Patent Application
20230100849
The present disclosure is directed generally to methods and systems for recycling consumer electronic devices and, more particularly, to methods and systems for identification, evaluation, exchange, return, and/or purchase of consumer electronic devices.
Consumer electronic devices, such as desk-based and laptop computers, mobile phones, laptop computers, notebooks, tablets, MP3 players, etc., are ubiquitous. Over 300 million desk-based and notebook computers shipped in 2013, and for the first time the number of tablet computers shipped exceeded laptops. In addition, there are over 6 billion mobile devices in use in the world; and the number of these devices is growing rapidly with more than 1.8 billion mobile phones being sold in 2013 alone. By 2017 it is expected that there will be more mobile devices in use than there are people on the planet. Part of the reason for the rapid growth in the number of mobile phones and other electronic devices is the rapid pace at which these devices evolve, and the increased usage of such devices in third world countries.
As a result of the rapid pace of development, a relatively high percentage of electronic devices are replaced every year as consumers continually upgrade their electronic devices to obtain the latest features. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. alone disposes of over 370 million mobile phones, PDAs, tablets, and other electronic devices every year. Millions of other outdated or broken electronic devices are simply tossed into junk drawers or otherwise kept until a suitable disposal solution arises.
Although many electronic device retailers now offer mobile phone trade-in or buyback programs, many old devices still end up in landfills or are improperly disassembled and disposed of in developing countries. Unfortunately, however, electronic devices typically contain substances that can be harmful to the environment, such as arsenic, lithium, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc. If not properly disposed of, these toxic substances can seep into groundwater from decomposing landfills and contaminate the soil with potentiality harmful consequences for humans and the environment. As an alternative to retailer trade-in or buyback programs, consumers can now recycle and/or sell their used mobile phones using self-service kiosks located in malls or other publically accessible areas. Such kiosks are operated by ecoATM, Inc., the assignee of the present application, and are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,463,646, 8,423,404, 8,239,262, 8,200,533, 8,195,511, and 7,881,965, which are commonly owned by ecoATM, Inc. and are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
Recycling or reselling larger electronic devices (e.g., televisions, desktop PCs, game consoles, etc.) and electronic devices having irregular form factors (e.g., smartwatches, smartglasses, etc.), can present unique problems for automated inspection, analysis, and collection. Additionally, manufacturers and retailers of such electronic devices would benefit from improved systems and methods for recycling such devices. For example, this would allow manufacturers and retailers to participate in various “takeback” programs, buyback offers, to implement warranty and return policies, and to facilitate efficient recycling of these electronic devices. Additionally, certain state and federal laws provide incentives for retailers to participate in “takeback” programs that require manufacturers to assist with recycling of electronic devices. Accordingly, there continues to be a need for improving the means available to consumers for recycling or reselling such electronic devices. Simplifying the recycling/reselling process, enhancing the consumer experience, and discouraging fraud can incentivize consumers to dispose of their old electronic devices in an efficient and environmentally conscientious way.
The following disclosure describes various embodiments of systems and methods for the recycling and/or other processing of electronic devices. For example, the following describes various embodiments of systems for operator-assisted recycling of consumer electronic devices. Such systems can include, for example, an evaluation apparatus and a cashier terminal. Because of the size, some larger electronic devices—such as televisions, printers, game consoles, desktop PCs, and laptops—may not be well suited for automated recycling by consumer-operated kiosks. Additionally, some electronic devices having irregular form factors—such as smartwatches, smartglasses, and health monitors—may likewise not be well suited for automated recycling at such kiosks. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a system that allows for efficient evaluation and inspection of such electronic devices, while allowing for operator assistance with certain procedures such as binning the devices.
The various embodiments of the systems described herein for recycling electronic devices, including large or irregularly sized electronic devices, can be particularly useful for retailers. First, such systems may allow retailers to offer recycling of electronic devices without the need for specially trained staff members. Additionally, certain state and federal laws may provide incentives for retailers to participate in “takeback” programs that require manufacturers to assist with recycling of electronic devices. Manufacturers often offer warranties or other guarantees that may require receiving and evaluating electronic devices returned by customers. In some instances, retailers may offer buyback programs in order to promote sales of new products, for example offering a customer $50 towards the purchase of a new laptop if the customer brings in an old laptop for recycling. In these and other instances, the consumer's electronic device can be returned at a convenient location using various embodiments of the operator-assisted systems described herein. These embodiments allow the electronic devices to be evaluated, inspected, binned, and compensation to be dispensed to the user. The retailer or other establishment hosting the operator-assisted recycling system may then coordinate with manufacturers or electronics recyclers to pick up the collected electronic devices.
Certain details are set forth in the following description and in
The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain examples of embodiments of the technology. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.
The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to be limiting of its scope. The sizes of various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements may be arbitrarily enlarged to improve legibility. Component details may be abstracted in the Figures to exclude details such as position of components and certain precise connections between such components when such details are unnecessary for a complete understanding of how to make and use the invention.
In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify identical, or at least generally similar, elements. To facilitate the discussion of any particular element, the most significant digit or digits of any reference number refers to the Figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, element 110 is first introduced and discussed with reference to
In the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation apparatus 100 is a counter-top self-service apparatus configured for use by a user 101 (e.g., a consumer, customer, retail assistant, etc.) to recycle, sell, return and/or perform other operations with a consumer electronic device 106 in, for example, a store, mall, or other retail establishment. In other embodiments, the evaluation apparatus 100 can be configured for use as a floor-mounted or wall-mounted apparatus. Although embodiments of the evaluation apparatus 100 can be configured for use by consumers, in various embodiments the evaluation apparatus 100 and/or various portions thereof can also be used by other operators, such as a retail clerk or assistant to facilitate the selling or other processing of mobile phones, laptops, smart watches, and other electronic devices.
