USRE47273E1 - Gold and precious metal buying machine method - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine or method buys gold or precious metal items. A housing with a vault is linked to a central office for tracking buy/no-buy sales events and uploading current exchange rate data. The item is placed on a platform leading to processing stations which weigh, image, assay and convey the item to the vault (buy) or return-route (no-buy). User display commands and offers-to-buy, capture user images, scan identity and biometric data and permit user-keyed input. A computer processor calculates a discounted market value based upon exchange rate, weight, assayed purity and discounts. A compiler stores seller's data including seller responses, images and scanner data and buy/no-buy data. An acceptance module initiates a credit event and delivers the item to the vault. A rejection module negates acceptance upon user command or if an error in gold purity, weight, discounted market value or size.

Description

This is a regular patent application based upon and claiming the priority of provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/618,540, flied Mar 30, 2012, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference thereto.

The present invention relates to a gold buying and method and a precious metal buying machine and method.

Consumers and customers oftentimes have gold bearing items such as jewelry, fanciful dinner plates, coins and other items, as well as other types of items made of precious metals (silver and platinum). Some of these customers may wish to sell these items in a secure manner with some confidence that the price is based upon an exchange rate market price for the gold or the precious metal. The present invention solves this problem.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,844,547 to Amos discloses a kiosk permitting consumers to buy and sell gold. The kiosk has a receiving slot for gold bullion and gold coin. Gold and jewelry placed in the kiosk can be assayed with electrical and thermal conductivity, MRI or X-rays. However, Amos does not give further details of how the assay process is done on the gold and jewelry.

Published PCI Patent Application, WO 2011022424 to Kerschner discloses a system for managing gold bullion transactions at a consumer-operated kiosk by paying a transaction price when receiving authenticated gold bullion or when gold bullion is sold to a customer.

Published Japanese Patent JP 2002109428 discloses a gold exchange that exchanges gold of predefined weight for currency, and connecting the gold buying machine to a central office to determine the market price of gold at the time of settlement.

Published Japanese Patent JP 59108167 discloses unattended ATM machine with access chamber for gold bullion.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,271 to Turk et al, discloses asset-based electronic cash system for financial transactions whose total value is equal to the stored amount of valuable commodity.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,752,108 to Pratt et al. discloses asset-backed purchasing module to debit the consumer account by selling quantity of asset backing purchase account balance to house account.

Other U.S. patent and patent application references that may be relevant are: U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,085 to Rossides entitled Answer Collection and Retrieval System Governed by a Pay-Off Meter; U.S. Pat. No. 8,015,089 to Baya'a et al. entitled System and Method for Providing a Pre-Paid Commodity-Based Credit Account; U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2011/0071668 to Lin et al. entitled Vending Machine Monitoring System and Its Monitoring Method; U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2011/0060655 to Novak et al. entitled Currency Market Utilizing Precious Metals and Gemstones; U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2010/0223127 to Bettez et al. entitled Method and Apparatus for Managing Shipping and Advertisement Information in a Communications environment; Korean Published Patent Appln. KR 20090093231; Korean Published Patent Appln. KR 20090093225; Published PCT Patent Application, WO 2011078765 entitled Interactive Kiosk; Published PCT Patent Application, WO 2011011942 entitled Automatic Gold Bar Vending Machine; and Published PCT Patent Application, WO 2004001562 entitled Systems and Methods for Storage of User Information and for Verifying User Identity.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a gold buying machine capable of buying a number of gold bearing items and a similar machine for buying items containing other precious metals. A method is also presented herein.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gold buying machine which presents the price or offer to buy prior to the consumer accepting the offer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a gold buying machine and a method and a precious metal buying machine and method wherein the offer to buy presented to the consumer is based upon the exchange rate market price less a transaction or discount fee. The transaction fee accounts for size, weight and volume errors, the presence of jewels, as well as fraud, theft and other system costs.

It is another object of time present invention to provide a gold buying machine and as precious buying machine which reduces fraud by capturing user supplied data based upon questions presented to the user at the seller interface module. The seller's interface module includes a display screen, keypad, fingerprint reader, multiple cameras, credit card and driver license readers, and audio announcer systems. Voice print recorder may also be used.

The system is also programmable to capture customer data based upon local ordinances governing pawn shop operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The machine and the method for buying gold-bearing items (or other items made of precious metal) from consumers includes a secure housing with an internal vault. The machine is coupled via a telecommunications link to at central office which tracks the purchase of gold-bearing items at the machine and tracks related transactions (attempts to sell gold items at the machine) and provides updates relative to the exchange rate market price data for gold. The housing includes a portal leading inboard to a processing platform which holds the gold or precious metal bearing item. A plurality of processing stations are disposed in the interior of the housing. A lock-out door closes the portal during item processing.

The plurality of processing stations include: a weigh station to weigh the gold-bearing or precious metal-bearing item, an imaging station for capturing images of the item, an assaying station for testing a purity of gold in the item, and a conveyor or routing transport system for delivering a purchased item to the vault. The weigh station, imaging station and assaying station respectively generate representative signals for weight, item images and assaying data. A plurality of seller interface modules are disposed on the exterior of the housing including a display, an imaging system to capture one or more images of the seller, at least one scanner for obtaining seller's identity and biometric data, a keypad input interface and a bank card reader adapted to read the seller's bank card. The seller's bank card is linked to the seller's account which, if the sale is consummated, is credited after the gold-bearing item is deposited in the vault.

A control computer processor electronically obtains the respective weight, item images and assaying signals from the processing stations. The processor is mounted in the secure housing. The control processor includes: a communicator for facilitating communication with the central office to obtain current exchange rate data for the gold; as calculation module for determining a discounted market value for the gold-bearing item based upon the exchange rate data, and the weight signals, a purity based upon the assaying data, and the discount factors; and an interface for activating the user's display. The display shows instructions to the user regarding acceptance and rejection of the offer to buy, and the offer to buy the item at the determined or calculated market value (discounted from the calculated exchange rate value).

