Advanced Kiosks News – Q4 2023

Attaching a camera to any publicly accessible digital device is guaranteed to raise privacy concerns. Can the device recognize who I am? Does it store my image in a secret government database? Are the feds at some point going to come knocking at my door because a self-service device recognized me and alerted the authorities?

Those are all questions users of Advanced Kiosks’ self-service solutions may have in the wake of the company’s introduction of its FaceLock feature to its Zamok kiosk management software. FaceLock uses facial detection technology to provide secure access to kiosk interactions.

In the realm of modern technology, facial detection and facial recognition are terms that are often used interchangeably. However, they refer to distinct processes with unique functions and applications. Understanding the difference between these two technologies is essential, particularly as they become increasingly prevalent in the public sphere.

Facial Detection: Identifying the presence of a face

Facial detection is the first step in any facial recognition system. It involves identifying the presence of a face in an image or video. The goal is not to recognize who the person is, but simply to determine that a face is present.

Facial detection algorithms work by analyzing images to find patterns that are characteristic of human faces. These patterns include features such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and the overall shape of the face.

When a user approaches one of Advanced Kiosks’ self-service solutions, they’ll see a prompt on the screen asking if they want to enable the FaceLock feature. If they approve, FaceLock is enabled and recognizes that someone is at the kiosk. If they step away from the device, the software will run a countdown and delete session data. If the user steps back into view before the timer expires, they can continue their interaction uninterrupted.

The main purpose of FaceLock is to help ensure a user’s transaction information isn’t accessible to others if they forget to log out once their business is concluded. No image is stored, and users can conduct transactions as normal even if they decline to enable FaceLock.

Facial Recognition: Identifying and verifying individuals

Facial recognition, on the other hand, is a completely different process. Depending on the application, facial recognition systems can analyze a face to identify demographic information such as gender, race, and approximate age. Advertising platforms can use that information to deliver content targeted to that demographic. In some cases, facial recognition can be used for things ranging from providing users with secure access to computers, verifying identities for building entry, or identifying suspects at checkpoints.

Unlike facial detection, the use of facial recognition is fraught with privacy and ethical concerns. In one controversial application, for example, the company that owns Radio City Music Hall in New York used facial recognition to identify lawyers working for a firm involved in litigation against the company and deny them access to Rockettes shows at the venue as well as concerts and sporting events at Madison Square Garden.

Again, facial detection applications such as FaceLock only identify the presence of a face, don’t store images, and don’t link it to an identity. Its sole purpose is to ensure that business conducted at an Advanced Kiosks solution remains safe and secure.

Want to learn more about how FaceLock works? Reach out to our Sales team to start your self-service journey today.

In an era where convenience and security are paramount, technology continues to evolve to meet these needs. When it comes to self-service kiosks, one of the standout innovations in this field is the FaceLock™ feature, part of a recent update of Advanced Kiosks' Zamok® kiosk management software suite. This feature represents a significant leap forward in how organizations manage access and security, offering a seamless blend of user-friendliness and stringent security measures.

Zamok is a comprehensive kiosk management software solution that enhances the functionality of interactive kiosks, providing tools for remote management, usage tracking, and a host of other features that make kiosks more efficient and easier to use.

FaceLock uses facial detection to continuously monitor the user's presence in front of the kiosk camera throughout their session.

When users initiate a workflow at a FaceLock-enabled kiosk, they will see a prompt asking if they want to use FaceLock to secure their session.

If the user agrees, FaceLock will actively monitor their face using the kiosk's camera. To indicate that FaceLock is active, a subtle message will be displayed at the bottom of the workflow, reassuring the user that their session is being secured by FaceLock.

Once FaceLock is activated, it remains active throughout the entire session. The only way to deactivate FaceLock is by pressing the Zamok browser logout button, which will end the session and restore the kiosk to its default state. This ensures that a user's session remains secure and private until they explicitly choose to log out.

One of the key features of FaceLock is its ability to detect when the user moves out of the camera's view. Using cameras with a wide-angle lens, FaceLock can instantly detect if the user has stepped away from the kiosk or is no longer visible. If this occurs, a warning message will appear on the screen and a sound will alert the user to return to the camera's range.

If the user doesn’t return to the camera's view within a specified time frame, the session will end. If they do return to the camera's view the warning message disappears, and the user can continue their session.

