Difference between revisions of "POP Kiosk"

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==Overview==
==Overview==
[[File:POP-CLIO Hardware and Software Diagram.png|left|thumb|407x407px|This figure illustrates that POP (the hardware and software components) effectively operate independently from CLIO (the kiosk interface).]]
The POP kiosks were built with open hardware and open-source software technologies. They are designed to have a mobile and modular form factor, allowing it to be integrated into a variety of exhibit scenarios, inside and outside of your institution. <gallery heights="75">
{{Stub}}
File:POP Kiosk with Foot.png
File:POP Kiosk with Foot on Back.png
File:POP Kiosk with Clamp.png
File:POP Kiosk Disassembled.png
File:POP Kiosk Maintenance Port.png
File:POP Kiosk Color Options.png
</gallery>This kiosk is a low-cost option for integrating CLIO activities into exhibits, performing user and pilot testing on a physical interactive display and generating a proof-of-concept for planning meetings. It is constructed using off-the-shelf parts and doesn't require any soldering, meaning all hardware is easily replaceable in the event of damage, failure or obsolescence. If you ever need another kiosk, they can also be easily replicated.
 
==Purpose==
==Purpose==
{{Stub}}
We created the POP kiosks because we thought there should be a cheap and easy way for museums, libraries and cultural heritage centers to integrate digital content into their institutions.  POP is mobile and modular, so it can be built into cases or moved around galleries where additional interactive interpretation is desired.  You can even use them on remote pop-up exhibits.  As displays move and exhibits change, they can be repurposed again and again with new interactives in different locations.  When the parts get old or damage, you can repair them in-house with a 3D printer and off-the-shelf parts.
 
==Development Process==
==Development Process==
{{Stub}}
[[File:POP-CLIO Hardware and Software Diagram.png|thumb|150x150px|POP (the kiosk hardware) operate independently from CLIO (the kiosk interface).|left]]
Though the development processes were closely intertwined, POP was developed independently of the CLIO interface.  CLIO was tested using a POP kiosk, but the kiosks have also been used for other purposes, such as displaying a static websites, creating a 3D printer dashboard or running a media management server.
 
Electronics were chosen based on their continued availability, such as the Raspberry Pi computer and the touchscreen displays.  Hardware – such as cables, fans and panel mounts – was chosen based on common hardware archetypes that are used in many industries.  Fasteners are all based on open hardware metric standards that are easy to purchase from most hardware stores.
 
The cases and accessories were iteratively designed using rapid prototyping principles to include and refine features.  We created an adapter for the [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2194278 Modular Mounting system], which is an mounting system designed for light objects that was released under a permissive license.  This system provides a suite of arms, feet, adapters and community-created add-ons called "remixes".
 
 
==Technology==
==Technology==


=== Fabrication ===
===Fabrication===


==== Printer ====
====Printer====
For this project, we used a Creality CR-10 Mini 3D printer.  It is a consumer-grade, entry-level 3D printer for both amateurs and professionals.  It uses the Fusion Deposition Modeling technique of printing that fuses extruded filament together, layer by layer, to create a three-dimensional object.  
For this project, we used a Creality CR-10 Mini 3D printer.  It is a consumer-grade, entry-level 3D printer for both amateurs and professionals.  It uses the Fusion Deposition Modeling technique of printing that fuses extruded filament together, layer by layer, to create a three-dimensional object.  


This entry-level 3D printer cost around $350 and is an excellent investment for anyone who is new to 3D printing.  The underlying source code powering this printer is open-source, allowing advanced users to tweak, alter and upgrade their printer with available open-source add-ons and expansion packs.
This entry-level 3D printer cost around $350 and is an excellent investment for anyone who is new to 3D printing.  The underlying source code powering this printer is open-source, allowing advanced users to tweak, alter and upgrade their printer with available open-source add-ons and expansion packs.


This printer can be divided into three primary parts: the print head, the print bed, and the control box.  
====Filament====
 
For the prototype kiosk, we used two different types of printer filaments to fulfill different needs.  We used a Polycarbonate filament to print the rigid case and mount accessories, as well as a flexible TPU for anti-slip grips. Polycarbonate was chosen for its recyclability, durability and fatigue resistance.  TPU was chosen for its combination of flexibility, oil resistance and abrasion resistance. 
The Creality CR-10 mini uses a motorized gear (known as a Bowden extruder) to take in the solid filament from the spool.  The Bowden extruder pushes the filament through a tube and into the printhead, progressively heating the filament until it turns to an amorphous plastic.  
 
