Case study #2: Integrated Touchscreen and Point of Sale Controller

Client Brief

To develop a PoS controller with integrated touchscreen capable of being deployed on a counter-top; vertically on a wall for customer use, or integrated into a bespoke enclosure for use as a customer kiosk, or payment terminal.

The final device must be capable of supporting a second full-screen display and powering a typical selection of retail peripherals.

Outcome

In conjunction with a leading Far-East ODM, Storemax specified a versatile integrated unit comprising a 15” TFT resistive touchscreen panel, combined with a PC board based on Intel mobile technology. As well as standard USB connectivity, a full selection of powered USB and legacy serial ports were also incorporated into the unit. Furthermore; to minimise the counter footprint, a scanner; magnetic stripe reader and biometric fingerprint reader were all incorporated as configuration options. For ultra low-power deployment, a fan-less configuration with entry-level processor and solid-state disc drive was also validated. This provides for high reliability and very quiet operation.

To facilitate deployment all around the store, a number of mounting options were developed including counter top using a pole system or integrated base to house the power supply; a standard VESA bracket to enable the whole unit to be wall mounted for customer use and finally in skeleton form integration into a bespoke kiosk enclosure. With a sealed front, the unit can also be deployed in hostile environments such as Hospitality without fear of spillage destroying the unit.
With the ability to support a second full-screen display, dual-core processor and two hard-drives, the delivered unit met all of the client’s requirements and has now been deployed in a number of specialty retailers.

Once pre-production units were available, Storemax managed the regulatory approvals and have subsequently been responsible for managing production and logistics for the units, including customer-specific configuration and software load.