The potential applications of Zamok with FaceLock are vast. In healthcare, for example, it can secure access to medical records at patient check-in kiosks. In corporate environments, it can manage access to sensitive project information at collaborative kiosk stations. In public settings like airports or train stations, FaceLock can enhance the security of self-service ticketing kiosks.

Simplified implementation

To activate FaceLock, administrators can easily attach it to specific buttons or workflows within the Zamok template editor. By toggling a switch in the template editor configuration pane, FaceLock can be enabled for the desired workflow, providing a seamless integration with the kiosk's existing functionality.

By accessing the "FaceLock" settings card in the Zamok dashboard, administrators have the flexibility to customize the duration of the countdown timer before the session is terminated as well as adjust the sensitivity of the facial detection sensor. This allows organizations to tailor the FaceLock behavior to their specific security requirements and user preferences.

While implementing FaceLock on your kiosk, It is important to consider the kiosk's hardware and environment. Adequate lighting is essential for accurate facial detection, and the kiosk should be positioned in a way that captures the user's face clearly.

FaceLock is a powerful new security feature in Zamok kiosks that protects user sessions. By continuously monitoring the user's presence, FaceLock ensures that sessions remain secure and private.

CPARS RATING: Exceptional

Preface: All US Government contracts are reviewed by the Contracting Officer (CO) who represent the United States Government. CPARS is a Government-wide system used by federal agencies to report the performance of contractor work.

The past year has been an exciting one for Advanced Kiosks, with the company completing several projects for government entities. Advanced Kiosks’ performance has resulted in an Exceptional rating on its recent Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluation. The CPARS rating is used in part to document contractor performance on federal contracts.

The main project was Advanced Kiosks’ partnership with the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA).  The system, consisting of Advanced Kiosks’ Aegis Booth, allows members of Native American Tribes to securely talk by video conferencing to a Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA) representative and access federal benefits.

Recognition of excellence

Advanced Kiosks’ performance on the Fort Peck project has resulted in an Exceptional rating on its recent Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluation. The CPARS rating is used in part to document contractor performance on federal awards. According to the CPARS website that information includes “the contractor’s record of conforming to requirements and to standards of good workmanship; forecasting and controlling costs; adherence to schedules, including the administrative aspects of performance; reasonable and cooperative behavior and commitment to customer satisfaction; reporting into databases; integrity and business ethics; and business-like concern for the interest of the customer.”

Government agencies use a company’s CPARS rating when considering future contract awards. Here are a few comments about Advanced Kiosks that were included in the evaluation:

Quality: The contractor exceeded the contract requirements in terms of Quality. The Contractor consistently provided deliverables that are detailed, polished, and professional that included all the contract requirements. This is shown in the form of the kiosk booth, with the contractor using high quality materials for the booth-enclosure, integrating a high-quality design and technology throughout the booth. The quality of the kiosk application is also exceptional, with a clear, clean, and easy to use interface for a higher-level User Experience.

Schedule: The Contractor performed at a Very Good rating in terms of the Schedule. The Contractor met all deadline timeframes. The Contractor accomplished this by maintaining consistent communication with the Gov't.

Cost Control: The Contractor performed at the Very Good rating for Cost Control. The Contractor performed all requirements at the agreed upon costs and any modifications/upgrades that were identified and requested by the Govt were provided a quotation timely and modifications/upgrades were integrated timely and within agreed upon costs.

Management: The Contractor performed at the Exceptional rating for Management. The Contractor maintained consistent communication with the Govt. The Contractor provided regular updates and collaborated with the Govt on any issues.

Small Business Subcontracting: The Contractor performed at the Exceptional rating or Small Business. The Contractor provided a high quality and functioning kiosk to the Govt while at the same time being flexible with the Govt needs and objectives. This allowed for the Govt to receive dedicated 1-on-1 time and attention to the kiosk project that resulted in a high-quality product with the flexibility and attention of a small business.

“Our Exceptional rating reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team,” said Advanced Kiosks CEO Howard Horn. “We are deeply committed to delivering the highest level of quality, adhering to schedules, maintaining cost control, and managing projects with excellence. This achievement would not have been possible without the trust and collaboration of our valued clients and partners; specifically the BTFA and our friends at New Hampshire APEX Accelerator”  Horn said. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each one of you for your continued support and partnership.”

Advanced Kiosks is also an approved vendor to the ‘General Services Administration (GSA) Advantage!’ program. The GSA is an organization that provides products, services, and facilities to federal, state, and local Government agencies so that they may serve the public. Any GSA Advantage member gets a significant discount off Advanced Kiosks products to ensure that government organizations get the absolute lowest price for their project.