A compiler operative with the processor stores seller's data obtained from the seller interface modules including seller responsive data (responsive to the displayed offer to buy), seller images and scanner data for seller's identity and biometric data. The compiler also stores transactional data. An acceptance module initiates a credit event for the seller's account based upon the seller's confirmation of sale. The conveyor or router delivers the purchased item to the vault in the secure housing. If the user does not sell the item (rejects the offer to buy), a rejection module negates the acceptance module. A rejection also is initiated when an error signal is detected. An error module generates an error signal based upon one or more of: a gold purity fault, a weight fault, a discounted market value fault, and an item size fault. The rejection module facilitates the return of the item to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects and advantages of the present invention can be found in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and in the illustrated drawings of the preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates the gold buying and precious metal buying machine with operational modules;

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates other functional modules in the gold buying and precious metal buying machine;

FIG. 3 diagrammatically illustrates stations which process the item subject to the purchase;

FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates a different configuration for the stations wherein the item is stationary.

FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates time based processing of the item subject to the potential purchase;

FIGS. 6A-D diagrammatically illustrate several operational flowchart; and

FIG. 7 diagrammatically illustrates the computerized network which is tied to the gold and precious metal buying machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a gold buying and precious metal buying machine and a computerized system for tracking the sales and updating buying parameters in a plurality of remote buying machines. Although reference is made herein to a “gold buying machine” or “GBM” the machine, system and process can be employed with other previous metals. Therefore, the reference to a “gold buying machine” or GBM is not limited to gold items but the GBM also operates on precious metal items.

The general features and functions of the GBM machine are as follows. (1) Customer places gold-bearing item (“gold”) into a Gold Buying Machine (“GBM”), a solid, secure machine like an ATM or automatic teller machine; (2) Gold is dropped or shuttled to a “Weigh+Exam” plate or bowl; (3) At the W-E station or stations, the gold is weighed and a x-ray image or images are obtained of the gold piece. Prior to the x-ray analysis, the piece is grabbed or gripped, and then a jeweler's file is used to make a small cut on the surface of the piece. The x-ray gun and x-ray processing system uses the small file slot to detect the percent % gold of the piece under study; (4) The x-ray is used to assay the gold. A computer algorithm (i) obtains current local price per weight (14K standard) (Internet access); (ii) the computer system or processor in GBM calculates the price of the gold accounting for % gold per unit weight; (iii) the GBM computer discounts “offer to buy gold” to account for transaction costs, fraud, commissions, etc.; (iv) GBM machine displays the discounted “offer to buy” gold and customer accepts/declines offer. If a BUY, GBM machine dispenses cash or initiates a credit event (issues credits) on a customer's debit card or credit card. GBM then places the gold piece or item in a secure vault in the interior of the GBM. If NO BUY, then GBM returns item to customer; (5) The GBM has the following data processing items: (i) obtain customer fingerprint, photo and scan customer id, such as a driver's license; (ii) obtain customer profile data (requires data input from customer); (iii) customer completes local law “gold purchase” log sheet (Q: is gold stolen?; are you a felon?, etc); (iv) large gold items rejected (returned) to customer as “too big”; (v) thick gold items rejected (returned to customer) due to “fraud by weight” tricks.

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a goldbuying machine GBM51 which can also be configured as a precious metal buying machine.Housing50 is designed to be secure and difficult to break into.Vault52 is disposed in an interior location withinhousing50.Housing50 includes an opening or portal54 into which a consumer or user places anitem55 subject to a potential purchase.Portal54 has alockout door56 which closes and thereby securesitem55 within the machine for processing. The door closes before any processing function.

Machine50 includes a plurality of seller interface modules. Examples of these modules includesdisplay screen58, acamera60 which captures an image or images of the seller (multiple cameras may be used), an audio announcer orspeaker62, an identity (Id.)card scanner64, akeypad66 which permits the user to input items and afingerprint reader68.Keypad66 may be a discrete unit or may be part of a touch screen display as part ofdisplay screen58.Scanner64 is configured to scan various seller identity cards (driver's license) as well as a seller's bank card. Reference to a “bank card” includes a credit card, debit card or any other financial card issued by a financial institution. From an operational standpoint, a seller's account associated with a bank card will be credited at the time of sale of the item byGBM buying machine51.

The seller interface module may also include a separate credit card orbank card reader70, acash dispenser72 and a printedmaterial dispenser74. All these items are explained later in their operational setting. Theprimer74,display58,camera60 and user input (66 or touch screen58) are important parts of the seller interface module group.

Once gold or preciousmetal bearing item55 is placed on a processing platform withinhousing50, in one embodiment, theitem55 is transported to a variety of processing stations,stations1,2,3 and4. Reference is made herein to “gold bearing item” but this reference also covers other precious metal items. If the consumer does not accept the offer to buy,item55 is returned as noted by the return path of the dash dot dash double lines. If the seller agrees and confirms the sale, theitem55 is delivered to vault52 within buyingmachine51.

In order to provide up to date data regarding exchange rate market prices and in order to track transactions, buyingmachine51 has a telecommunications link withcentral office18,20 (described in the summary in connection withFIG. 7 that follows).Central office18,20 is coupled totelecommunications system10 andother GBM machines14a and16a. Further, thetelecommunications system10 is coupled to a gold exchange data center which generates exchange rate market price data for the system. Of course, rather than having a gold buying machine, the machine may be expanded to include other precious metals.

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates certain hardware and electronic modules utilized by buyingmachine51.

Main computer processor80 is disposed insidehousing50. Various signals from camera-A, identified ascamera82, as well as the output signals from camera-B are fed to signalconditioner84. In order to assay the item and determine the amount of gold and other precious metal, anX-ray imaging system86 is utilized. The output fromX-ray system86 is fed to signalconditioner84. In order to convert and obtain the market value of the item under study, the item is weighed as noted by weigh scale or weighingdevice87. The output fromweight scale87 is applied to signalconditioner84. By usingX-ray imaging system86, the item under study is first gripped and then a small slot or groove is filed in the item. A jewelers file90 is deployed on the grip andfile module92.Grip elements94 initially grip the item and file90 is then moved across and over the item. Thereafter, X-ray sub-module86 takes an X-ray picture and generates assay data signals which are applied to signalconditioner84. The grip andfile unit92 is controlled by anactuator signal generator96.Generator96 controls the grip action and the file action. Robotics modules are employed in this manner. With respect tomain processor80, the processor obtains many of the inputs from the seller interface module89 modules 98.Processor80 interacts with module89 modules 98. As explained earlier, this module89 includes these modules 98 includedisplay58,keypad66,ID scanner64,fingerprint reader68,camera60,audio speaker62,printer74,bank card reader70 and potentiallycash dispenser72. The inputs and control of the seller interface module89 is modules 98 are established bymain processor80.

