (e.g., purchasing at a consumer-operated kiosk) a target device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using an app on the evaluator device to obtain information from the target device, identify the target device, evaluate the target device, price the target device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
Systems and associated methods for processing insurance claims and performing other processes associated with mobile phones and other 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 insurance claims for the device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a self-serve kiosk configured to identify a device, evaluate a device, and facilitate processing insurance claims. In some embodiments, a self-serve kiosk is provided that can identify and evaluate a device, and present one or more insurance offers to a user. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
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.
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.
G01R 31/28 - Test de circuits électroniques, p.ex. à l'aide d'un traceur de signaux
G01R 31/08 - Localisation de défauts dans les câbles, les lignes de transmission ou les réseaux
G01R 31/02 - Essai des appareils, des lignes ou des composants électriques pour y déceler la présence de courts-circuits, de discontinuités, de fuites ou de connexions incorrectes de lignes
25.
SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICALLY TESTING MOBILE DEVICES AT A CONSUMER-OPERATED KIOSK, AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES AND METHODS
A system for recycling a mobile device. A system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology includes an electrical connector and testing electronics. The electrical connector is configured to be electrically connected to a mobile device, and the testing electronics are configured to produce an electrical measurement by measuring an electrical attribute associated with a hardware component of the mobile device over the electrical connector. The system is further configured to valuate, identify, and/or authenticate the mobile device based at least in part on the electrical measurement.
G06Q 30/06 - Transactions d’achat, de vente ou de crédit-bail
G07F 7/06 - Mécanismes actionnés par des objets autres que des pièces de monnaie pour déclencher ou actionner des appareils de vente, de location, de distribution de pièces de monnaie ou de papier-monnaie, ou de remboursement par des récipients consignés, p.ex. des bouteilles
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Estimation ou détermination des prix; Collecte de fonds
26.
WIRELESS-ENABLED KIOSK FOR RECYCLING CONSUMER DEVICES
Wireless-enabled kiosk systems and associated methods for recycling and performing other processes with mobile phones and other electronic devices are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods for wirelessly connecting a consumer-operated kiosk with an electronic device to facilitate processing (e.g., purchasing) the device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using a wireless link to identify a device, evaluate a device, resolve device issues to enable purchase of the device, locate a device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
Software application systems and associated methods for recycling, purchasing, and/or performing other processes with mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and/or other electronic devices at a kiosk are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods associated with an electronic device to facilitate a consumer-operated kiosk processing (e.g., purchasing) the electronic device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using a mobile app to identify an electronic device, evaluate the electronic device, resolve device issues to enable purchase of the electronic device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
G07F 7/06 - Mécanismes actionnés par des objets autres que des pièces de monnaie pour déclencher ou actionner des appareils de vente, de location, de distribution de pièces de monnaie ou de papier-monnaie, ou de remboursement par des récipients consignés, p.ex. des bouteilles
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of methods and systems for developing pricing and performing other processes associated with recycling mobile phones, other consumer electronic devices, and/or other goods and services. In some embodiments, the methods and systems disclosed herein can be employed by a user-operated kiosk to determine a price to offer the user for a mobile phone or other electronic device that cannot be sufficiently identified by the kiosk. In some embodiments, the price can be an adjusted price, such as a weighted average price.
G07F 7/06 - Mécanismes actionnés par des objets autres que des pièces de monnaie pour déclencher ou actionner des appareils de vente, de location, de distribution de pièces de monnaie ou de papier-monnaie, ou de remboursement par des récipients consignés, p.ex. des bouteilles
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Estimation ou détermination des prix; Collecte de fonds
29.
DIGITAL IMAGE COIN DISCRIMINATION FOR USE WITH CONSUMER-OPERATED KIOSKS AND THE LIKE
Systems and associated methods for coin discrimination are disclosed herein. Disclosed methods for discriminating coins include recognizing strings of alphanumerical characters of the coin using Optical Character Recognition (OCR). The methods can include recognizing colors and/or reflectivity of the coin using, for example, pixel thresholding algorithms. The methods can further include adding a line to an image of the coin, and measuring angles between the line and the edges on the coin. The methods can also include generating a rectangular image of the coin using, for example, a log-polar transform, generating a series of, for example, Fourier transforms from the rectangular image, and identifying spectral peak locations and intensities in the Fourier transform results. The results of the OCR, color/reflectivity recognition, angle measurement, spectral peak location, spectral peak intensity of the coin and/or other features or aspects of coins can then be compared to known values for different coins to discriminate the coins.