For additional information or to discuss your own self-service project, contact us today!

A renowned natural attraction in southern Arizona has integrated a sustainable and tech-savvy approach to enhance the visitor experience.

Replacing old diesel shuttles, the Pima, AZ Regional Partnering Center introduced the emission-free Sabino Canyon Crawler in 2019. To further streamline the visitor experience, Advanced Kiosks was hand-picked to deploy four modern ticketing kiosks, designed to withstand Arizona’s extreme climate.

These kiosks have since processed tickets for over 330,000 visitors, generating $3.8 million in sales.

Despite challenges, the initiative has been successful, capturing interest from other organizations aiming to replicate the model.

Click here to read the full case study.

Advanced Kiosks installed the first Aegis Booth as part of its contract with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and suffice it to say it was an adventure for all.

Advanced Kiosks won a contract with the DOI for a kiosk system that will allow members of Native American Tribes to securely talk by video conferencing to Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA) representatives and access federal
benefits. Getting qualified personnel to remote locations to work with Native American Tribes is very difficult in these rural areas. The BTFA contacted Advanced Kiosk for a highly customized assisted self-service system to simulate an in-person meeting.

The first Aegis Booth kiosk is located at the Fort Peck Indian Reservation near Poplar, Mont. The reservation is home to both the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. The nearest airports to Fort Peck are ones in Williston, N.D., 140 miles away, or Bozeman, Mont., about 400 miles away. Because the contract included installation, members of the Advanced Kiosk team traveled to Fort Peck in late July.

Advanced Kiosks Production Manager, Keith, installs Aegis Booth prototype at it's new home in Ft. Peck Indian Reservation, MT

Considering recent disruptions in air travel, Advanced Kiosks president Howard Horn left for Bozeman on Thursday, three days ahead of the planned setup date.

“The Fort Peck Reservation is not an easy place to get to even under ideal conditions,” Horn said. “Our main goal was to make sure we get there on time if there were any travel issues, and we did have issues,” he said. “There were plane delays and cancellations, rental car problems and hotels with no rooms. So, we flew into Bozeman where we knew we could get a rental car and brought our equipment and camping gear.”

When the team got to Montana, the question was: what were they going to do for three days? They decided to spend some time at Glacier National Park along the U.S.-Canada border. The park covers more than 1 million acres and includes parts of two mountain ranges.

Breathtaking views at Glacier National Park

Advanced Kiosks President Howard Horn in Montana, July 2022

As the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and unemployment remains low, businesses of all types are struggling to deliver more services with fewer staff.

Unemployment levels in mid-July 2022 stood at 3.6% for a fourth straight month, matching a near-50-year low that was reached before the pandemic began sweeping across the country in early 2020. At the same time, many of those who were put out of work due to pandemic-related shutdowns didn’t return to their jobs once the economy began to reopen. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, half of all small businesses have open positions they are unable to fill. The situation is similar for large organizations.

And as part of an effort to cope with staffing shortages, more and more companies are utilizing an electronic kiosk to deliver essential services to both customers and employees.

Streamlining services

They come in various shapes and sizes, but at their core, electronic kiosks are digital devices that allow users to perform tasks independently without the assistance of staff.

The most common form of those devices, of course, is the ATM. Thanks to ATMs, many of us haven’t been inside a bank branch in years. The digital devices allow us to withdraw cash from and make deposits to our accounts without teller assistance, with branch visits reserved for more complicated interactions such as opening new accounts or signing loan documents. In many cases, even those tasks can be performed at an ATM.

It's much the same with other businesses. Increasingly, companies are allowing their clients to perform tasks on their own time and at their own pace via a digital electronic kiosk.

Examples of how kiosks are being used in businesses include:

The remote office: Many businesses operate 24 hours a day, but employee services such as HR offices may only operate during weekdays. By using a self-service kiosk such as the Office Extension from Advanced Kiosks, employees can receive round-the-clock access to HR services, allowing them to request vacation time or schedule changes; fill out forms and submit applications; remotely scan documents and send them to any email; print forms, documents, or receipts on demand and much more.

When it comes to delivering services to customers, the Office Extension allows them to pay bills through third-party portals securely; place phone calls via an optional VOIP handset through a directory or slideshow of quick-dial buttons and remotely access other customer services.

And if the interaction is more complicated than what can be accomplished in a few minutes, the Office Extension Desk allows users to sit comfortably and spread out their documents.

