Low-cost apparatus and method for distributed remote collection of electronic devices for value

A method for imaging and collecting a handheld-device comprising:

• placing the handheld-device inside a first container of an imaging and collection booth by inserting the handheld-device through an opening in a side of the first container, wherein the first container comprises a top panel arranged to enable an interaction control device comprising a processor and a camera to be removably positioned above the top panel to enable the camera to acquire a clear view of an inside of the first container, wherein the inside is an area enclosed by a plurality of side panels, the top panel and a bottom panel of the first container, and one or more mirrors are arranged facing the inside of the first container, such that an image captured by the camera through the top panel captures reflections, in the one or more mirrors, of the handheld-device placed within said first container, wherein the top panel of the first container is also the handheld-device imaging and collection booth's top external surface on top of which a portable electronic device is arranged;
• capturing an image from a camera facing inside of the first container from a top of the first container, wherein the captured image includes a view of the handheld-device within the first container and views of one or more sides of the handheld-device reflected in the one or more mirrors;
• transmitting, by the processor of the interaction control device, the image to a remote serve r or a remote operator;
• receiving by the processor of the interaction control device, in response to analysis of the condition of the hand-held device performed by the remote server or the remote operator on the transmitted image, purchase offer information for the handheld device;
• and
• transferring the handheld-device from the first container to an adjacent second container for storage.

A distributed system of kiosks for collecting handheld devices, comprising:

• a central server;
• a plurality of kiosks, wherein each kiosk includes a first container and a second container attached to each other,
• wherein the first container comprises:
• a top panel arranged to enable an interaction control device comprising a processor and a camera to be removably positioned above the top panel to enable the camera to acquire a clear view of an inside of the first container, wherein the inside is an area enclosed by a plurality of side panels, the top panel and a bottom panel of the first container, wherein the top panel of the first container is also the each kiosk's top surface on top of which the interaction control device is arranged;
• and
• one or more mirrors arranged facing the inside of the first container, such that an image captured by the camera through the top panel captures reflections, in the one or more mirrors, of a handheld-device placed within said first container, and wherein the processor of the interaction control device transmits the image to a remote server or remote operator,
• wherein the processor of the interaction control device receives, in response to analysis of the condition of the hand-held device performed on the transmitted image by the remote server or the remote operator, purchase offer information for the handheld-device;
• wherein the second container comprises a collection chamber configured to store the handheld-device;
• and
• a plurality of interaction control devices, each interaction control device configured to capture and image of an inside of a first container and transmit the image to the central server.