G07D 5/00 - Vérification spécialement adaptée à la détermination de l'identité ou de l'authenticité des pièces de monnaie, p.ex. pour séparer les pièces qui ne peuvent pas être acceptées ou qui sont en monnaie étrangère
G07D 5/02 - Vérification des dimensions, p.ex. de l'épaisseur, du diamètre; Vérification de la déformation
39 - Services de transport, emballage et entreposage; organisation de voyages
40 - Traitement de matériaux; recyclage, purification de l'air et traitement de l'eau
Produits et services
Collection of portable electronic devices for distribution
to others for recycling, repair and refurbishment. Recycling of portable electronic devices for others.
39 - Services de transport, emballage et entreposage; organisation de voyages
40 - Traitement de matériaux; recyclage, purification de l'air et traitement de l'eau
Produits et services
Collection of portable electronic devices for distribution
to others for recycling, repair and refurbishment. Recycling of portable electronic devices for others.
32.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECYCLING ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECOND HAND DEALER LAWS
A method and system for reselling electronic devices in compliance with second hand dealer laws is disclosed herein. The system includes a kiosk, a network and a server with a database. The kiosk preferably includes an external camera, a fingerprint reader and an identification (card) reader.
A method and apparatus (100) for transferring data from a recycled electronic device (150) such as a mobile phone (150) is disclosed herein. The apparatus (100) is preferably a recycling kiosk (100) which includes electrical connectors (505) and an inspection area (106) with an upper chamber (520), a lower chamber (530), a transparent plate (545) and at least one camera (610) in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device (150) for determination of a value of the electronic device (150). The recycling kiosk (100) also includes a processor (160) managing the transfer of data.
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Estimation ou détermination des prix; Collecte de fonds
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
34.
OPTICAL COIN DISCRIMINATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE WITH CONSUMER-OPERATED KIOSKS AND THE LIKE
Systems and associated methods for optical coin discrimination are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for discriminating coins includes obtaining a digital image of a coin, identifying the outline of the coin using a suitable algorithm, and determining the diameter of the coin using the outline of the coin. The method of this embodiment further includes generating a rectangular image of the coin using, for example, a log-polar transform, generating a series of, for example, Fourier transforms from the rectangular image, and identifying spectral peak locations and intensities in the Fourier transform results. The diameter of the coin, spectral peak location, spectral peak intensity of the coin and/or other aspects of the coin can then be compared to known values for different coins to discriminate the coin.
Systems and methods for providing coupons, including targeted coupons associated with, for example, loyalty programs and the like from coin counting kiosks are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for providing a coupon includes receiving coins from a consumer and counting the coins to determine a value. The method further includes providing a voucher to the consumer that is redeemable for cash and/or merchandise. The method can further include providing a coupon to the consumer that is based at least in part on prior purchase information associated with the consumer.
A recycling kiosk (100) for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device (150) is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk (100) includes an inspection area (106) with preferably two mirrored, domed hemispheres positioned about a transparent table and cameras for imaging an electronic device (15) placed on the table. The recycling kiosk (150) uses visual analysis to identify an electronic device (150), determine the condition of the electronic device (150) and determine if the electronic device (150) is authentic.
Consumer operated kiosks for coin counting and/or providing various products and services are described herein. In various embodiments, the kiosks can provide the consumer with the ability to review and select various favorite options for utilizing coin value and other forms of value and to sort same. Other embodiments provide the ability for the user log in to a social networking website to share and compare their experiences on the kiosk with others via the social network.
G07D 9/00 - Comptage de pièces de monnaie; Manipulation de pièces de monnaie non prévue dans les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe
G06Q 20/18 - Architectures de paiement impliquant des terminaux en libre-service, des distributeurs automatiques, des bornes ou des terminaux multimédia
G07F 5/00 - Mécanismes actionnés par des pièces de monnaie; Verrouillages
38.
MOBILE COMMERCE PLATFORMS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONVERTING CONSUMER COINS, CASH, AND/OR OTHER FORMS OF VALUE FOR USE WITH SAME
Systems and methods for converting consumer coins, cash, and/or o forms of value for use with mobile commerce platforms implemented on, example, smart phones, PDAs, and other mobile devices. In one embodimen method for implementing a mobile commerce account on a mobile device inclu receiving coins and/or other funds from a user at a consumer-operated kiosk. method can further include counting the coins and/or other funds to determin value, and then communicating at least a portion of the value from the kiosk to hand-held mobile device for deposit in the mobile commerce account.
G06Q 20/18 - Architectures de paiement impliquant des terminaux en libre-service, des distributeurs automatiques, des bornes ou des terminaux multimédia
G06Q 40/04 - Transactions; Opérations boursières, p.ex. actions, marchandises, produits dérivés ou change de devises
39.
