Kiosk Office Suite

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 is proud to be at the forefront of many of those changes. And to share what’s taking place at the company and the new offerings we’ve introduced, we’ve launched a quarterly newsletter.

Here’s a sample of what’s been happening at our New Hampshire headquarters and beyond:

New software

Advanced Kiosks recently released Zamok Kiosk Office Suite 3.0, a groundbreaking update to its popular self-service office management system. This update is in conjunction with a major update of Zamok 3.0, Advanced Kiosks’ proprietary kiosk management software.

Key features of Zamok Kiosk Office Suite 3.0 that have been updated and added include new translation capabilities, new and improved secure file upload, human detection technology and much more.

Expanded deployments

Validating the value of those new features is a project that’s taking place in Prince William County, Va. In an effort led by Circuit Court Clerk Jacqueline Smith and funded by Virginia Technology grants, the Circuit Court of Prince William County has rolled out 11 of Advanced Kiosks’ Zamok Kiosk Office Suite 3.0 kiosks to increase public access to services.

The kiosks are located in several locations throughout the county (no longer just the courthouse) to accommodate the busy lifestyles of residents who are unable to visit the courthouse during restrictive office hours. Here’s our case study on this project.

New hardware

For those who need self-service solutions in places where deploying a traditional kiosk might be difficult or impossible, Advanced Kiosks has introduced a new No-Power Kiosk, a tablet kiosk that does not require 110 power. Instead, it draws electricity via an ethernet cable that serves as an all-in-one power source and internet connection. The No-Power Kiosk is offered in both a wall-mounted or counter-based version, making it ideal for uses where space is tight and access to an electrical source is limited.

Because the No-Power Kiosk doesn’t require a power outlet, it opens the door to new possibilities for customer engagement or information dissemination. It can be easily moved around and placed in unconventional or remote locations such as temporary events, trade shows, conferences, or pop-up installations.

Value-added services

And to help ensure each self-service project is a success, Advanced Kiosks provides an onboarding service, an essential offering that gets customers up and running quickly and helps deliver maximum results. The onboarding service includes everything needed to get your solution deployed. An onboarding specialist continually monitors the production timeline and schedules regular check-ins to keep your project running smoothly.

These are just a few of the exciting things happening here at Advanced Kiosks, so be sure and check out the newsletter page to see what else is happening. If you’d like to learn more about what we do and read a few or our success stories, visit our Resources page.

Keep an eye out for the next edition of the newsletter, slated to come out in December. If you’re interested in exploring self-service solutions for your operation, contact one of our experts.

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 d