Wayfinding and building directories: Advanced Kiosks’ wayfinding kiosks can provide visitors with turn-by-turn directions to their destination; notify guests of activity schedules, upcoming events or other information; communicate information about local businesses or attractions and much more.   When placed in the lobby of an office building or medical complex, directory kiosks act as a virtual receptionist in your lobby, with a click-to-call phone directory using VOIP technology.

Government services: In December 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order with the goal of streamlining government services to eliminate some of the bureaucracy around tasks such as renewing passports, applying for permits and paying taxes. Digital kiosks are a key part of that effort.

Electronic kiosks are also increasingly being used in courthouse modernization. Tasks such as checking in with a parole office, paying traffic fines, applying for a marriage license and more can be accomplished at a kiosk.

Applications abound

Although these are some of the most common uses of kiosks in business, they aren’t the only ones. Businesses that service clients who speak a language other than English, for example, may benefit from deploying Advanced Kiosks’ Interpretation Kiosk. If the client still requires occasional help from a customer service agent, there’s the Assisted Self Service Kiosk, a secure solution that provides a way for people to hold a confidential online conversation and transfer documents safely and securely. For businesses that frequently cope with lines of customers, there’s a dynamic queuing kiosk designed for check-in, processing and visitor data gathering. The kiosk checks in visitors and sets them up in a queue, with queuing status available on-screen or displayed elsewhere for high visibility. Visitors can also be notified via text message when their turn has come.

All sorts of services can be delivered via an electronic kiosk. Businesses benefit from labor savings and increased efficiency, while customers save time and receive an outstanding experience.

To see how your business can benefit from delivering services via kiosk, reach out to the experts at Advanced Kiosks.

Advanced Kiosks is partnering with the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs on a kiosk project that will allow members of Native American Tribes to securely talk by video conferencing to a Bureau of Trust Funds Administration (BTFA) representative and access federal benefits.

The first prototype will be located at the Fort Peck Indian Reservation near Fort Peck, Mont. The reservation is home to both Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. There are an estimated 10,000 enrolled tribal members, of whom approximately 6,000 reside on or near the reservation. With a total land area of 2.1 million acres, it is the ninth-largest Indian reservation in the United States.

Aegis Booth for Secure Assisted Self Service

Aegis Booth Smart Glass Demonstration

The Aegis Desk & Booth

• Secure & Private Document Scan, Print & Transfer
  Digitize forms easily and send or file them away securely with the tap of a button
• Secure & Private Video Conferencing Capability
  Offer comprehensive support to those who need it
• Bill Payment
  Securely execute or receive assistance with financial transactions
• Information Access
  Provide users access to helpful resources
• Accessibility Features
  Including high contrast interface and Storm Navpad functionality

MORE DETAILS

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 30% of the residents of the Fort Peck reservation lack health coverage. The area has traditionally suffered from high unemployment and high poverty rates, indicating the kiosk project is desperately needed.

“Several studies have made it clear that Native Americans are disproportionately underserved and economically vulnerable,” said Advanced Kiosks president Howard Horn. “These kiosks will be one step along the journey to eliminating those inequities.”

Advanced Kiosks’ contract is for one year with the option for several more. As part of the contract, Advanced Kiosks is designing, building and delivering the booth and desk hardware as well as developing the software.

Grant deadline extended

Separately, the deadline for federally recognized Indian tribes to apply for a Treasury Department grant for digital connectivity projects has been extended to Aug. 15, 2022.  The department defines digital connectivity technology projects as those involving the purchase or installation of devices and equipment such as laptops, tablets, desktop personal computers, and public Wi-Fi equipment to facilitate broadband internet access for communities where affordability is a barrier to broadband adoption and use. Tribes can receive $167,000 from this grant.

Advanced Kiosks has created a website to assist Tribes in applying for the grant. Click here for more information.

On a regular basis, Advanced Kiosks helps implement self-service technology for customers of all kinds. When Houston vision care provider Devlyn Optical contacted us about their project, we tested their software on one of our kiosks at our Concord, N.H., facility to make sure that this would work out of the box.  As soon as we tried it we were all impressed and we are sure you will be too.

A Community in Need

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in America. The Houston metro area is home to more than 6.5 million people of a variety of ethnicities and income levels. Great disparities exist amongst its inhabitants, particularly when it comes to the availability of affordable health and vision care services for the city’s large Hispanic population. Residents often don’t get the care they need.