Outputs fromsignal conditioner84 are fed through various functional modules. The functional modules may be software, hardware or a combination.X-ray processor110 obtains the X-ray signal fromconditioner84 and determines the percentage gold by a known method.Value calculator112 accepts as an input the percentage gold factor (potential a carat signal), as well as the weight signal fromweigh station87. Further,value calculator112 obtains an update for the exchange rate market price for the gold piece or precious metal piece. As explained later, this is generated from the central office.Image processor114 obtainsgold bearing item55 images PIX from camera CAM-A and CAM-B as well as seller interface camera60 (FIG. 1). These images are processed. Particularly anedge detection routine116 processes the image of theitem55. The edge detection is used in robotics control (grip and file92) and item volume calculations. Inmodule118, an estimate volume is computed based upon item images. The width, height and depth of the item is studied, detected and processed to obtain an estimated volume value. Other image processing techniques may be used to detect width, height and depth, as well as the volume ofitem55. The cameras may be visual, IR or uv. The x-ray image may be used for volume calculation and robotic control. If the item is too small, an error signal byprocessor80 is generated as noted byerror module120. If theitem55 is too large either by weight, height, width or depth, an error signal is generated. These error signals are stored in thedatabase 133 along with the seller information. This is part of the anti-fraud prevention of the present invention (especially for weight fraud). Other image processing techniques may be employed such as a color filters in order to locate the edges and determine depth or identify jewels. Further, a number of cameras may be employed rather than one or two as shown in the drawings in order to obtain a complete picture of the item subject to the sell. In a customer dispute, these images are useful for dispute resolution.

Processor80 includes a grip positioning and anactuator control112 113 as well as afile control114. The output fromgrip actuator control112 113 andfile control114 is applied toactuator signal generator96 and ultimately the commands to grip the item and file the item are applied to grip andfile module92. The commands initiate from the processor.

Once the item under study has a small slot file on it, an X-ray image is taken and this data is ultimately applied tovalue calculator112. The value calculator is a determining device for determining the discounted market value for the gold bearing item based upon the exchange rate data, the weight signal obtained by weighing the item, and the purity based on the assaying data frommodule110 and further discount factors. These further discount factors include transaction fees, fraud related discounts and other items discussed later herein. For example, the presence of non gold elements (jewels) on a gold plated bearing item increases the discount fee. Additional image processing may be employed by main processor including the use of color detection and color filters and imaging algorithms known to persons of ordinary skills in the art.

As an example of fraud, if the estimated volume, coupled with a gold weight per volume factor (multiple factors for 14K, 12K etc.) reveals a result which is significantly different (beyond a differential threshold) than the actual weight of the item, that is an indication of fraud by the consumer. For example, lead is heavier than gold and this error is detected by the GBM. In such a situation, theerror routine120 is activated and the item is returned to the user. Otherwise for a buy cycle,discount unit125 applies the discount to the true or actual exchange rate market price ofitem55. This discount may be permanently stored in buyingmachine51 or may be supplied periodically bycentral office18,20. There may be a table of discount factors accounting for size, weight, purity, number of jewels, etc. or a discount matrix (weight vs. category (size, type of item (see list)) vs. assayed purity) may be used.Module126 displays the fully discounted offer to buy to the customer. Typically, this display occurs ondisplay screen58. If the customer confirms the purchase viakeypad66 or other mechanism, the system affects a credit to be issued to the seller's account linked to the seller's bank card.Module128 recognizes that there is an incremental credit applied to the credit account of the user or the seller. In some situations,GBM51 may pay out cash fromcash dispenser72.Module129 recognizes that aprint receipt130 documents the transaction for the customer. With respect to the display discount value, display incremented credit account, and print, those data functions are all applied byprocessor80 to seller interface modules98 described earlier in connection withFIG. 1.

However, prior to presenting an offer to buy, the seller must input significant information about himself or herself intoGBM51.Compiler unit132 gathers all the seller's profile data, fromID scanner64,fingerprint reader68,keypad66 and others. The data is stored in a compilerdata base database 133 or memory unit. Further, the buyingmachine51 may display questions ondisplay screen58 which are compelled by the federal or local government. For example, questions regarding: “Is this a stolen item? Are you a convicted felon? Has this item been previously sold to a pawn shop?” are all potential government required questions. The seller's responses are collected via a keypad or other mechanism and ultimately are stored incompiler132.

FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows one methodology for operationally processing theitem55 subject to the transaction. Oncedoor56 is opened (door56 is normally closed), the user can place the item subject to the potential sale onto aprocessing platform135. Thisprocessing platform135 may move through a defined track withinhousing50.Station1 is a weigh station.Station2 identifies the item subject to the purchase.Station3 is an assay station where the gold value or other precious metal value is determined.Station4 is a routing station wherein either the item is placed invault52 or the item is returned by return item path to the portal54 andlockout door56. Generally during processing,lockout door56 is closed. Once the item is returned,door56 is open and the user can withdraw the item from the machine.Step5 is a cleaning station such that gold dust or other material caused by creating the small slot initem55 is removed from the processing platform35.

FIG. 4 shows a different configuration for the processing stations. Other processing methods, different thanFIGS. 3 and 4, may be used. InFIG. 4,processing platform135 is nearlockout door56. InFIG. 4, the working modules are mounted above a plate ofprocessing platform135 on anelevated operating platform156. Typically, grip andfile unit92 is disposed well abovelockout door56 by withdrawing articulatingars138. Above the operating theater ofprocessing platform135 is a plurality of items includingitem cameras82a,82b and82c. Further, twoX-ray imaging systems86a,86b are utilized. In order to clean theprocessing platform135, clean air blowers orfans140 are disposed above onplatform track156. In order to deliver the item to the vault,platform135 rotates downward as shown byarrow141. This is caused byactuator arm142 being drawn intoactuator body144.Processing platform135 rotates as shown byarrow141 aboutpivot point146. Anyitem55 on the platform will be dropped into the interior ofvault52 while thevault door147 is open. The elevatedoperating platform track156 may be stationary or may rotate to better position the functional modules nearitem55 onplatform135.

FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates the process and the stations spaced apart in time rather than physically spaced apart.Station1 at time t-1 notes thatprocessing platform135 retains the item55 (not shown) and weighmodule160 is weighing thegoods55. Theweigh platform163 forweigh module160 is raised to weighprocessing platform135 and carryingitem55 by up and down movement161 ofweigh module160. Atstation2 at time t-2, images of theitem55 are taken bycameras82a,82b. At that point, the plunger onweigh platform163 forweigh unit160 has been retracted below the plane established bybase167a.

Atstation3 and time t-3, the imaging cameras are used to guide thegrip unit92 to a position close to the item (not shown) such that grip arms orfingers94 can grip the item. Atstation3, time t-4, a jewelers file90 is utilized to file a small slot in the jewelry piece of the study.File90 moves back and forth as shown by arrow139.

AAt station3 at time t-5, an X-ray image byX-ray camera86 is taken. The image is taken of the slot created by the jewelers file in order to determine the quality of gold in the item (carat value). The slot enables the jeweler and theX-ray gun86 to penetrate the surface in order to determine how deep the gold is and hence how valuable the item is. Also, the filing operation identities gold plated items.

Atstation4, time t-6, the assay step has been completed and the user has confirmed the sale to the system operator ofGBM51. The system operator is the party operating the buyingmachine51. In one embodiment, alower support wall165 is moved as shown byarrow167 leaving aspace169 open. A pin orrod166 is raised above thesupport platform base167a thereby lifting one end ofoperating processing platform135.

Atstation4, time t-7,processing platform135 has been fully extended to a near vertical position due to the upward movement ofpush rod166. Space170 169 has been opened in the base platform to permit the item under study (the assayed piece) to fall down into a routing system created byroute lever arm172. As shown inFIG. 5, route door orarm172 causes any item passing through opening space170 169 to fall intovault52. In another mode of operation, whereinroute door172 moves to the dashedposition171, the item under study is transported viareturn chute175 to the customer.Vault52 has a door which is opened upon extension ofrod166 and closed upon delivery ofitem55 in the vault space. Imaging cameras may confirm delivery of the item into the vault.

FIG. 6A diagrammatically illustrates functional operational blocks for the general operation of the present gold and precious metal buying machine and method. The flowchart consists ofFIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. The program elements are linked together by jump points1-1,1-2 and1-3 in the various figures.

Instep180, the program initializes and theportal door56 opens. Instep182, a photograph or image of the customer depositing the item understudy55 into the portal54 is taken. In this manner, anti-fraud provisions are developed by the program, machine and method. Instep184, the customer puts the piece under study in the gold buying machine (GBM machine) that is, gold and preciousmetal buying machine51. A customer input183 is noted as thecustomer deposits item55 into the operating platform throughportal54. Instep186, the system obtains an image or photo of the item. This is used in order to avoid fraud and to further document exactly what is placed in the machine for assaying. The image is stored with the customer profile ID data. Step188 displays to the customer the contract for the GBM testing. As noted earlier, the piece under study is slightly altered in order to determine the gold or precious metal content. The customer should agree to the GBM contract before such activity. Step190 accepts customer input181 189 wherein the customers accepts or rejects the contract. If rejected,step191 returns the piece to the customer by openinglockout door56. Earlier, immediately afterstep184, thelockout door56 would be closed thereby securing the piece withinmachine50 51. If, instep190, the customer accepts the contract, theacceptance path201 is followed and, instep206, the machine closeslockout door56. As described earlier, this could be an alternative to closing the lockout door afterstep184. Instep208, the machine takes another image of the piece under study. Step210 involves obtaining the weight of the item under study. Step212 is a test to determine whether the piece under study falls within weight limits. These minimum and maximum weight limits are discussed later. If the piece under study is not within the minimum and maximum thresholds or predetermined limits,rejection REJ step213 is engaged and the piece is returned to the customer. If the piece under study falls within the minimum and maximum weight limits,acceptance ACC path211 is followed. Instep214, the machine grips the item with assistance of the image.

With a high quality image and, more importantly, multiple images of the item under study taken by several cameras in the machine, computer program software and hardware can detect the edges of the image and the shape of the image. A computation of shape and size and volume can be made. The volume may be estimated since the discount rate accounts for volume errors. With the computation of shape and size, a mechanical arm can be directed to grab the piece or grab several segments of the piece under study in order to secure the piece for the filing operation.

FIG. 6A is joined toFIG. 6B at jump point1-2 1-1. Instep216, the machine and method uses a small jewelers file to file a 1-3 mm. slot or groove of the piece under study. Step218 x-rays the piece. Step220 processes the x-ray data and determines the percentage of gold or other precious metal of the piece under study. This is an assaying step. Step222 withdraws the grip which retains the piece during filing operation. Of course, the grip may be withdrawn prior tox-ray step218 andassay220. Instep224, another image or multiple images of the piece are obtained. In this manner, the customer and the system operator has pre-assay pictures and post-assay pictures of the piece strider study. Instep226, the computer program can estimate the volume of the piece by determining, through edge detection and image processing, the width, height and depth (W, H, D) of the item. Instep228, the system calculates the minimum and maximum volumes for the item and the percentage of gold with the x-ray assay data. The percentage of gold can be estimated at 14K, 18K and 12K dependant dependent upon the assay data. Instep230, the estimated weight given the estimate estimated volume multiplied by the predetermined gold percentages percentage is checked against the actual weight. If the actual weight of the piece varies considerably beyond the 12K, 14K and 18K estimated volume-weight, the system rejects the item instep231. If the actual weight of the item falls within the estimated thresholds, the acceptance path leads to step232. Instep232, the system calculates the actual gold amount from the x-ray based upon the assayed percentage of gold and the actual weight. Also, the machine and method accepts information regarding the current market price of the gold byinput229.FIG. 7 shows the market data update system.