In the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation apparatus 100 includes a housing 102 that can be of conventional manufacture from, for example, sheet metal, plastic panels, etc. A plurality of user interface devices are provided on an exterior (e.g., front portion) of the housing 102 for providing instructions and other information to users, and/or for receiving user inputs and other information from users. For example, the evaluation apparatus 100 can include a display screen 104 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)) for providing information, prompts, etc. to users via text, graphics, video, etc. The display screen 104 can include a touch screen for receiving user inputs and responses to displayed prompts. In addition or alternatively, the evaluation apparatus 100 can include a separate keyboard or keypad for this purpose. The evaluation apparatus 100 can also include an ID reader or scanner 112 (e.g., a driver's license scanner), a biometric scanner (e.g., fingerprint reader) 114, and one or more cameras 116 (e.g., digital still and/or video cameras, identified individually as cameras 116a-c). The evaluation apparatus 100 can additionally include a plurality of output devices such as a label printer having an associated outlet 110, a receipt or voucher printer having an outlet 111, a card writer coupled with a card dispenser 113 for dispensing cards containing value (e.g., prepaid debit cards, gift cards, etc.), and a cash dispenser having an outlet 118. Although not identified in
Additionally, the evaluation apparatus 100 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 124 configured to connect to a wide variety of consumer electronic devices. The connectors 124 can include, for example USB connectors, micro-USB connectors, Lightning connectors, FireWire connectors, etc. for temporary connection to electronic devices that can be received by then evaluation apparatus 100, such as mobile phones, laptops, printers, smart watches, etc. The electrical connectors 124 can additionally include an AC plug to provide power for certain devices, e.g., desktop computers, televisions, printers, game consoles, etc. The evaluation apparatus 100 can further include a scanner 125 which can be, for example, a hand-held barcode scanner. In some embodiments, the scanner can be a linear barcode reader, a QR code reader, an NFC reader, or other optical or electrical scanning device. In the illustrated embodiment, the scanner 125 is tethered to the evaluation apparatus by a cord 127, allowing the user to manually operate the scanner to read a barcode or other indicia on the electronic device. In other embodiments, the scanner can be rigidly fixed to the evaluation apparatus, or in other embodiments the scanner may be physically separated from the evaluation apparatus 100 and may wirelessly communicate with the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 can additionally include one or more external cameras 129, a flatbed scanner 131, and/or other imaging components in addition to the cameras 116a-c to view, photograph and/or otherwise visually evaluate the electronic device 106 from multiple perspectives. In some embodiments, the camera 129 can be tethered to the evaluation apparatus by a cord 133, allowing the user to manually operate the camera 129 to obtain an image of the device. In some embodiments, one or more of the external camera 129, the cameras 116a-c, and/or other imaging components discussed above can be movable to facilitate device visual evaluation. One or more of the cameras 116a-c can also be configured to capture images of the user 101 for identity verification and to avoid fraud.
Certain features of the cashier terminal 150 may be at least generally similar in structure and function to conventional counter-top cashier terminals found at point of sale (POS) locations in retail stores for purchasing of goods and services. In the illustrated embodiment, cashier terminal 150 is configured for use by a clerk 151 (e.g., a store employee, cashier, assistant, etc.) to facilitate recycling of consumer electronic devices in conjunction with the user-operated evaluation apparatus 100. In other embodiments, the cashier terminal 150 can be configured for use as a floor-mounted or wall-mounted apparatus, as a specialized processing device, and/or integrated into the apparatus 100.
A plurality of user interface devices are provided on the cashier terminal 150 for providing instructions and other information to the clerk 151, and/or for receiving inputs and other information from the clerk 151. For example, the cashier terminal 150 can include one or more of the display screens 156 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)) for providing information, prompts, etc. to the clerk 151. One or more additional display screens (e.g., outward-facing display screens) can also be provided for displaying information to a customer (e.g., the user 101). A user interface 158 is configured to receive input from the clerk 151. In some embodiments, the user interface 158 includes a touch screen associated with the display screen 156 for receiving clerk input and responses to displayed prompts. In addition or alternatively, the cashier terminal 150 can include a separate keyboard or keypad for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the cashier terminal 150 also includes a payment dispenser 154 for dispensing payment to a customer in exchange for the electronic device. In some embodiments, the payment dispenser 154 can be a cash drawer, a card dispenser (e.g., to dispense gift cards with stored value), a voucher printer, an electronic payment device (e.g., a terminal for making electronic wire transfers, Paypal transfers, Bitcoin transfers, etc), etc. The cashier terminal 150 can also be associated with a bin 160 or other collection station or facility for receiving the electronic devices from customers for secure storage, trade-ins, and/or further processing and recycling. In some embodiments, the bin 160 can be remote from the other components of the cashier terminal 150, for example the bin 160 can be positioned in another location within a store, a warehouse, etc. In some embodiments, the bin 160 can be proximate to the other components, for example the bin 160 can be located beneath the cashier terminal 150. In some embodiments, the bin 160 can be coupled with a scanner or other reader which can read the identifying labels affixed to electronic devices as they are deposited into and/or removed from the bin 160.
The cashier terminal 150 can also include an ID reader or scanner (e.g., a driver's license scanner) 162, a biometric scanner (e.g., fingerprint reader) 164, and one or more cameras (e.g., digital still and/or video cameras) 166. The cashier terminal 150 can further include a speaker and/or a headphone jack for audibly communicating information to users and the clerk, one or more lights for visually communicating signals or other information to users, a handset or microphone for receiving verbal input from the user, a card reader (e.g., a credit/debit card reader, loyalty card reader, etc.), a receipt or voucher printer and dispenser, as well as other user input and output devices. The input devices may include a touchpad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a joystick, pen, game pad, motion sensor, scanner, etc. Additionally the cashier terminal 150 can also include a barcode reader, QR code reader, bag/package dispenser, a digital signature pad, etc. In some embodiments, the cashier terminal 150 can also include a plurality of electrical connectors configured to connect to a wide variety of consumer electronic devices such as, for example, USB connectors, micro-USB connectors, Lightning connectors, FireWire connectors, etc.
