 As the name suggests, in TouchScreen systems interaction between user and device is realized by touching the screen. This principle makes it possible to say “good-bye” to conventional means of data input, such as keyboard and mouse, which, in turn, allows such systems to be employed in public places, as well as facilitates system operation for unskilled persons.
Public use sensor terminals have long and successfully been used around the world, demand for those sweepingly growing at that. In 1996 there were sold around 21,000 of such terminals in USA, by year 2003, according to expert forecast, this amount will increase to reach 450,000 pcs. This forecast is not the most optimistic one at that. Sensor terminals gain popularity from year to year and find new application areas.
In Great Britain, TownPagesNet.com company has initiated organization of a net including 3,450 interactive booths with sensor screens that will provide access to some authorized web-junctions, as well as to news, sports and reference resources. Booths will be installed at entertainment centers, supermarkets and railway terminals.
British Telecommunications installs multimedia terminals in Great Britain which will soon replace conventional pay phones. Customer receives possibility to work in Internet, make use of electronic mail, look for information. There have already been installed 600 such terminals in big stores, transport terminals and airports, their use during the first several months being free of charge at that.
In post offices of Germany there are installed sensor terminals allowing postal orders to be received. Their use ensures round-the-clock order delivery.
In USA in March 2001 one of the five leading Chicago banks - Bank One installed the first 6 booths at Chicago bank branches. By year-end booths appeared at over 100 bank branches in Chicago and at about 400 branches in the country. Booths are connected to Internet and enable bank customers to use on-line bank services through the site www.bankone.com.
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Vandal-resistant TouchScreen