Reference link for opinion piece on Chinese technology

For the longest time American industry has had a very contradictory relationship with Asia.

Back in the late 70s, we had our own experience with semiconductors (RAM) and Japan and American manufacturers. Needing to collect more seismic data do we purchase 100 devices from a US company or do we purchase 1000 devices from Japan?  The outcome was not good for the US semiconductor industry.

In the kiosk industry past it was common at shows to have the Chinese with high-resolution cameras take photos of kiosk units designed by US manufacturers.  These photos were later transformed into CAD files and then subsequently offered on Chinese sites, sometimes at 25% the cost.  They would break down more often but then you could buy 2 spares at the same cost.

The software application side of things though was and is non-China-provisioned. That has changed.

Currently, there is a “hot market” for temperature screening kiosks.  Devices from Belgium and Germany are predominantly used as the temperature sensors and they are integrated into tablets typically running Android on a Rockchip.

The claim is they include AI module and facial recognition along with the temperature measurement.  All the sweet spots.

Problem is now that this software is Chinese in origin.  Its not just hardware anymore.  That brings into play regulations such as HIPAA as well as Federal laws regarding technology (blacklists). Deployments by marquee companies such as Amazon are common, and have included blacklisted technology.

In the temperature kiosk market, we see literally thousands of Chinese units being deployed at schools, state agencies, and federal agencies which employ Chinese software.  Software that uses algorithms of blacklisted companies with data that passes thru their servers.

TikTok is an entertainment platform and it has been deemed sufficient national interest to require changes.

Given these “surveillance” platforms for scanning the general population, is it reasonable to suggest they might require changes?

Maybe injecting Chinese software into Smart City technology gets peoples attention. Not sure.

Tablets in general — It can be argued that the closest thing to a U.S. made tablet is an iPad.  There are zero Android/Rockchip hardware options in the U.S. and the origin of hardware is now giving Asia and edge in software.   It used to be a Dell or HP pc.

Additional Context from legal authority for consideration

For reference HIPAA, the federal statute, only covers those who are deemed to be health care providers under its terms.

Sharing or improperly releasing medical information, or taking biometrics without consent are both potential violations of the law, and could be actionable.

Guidelines Kiosk ADA Accessibility – August 2020

One of 10 or so diagrams of distance and accessibility for wheelchair users. This is the most common structural regulation along with sight and hearing impaired.

Too often when projects requirements are detailed, ADA and accessibility considerations are often reduced to the simple phrase, “Must be ADA compliant”.  This statement is open to definition and inevitably results in range of bids with widely different ADA “compliance”“.

The Kiosk Manufacturer Association has looked at the various ADA regulations in the marketplace and distilled the “kiosk applicable” regulations.  There are actually two sets the KMA provides.

1. Current regulations as stated.  These are the currently mandated regulations.  These have been reviewed by the U.S. Access Board. One of the main future objectives of the U.S. Access Board is harmonizing the U.S. regulations with the European regulations so there is one worldwide standard. The reference docs for this include:

   1. ADA 2010

   2. Section 508

   3. DOT Air Carrier Access

   4. Other standards to consider: Canadian standards, WCAG, European EN301-549 as well as EMV, state jurisdictional laws and supplemental regulations such as HIPAA, Medical, UL and more.

2. Code of Practice (Going Forward) – taking the existing standards and restructuring them along with adding in some new technology (voice command e.g.) the KMA developed the Code of Conduct going forward. The intent is to have this ANSI certified and referenced by the U.S. Access Board.

   1. Definitions and Applicability – A note about other standards – certain kiosks may be subject to additional standards. Examples: Airport kiosks must comply with the standards defined by the Air Carrier Access Act. Kiosks procured for federal contracts (or purchased by some municipal and education customers) must comply with the Revised Section 508 Standards. ATMs 2010 ADA, etc.

   2. Functional Performance Criteria

      1. 302.1 thru 302.9

   3. Installation & Environment

   4. Clear Floor or Ground Space

   5. Closed Functionality

   6. Biometrics

   7. Privacy

   8. Standard Connections

   9. Operable Parts

      1. 407 Operable Parts

      2. 408 Display Screens

      3. 409 Status Indicators

      4. 410 Color Coding

      5. 411 Audible Signals

   10. Software

       1. General (501)

       2. Interoperability with Assistive (502)

       3. Captions 1.2.2

       4. Audio Description 1.2.3

       5. Contrast 1.4.3

       6. Low Audio 1.4.7

       7. No Background

       8. Focus Order

       9. Focus Visible

       10. Pointer Cancellation

       11. Target Size

       12. On Focus

       13. Error Identification

       14. Labels or Instructions

   11. Tactility, Voice Recognition and Speech Command

       1. Visual Display Screens

       2. Tactilely Discernible Controls.

       3. Alphabetic keys

       4. Numeric Keys

       5. Audible Output

       6. Voice Recognition and Speech Command

3. Recommendations for distribution

   1. 1. It is recommended that only ‘accessible’ kiosks be installed until 25% of the total kiosk population in any given location, grouping, common purpose or application meet Standards for Accessible Design

      2. This minimum kiosk population density applies to owned, jointly owned, leased, shared use, controlled, franchised or operated kiosks or other ICT terminals deployed in public spaces, public amenities and in places of public accommodation or service.

      3. To comply with the ACAA Standards for Accessible Design only ‘accessible’ kiosks should be installed until 25% of the kiosk population meets the requirements for Accessible Design.

      4. To comply with the ACAA, 25% of the kiosk population, located together for a common purpose(s), in a group, line or other configuration, must be compliant by December 12th 2022

4. Acknowledgments –

   Contributing KMA sponsors – Olea Kiosks, KioWare, Nanonation, Pyramid, Frank Mayer, Vispero, ZIVELO, KIOSK Information Systems, DynaTouch, TurnKey Kiosks, 22 Miles, Peerless AV, Parabit Systems, Qwick Media, LG-MRI, Lexmark, Intel Corporation, AudioEye, PROVISIO, Kiosk Group, OptConnect, CSA Self-Service, Storm Interface, Tech For All, Mimo Monitors, UCP Unattended Payments, OTI Global and Evoke.

   Additional Consulted – IMPRESA, TouchPay, Acquire Digital, Self Service Networks, Panel Brite, TTCE, SEKO MedTec, Marathon, CUSTOM, TOKENWORKS, Insight Touch, Microcom, TECA, STEGO, Practical Automation, Ingenico, Esper. IO, Axiohm, TDS TOUCH, Evolis, BOCA Systems, URway Holdings, Alveni, Kiosk Innovations and Apriva. We also recognize multiple retailers, the RNIB (via proxy), NCR Dundee and the University of Maryland for their contributions.

5. For more information

The KMA provides this information in complete form to any and all companies looking to deploy a self-service kiosk project or having deployed a self-service kiosk project.  For qualified deployers (state, local and federal agencies) a small administration fee of $249 is the only cost.  For manufacturers and vendors there is a separate pricing structure based on company size.  Contact [email protected] or call at 720-324-1837.