The CPU 200 can provide information and instructions to users via the display screen 104 and/or an audio system (e.g., a speaker) 204. The CPU 200 can also receive user inputs via, e.g., a touch screen 208 associated with the display screen 104, a keypad with physical keys, and/or a microphone 210. Additionally, the CPU 200 can receive personal identification and/or biometric information associated with users via the ID reader 112, one or more of the external cameras 116, and/or the fingerprint reader 114. In some embodiments, the CPU 200 can also receive information (such as user identification and/or account information) via a card reader 212 (e.g., a debit, credit, or loyalty card reader having, e.g., a suitable magnetic stripe reader, optical reader, etc.). The CPU 200 can also control operation of a label printer/dispenser associated with the outlet 110 and systems for providing remuneration to users, such as a cash dispenser associated with the outlet 118, and/or a receipt or voucher printer and dispenser 220 associated with the outlet 111.
As noted above, the evaluation apparatus 100 additionally includes a number of electronic, optical and electromechanical devices for electrically, visually and/or physically analyzing electronic devices received at the evaluation apparatus 100 for recycling and/or other processing. Such systems can include one or more of the cameras 116a-c for visually inspecting electronic devices for, e.g., determining external dimensions and condition, and one or more of the electrical connectors 124 (e.g., USB connectors) for, e.g., powering up electronic devices and/or performing electronic analyses. Mechanical components 218 can include, for example, an openable cover 125 which covers the electrical connectors 124 when not in use. The evaluation apparatus 100 further includes power 202, which can include battery power and/or facility power for operation of the various electrical components associated with evaluation apparatus operation.
In the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation apparatus 100 further includes a network connection 222 (e.g., a wired connection, such as an Ethernet port, cable modem, FireWire cable, Lightning connector, USB port, etc.) suitable for communication with, e.g., all manner of processing devices (including remote processing devices) via a communication link 250, and a wireless transceiver 224 (e.g., including a WiFi access point; Bluetooth transceiver; near-field communication (NFC) device; wireless modem or cellular radio utilizing GSM, CDMA, 3G and 4G technologies; etc., each of which may include an associated antenna or antennas) suitable for communication with, e.g., all manner of processing devices (including remote processing devices) via the communication link 250 and/or directly via, e.g., a wireless peer-to-peer connection. For example, the wireless transceiver 224 can facilitate wireless communication with electronic devices, such as, e.g., an electronic device 230 e.g., a laptop, personal computer, smartwatch, e-reader, camera, TV, DVR, game console, Google Glass™; smart-watches, other wearable computers, mobile phone, etc. either in the proximity of the evaluation apparatus 100 or remote therefrom. By way of example only, in the illustrated embodiment the electronic device 230 is depicted as a laptop computer and can include one or more features, applications and/or other elements commonly found in laptops and other known electronic devices. For example, the electronic device 230 can include a CPU and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU) 234 for executing computer readable instructions stored on memory 236. In addition, the electronic device 230 can include an internal power source or battery 232, a dock connector 246, a USB port 248, a camera 240, and/or well-known input devices, including, for example, a keypad 242, a touch screen, etc. In many embodiments, the electronic device 230 can also include a speaker 244 for two-way communication and audio playback. In addition to the foregoing features, the electronic device 230 can include an operating system (OS) 231 and/or a device wireless transceiver that may include one or more antennas 238 for wirelessly communicating with, for example, other electronic devices, websites, the cashier terminal 150, and the evaluation apparatus 100. Such communication can be performed via, e.g., the communication link 250 (which can include the Internet, public and private intranet, a local or extended WiFi network, cell towers, the plain old telephone system (POTS), etc.), direct wireless communication, etc.
In the illustrated embodiment, the cashier terminal 150 includes a suitable processor or central processing unit (CPU) 251 that controls operation of the cashier terminal 150 and associated components in accordance with computer-readable instructions stored on system memory 252. Similar to the CPU 200 associated with the evaluation apparatus 100, the CPU 251 may be any logic processing unit, such as one or more CPUs, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The CPU 251 can include, by way of example, a standard personal computer (PC) (e.g., a DELL OPTIPLEX 7010 PC) or other type of embedded computer running any suitable operating system, such as Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, or an embedded real-time operating system. In some embodiments, the CPU 251 can be a small form factor PC with integrated hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) and universal serial bus (USB) or other ports to communicate with the other components of the cashier terminal 150. In other embodiments, the CPU 251 can include a microprocessor with a standalone motherboard that interfaces with a separate HDD. The memory 252 can include read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) or other storage devices, such as disk drives or SSDs, that store the executable applications, test software, databases and other software required to, for example, control evaluation apparatus components, process electronic device information and data (to, e.g., evaluate device make, model, condition, pricing, etc.), communicate and exchange data and information with remote computers and other devices, etc.
The CPU 251 can provide information and instructions to the clerk 151 via the display screen 156 and/or an audio system (e.g., a speaker) 260. The CPU 251 can also receive user inputs via, e.g., a touch screen 158 associated with the display screen 156, a keypad with physical keys, and/or a microphone 262. Additionally, the CPU 251 can receive personal identification information associated with users (e.g., persons recycling electronic devices with the apparatus 100) via the ID reader 264, the biometric scanner 259 (e.g., a fingerprint scanner), or the one or more of the cameras 266. In some embodiments, the CPU 251 can also receive information (such as user identification and/or account information) via a card reader 268 (e.g., a debit, credit, or loyalty card reader having, e.g., a suitable magnetic stripe reader, optical reader, etc.). The CPU 251 can also control operation of the receipt or voucher printer 257 and systems for providing remuneration to users, such as the payment dispenser 154.