FIG. 6B is coupled toFIG. 6C by jump point1-2. Instep236, the system discounts from the calculated value of the piece a certain percentage for transaction cost, fraud and other market conditions and operating system or transaction fee costs. As an example, the system may discount the actual price of the precious metal item under study by 15%. The 15% represents profit to the system operator, a set aside reserve for fraud and other transactional costs. A volume error factor may be an additional discount. Step238 detects the number and size of stones in the image. This is done by obtaining one or more photographs, conducting edge analysis and light reflection analysis and also determining stones by common shapes such as round, oval, marquis, and other image processing techniques. Instep240, the percent of stone image is determined as a ratio of the volume of the piece under study which volume is estimated fromstep226. Instep242, the system applies an additional discount to the value of the piece under study due to the presence of stones or jewels. Instep244, an offer to buy is presented to the customer. The offer to buy should be commensurate with similar offers in the local jewelry and pawn business.

When the offer to buy is presented to the customer instep244, the customer engages and applies an input into themachine51 and the method instep246 requires that the customer either accept or reject the item. If the item is rejected, the piece under study is delivered back toportal54, thelockout door56 is opened and the customer is permitted to removepiece55 from the machine. If the customer accepts the offer to buy, instep248 certain information is obtained from the customer. This information includes identity information, further images and photographs of the customer, credit card information, a fingerprint of the customer and potential an audio voice print of the customer. Therefore,scanner64 may be used for a driver license scan.Fingerprint reader68 captures the fingerprint of the user. Themachine50 51 may also include a microphone to capture a voice print.Camera60 captures several images of the customer. Therefore, steps250,252,254 and256 gather all this customer data. The customer data is put in a customer profile which documents all offers and all attempted sales by prospective customers (a fraud detection function). Jump point1-3 inFIG. 6C leads toFIG. 6D.

InFIG. 6D,step260 checks the customer against a potential list of felons. This may involve a communication with the central office as discussed earlier in connection withFIG. 1. This background check instep260 is optional. Step262 determines, either by the system operator at the central office or based upon information stored inmachine50 51, whether the transaction is acceptable. If not, the NO step is taken atpath263 and, optionally, the police are called instep265 and the item is rejected. A police call instep265 may be reasonable if the item under study matches data associated with stolen piece database. If the system accepts the background check fromstep262, the system executesstep264 which requires the customer to input information regarding how the customer is to be paid. The customer has several options. He or she may be paid by a credit applied to a credit card or a debit card. The credit card or debit card is read bycredit card reader70. Alternatively,machine50 51 may have acash dispenser72 which dispenses cash. In any event, step266 prints out a receipt for the customer byprinter74. Instep268, the item under study is placed in vault as noted byvault route269. Step271 locks the vault for secure storage. Step270 cleans the operating tray platform (tray) such that any gold dust from previous operations is no longer affecting the weight of newly submitted items. InFIG. 5,station4 at time t-8,fan140 is operated which blows the gold dust fromoperation platform135. Other techniques and methods forcleaning tray135 may be utilized. For all other rejected modes as noted instep275, the tray is cleaned. Instep272, the system is reset. Instep274, an update is provided to the central office regarding the completed transaction. Further, customer profile data may be uploaded to the central location.

The GBM can be configured to process gold, silver, and platinum. Therefore, all references herein to gold are equally applicable to other precious metal. The following table lists examples of items to be tested and potentially purchased at the GBM. Some weight and volume and size limits apply.

	Bracelets
	Necklaces
	Rings
	Pendants
	coins
	Brooches
	cuff links
	Earrings
	Bullion
	Gold Bars
	Eating Plates
	Knives
	Forks
	Spoons
	Pins (large ornamental jeweled pins)
	Money clip
	body Jewelry (piercing) studs, rings
	Dental teeth
	gold, silver, or platinum

Currently, item size limits are 3 inches maximum, ⅙ inches minimum; minimal size limits: ¼ inch length, ¼ inch height, ¼ inch depth; maximum size limits: 3 inches, 12 inches in length, 6 inches in height; and weight limits are 1 g. to 1-2 kg.

Since stones weigh less, they do not greatly effect the value of the piece. If the stones are less than 20% of the volume (estimated by the photo images), then an additional discount of 5% is not unreasonable. If stones are more than 20% of the volume, the piece may be rejected by the system. The fraud typically arises with a weight that is greater than the computed estimated weight based upon gold % and an estimated volume.

Gold buying parameters include: the current (daily posted, weekly average or monthly average) price of gold, the discount rate for the gold buying system and the transaction fee for particular gold buying machine.

Throughout the description of the present method and system, abbreviations are sometimes utilized describing certain features. The following Abbreviations Table lists these items.

ABBREVIATIONS TABLE

w, h, d	width, height, weight
acc	accepted, such as a customer accepts an offer to buy
admin	administrator
ASP	application service provider - server on a network
API	application program interface
ad	advertisement
bd	board
calc	calculate
cam	camera, maybe a common camera or an x-ray camera
cat	category
CD-RW	compact disk drive with read/write feature for CD disk
ck	check or confirm
comm.	communications, typically telecommunications
CPU	central processing unit
cmd	command
cnt	content
cr cd	credit card or debit card
db	data basedatabase
disp	display or code
disp'r	dispenser, such as a unit to dispense or return the item
doc	document
dr	drive, e.g., computer hard drive
descrpt	description
dy	day
equip	equipment
empl'r	employer
empl'ee	employee
ent	entertainment (while the GBM operates, entertainment may
	be displayed to the customer
err	error
est	estimate
freq	frequency
fnc	function, as in system function
geo	geographic location or code
gen	general
gov'nt	government, as in government regulations
hist	historic as in historic session records
id	identity card
I/O	input/output
IP	Internet Protocol such as IP address
iner	increase or increment
K	karat as in a Karat of gold
kypd	keypad, maybe mechanical or virtual, touch screen keys
loc	location
max	maximum
mem	memory
mess	message as in SMS or text message
mgr	manager
min	minimum
mth	month
obj	object, for example, a data object
opt	optional step or module
pgm	program
P/W	password
Pg	web page
pix	picture, usually digital picture or image
pmt	payment
pmpt	prompt, as in prompt a user to input data
pp impress	per page impression or view
pm n	print
prnt	printer or to print
Q	quantity
quest	question
rcd	database record or record profile
re	regarding or relating to
read	a reader, such as a credit card reader
reg'd	registered as in reg'd user
rej	reject
rel	relevancy or relevant
reqt	request
rev	review
rpt	Report
sch.	search
sched	schedule
sel	select or selector
si	sillets interface modules
sig cond	signal conditioner
st	station
sys	system
sys oper	system operator
sess.	session
t	time
tele-com	telecommunications system or network
TS	time, date stamp
txt	text
URL	Uniform Resource Locator, x pointer, or other network
	locator
vid	video
vol	volume
wk	week
wt	weight

