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Self Ticketing: Self-Service Car Wash Auto-Pay
Kiosk
Application: Self-service Car Wash
Quatech Products Used: ESU-100
8 Port USB to RS-232 Serial Adapter
The self-service car wash is becoming increasingly popular. This system
enables a customer to select the types of wash service she desires, and
then drive through the automated car wash. The system pictured above provides
the customer with all the functionality she would receive from a live
person.
At the core of the system is an embedded PC or single board computer
that provides USB expansion ports. (Like most contemporary computers,
the only expansion option on this system is USB.) In order to complete
the transactions, the kiosk requires that the computer be connected to
a number of RS-232 serial peripherals. As shown in the diagram above,
8 serial devices are employed in the kiosk:
- A motion sensor that recognizes a customer and triggers a short introductory
message
- An IR reader that recognizes a transmitted signal from a contract
customer
- A keypad that enables the customer to select desired services
- A credit card reader
- A pin pad
- A currency slot
- A change slot
- A receipt printer
With Quatech's ESU-100 USB serial adapter all of these devices can be
connected to the embedded PC via one USB port. In addition, the ESU-100
is port powered, which means it doesn't require a separate power supply.
And, serial ports on the ESU-100 not only function exactly like native
COM ports, they provide data rates up to 460.8 kbps--faster than a standard
serial port--so that customers waiting for a car wash can be assured of
a fast, smooth transaction.
Other Kiosk Applications:
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