In the illustrated embodiment, the cashier terminal 150 further includes a network connection 256 (e.g., a wired connection, such as an Ethernet, modem, cable, etc.) suitable for communication with, e.g., all manner of remote processing device via a communication link 250, and a wireless transceiver 258 (e.g., including a wireless modem utilizing GSM, CDMA, 3G and 4G technologies, each of which may include an associated antenna or antennas) for data communications suitable for communication with, e.g., all manner of remote processing device via the communication link 250 and/or directly via, e.g., a wireless peer-to-peer connection. For example, the wireless transceiver 258 can facilitate wireless communication with electronic devices, such as an electronic device 230 (e.g., a laptop) either in the proximity of the cashier terminal 150 or remote therefrom. As noted above, such communication can be performed via, e.g., the communication link 250 (which can include the Internet, and intranet, cell towers, the plain old telephone system (POTS), etc.), direct wireless communication, etc.
Unless described otherwise, the construction and operation of the various components depicted in
The server computer 304 can perform many or all of the functions for receiving, routing and storing of electronic messages, such as webpages, audio signals and electronic images necessary to implement the various electronic transactions described herein. For example, the server computer 304 can retrieve and exchange web pages and other content with an associated database or databases 306. In some embodiments, the database 306 can include information related to mobile phones and/or other consumer electronic devices. Such information can include, for example, make, model, serial number, International Mobile Equipment Identity number (IMEI) Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID), carrier plan information, pricing information, owner information, etc., as well as dimensional information (size, shape, location of displays, ports, etc.) and other visual information (e.g., logo shapes, sizes, locations, etc.) associated with known devices, such as particular device models, sub-models, etc. In various embodiments the server computer 304 can also include a server engine 308, a web page management component 310, a content management component 312, and a database management component 314. The server engine 308 can perform the basic processing and operating system level tasks associated with the various technologies described herein. The webpage management component 310 can handle creation and/or display and/or routing of web or other display pages. The content management component 312 can handle many of the functions associated with the routines described herein. The database management component 314 can perform various storage, retrieval and query tasks associated with the database 306, and can store various information and data such as animation, graphics, visual and audio signals, etc.
In the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation apparatuses 100 and/or the cashier terminals 150 can also be operably connected to a plurality of other remote devices and systems via the communication link 250. For example, the evaluation apparatuses 100 and/or the cashier terminals 150 can be operably connected to a plurality of user devices 318 (e.g., personal computers, laptops, handheld devices, etc.) having associated browsers 320. Similarly, as described above the evaluation apparatuses 100 and the cashier terminals 150 can each include wireless communication facilities for exchanging digital information with mobile devices, such as the electronic device 230, and a mobile phone 233. The evaluation apparatuses 100, the cashier terminals 150, and/or the server computer 304 are also operably connectable to a series of remote computers for obtaining data and/or exchanging information with necessary service providers, financial institutions, device manufactures, authorities, government agencies, etc. For example, the evaluation apparatuses 100, the cashier terminals 150, and the server computer 304 can be operably connected to one or more cell carriers 322, one or more device manufacturers 324 (e.g., laptop manufacturers), one or more electronic payment or financial institutions 328, one or more databases (e.g., the GSMA International Mobile Equipment Identity Database, etc.), and one or more computers and/or other remotely located or shared resources associated with cloud computing 326. The financial institutions 328 can include all manner of entity associated with conducting financial transactions, including banks, credit/debit card facilities, online commerce facilities, online payment systems, virtual cash systems, money transfer systems, etc.
In addition to the foregoing, the evaluation apparatuses 100, the cashier terminals 150, and the server computer 304 can also be operably connected to a resale marketplace 330 and an operator 332. The resale marketplace 330 represents a system of remote computers and/or services providers associated with the reselling of consumer electronic devices through both electronic and brick and mortar channels. Such entities and facilities can be associated with, for example, online auctions for reselling used electronic devices as well as for establishing market prices for such devices. The operator 332 can be a central computer or system of computers for controlling all manner of operation of the network of evaluation apparatuses 100 and cashier terminals 150. Such operations can include, for example, remote monitoring and facilitating of evaluation apparatus maintenance (e.g., remote testing of evaluation apparatus functionality, downloading operational software and updates, etc.), servicing (e.g., periodic replenishing of cash and other consumables), performance, etc. In addition, the operator 332 can further include one or more display screens operably connected to cameras located at each of the evaluation apparatuses 100 (e.g., one or more of the cameras 116 described above with reference to
The foregoing description of the electronic device recycling system 300 illustrates but one possible network system suitable for implementing the various technologies described herein. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art with appreciate that other systems consistent with the present technology can omit one or more of the facilities described in reference to
The routine 400 begins in block 402 with a user bringing an electronic device to an evaluation apparatus, e.g., one of the evaluation apparatuses 100 described above with reference to
In some embodiments, the electrical analysis can include evaluating the condition and/or functionality of the charging circuit of the electronic device. In particular, the testing electronics measure the amount of charge current that the charging circuit draws on the power lines, and the testing electronics use the corresponding current measurement signal to determine whether the charging circuit is functional or damaged. In general, charging circuits can become damaged by statistic discharge or when they are overheated, exposed to water, or connected to a non-standard power supply. If a charging circuit is damaged, it might not regulate charge current properly (if at all), which can cause damage to a battery. For example, a damaged charging circuit might have a slow charge rate or a very rapid charge rate. In many cases, a charging circuit is difficult and expensive, if not impossible, to replace because it is typically located on a primary circuit board or co-located on a processor chip. Thus, an electronic device with a damaged charging circuit may have little market value due to the impracticability of replacing the charging circuit.
In some embodiments, the electrical analysis can include detecting whether a charging circuit is damaged by determining if the current is below a maximum current threshold, above a minimum current threshold, or within a range that falls between the maximum and minimum current thresholds. The testing electronics can also measure other types of electrical quantities associated with the charge current, such as AC frequency or DC pulse widths. For example, in some mobile devices, the charge current may begin to pulse when the battery is fully charged. In an additional or alternate embodiment, the testing electronics can apply an AC test voltage to test capacitors, transistors, or other reactive circuit elements of mobile device hardware.
In some embodiments, the current measurement signal can be compared to reference quantities corresponding to the electrical characteristics of a particular make and/or model of an electronic device. For example, the routine can include looking up device signatures in a look-up table stored in memory. The reference quantities in the device signature can include, for example, the charge current thresholds, the amount of power that the device is supposed to draw on the power line, the expected impedance between the power line and circuit ground, and/or other known reference quantities associated with particular types of makes and/or model of mobile devices.
