About Kiosks
Our definition of an interactive kiosk is a computer terminal that provides information or services, or makes transactions available to people in a public place. Most kiosks these days provide access to web-based services in a way that does not require supervision or training for the user. This is sometimes called unattended access.
Kiosks have been used successfully to give information; collect payment in exchange for goods and services - such as digital photo prints; dispense tickets at airports and stations, and to search large databases - such as injob-finding). The user interface is often simply a touch screen - although they may have a keyboard and pointing device -, and they sometimes have integrated peripheral components such as coin mechanisms, note acceptors, card readers and thermal printers enable kiosks to meet the owner’s specialised needs.
There are many factors to consider when designing an interactive kiosk, but the most important are:
Here’s a quick guide to the main types of touch screen currently available.
Resistive
Resistive technology incorporates two electrically conductive layers separated by air. When a finger or stylus presses the screen, it compresses the layers together and changes the electrical current, which the screen recognizes as a touch. Resistive touchscreens work well with fingertip input and support multi-touch applications. Their cost is relatively low when compared with other technologies but very cheap models will have a limited life.
Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW)
SAW technology uses ultrasonic waves that pass over the touchscreen panel. When the panel is touched, a portion of the wave is absorbed. This change in the ultrasonic waves registers the position of the touch event and sends this information to a controller for processing. SAW touch screens tend to be more expensive than resistive but are very durable. If they are well-looked after, they will stand heavy use for years. However, contaminants on the surface or around the edge of the screen can interfere with their functionality. This can be avoided by regular cleaning.
Capacitive
Capacitive touch relies on the human body's electrical properties. In a basic configuration, a capacitive screen is given a uniform electric field by electrodes placed around its edges, so that a finger touch draws current from each corner of the screen. The controller then measures the current flow from the corners to instantly calculate the finger’s location. This option is durable but has limited resolution. It is prone to false signals and needs calibration during manufacture. It is therefore most often used in simple applications such as industrial controls and informational kiosks.
Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT)
This version of capacitive technology permits more accurate and flexible operation, by etching a conductive layer. An XY array is formed either by etching a single layer to form a grid pattern of electrodes, or by etching two separate, perpendicular layers of conductive material. Applying voltage to the array creates a grid of capacitors. Bringing a finger or conductive stylus close to the surface of the sensor changes the local electrostatic field. The capacitance change at every individual point on the grid can be measured to accurately determine the touch location. The use of a grid permits a higher resolution than resistive technology. This makes multi-touch operation possible and it also allows operation without direct contact - so that the conducting layers can be coated with further protective insulating layers and operate under screen protectors or behind glass. PCT is used in a wide range of applications including POS systems, smartphones, as well as kiosks. Perhaps the most notable example of a consumer devices using PCT is the iPhone.
NeoProducts has experience with all these technologies, and can advise you on the most cost effective solution for your particular application and budget.
- - good kiosk and user interface design to encourage user adoption and brand recognition;
- - modular design to allow components to be replaced or added;
- - manufacturing volume, which drives the unit price more than anything else;
- - component specification to get the lowest possible cost of owning the kiosks;
- - good ergonomics so that the kiosk is comfortable and easy to use;
- - regulatory compliance so that the user is protected against harm and the owner against litigation.
Here’s a quick guide to the main types of touch screen currently available.
Resistive
Resistive technology incorporates two electrically conductive layers separated by air. When a finger or stylus presses the screen, it compresses the layers together and changes the electrical current, which the screen recognizes as a touch. Resistive touchscreens work well with fingertip input and support multi-touch applications. Their cost is relatively low when compared with other technologies but very cheap models will have a limited life.
Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW)
SAW technology uses ultrasonic waves that pass over the touchscreen panel. When the panel is touched, a portion of the wave is absorbed. This change in the ultrasonic waves registers the position of the touch event and sends this information to a controller for processing. SAW touch screens tend to be more expensive than resistive but are very durable. If they are well-looked after, they will stand heavy use for years. However, contaminants on the surface or around the edge of the screen can interfere with their functionality. This can be avoided by regular cleaning.
Capacitive
Capacitive touch relies on the human body's electrical properties. In a basic configuration, a capacitive screen is given a uniform electric field by electrodes placed around its edges, so that a finger touch draws current from each corner of the screen. The controller then measures the current flow from the corners to instantly calculate the finger’s location. This option is durable but has limited resolution. It is prone to false signals and needs calibration during manufacture. It is therefore most often used in simple applications such as industrial controls and informational kiosks.
Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT)
This version of capacitive technology permits more accurate and flexible operation, by etching a conductive layer. An XY array is formed either by etching a single layer to form a grid pattern of electrodes, or by etching two separate, perpendicular layers of conductive material. Applying voltage to the array creates a grid of capacitors. Bringing a finger or conductive stylus close to the surface of the sensor changes the local electrostatic field. The capacitance change at every individual point on the grid can be measured to accurately determine the touch location. The use of a grid permits a higher resolution than resistive technology. This makes multi-touch operation possible and it also allows operation without direct contact - so that the conducting layers can be coated with further protective insulating layers and operate under screen protectors or behind glass. PCT is used in a wide range of applications including POS systems, smartphones, as well as kiosks. Perhaps the most notable example of a consumer devices using PCT is the iPhone.
NeoProducts has experience with all these technologies, and can advise you on the most cost effective solution for your particular application and budget.
Products Group 2010