While heating and extruding measured amounts of filament, the print head moves along the X- and Z-axis, while the print bed moves along the Y-axis, to print two-dimensional layers that are stacked on top of each other to create three-dimensional objects. Printing large objects can take many hours, which is why the print bed is heated to keep the filament from cooling and becoming detached.
 
==== Filament ====
For the prototype kiosk, we used two different types of printer filaments to fulfill different needs.  We used a Polypropylene filament to print the rigid case and mount accessories, as well as a flexible TPU for anti-slip grips.


===Hardware===
===Hardware===


==== Computer ====
====Computer====
The Raspberry Pi single-board computer was specifically picked for several reasons.  The Raspberry Pi Foundation, who create and maintain the Raspberry Pi computer, are a non-profit organization who offer coding lessons to schools.  Owing to their open-source nature, the Raspberry Pi computer has undergone rigorous testing through the Foundation, as well as the open-source community and demanding consumer market.  These systems are still extremely affordable, ranging from $5 to $55 based on the included features.
The Raspberry Pi single-board computer was specifically picked for several reasons.  The Raspberry Pi Foundation, who create and maintain the Raspberry Pi computer, are a non-profit organization who offer coding lessons to schools.  Owing to their open-source nature, the Raspberry Pi computer has undergone rigorous testing through the Foundation, as well as the open-source community, industrial partners and the consumer markets.  These systems are still extremely affordable, ranging from $5 to $55 based on the included features.


An important consideration was the long-term feasibility and maintainability of the computer.  The Raspberry Pi Foundation was one of the first single-board computers available on the consumer market and, while there are now more powerful alternatives, they have proven their stability throughout the technological boom surrounding the Internet of Things, both as a product and an institution.
An important consideration was the long-term feasibility and maintainability of the computer.  The Raspberry Pi Foundation was one of the first single-board computers available on the consumer market and, while there are now many alternatives, they have proven their stability throughout the technological boom surrounding the Internet of Things, both as a product and an institution.


Our prototype kiosk is powered by a Raspberry Pi 4B, which is considered the flagship model of the Raspberry Pi.  It includes a 64-bit quad-core processor running at 1.5GHz, with metal heatsink and 2GB of RAM.  This allows the CLIO interface to run smoothly with all of the included activity types.  It has a unit cost of $45.  
Our prototype kiosk is powered by a Raspberry Pi 4B, which is considered the flagship model of the Raspberry Pi.  It includes a 64-bit quad-core processor running at 1.5GHz, with metal heatsink and 2GB of RAM.  This allows the CLIO interface to run smoothly with all of the included activity types.  It has a unit cost of $45.  The Raspberry Pi 3B+ computer is a previous generation model and approximately a third as powerful as the Raspberry Pi 4B.  The Model 3B+ has been tested to be a viable solution for use with a touchscreen while having minimal interface lag and adequate heat management.  
 
The Raspberry Pi 3B+ computer is a previous generation model and approximately a third as powerful as the Raspberry Pi 4B.  The Model 3B+ has been tested to be a viable solution for use with a touchscreen while having minimal interface lag and adequate heat management.  


Both models are available and fully supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.  Due to the many different technical applications and customers using the product, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has stated that both models will remain in production until at least January 2026<ref>https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/supporting-raspberry-pis-industrial-customers/</ref>.
Both models are available and fully supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.  Due to the many different technical applications and customers using the product, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has stated that both models will remain in production until at least January 2026<ref>https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/supporting-raspberry-pis-industrial-customers/</ref>.


==== Touchscreen ====
====Touchscreen====
For the CLIO prototype kiosk, we decided to use the official Raspberry Pi 7” touchscreen display.   It has guaranteed out-of-box support with the Raspberry Pi when used with the official Raspbian operating system, as well as many other distributions of Linux.  
For the CLIO kiosks, we decided to use the official Raspberry Pi 7” touchscreen display.   It has guaranteed out-of-box support with the Raspberry Pi when used with the official Raspbian operating system, as well as many other distributions of Linux.  


The display receives its signal directly through a special DSI (Digital Serial Interface) cable connected to the Raspberry Pi computer.  This port decreases the overall footprint by removing the use of a bulky HDMI cable.  We have chosen to power the display through the GPIO (General-Purpose Input and Output) port.  The display can also be powered through a MicroUSB cable should you need the GPIO port for other add-ons, such as an audio HAT (Hardware Attached on Top).
The official Raspberry Pi display receives its signal directly through a special DSI (Digital Serial Interface) cable connected to the Raspberry Pi computer.  This port decreases the overall footprint by removing the use of a bulky HDMI cable and USB cable for touch input.  This allowed us to create a more compact, self-enclosed kiosk system.  We have chosen to power the display through the GPIO (General-Purpose Input and Output) port, but the display can also be powered through a MicroUSB cable should you need the GPIO port for other add-ons, such as a HAT (Hardware Attached on Top).