In some embodiments, the evaluation apparatus can operate via the electrical connectors in a manner similar to that of a USB host device. For example, the evaluation apparatus can assign a unique address to the electronic device and exchange USB packets directly with the electronic device. For example, in one embodiment the evaluation apparatus can request USB device descriptors from the electronic device. In some embodiments, the evaluation apparatus can communicate via the electrical connector directly with a processor of the electronic device to access the device's hardware components over a debugging interface, such as the android debugging bridge (ADB) or over a hardware abstraction interface. In one embodiment, the evaluation apparatus can use such interfaces to operate (e.g., activate, access, control, enable, and/or disable) hardware components, such as the electronic device's camera, display, memory, vibrator motor(s), etc. For example, the evaluation apparatus can use a software interface to access the electronic device's memory to retrieve an image and display the image on the device's display screen, if applicable. In another embodiment, the evaluation apparatus can communicate with a so-called smart charging circuit, which has logic that enables the charging circuit to be turned on or off and/or to draw different levels of charge current. The evaluation apparatus can also use shell access to identify hardware on the electronic device. For example, the evaluation apparatus can use shell access to detect any non-OEM hardware that may have been installed on the electronic device.
Following the electrical evaluation, in some embodiments the user 101 may be prompted to utilize a scanner to scan a barcode on the electronic device, or to manually enter a serial number or similar identifying number or feature associated with the electronic device 106. For example, in some electronic devices the serial number or similar identifying number may be visible on an external surface (e.g., displayed on the bottom side of a laptop, under a battery, etc.). In some embodiments, a barcode could be implemented on the electronic device such that the barcode is invisible to the user, but is readable via infrared or ultraviolet light. In some electronic devices, a user can navigate an operating system of the electronic device to obtain the serial number or other identifying number (e.g., In some embodiments, the electronic device 106 can also be visually inspected via cameras 116a-c, user-operated camera 129, flatbed scanner 107 or other imaging system coupled to the evaluation apparatus 100. For example, in some embodiments the user may be prompted (e.g., via display screen 104) to obtain images of the electronic device 106 via the user-operated camera 129, the flatbed scanner 107, or other imaging components. The user may be prompted in particular to position the electronic device in an imaging area of the counter, or at a particular position on the flatbed scanner. In some embodiments, the visual inspection can include a 3D visual analysis to confirm the identification of the electronic device 106 (e.g. make and model) and/or to evaluate or assess the condition and/or function of the electronic device 106 and/or its various components and systems. In some embodiments, the visual inspection can include a computer-implemented visual analysis (e.g., a three-dimensional (“3D”) analysis) performed by a processor 200 within the kiosk (e.g., a CPU) to confirm the identification of the electronic device 106 (e.g. make, model and/or sub-model) and/or to evaluate or assess the condition and/or function of the electronic device 106 and/or its various components and systems. For example, the visual analysis can include computer-implemented evaluation (e.g., a digital comparison) of images of the electronic device 106 taken by the cameras 116 and/or user-operated camera 129 from top, side and/or end view perspectives to determine length, width, and/or height (thickness) dimensions of the electronic device 106. In some embodiments, the visual analysis can include an inspection of a display screen on the electronic device 106 for cracks or other damage. In some embodiments, the evaluation apparatus 100 can perform the visual analysis using one or more of the methods and/or systems described in detail in the commonly owned patents and patent applications identified herein and incorporated by reference in their entireties
In some embodiments, evaluation of the electronic device can involve user interaction. For example, once the electronic device 106 is connected to one of the electrical connectors 124, the apparatus 100 can instruct the electronic device 106 to start up and run a program. The user may then be instructed to answer prompts on the screen of the electronic device. For example, a message may be displayed on the screen asking the user to enter a certain set of characters. If the user correctly enters these characters, then it can be inferred that both the screen and the keyboard of the electronic device are operative. In some embodiments, the evaluation apparatus 100 invokes a message on the screen of the electronic device 106 to be recycled which asked the user permission to inspect the electronic device 106, look at the system file, and determine its components content. If the user 101 is able to read the message it indicates that the display is functional. If the user is then able to use the mouse and keyboard to reply with permission it indicates that those inputs are also functional. In some embodiments, the user interaction with the electronic device 106 can also yield additional information, for example information obtained from the system file.
In some embodiments, the inspection and analysis may include only barcode scanning or other identification of the device. For example, in the case of printers, it may be impractical or simply not useful to electrically interrogate the printer, and accordingly the analysis may include merely scanning the barcode or entering the serial number of the printer.
Routine 400 continues in block 406 by determining a compensation amount for the electronic device 106. Based on the identification and evaluation of the electronic device 106, the evaluation apparatus 100 can determine an estimated price or an estimated range of prices to offer to the user 101 for the device 106. In some embodiments, the evaluation apparatus 100 may query a database comprising a lookup table with various prices for a range of identified electronic devices depending on their evaluated conditions. As one example, the lookup table may indicate that for a particular laptop make and model, three different prices are available depending on the determined condition (e.g., poor condition—$100, fair condition—$200, good condition—$300). The evaluation apparatus may grade the condition of the laptop automatically based on the visual and/or electrical inspection. Based on the graded condition of the laptop, the evaluation apparatus 100 may query the database and receive a compensation amount to be offered to the user. In some embodiments, the price may not depend on the condition of the electronic device, but only on the make and model.