FIG.1A 7 diagrammatically illustrates the global telecommunications system orInternet10 which enables communication and data transport between a plurality of relatively independentGBM computer systems12,14,16,17 14a, 16a,18 and20.Communications System10 may include cellular or wireless comm channels to the gold buying machines. A As indicated earlier, each gold buying machine includes a computer system, therefore, systems14,16 14a, 16a in FIG.1A 7 depict the computer system sin systems in the gold buying machines.Computer system12 includesmonitor22, input device orkeypad24, input device ormouse26, andprocessor unit28.Processor unit28 includes a central processing unit orCPU30,memory32 and an input/output or I/O device34. It should be appreciated thatmemory32 represents many types of data storage including hard drives, volatile and non-volatile memory, and removable drives. Also, I/O34 represents a plurality of input/output devices which are utilized to couple items which are peripheral to processingunit28. I/O34 is connected toInternet10. Computer17 is a laptop computer which can easily be disconnected fromInternet10.Computer18 is an administrative computer which assists in the overall control and operation of the system by the Sys Op and the method described herein.

In a preferred embodiment, the system and method are deployed onInternet10 viacomputer system server20. The telecom system may be wired, wireless or a combination of both.Server20 includesCPU36,memory38 and I/O40, and is coupled toInternet10.

In a different embodiment of the present invention, the system or processing system or method may be partially or entirely carried out with the use of atelephone communications center42. The telephone communications center typically includes one or a plurality ofcomputers44 and one ormore telephones46. Human operators may answer telephone inquiries from a customer at a gold buying machine. Also, the Tele Comm may be fraud detection system which in real time can stop the gold buying transaction.

For example, once the customer's id is scanned by the gold buying machine, if the id matches a “wanted criminal” in a database (as posted by the police authority), then the Tele Comm center may cancel a gold buying transaction in the middle of the transaction. Also, the Tele Comm Center may notify police of the incident.

The input of information can be facilitated by a person at telephonecommunication communications center42. For example,computer44 could display questions which the operator could audibly present viatelephone46 to a caller. The operator would input intocomputer44 the caller's answers andsystem44communications center 42 could generate appropriate responses to complete data entry forms for the system.

The information obtained bycomputer12 is generally stored inserver20. Thereafter, the information is processed byserver20 and the output information representing processed data is delivered viaInternet10 orTele Comm Sys10, and ultimately tocomputer12,14,16 14a, 16a. FIG.1B 7 shows that data input by a customer is sent to theserver20 which returns further web page data A4. The web page may be informational to the buyer at the gold buying machine.

Although the system and method is described generally for use in conjunction withTele Comm Sys10, the system and method could be utilized by a single computer, such as laptop operated by a Sys Op or a jewelry store or pawn shop owner. Laptop17 The laptop could be utilized with a CD-ROM storing a major portion of the data bases databases necessary to carry out the principles of the present invention. Further, the information processing system could be deployed over a local area network or a wide area network or utilized exclusively in-house by a single company with subsidiaries bidding for a gold buy.

Discussion of Hardware and Software Implementation Options

The present invention could be produced in hardware or software, or in a combination of hardware and software, and these implementations would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The system, or method, according to the inventive principles as disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments, may be produced in a single computer system having separate elements or means for performing the individual functions or steps described or claimed or one or more elements or means combining the performance of any of the functions or steps disclosed or claimed, or may be arranged in a distributed computer system, interconnected by any suitable means as a local area network (LAN) or widely distributed network (WAN) over a telecommunications system (such as the Internet) as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

According to the inventive principles as disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments, the invention and the inventive principles are not limited to any particular kind of computer system but may be used with any general purpose computer, as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, arranged to perform the functions described and the method steps described herein. The operations of such a computer, as described above, may be according to a computer program contained on a medium for use in the operation or control of the computer, as would be known to person of ordinary skill in the art. The computer medium which may be used to hold or contain the computer program product, may be a fixture of the computer such as an embedded memory or may be on a transportable medium such as a disk, as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The invention is not limited to any particular computer program or logic or language, or instruction but may be practiced with any such suitable program, logic or language, or instructions as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Without limiting the principles of the disclosed invention any such computing system can include, inter alia, at least a computer readable medium allowing a computer to read data, instructions, messages or message packets, and other computer readable information from the computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include non-volatile memory, such as ROM, flash memory, floppy disk, disk drive memory, CD-ROM or other optical memory storage devices, and other permanent storage. Additionally, a computer readable medium may include, for example, volatile storage such as RAM, buffers, cache memory, and network circuits.

Furthermore, the computer readable medium may include computer readable information in a transitory state medium such as a network link and/or a network interface, including a wired network or a wireless network, that allow a computer to read such computer readable information.

The claims appended hereto are meant to cover modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A machine for buying gold-bearing items from consumers, the machine coupled to a central office via a telecommunications system for tracking the purchase of gold-bearing items and related transactions by the machine and providing updates relative to the exchange rate market price data for gold to the machine, comprising:

a secure;

a vault within the housing;

a portal in said housing leading inboard to a processing platform and a plurality of processing stations in the interior of said housing, said processing platform adapted to retain said gold-bearing item as deposited through said portal;

said plurality of processing stations including: a weigh station to weigh said gold-bearing item, an imaging station for capturing images of the item, an assaying station for testing a purity of gold in said item, and a conveyor means for delivering a purchased item to said vault, said weigh station, imaging station and assaying station respectively generating representative signals for weight, item images and assaying data;

a plurality of seller interface modules on and about an exterior of said housing including a display, an imaging system to capture one or more images of said seller, at least one scanner for obtaining seller's identity or biometric data, a keypad input interface and a bank card reader adapted to read a seller's bank card linked to a seller's account to be credited for the sale of said gold-bearing item;

