Feature: Automotive
Secure PIN entry
Zytronic mutual (left) and self (right) capacitive measurement principles
Electricity not fuel Fuel stations are already strategically positioned, based on driving patterns and population density, hence this existing infrastructure will be a key element in creating an efficient EV charging network. Te gradual transition from fossil-fuel-based refuelling stations to EV charging stations will be slow, and there are many opinions as to its most efficient implementation. EV-charger OEMs and operators are already renting space in petrol stations to install their charging points, prioritising areas where EVs are more popular or areas with government incentives. At the same time, traditional fuel dispenser manufacturers are keeping a keen eye on the rapidly-developing EV market. A strong believer in the transition from fuel pump to EV charging
station is Gilbarco Veeder-Root. It developed its first fuel pump back in 1910, when trading as the Gilbert & Barker Manufacturing Co – hence the name Gilbarco. Notably, in 2018 it made a minority investment in Tritium, a privately-held Australian OEM of EV chargers. Tis deal effectively creates a pathway for Gilbarco’s traditional customer base to begin building EV charging networks. However, irrespective of who develops the charging systems, costs
will always be a problem. Paid advertising on EV stations’ digital screens could provide a way for companies to recover some of them. Already, visitors to a forecourt may well have noticed these appearing at fuel pumps, especially pay-at-the-pump facilities.
On trend Nevertheless, however convenient, pay-at-the-pump has resulted in fuel stations experiencing a footfall decline to their shops, resulting in reduced sales of impulse-buy products such as drinks and snacks. Tis trend could be reversed by introducing ‘click-and-collect’ at the self- service fuel pump, where interactive advertising displays will encourage the person refuelling to buy drinks and snacks that can be added to their fuel bill via the pump’s touchscreen. As soon as the shop receives the order, the items are prepared and passed on to the driver. Te same ‘upselling’ process is likely to gain favour at the growing number of EV charging stations being installed, since even a 5-10-minute recharge wait will allow drivers and passengers to shop. Hence, what’s the best touch technology for outdoor use? Tere are different methods for sensing touch, including resistive,
capacitive, optical and acoustic. Of these, projected capacitive touch technology is favoured for commercial applications since it is highly
sensitive, yet only reacts to the touch of a finger or conductive stylus (meaning false touches are unlikely). Resistive touchscreens, on the other hand, require considerably more pressure than a capacitive touchscreen, and are prone to wear-related performance problems. Similarly, optical- and acoustic-based touchscreens can be affected by objects falling on the screen, the accumulation of dirt and even strong sunlight. In outdoor applications, this could be rain, snow or leaves landing on the screen.
Reliable touchscreens Zytronic’s reputation for providing reliable, all-weather, damage- resistant projected capacitive touchscreens is well known and proven. Several self-service fuel dispenser manufacturers around the world have already selected and introduced its technology over the past decade. For example, in Asia, Korea ENE selected this touch technology for its outdoor self-service fuel pumps. More recently, Barcelona’s Circontrol has used Zytronic’s technology on its third- generation DC Raption 50 quick EV chargers. As choices of alternative transportation and fuel type expand,
so do the methods of payment for these services. Zytronic’s customised touchscreens support secure PIN entry applications. Te PCI3 (and soon the PCI5) compliant PTS (PIN Transaction Security) product, named CryptoTouch Unattended, has been co-developed with Cryptera, a secure payment technologies solutions supplier. PCI3 enables authenticated payments to be handled completely via the touchscreen without the need for a separate mechanical Encrypting PIN Pad (EPP). Tis technology is already being successfully used in ATMs for a European bank, with other imminent self-service kiosk applications, including a pay-at-the-pump system in Germany.
Crucial steps Whether for conventional or alternative refuelling systems, or even personal urban transportation, the reliability of the supporting infrastructure is crucial. One thing is certain: touchscreen technology will provide the user interface for almost all these self- service systems. And with its projected capacitive touch technology operating in the harshest environments, and with its flexibility in supplying small quantities of bespoke designs in-house, Zytronic is perfectly placed to support this development.
www.electronicsworld.co.uk September/October 2020 25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