In some embodiments, determining the compensation amount (purchase price) includes determining whether any specific promotions and/or additional rewards or rebates from the retailer, manufacturer of the device, or any other entity, are associated with the electronic device. For example, if a laptops of a certain brand are eligible for an advertised store credit amount upon trade-in, the evaluation apparatus 100 can determine whether the electronic device 106 is eligible and, if so, notify the user 101. This can be particularly valuable for retailers who desire to provide a broad spectrum of different promotions for trade-in or trade-up programs to incentivize recycling but face the difficulty for store staff to correctly identify so many different makes and models of different devices, as well as remembering a long list of specific promotions for each. In some embodiments, various options for the compensation can be determined, for example $50 in cash or $100 in store credit towards the purchase of a new laptop. For example, the evaluation apparatus 100 may query a database to determine the price for a particular electronic device based on the evaluated condition. In some embodiments, the database can include a lookup table that includes, in addition to a monetary amount, any applicable rebates, specific promotions, etc. For example, the lookup table may indicate that for a particular identified electronic device having an evaluated condition of “fair” or “good”, the price can be either $50 in cash or $100 in store credit towards the purchase of a new laptop. Various other promotions, rebates, coupons, and other promotions can be stored in the lookup table. Accordingly, the evaluation apparatus 100 may offer a user a variety of compensation amounts, whether cash, trade-in value, discount coupons, or otherwise, based on the identification and evaluation of the electronic device.
In block 408, the determined price or other compensation offers are displayed to the user, for example via display screen 104. In decision block 410, the user accepts or declines the offer. If the user 101 declines the price (via, e.g., the touch screen 208), the user can disconnect the connector 124 from the electronic device 106, and retrieve the electronic device 106. If the user accepts the offered compensation amount, the routine continues in block 412 to verify the user identification. In some embodiments, the user 101 may be prompted to place his or her identification (e.g., a driver's license) in the ID scanner 112 and/or provide a thumbprint via the fingerprint reader 114. As a fraud prevention measure, the evaluation apparatus 100 can be configured to transmit an image of the driver's license to a remote computer screen, and an operator at the remote computer can visually compare a display of the picture (and/or other information) on the driver's license to the person standing in front of the evaluation apparatus 100 as viewed by one or more of the cameras 116a-c (
After the user's identification has been checked, in block 414 an identifying label is printed and dispensed to the user to be affixed to the electronic device. For example, the evaluation apparatus 100 may print and dispense a unique identification label (e.g., a small adhesive-backed sticker with a QR code, barcode, etc.) from the label outlet 110 for the user to adhere to the electronic device 106. In some embodiments, the identifying label is not intended to be affixed to the electronic device 106, but rather the user 101 can carry both the electronic device 106 and the label or tag to the cashier terminal 150. In some embodiments, rather than printing a physical label, an electronic representation (e.g., QR code, barcode, alphanumeric string) can be transmitted to a user's mobile device (e.g., via MMS, SMS, email, etc.), for example mobile phone 233 (
In some embodiments, the identifying label can include machine-readable indicia associated with the identified electronic device. For example, the label can include a barcode, QR code, or other machine-readable indicia that, when scanned at the cashier terminal 150, retrieves the obtained information about the electronic device. In some embodiments, information obtained from the evaluation and identification performed at the evaluation apparatus 100 can be stored electronically and may be retrieved by the cashier terminal 150 upon reading the machine-readable indicia. In some embodiments, additional information obtained from other databases can be obtained upon reading the machine-readable indicia, including any applicable takeback offers, rebates, coupons, etc.
Routine 400 continues in block 416 with the user affixing the label to the electronic device and bringing the electronic device to the cashier terminal 150. As noted above, in some embodiments the label need not be affixed to the electronic device 106, but may be presented by the user 101 to the clerk 151 at the cashier terminal 150. In some embodiments, the user may be instructed to take the electronic device and the label to the cashier terminal, either via instructions printed on the label, instructions displayed on the display 104 of the evaluation apparatus 100, or other instructions such as physical placards in the vicinity of the evaluation apparatus 100. In block 418, the clerk 151 scans the identifying label. In some embodiments, the clerk 151 at the cashier terminal 150 can use the reader 152 to read the machine-readable indicia on the label presented by the user 101. The reader 152 can be, for example a barcode reader, QR code reader, or other such scanner.
In block 420, the device identity and/or condition is verified at the cashier terminal. For example, in some embodiments the clerk 151 can visually inspect the electronic device and compare it to the information provided on the label to determine whether the make, model, and other information are correct. In some embodiments, the display 156 at the cashier terminal 150 can show a stock image of the identified electronic device 106, which can allow the clerk 151 to perform a quick visual comparison between the stock image and the electronic device presented by the user 101. For example, if the user 101 presents the electronic device 106 to the clerk 151, but after scanning the label the display 156 shows a stock image of a television, the clerk 151 can terminate the transaction. This feature can preclude one type of abuse in which a user has one device evaluated at the evaluation apparatus 100, and then attempts to provide a different device to the clerk 151 at the cashier terminal 150 for payment. In some embodiments, rather than a stock image of the device, actual images of the device can be used, for example images taken with cameras 116a-c while the device was being evaluated at the evaluation apparatus 100. In other embodiments the clerk 151 may electrically connect the device to electrical connectors provided at the cashier terminal 150. Electrical analysis can then be used to determine whether the presented device matches the device evaluated at the evaluation apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the cashier terminal 150 may access a server computer to obtain information associated with the electronic device in order to verify that the device presented at the cashier terminal 150 matches the device evaluated at the evaluation apparatus 100.
If the device identity and/or condition is not confirmed, then in block 422 the clerk may decline payment and return the electronic device to the user. If the device identity and/or condition is confirmed, then in block 424 the user ID is verified. In some embodiments, the user's driver's license or other identification can be scanned at the cashier terminal 150. If the scanned driver's license or other ID matches that scanned previously at the evaluation apparatus 100, then the user's identity may be confirmed. Upon scanning the driver's license, an image of the license including a photo of the individual, can be displayed to the clerk 151 (e.g., via display 156) so that the clerk 151 can determine whether the photo ID matches the user 101. In some embodiments, the user 101 may hand her photo ID to the clerk 151 for confirmation that the photo ID matches the user 101, and that the photo ID matches that scanned previously at the evaluation apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the user 101 may be asked verification questions, for example the user's birthdate as determined from the scanned driver's license at the evaluation apparatus 100. If the user identification is not verified, then in block 422 the clerk 151 declines payment and returns the electronic device to the user. In some embodiments, the clerk 151 may view images of the user 101 obtained at the evaluation apparatus 100 (e.g., via cameras 116a-c) to ensure that the individual at the cashier terminal 150 is the same as the user 101 who interacted with the evaluation apparatus 100.
