Computers Today, October 16-31, 1998 Tech Trends

Touchscreen kiosks are appearing all over the country. However, they are still a thing of curiosity, rather than tool for information dissemination.

What do Citibank, National Rail Museum and Priya Cinema Hall in New Delhi have in common? Touch-sensitive information kiosks. The self-standing systems are no longer a rare sight in India. In fact, one of the major recommendations of the National IT Task Force is to set up 'One-Stop' kiosks to realise "IT for all by 2008".

The Touchscreen is possibly the fastest growing alternative computer interface. These screens let you touch your way to the information--just identify the icon, place your finger on it and the window pops open. The touch sensitive membrane affixed on a computer monitor replaces the function of the mouse enabling the user to access any hotspot as defined in the software.

Multimedia kiosks generally cost around Rs 2-4 lakh and require about 3-4 months for development. The time duration includes software development, hardware and kiosk fabrication. The client plays a very critical role at all stages--his inputs include structure and content of information, and design format of the kiosk. This ensures that the kiosks conform to the corporate image and market profile.

Touch-based kiosks offer many advantages over traditional computer applications--they are user friendly, simple to use, easy to install and resistant to water and dirt. Using a touchscreen doesn't require any technical or programming skills. All you need is a finger, pen, credit card, etc., depending on the form of touch technology. Touchscreens can take the form of corporate multimedia brochures in exhibitions, seminars, etc., obviating the need for sales people to verbally repeat data or demonstrate the product, again and again! Potential clients can access information on their own, at their own pace.

India's first edutainment kiosk 'Info Fun' was launched at National Rail Museum, New Delhi two years ago. Developed by Noida-based Netcomm Labs, it has three modules: 'A Journey into the Past' that displays the history of railways; 'Today's Locomotives' that describes the signals and communications processes used by the railways; and an entertaining quiz section. Two touchscreen kiosks--'Azadi Ki Kahani' and 'Colours of My India'--were installed on 'Golden Jubilee Exhibition Trains' to commemorate India's 50 years of Independence. The multimedia packages provided glimpses of the freedom struggle--national heroes, important events, places, etc. Netcomm Labs has also developed the 'All about Movies' touchscreen kiosks, installed at the Priya Cinema Hall in Delhi.

Public sector companies like Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and New India Assurance Co. Ltd are also exploiting touch technology. While SAIL uses touchscreen kiosks only at exhibitions, New India has touchscreens installed in its key regional offices. Developed by Delhi-based Nucleus Software Exports Ltd, the kiosks display different insurance policies, premium details, eligibility and terms, etc. According to company officials, the 'TV-look alike' gadgets are generating a lot of interest.

The Mumbai-based Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd is setting up a trading and settlement network for investors via touchscreen kiosks. It has ordered for 10 kiosks from Siemens Nixdorf of Germany, which would be hooked up electronically to different banks. By mid 1999, IT-savvy investors would be able to buy or sell shares from public places like railway stations, banks, etc.

Citibank credit card holders too can avail of the touchscreen facility. Kiosks located in their ATM centers and branches enable credit card or account holders to check their balance, payment or any other transaction details.

Despite all the curiosity, the market response to touchscreen kiosks in India has so far been lukewarm. The high cost of producing such kiosks is the biggest hindrance. Organisations are also hesitant to sink money in this technology owing to worries of pilferage or possible mishandling, and information distortion. Another obstacle is the scope of touchscreen technology that finds its utility only when backed with an innovative software application which can cater to a large target audience. They are only suitable for simple data, and are not ideal for traditional PC work. Finally, there is the techno-phobia of the common man. Even though a touchscreen system is sans keyboard or any other device and requires simple manoeuvering, people prefer to call or meet a person to get information. If this is the case of the savvy metro citizen, how is the recommendation of the IT task force expected to work in the second-tier towns? According to a Task Force member, "it's only a matter of time". Curiosity might lure the semi-illiterate people the first time, but the idea will surely catch on as people realise the novel concept behind it, he adds.

In the coming years, touchscreens are expected to be an integral part of VR-based applications. The basic kiosks will give way to Internet kiosks providing different services under one umbrella. Another possibility in the offing is 'Point of Transaction' touchscreen kiosks that would enable business transactions like transfer of funds. According to Rohtas Saigal of Nucleus Software, "The real thrust will come once the kiosks facilitate transaction and two-way communication via touch-sensitive simulated keyboards." However, till then, there is a khazana of information--right at our fingertips!

The Wind behind the Wings

Typically, touchscreen systems have three key components: analog sensor (that recognises the finger touch of the user and sends information to the computer); a controller card (that converts incoming analog data from the sensors to digital information and calculates the X and Y coordinates of the touch point); and a driver software that makes the digital information available to the associated multimedia software applications.

The touchscreen monitor comprises a hard-coated, chemically-resistant, polyester topsheet that is overlaid 1/10,000 of an inch away from a thin sheet of glass coated with a transparent conductive surface. Voltage is applied to the topsheet and as the user touches the screen, the topsheet compresses into contact with the glass sensor, and voltage flows to each of the four corners in proportion to the distance of from the edge. Based on the current flow, the controller calculates the position of the finger and does the corresponding function.

Touch technologies can be differentiated according to toughness, accuracy, environment, specialised application, etc. The most popular technologies are Capacitive, Resistive, Surface Acoustic Wave and Infra-red Technology. The Capacitive Technology is the most sensitive technology in the industry today. The Resisitve Technology, which can be activated by any stylus, is the most versatile technology. The Surface Acoustic Wave technology activation depends on sound pressure. The Infra-red technology uses invisible beams of infra-red light that criss-cross the front of the monitor to calculate where a finger was pressed.

It's Touch and Go Everywhere

Touchscreen kiosks are a common sight abroad. At restaurants, hospitals or airport lounges. Major departmental stores have installed kiosks outside their premises or on windows. These kiosks attract walk-by traffic, inform visitors about the products and services offered, as well as collect marketing data for the company. Hospitals too are replacing conventional systems in emergency rooms and operating theatres with touchscreen systems. The world's leading financial centres like Wall Street and London Stock Exchange also use touchscreen systems. In Australia, some restaurants take orders via unmanned multimedia kiosks. Recently, the country's most successful retailer, Coles Myer, announced his company's plans to install 4,000 touch-enabled display screens integrated with point-of-sale terminals in 550 supermarkets. Similarly, in the US, Golden Screens America is rolling out 40,000 touchscreen Internet terminals countrywide that would support E-mail, browsing and online banking and would be available at airports, rest stops, etc.