CONSUMER OPERATED KIOSK FOR SAMPLING BEAUTY PRODUCTS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
The present disclosure is directed to consumer operated kiosks for sampling products and associated systems and methods. In one embodiment, for example, a method of selling beauty products can include providing a consumer operated kiosk including an inventory of product samples. The product samples correspond to products available for purchase by consumers at a point of sale in a retail establishment. The method can further include displaying product information related to the product samples on the kiosk, and receiving a user selection corresponding to at least one of the product samples. The method can also include receiving payment for the selected product sample, and dispensing the selected product sample to the user from the kiosk.
A recycling kiosk (100) for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device (150) is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk (100) includes an inspection area (101) with preferably two mirrored, domed hemispheres (520, 530) positioned about a transparent table (545) and cameras (610) for imaging an electronic device (150) placed on the table (545). Inspection of an About page or a barcode within a battery compartment of the electronic device (150) is performed to determine a value for the electronic device (150). Alternatively, a robotic finger (725) is utilized to inspect the electronic device (150). The recycling kiosk (100) also includes a processor (160), a display (115) and a user interface (167).
G06F 11/22 - Détection ou localisation du matériel d'ordinateur défectueux en effectuant des tests pendant les opérations d'attente ou pendant les temps morts, p.ex. essais de mise en route
G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Estimation ou détermination des prix; Collecte de fonds
41.
AUTO-CALIBRATION SYSTEMS FOR COIN COUNTING DEVICES
Systems and methods for calibrating a coin sensor are disclosed herein. An auto-calibrating coin sensor configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a movable carrier holding at least one test coin or other test object. The carrier can move the test object past or through the coin sensor to calibrate the coin sensor. Embodiments of the present technology can include rotatable and linearly moveable carriers that are configured to move an attached test object through a coin sensor. Additionally, auto-calibrating coin sensors in accordance with the present technology can be configured to initiate an auto-calibration based on the commencement of a coin counting session, a set schedule, a temperature change, and/or other events.
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for separating debris from coins and the like from customer-operated kiosks and other machines. A debris diverter including a motor, a rotating bobbin, and at least one vane is positioned over a coin track with the vane spaced apart from the coin track by a predetermined distance to permit objects smaller than the predetermined distance to pass by the debris diverter and to contact objects larger than the predetermined distance.
A recycling kiosk (100) for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device (150) such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk (100) includes electrical connectors (505) and an inspection area (106) with an upper chamber (520), a lower chamber (530), a transparent plate (545) and at least one camera (610) in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device (150) for determination of a value of the electronic device (150). The recycling kiosk (100) also includes a processor (160) and a display (115) for user interaction.
G06F 3/00 - Dispositions d'entrée pour le transfert de données destinées à être traitées sous une forme maniable par le calculateur; Dispositions de sortie pour le transfert de données de l'unité de traitement à l'unité de sortie, p.ex. dispositions d'interface
A recycling kiosk (100) for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of a mobile telephone (150) is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk (100) preferably includes an inspection area (106) with a plurality of white walls (115) in order to perform a visual analysis of the mobile telephone (150) for determination of a value of the mobile telephone (150). The visual analysis inspects the LCD screen (153) of the mobile phone (150) to determine if the LCD screen (153) is damaged. The recycling kiosk (100) also includes a processor (160), a display (119) and a user interface (118).
G06Q 50/00 - Systèmes ou procédés spécialement adaptés à un secteur particulier d’activité économique, p.ex. aux services d’utilité publique ou au tourisme
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
Reverse vending machines that automate electronic device
recycling by identifying, testing, valuing, and accepting
used electronic devices and remunerating the value to the
consumer.
Promoting the sale of goods and services of others by awarding [ purchase points or ] vouchers to users of self-service kiosks that are connected to the Internet
36 - Services financiers, assurances et affaires immobilières
Produits et services
Charitable fund raising services, providing automated kiosks to process coins for donation to charitable, civic and not-for-profit organizations; coin redemption services; financial services
Advertising and promoting the sale of goods and services of others by providing incentives, premiums, [ rebates, ] cash discounts, [ purchase points, ] coupons, certificates, [ discount cards, ] vouchers; [ and shopping lists; ] dissemination of advertising for others via a global computer network; dissemination of advertising for others via kiosks; [ arranging for the distribution of goods and services acquired through a global communications network via kiosks or automated transaction machines; ] issuing stored value cards [ and cash cards ]
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
self-service kiosks which (1) convert coins into vouchers, redeemable for cash; (2) issue coupons offering discounts to shoppers; AND (3) advertise brand name products to shoppers