Additionally, this display is glass with a ten-finger multitouch screen, while most other affordable displays are plastic with a one-finger resistive screen.  This creates a much more versatile experience.  The glass screen lends to a pleasant and more familiar usage experience, while also allowing for easier cleaning with a disposable sanitary wipe.  When used with adequate quality USB cables, both the Raspberry Pi and display can be powered through one USB power supply.
The display is made from glass and have a ten-finger multitouch screen, while most other affordable displays are plastic with a one-finger resistive screen.  This creates a more versatile experience.  The glass screen lends to a pleasant and more familiar usage experience, while also allowing for easier cleaning with a disposable sanitary wipe.


While the Raspberry Pi Foundation has made no official obsolescence statement guaranteeing the production of this product, it has been available on the market and supported since 2015.
While the Raspberry Pi Foundation has made no official obsolescence statement guaranteeing the production of this product, it has been available on the market and supported since 2015.


==== Storage ====
====Storage====
We use a Micro SDHC card with a storage space of 16GB and speed of UHS-I/Class 10.
We use a Micro SDHC card with a minimum of 16GB storage space and speed of UHS-I/Class 10.


==== Power Supply ====
====Power Supply====
We use the Canakit USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 power supply with additional overhead power (5.1V vs 5V) and increased amperage (3.5A vs 3.0).  All USB cables are at least 20AWG to help alleviate voltage drops.
For the POP 7" kiosk, we use the Canakit USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 power supply with additional overhead power (5.1V vs 5V) and increased amperage (3.5A vs 3.0A).  All USB cables are at least 20AWG to help alleviate voltage drops.


===Software===
===Software===


==== Operating System ====
====Operating System ====
A primary objective of CLIO was keeping as much as we could open-source.  This increases community involvement, decreases licensing fees, and helps to ensure the continued development of other projects like it.  We have chosen to use a Debian-based Linux operating system called Rasperry Pi OS Lite.  This is the official Raspberry Pi Operating System without a desktop Graphical User Interface.   
A primary objective of CLIO was keeping as much as we could open-source.  This increases community involvement, deepens available resources, decreases licensing fees, and helps to ensure the continued development of other projects like it.  We have chosen to use a Debian-based Linux operating system called Raspberry Pi OS Lite.  This is the official Raspberry Pi Operating System without a desktop Graphical User Interface.   


==== Web Server ====
====Web Server====
We used the Apache2 HTTP web server.
We used the Apache2 HTTP web server.


==== Web Browser ====
====Web Browser====
We used the open-source Chromium web browser.  This browser is the major structural foundation of the wildly popular Google Chrome.  Chromium maintains the major features of Google Chrome, but does not contain any direct integration into Google’s services.  We chose this browser because it has innate support for a kiosk-mode that disables access to the operating system and a collection of useful command line configuration options.
We used the open-source Chromium web browser.  This browser is the foundation of the wildly popular Google Chrome.  Chromium maintains the major features of Google Chrome, but does not contain any direct integration into Google’s services.  We chose this browser because it has innate support for a kiosk-mode that disables access to the operating system.  It also provides a collection of useful command line configuration options.


==Kiosk==
== Printed Parts ==
The POP kiosk is made from a collection of modular parts that can be printed separately and assembled into different configurations based on your specific needs and application.
The POP kiosk is made from a collection of modular parts that can be printed separately and assembled into different configurations based on your specific needs and application.
=== Case ===
===Case===
{{Main|POP Kiosk Case (part)}}
 
==== POP 7" Kiosk====
<gallery>
File:POP 7" Kiosk Case.jpg|alt=Case|Case
File:POP Kiosk Maintenance Port.png|alt=Maintenance Panel|Maintenance Panel
</gallery>
 
This is the main case that protects the Raspberry Pi computer and Raspberry Pi Official 7" touchscreen display.  It attaches directly to the four screw holes on the Raspberry Pi official display using M3 screws.  This case has an integrated 75x75mm VESA-compliant M4 mount holes.  It can also be used with a 3D-printed mount attachment that can attach to the back, top or bottom side of the case.  This attachment is compatible with the popular Modular Mounting System<ref name=":0">https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2194278</ref>.  We include a C-clamp, durable foot and 3D printer frame attachment.  There is a maintenance port that allows access to the USB and ethernet ports.  There are holes for panel mounting a USB-C slot to reduce wear on the Raspberry Pi itself.  There is an optional 30mm fan to keep the kiosk cool during operation, as well as plenty of air vents.{{See|POP 7 Kiosk Case (part)}}
 
