Troy Larson

"The Radiant Outdoor Ticketing Kiosk enables cinema operators to provide an innovative and cost-effective way to offer convenient, fast ticketing to patrons before they enter the theatre lobby," says Troy Larson, kiosk product manager at Radiant Systems, an Atlanta-based provider of point-of-sale, self-service kiosks and back-office technology.

The Ticket MasterSo far, Larson's team has placed Radiant's K600 Outdoor Ticketing Kiosks at movie theaters in San Diego, Phoenix, and Orlando.The K600 is the newest member in the Radiant Systems family of self-service kiosk products.The K600 possesses the environmental controls to endure temperature extremes of -22, F and to withstand direct exposure to sun, rain, snow, and other extreme weather conditions."The kiosk in Phoenix, which is located in direct sunlight, has endured through several days with temperatures reaching 117 degrees," says Larson."It is designed for non-stop sales reliability in the harshest retail environments."Radiant expects to roll out kiosks at another 20 movie theater locations in early 2004.

Placing touch screen systems outdoors in places like Phoenix isn't as simple as installing a kiosk in the relative safety and stability of an indoor environment like a bank or airport.Larson explains: "The outdoor kiosks are distinctively different from the standard indoor units.All of the electronic components are industrial grade to withstand temperature extremes and other environmental challenges.Rapid changes in temperature can be damaging; therefore, these units must be rugged and dependable," said Larson.

Radiant selected 3M MicroTouchÔ Near Field Imaging (NFI) projected capacitive touch technology with VikuitiÔ Solar Reflective Film to help alleviate these concerns."With these touch screens, glare and heat absorption are no longer as great a threat; people can use the Kiosks in nearly any weather condition," says Larson.
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"The 3M NFI screens incorporate AG60AR coated anti-reflection/anti-glare touch screens with Vikuiti Solar Reflecting Film which sets 3M apart from other vendors we evaluated," says Larson."Having these treatments designed into the touch screen technology puts 3M ahead of the competition; it gives them an edge in technology and quality."

The K600 with NFI technology has given Radiant an edge over its competitors as well."The outdoor kiosk enables operators to place kiosks where they reach more patrons and add the most value," says Larson."Our customers are pleased, and they are ordering more units."

Orders for K600 kiosks are coming from other venues besides movie theaters.According to Larson, there are K600 kiosks at three service stations in the northeastern United States.These units enable consumers to order food, beverages, and other items while they pump gas.The food and beverage kiosks are located next to the gas pumps for customer convenience.

One of the things Radiant's customers have noted about NFI touch screens-beyond their ruggedness and dependability-is that they provide a much more visible display."The visibility of the VGA display behind the screen is excellent," says Larson.
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"It's a natural progression," says Larson.

"The kiosks replace one-to-one contact and save employee time that would normally be spent engaging the prospective employee," explains Troy Larson, product manager for Radiant Systems.
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"The desktop design of the kiosk is new," explains Larson."Typically our kiosks are free-standing and constructed of formed sheetmetal, but for a function like employee hiring, which requires a great deal of information input, a desktop kiosk that would allow the candidate to sit was more appropriate."

"Our client required a design that was simple and relatively inexpensive, yet had perceived value and quality aesthetics," he adds.
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"The kiosks are low-maintenance, purpose-oriented hardware devices," explains Larson."The possibility of damage, theft, and inappropriate use is prevented by securing all wires and parts within the kiosk."

"To provide flexibility in maintenance, the bezel that surrounds the keyboard is replaceable independent of the rest of the kiosk," he adds, "but no replacements have been necessary."