If the user identification is verified, then in block 426 the clerk may dispense compensation to the user. In some embodiments, payment can be made in the form of cash dispensed from the payment dispenser 154 (e.g., a cash drawer). In other embodiments, the compensation can take other forms, for example a redeemable voucher, a coupon, a discount on another device, an e-certificate, a prepaid card, a wired or wireless monetary deposit to an electronic account (e.g., a bank account, credit account, loyalty account, online commerce account, mobile wallet, etc.), Bitcoin, etc. In some embodiments, the cashier terminal can automatically fill out any forms of paperwork necessary for the user to obtain a refund, rebate, or other compensation from the manufacturer or other entity. The completed forms can be provided to the user for submission or may be submitted automatically on behalf of the user.
Once compensation has been provided to the user and the electronic device has been received, the routine 400 continues in block 428 with the clerk storing the electronic device. As noted above, in some embodiments, the bin 160 can be remote from the other components of the cashier terminal 150, for example the bin 160 can be positioned in another location within a store. In some embodiments, the bin 160 can be proximate to the other components, for example a bin beneath the register. In some embodiments, the electronic device 106 can be added, either automatically or manually by the clerk 151, to an inventory database which can be networked to other inventories, manufacturers, resellers, etc. For example, a database may be maintained that includes, for a particular device, the make, model, quantity of such devices in a particular bin and/or in other facilities at remote locations, compensation amount(s) paid to users for such devices, user demographic information, and other information. The database can be periodically updated as new devices are purchased from users and devices are retained in the bin 160. The inventory database can also be used to facilitate recycling of the devices. For example, a retailer may be able to contact an electronics recycler and easily provide information regarding the number and type of devices in the inventory. Pick-up may be scheduled based on volume and/or time from the selected collection agency, and the collection agency would be prepared with a complete list of what inventory to expect. This inventory database additionally provides valuable information regarding which manufacturers and models are being recycled, optionally cross-referenced with user demographic data. Further, the inventory data can be useful to retailers to demonstrate compliance with state and federal regulations regarding electronics recycling and takeback programs.
Subroutine 420 continues in block 506 by displaying information retrieved from the database 306 at the cashier terminal. For example, the make and model of the electronic device 106 associated with the unique identifier may be displayed to the clerk 151 at the cashier terminal 150. Additionally, in block 508 a representative image of the electronic device 106 associated with the unique identifier can be displayed at the cashier terminal 150. In some embodiments, the image displayed may be an actual image obtained at the evaluation apparatus 100. In other embodiments, a representative or stock image corresponding to the make and model of the electronic device 106, or of a similar electronic device, can be displayed. For example, if the electronic device 106 associated with the unique identifier is a Lenovo® Thinkpad™ laptop, then a stock image of such a laptop may be displayed to the clerk 151. In block 510, the clerk 151 compares the retrieved information from the database 306 and the representative image with the electronic device presented by the user. If either the retrieved information (e.g., make, model, condition, serial number, etc.) or the representative image does not match electronic device presented at the cashier terminal 150, the transaction can be terminated and the electronic device is returned to the user. In some embodiments the clerk 151 can plug in the electronic device to an electrical connector associated with the cashier terminal 150 for electrical analysis to verify the identity and condition of the device. After electrical analysis, the clerk 151 can be displayed with a “yes” or “no” message via the display 156 of the cashier terminal 150 to indicate whether the electronic device presented by the user at the cashier terminal is the same as the electronic device evaluated at the evaluation apparatus. This comparison can eliminate one type of user fraud in which one device evaluated at the evaluation apparatus 100, and then the user attempts to provide a different device to the clerk 151 at the cashier terminal 150.
As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the foregoing routine is but one example of a way in which the evaluation apparatus 100 and cashier terminal 150 can be used to recycle or otherwise process consumer electronic devices. Although the foregoing example is described in the context of a laptop, it should be understood that evaluation apparatus 100 and cashier terminal 150 and various embodiments thereof can also be used in a similar manner for recycling virtually any consumer electronic device, such as desktop computers, printers, devices for implemented games, wearable computing devices, mobile phones, MP3 players, tablet computers, PDAs, entertainment or other digital media on CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, etc.
Routine 600 continues in block 602 with retrieving information regarding the condition of the electronic device. For example, the condition of the electronic device can be determined based on the visual and/or electrical analysis performed at the evaluation apparatus, as described above. In some embodiments, the condition of the electronic device can be determined in part based on user input, for example the user may select from a menu of options indicating various conditions of the device (e.g., functional screen, audio, input, keyboard, etc.). In block 606, the retrieved information can be aggregated by types of electronic devices. The information can be retrieved and aggregated from a single retail location (having one or more evaluation apparatuses and one or more cashier terminals), or the information can be retrieved over a network connection from a variety of locations having any number of evaluation apparatuses or cashier terminals. By aggregating the retrieved information by types of electronic devices, valuable patterns or trends may be found by analyzing the aggregated information in block 608. For example, aggregation and analysis of the retrieved data may indicate that a certain brand of laptop computer is being recycled at a faster rate than another brand of laptop computer. In another example, aggregation and analysis may indicate that users offered a particular trade-up promotion accept the offer 75% of the time. The data obtained from aggregation and analysis of the granular data obtained at individual evaluation apparatuses and cashier terminals can be valuable to a wide variety of parties. For example, retailers can usefully determine which promotions are successful and which are not. In another example, manufacturers can determine which models are being recycled or returned more frequently than others, and may also be informed of the reasons associated with the returns. In some embodiments, various forms of aggregated data can be packaged and sold to third parties such as manufacturers, retailers, advertisers, analysts, etc. The data obtained can also be used for efficient processing of recycling and transport of various devices. For example, each retail location can retain the collected electronic devices locally until it is determined, based on aggregated data, when it is most efficient for transport of these electronic devices from the retailers to an electronics recycler.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the routines and other functions and methods described above can be performed by various processing devices, such as the evaluation apparatus processor 200 (
The evaluation apparatuses 100, cashier terminals 150, electronic device 230, server computers 304, user computers or devices 318, etc. may include one or more central processing units or other logic-processing circuitry, memory, input devices (e.g., keyboards and pointing devices), output devices (e.g., display devices and printers), and storage devices (e.g., magnetic, solid state, fixed and floppy disk drives, optical disk drives, etc.). Such computer devices may include other program modules such as an operating system, one or more application programs (e.g., word processing or spreadsheet applications), and the like. The user computers may include wireless computers, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), palm-top computers, etc., which communicate with the Internet via a wireless link. The computers may be general-purpose devices that can be programmed to run various types of applications, or they may be single-purpose devices optimized or limited to a particular function or class of functions. Aspects of the invention may be practiced in a variety of other computing environments.