a control processor electronically obtaining respective weight, item images and assaying signals from said processing stations and being disposed within said secure housing, said control processor:

an input output module to said central processor and further coupled, via said telecommunications system, to said central office to obtain exchange rate data for said gold from said central office and outputting said exchange rate data to said central processor;

a calculator module as part of said central processor determining a discounted market value for said gold-bearing item based upon said exchange rate data, said weight signals, said assaying data, and discount factors;

a compiler as part of said central processor, coupled to said display to compile and present instructions regarding acceptance and rejection, and an offer to buy the item at the discounted market value;

said compiler obtaining and storing seller's data from said seller interface modules including seller responsive data from said instructions and including seller images and scanner data for seller's identity and biometric data, said compiler also storing transactional data;

an acceptance module as part of said central processor adapted to initiate a credit for the seller's account based upon a seller's confirmation of sale from said seller interface module;

said conveyor coupled to said acceptance module, delivering the purchased item to said vault upon confirmation of sale;

a rejection module adapted to negate said acceptance module upon either a seller's request from said seller interface modules or a detected error signal; and,

an error module, as part of said central processor, for generating the error signal based upon one or more of: a gold purity fault, a weight fault, a discounted market value fault, and an item size fault;

said compiler storing said error signal with said seller data.

2. A machine for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 1 wherein said input output module includes a transaction module to effect the credit to the seller's account based upon said seller's confirmation and the delivery of the gold-bearing item to the vault via said acceptance module and to monitor seller's data, confirmation, a seller's request to reject the transaction and error signals.

3. A machine for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 2 wherein said compiler presenting a buy-sell contract to said seller and operational instructions for said machine via said display; and wherein

the seller responsive data being stored via said compiler.

4. A machine for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 3 wherein said error module includes:

an estimating module that estimates a volume of said item based upon said images of the item;

a distinguishing module that distinguishes non-metallic elements of said item from gold elements and estimates a differential volume therebetween; and

a volume error module that generates a volume error based upon the differential volume and a predetermined volume threshold, said volume error being an item size fault.

5. A machine for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 3 wherein said error module includes:

an error calculator computing an estimated weight based upon a gold purity value from said assay signals;

a comparison module comparing the estimated weight and the weight signals from said weigh station and generating the gold purity fault when a differential between the estimated weight and the weight signals is beyond a predetermined weight-purity threshold.

6. A machine for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 3 wherein said discount factors include factors related to transaction fees, fraud-related factors and the presence of non-gold elements in said gold-bearing item;

said calculator determining the discounted market value of the item includes:

an estimating module that estimates a volume of said item based upon said images of the item;

a distinguishing module that distinguishes non-metallic elements of said item from gold elements and estimates a differential volume therebetween;

a first discount factor module for changing a discount factor of non-gold elements based upon the differential volume and a predetermined volume threshold;

an error calculator computing an estimated weight based upon a gold purity value from said assay signals;

a comparison module comparing the estimated weight and the weight signals from said weigh station; and

a second discount factor module for changing a discount factor for fraud when a differential between the estimated weight and the weight signals is beyond a predetermined weight-purity threshold.

7. A machine for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 3 wherein said plurality of seller interface modules include a scanner for a seller's government issued identification and a fingerprint scanner, the identification scanner capturing for a seller's identifiable image and the fingerprint scanner capturing finger biometric data, said finger biometric data and seller's identifiable image being said seller's identity and biometric data which is stored via said compiler.

8. A machine for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 3 including a lock-out door operative to close said portal and a door actuator, said door actuator closing said door when said control processor and said complier via said display presents said instructions, and said door actuator opening said door under the control of said rejection module.

9. A machine for buying items containing gold, silver or platinum from consumers, the machine coupled to a central office via a telecommunications system for tracking the purchase of precious metal-bearing items and related transactions by the machine and providing updates relative to the exchange rate market price data for precious metal to the machine, comprising:

a secure housing;

a vault within the housing;

a portal in said housing leading inboard to a processing platform and a plurality of processing stations in the interior of said housing, said processing platform adapted to retain said item as deposited through said portal;

said plurality of processing stations including: a weigh station to weigh said item, an imaging station for capturing images of the item, an assaying station for testing a purity of precious metal in said item, and a conveyor for delivering a purchased item to said vault, said weigh station, imaging station and assaying station respectively generating representative signals for weight, item images and assaying data;

a plurality of seller interface modules on and about an exterior of said housing including a display, an imaging system to capture one or more images of said seller, at least one scanner for obtaining seller's identity or biometric data, a keypad input interface and a bank card reader adapted to read a seller's bank card linked to a seller's account to be credited for the sale of said gold-bearing item;

a control processor electronically obtaining respective weight, item images and assaying signals from said processing stations and being disposed within said secure housing, said control processor;

means for communicating with said central office to obtain exchange rate data for said precious metal from said central office and outputting said exchange rate data to said control processor;

means for determining a discounted market value for said precious metal-bearing item based upon said exchange rate data, said weight signals, a purity based upon said assaying data, and discount factors;

a calculator module as part of said control processor determining a discounted market value for said precious metal-bearing item based upon said exchange rate data, said weigh signal, said assaying data, and discount factor;

a compiler as part of said control processor, coupled to said display to compile and present instructions to the seller regarding acceptance and rejection, and an offer to buy the item at the discounted market value;

said compiler obtaining and storing seller's data from said seller interface modules including seller responsive data from said instructions and including, seller images and scanner data for seller's identity and biometric data, said compiler also storing transactional data;

said compiler via said display presenting information related to the purchase of the item and government-related inquiries regarding the transaction to said seller, and said compiler thereafter capturing seller responsive government-related inquiry data in said compiler;

an acceptance module as part of said control processor adapted to initiate a credit for the seller's account based upon a seller's confirmation of sale from said seller interface modules; and said conveyor, coupled to said acceptance module, delivering the purchased item to said vault upon confirmation of sale;

a rejection module adapted to negate said acceptance module upon either a seller's request or a detected error signal; and,

an error module for generating the error signal based upon one or more of: a precious metal purity fault, a weight fault, a discounted market value fault, and an item size fault; and

said compiler storing said error signal with said seller data.