This is an issue of great importance to Jesse Devlyn, owner of Devlyn Optical. According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, there is evidence to show that between 25% and 40% of people with significant eye pathology will be affected by depression. In addition, a 2021 study appearing in the medical journal JAMA Ophthalmology indicates that correcting vision problems in school children leads to higher test scores and better academic performance.

Devlyn partnered with Advanced Kiosks for a custom kiosk project that may change the way people think about the way prescription eyeglass services and eye health checkups are delivered.

Their unique solution offers both eye health checkups and virtual eyewear style fittings in the same self-service kiosk system. While providing a one-stop-shop for eye care service was a motivating factor behind this project, Jesse Devlyn says the main driving force was a desire to make cheap and convenient healthcare more accessible for the underserved Hispanic population in the Houston area. Devlyn frequently sees a lack of these types of services for those who need them most and hopes this kiosk will inspire new ways to improve the lives of people in the Houston area and beyond.

Eye-Catching Eye Care

Devlyn Optical provided custom artwork for a branded vinyl wrap on their Merchant Max kiosk eye care station, creating a visually stunning kiosk. The large, portrait-style touchscreen and the LED light panel built into the top of the kiosk are bright and attractive, guaranteed to catch the eyes of passersby. The kiosk is placed in a high-traffic location in a popular Hispanic grocery store, catering specifically to that community.

The interactive software offers users the ability to try on different frame styles virtually, using a high-definition webcam and face-tracking software to show what the frames would look like on the user’s face. This technology spares the user from having to make an appointment with an eye doctor just to pick out a new style of eyeglass frames.

Even more impressive is the ability of the kiosk to conduct remote eye health screenings. Completed virtually on the kiosk machine via custom software, the system requires only a webcam installed above the monitor to function.

For the underserved populations in the greater Houston area, these eye health services offered by the Devlyn Optical kiosk help to bridge the health service gap between economic and societal classes. The kiosk is a prime example of how self-service technology can be used to benefit communities in need and should help to inspire more healthcare organizations to follow suit.

For more details on the technology behind the eye health software, reach out directly to Devlyn Optical at 1-800-778-2145. For information about self-service technology or interactive kiosks, visit our website or call 1-603-865-1000. 

Self-service kiosks are a great way to allow users to handle quick tasks on their own, such as paying bills, ordering food, checking in at a health care facility or looking up information in a product catalog or building directory. They’re short transactions that self-service kiosks accomplish in thousands of stores, restaurants, and other venues every day. Organizations of all types have been adopting kiosks to provide a better customer experience via self-service.  

But while such tasks are easily accomplished while the user is standing, kiosks are increasingly being used in situations where the interaction is more complicated and takes much more time. For tasks such as filling out job applications, notarizing documents, help with lengthy court, tax or insurance document submissions, video conferencing with a case manager, telehealth sessions, applying for an apartment or communicating with HR, it’s unreasonable to expect people to stand for the entire process. In addition, occasions arise where users will need to scan and submit a variety of paperwork, and they’ll likely need space to spread out and organize forms.

In those cases, a desk and a chair will be required.

Not standing room only

Standards are difficult to quantify, but retail consumers tend to believe that 5 to 10 minutes is the maximum amount of time that they are prepared to stand in a line. It’s a good bet that kiosk users have similar feelings. If a kiosk interaction requires the user to stand for more than 5 or 10 minutes, it’s common courtesy to deploy a solution that incorporates a chair for the user to sit.

Those who may need to be seated when conducting business via kiosk include:

• People filing court papers such as restraining orders, petition for an appointment, or motion
• Citizens working with government agencies to apply for benefits such as Social Security, health insurance, public housing, and more
• Applying for a building permit at the local city hall
• Disaster victims working with FEMA to secure aid
• Banking customers interacting with a remote loan officer or customer service personnel
• Employees filling out new hire paperwork with the company’s HR department 

The answer to these issues is the A.S.K. (Assisted Self-Service Kiosk) 3.0 solution from Advanced Kiosks.

A.S.K. 3.0 leverages the Aegis Desk, Office Extension 2.0, and cutting-edge videoconferencing equipment including webcams, 4K monitors, and directional soundbars to recreate a person-to-person experience with technology. The transfer of data and documents is secure and easy.

This self-service station affords users comfort as well as the tools to get more done. The desk is tamper-proof, with all switches, wires, and ports under lock and key.

For more on how A.S.K. 3.0 can help your organization better serve your customers, reach out to the experts at Advanced Kiosks.