While the Internet is shown, a private network, such as an intranet may likewise be used herein. The network may have a client-server architecture, in which a computer is dedicated to serving other client computers, or it may have other architectures such as a peer-to-peer, in which one or more computers serve simultaneously as servers and clients. A database or databases, coupled to the server computer(s), stores much of the web pages and content exchanged between the user computers. The server computer(s), including the database(s), may employ security measures to inhibit malicious attacks on the system, and to preserve integrity of the messages and data stored therein (e.g., firewall systems, message encryption and/or authentication (e.g., using transport layer security (TLS) or secure socket layers (SSL)), password protection schemes, encryption of stored data (e.g., using trusted computing hardware), and the like).
One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the concepts of the invention can be used in various environments other than location based or the Internet. In general, a display description may be in HTML, XML or WAP format, email format or any other format suitable for displaying information (including character/code-based formats, algorithm-based formats (e.g., vector generated), and bitmapped formats). Also, various communication channels, such as local area networks, wide area networks, or point-to-point dial-up connections, may be used instead of the Internet. The system may be conducted within a single computer environment, rather than a client/server environment. Also, the user computers may comprise any combination of hardware or software that interacts with the server computer, such as television-based systems and various other consumer products through which commercial or noncommercial transactions can be conducted. The various aspects of the invention described herein can be implemented in or for any e-mail environment.
Although not required, aspects of the invention are described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as routines executed by a general-purpose data processing device, e.g., a server computer, wireless device or personal computer. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that aspects of the invention can be practiced with other communications, data processing, or computer system configurations, including: Internet appliances, hand-held devices (including personal digital assistants (PDAs)), wearable computers, all manner of cellular or mobile phones (including Voice over IP (VoIP) phones), dumb terminals, media players, gaming devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, set-top boxes, network PCs, mini-computers, mainframe computers, and the like. Indeed, the terms “computer,” “server,” “host,” “host system,” and the like are generally used interchangeably herein, and refer to any of the above devices and systems, as well as any data processor. Input devices may include a touchpad, keyboard and/or a pointing device such as a mouse. Other input devices are possible such as a microphone, joystick, pen, game pad, scanner, digital camera, video camera, and the like. The data storage devices may include any type of computer-readable media that can store data accessible by a computer, such as magnetic hard and floppy disk drives, optical disk drives, magnetic cassettes, tape drives, flash memory cards, digital video disks (DVDs), Bernoulli cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc. Indeed, any medium for storing or transmitting computer-readable instructions and data may be employed, including a connection port to a network such as a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) or the Internet.
Aspects of the invention can be embodied in a special purpose computer or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions explained in detail herein. While aspects of the invention, such as certain functions, are described as being performed exclusively on a single device, the invention can also be practiced in distributed environments where functions or modules are shared among disparate processing devices, which are linked through a communications network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or the Internet. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.
Aspects of the invention may be stored or distributed on tangible computer-readable media, including magnetically or optically readable computer discs, hard-wired or preprogrammed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, biological memory, or other data storage media. The data storage devices may include any type of computer-readable media that can store data accessible by a computer, such as magnetic hard and floppy disk drives, optical disk drives, magnetic cassettes, tape drives, flash memory cards, DVDs, Bernoulli cartridges, RAM, ROMs, smart cards, etc. Indeed, any medium for storing or transmitting computer-readable instructions and data may be employed, including a connection port to a network such as a LAN, WAN, or the Internet. Alternatively, computer implemented instructions, data structures, screen displays, and other data under aspects of the invention may be distributed over the Internet or over other networks (including wireless networks), on a propagated signal on a propagation medium (e.g., an electromagnetic wave(s), a sound wave, etc.) over a period of time, or they may be provided on any analog or digital network (packet switched, circuit switched, or other scheme). The terms “memory” and “computer-readable storage medium” include any combination of temporary, persistent, and/or permanent storage, e.g., ROM, writable memory such as RAM, writable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, hard drives, solid state drives, removable media, and so forth, but do not include a propagating signal per se.
The above Detailed Description of examples and embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or sub-combinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed or implemented in parallel, or may be performed at different times.
References throughout the foregoing description to features, advantages, or similar language do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present technology should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the present technology may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present technology.
Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further implementations of the invention.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the invention. Some alternative implementations of the invention may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.
While the above description describes various embodiments of the invention and the best mode contemplated, regardless how detailed the above text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the present disclosure. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the various embodiments of the invention. Further, while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of the invention have been described above in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited, except as by the appended claims.
Although certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the applicant contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing this application to pursue such additional claim forms, in either this application or in a continuing application.
This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/556,104, filed Aug. 29, 2019, now pending, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/925,357, filed Oct. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,417,615, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/073,840, filed Oct. 31, 2014, now expired, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62073840 | Oct 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16556104 | Aug 2019 | US |
| Child | 17817296 | US | |
| Parent | 14925357 | Oct 2015 | US |
| Child | 16556104 | US |