10. A machine for buying items as claimed inclaim 9 wherein said means for communicating with said central office includes a transaction module to effect the credit to the seller's account based upon said seller's confirmation and the delivery of the item to the vault via said acceptance module and to monitor seller's data, confirmation, a seller's request to reject the transaction and error signals; and

wherein said complier presenting a buy-sell contract to said seller and operational instructions for said machine via said display; and wherein

the seller responsive data being stored via said compiler;

the machine including a lock-out door operative to close said portal and a door actuator, said door actuator closing said door when said control processor and said complier via said display presents said instructions, and said door actuator opening said door under the control of said rejection module.

11. A machine for buying items as claimed inclaim 10 wherein said discount factors include factors related to transaction fees, fraud-related factors and the presence of non-precious metal elements in said item;

said calculator determining the discounted market value of the item includes;

an estimating module that estimates a volume of said item based upon said images of the item;

a distinguishing module that distinguishes non-metallic elements of said item from precious metal elements and estimates a differential volume therebetween;

a first discount factor module for changing a discount factor of non-precious metal elements based upon the differential volume and a predetermined volume threshold;

an error calculator computing an estimated weight based upon a precious metal purity value from said assay signals;

a comparison module comparing the estimated weight and the weight signals from said weigh station; and

a second discount factor module for changing a discount factor for fraud when a differential between the estimated weight and the weight signals is beyond a predetermined weight-purity threshold.

12. A method for buying gold-bearing items from consumers comprising:

providing a secure housing, a vault disposed in the housing, said housing having a portal adapted to be closed, said portal leading inboard to a plurality of processing stations in the interior of said housing;

providing an assaying tool in said housing;

in said secure housing while said portal is closed: weighing said gold-bearing item, capturing images of the item, and testing a purity of gold with said assaying tool;

at an exterior location near said housing: capturing one or more images of said seller, scanning and obtaining seller's identity or biometric data and obtaining a seller's bank card data, which bank card is linked to a seller's account to be credited for the sale of said gold-bearing item;

obtaining updates relative to an exchange rate market price data for gold;

electronically obtaining the weight and assay data about said item;

with a computer processing system:

determining a discounted market value for said gold-bearing item based upon said exchange rate data, weight of the item, a purity based upon said assaying data, and discount factors;

electronically presenting instructions regarding acceptance and rejection to a seller of said item, and presenting an offer to buy the item at the determined market value;

electronically presenting information related to the purchase of the item and government-related inquires regarding the transaction to said seller;

storing images of said seller, said seller's identity and biometric data and bank card data, the seller's responses to the government-related inquiries and also storing transactional data, all as seller data;

obtaining a confirmation or sale from said seller and thereafter effecting the deposit of the item into said vault;

obtaining a rejection from said seller and thereafter effecting the return of the item to the seller; and

negating any acceptance of the item due to an error based upon one or more of: a gold purity fault, a weight fault, a discounted market value fault, and an item size fault; and

storing an indication of an error with said seller data.

13. A method for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 12 including opening the portal while returning the item to the seller.

14. A method for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 13 including rejecting the item and returning the time to the seller if: the item weighs too much, or if the volume of the item is either too large or too small, or if the non-metallic elements of the item compared to the gold-bearing elements of the item are too large, or if a gold purity fault is determined based upon a differential between an estimated gold purity weight and the item's weight exceeds a threshold wherein the estimated gold purity weight is based upon an estimated volume of the item calculated by the volume of item as per the item's images.

15. A method for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 14 including discounting the market value of the gold-bearing item due to fraud and transaction fees.

16. A method for buying gold-bearing items as claimed inclaim 14 initiating a credit payment to said seller's account upon confirmation of said sale of said item.

17. A method for buying items a precious metal-bearing item containing gold, silver or platinum items from consumers a seller comprising:

providing a secure housing, a vault disposed in the housing, said housing having a portal adapted to be closed, said portal leading inboard to a plurality of processing stations in the interior of said housing;

providing an assaying tool for precious metal in said housing;

in said secure housing while said portal is closed: weighing said precious metal-bearing item, capturing images an image of the item, and testing a purity of precious metal with said assaying tool to obtain assay data;

at an exterior location near said housing: capturing one or more images of said seller, scanning and obtaining seller's identity data or seller's biometric data, and obtaining a seller's bank card data, which bank card is linked to a seller's account to be credited for the sale of said precious metal-bearing item;

obtaining updates relative to an exchange rate market price data for precious metal;

electronically obtaining the weight data and assay data about for said item;

with a computer processing system:

determining a discounted market value for said precious metal-bearing item based upon said exchange rate data, weight of the item data, a purity based upon said assaying assay data, and a discount factors factor;

electronically presenting instructions regarding acceptance and rejection to a the seller of said item, and presenting an offer to buy the item at the determined discounted market value;

electronically presenting information related to the purchase of offer to buy the item and government-related inquires regarding the transaction offer to buy to said seller;

storing said one or more images of said seller, said seller's identity and data or biometric data, and the bank card data,;

theobtaining and storing seller's responses to the government-related inquiries and also storing transactional data;

obtaining a confirmation of sale from said seller and thereafter effecting the a deposit of the item into said vault,;

alternative to the confirmation, obtaining a rejection from said seller and thereafter effecting thea return of the itemtoitem to the seller; and

negating any acceptance of the item the confirmation of sale due to an error based upon one or more of a precious metal purity fault, a weight fault, a discounted market value fault, and an item size fault; and

storing an indication of an the error with said seller data.

18. A method for buying items as claimed inclaim 17 including opening the portal while returning the item to the seller.

19. A method for buying items as claimed inclaim 18 including rejecting the item and returning the time to the seller if: the item weighs too much, or if the volume of the item is either too large or too small, or if the non-metallic elements of the item compared to the precious metal-bearing elements of the item are too large, or if a precious metal purity fault is determined based upon a differential between an estimated gold purity weight and the item's weight exceeds a threshold wherein the estimated precious metal purity weight is based upon an estimated volume of the item calculated by the volume of item as per the item's images.

20. A method for buying items as claimed inclaim 19 including discounting the market value of the precious metal-bearing item due to fraud and transaction fees.

Images