===Protection===
====Collar====
<gallery>
File:POP 7" Kiosk Collar.jpg|alt=Collar|Collar
</gallery>
The collar protects the exposed edges of the Raspberry Pi touchscreen display, decreasing the chances that the kiosk screen will be damaged from minor bumps and falls.  It is printed in two parts and held together by M2 screws. {{See|POP Kiosk Collar (part)}}
 
====Bumper====
<gallery>
File:POP 7" Kiosk Bumper.jpg|alt=Bumper|Bumper
</gallery>
The bumper also protects the exposed edges of display, but it is printed as one part with a soft and flexible TPU filament.  When printed with specific infill settings, it can provide additional protection to bumps and falls.  This bumper is used instead of the collar and was created for use in mobile pop-up exhibits.  {{See|POP Kiosk Bumper (part)}}


This is the main case that protects the Raspberry Pi computer and touchscreen display.  It attaches directly to the four screw holes on the Raspberry Pi official display using M3 screws.  This case has an integrated 75x75mm VESA-compliant M4 mount holes.  It can also be used with a 3D-printed mount attachment that can attach to the back, top or bottom side of the case.  This attachment is compatible with the popular Modular Mounting System<ref name=":0">https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2194278</ref>.  We include a C-clamp, durable foot and 3D printer frame attachment.  There is a maintenance port that allows access to the USB and ethernet ports.  There are holes for panel mounting a USB-C slot to reduce wear on the Raspberry Pi itself.  There is an optional 30mm fan to keep the kiosk cool during operation, as well as plenty of air vents.
====Cover====
=== Protection ===
<gallery>
==== Collar ====
File:Cover.jpg|alt=Cover|Cover
{{Main|POP Kiosk Collar (part)}}
</gallery>


The collar protects the exposed edges of the Raspberry Pi touchscreen display, decreasing the chances that the kiosk screen will be damaged from minor bumps and falls.  It is printed in two parts and held together by M2 screws.  
The cover provides protection to the front of the kiosk display by attaching directly to the collar or bumper.  This cover was created to provide protection to the glass screen during transport and storage.  Attaching foam to the cover is optional but will provide additional impact protection.{{See|POP Kiosk Cover (part)}}


==== Bumper ====
===Mount===
{{Main|POP Kiosk Bumper (part)}}
The bumper also protects the exposed edges of display, but it is printed as one part with a soft and flexible TPU filament.  When printed with specific infill settings, it can provide additional protection to bumps and falls.  This bumper is used instead of the collar and was created for use in mobile pop-up exhibits. 


==== Cover ====
====Modular Case Adapter====
{{Main|POP Kiosk Cover (part)}}
<gallery>
The cover provides protection to the front of the kiosk display by attaching directly to the collar or bumper.  This cover was created to provide protection to the glass screen during transport and storage.  Attaching foam to the cover is optional but will provide additional impact protection.
File:Modular Mount Adapter.jpg|alt=Modular Mount Adapter|Modular Mount Adapter
</gallery>
This adapter is attached to the back, top or bottom of the kiosk using two M5 bolts.  It can be used with any accessories created for the popular Modular Mounting System<ref name=":0" />.  It is printed in two parts and attached together with an M5 bolt and optional glue.  The mount can be used with a two- or three-prong adapter.  It can be used with the prong adapters in either a horizontal or vertical position.{{See|POP Kiosk Modular Case Adapter (part)}}


=== Mount ===
====Foot====
<gallery>
File:Foot.jpg|alt=Foot|Foot
</gallery>The foot is used to display the kiosk on a flat surface, such as a table or shelf.  It is printed in two parts then attached together with an M5 bolt and optional glue.  The foot can be used with a two- or three-prong adapter.  The foot can be used with suction cups to more securely attach to sheer surfaces, such as glass or polished stone.  Additionally, 3D printed TPU or third-party anti-slip grips can be attached to the bottom.{{See|POP Kiosk Foot (part)}}


==== Modular Case Adapter ====
====Thumbscrews====
{{Main|POP Kiosk Modular Case Adapter (part)}}
<gallery>
This adapter is attached to the back, top or bottom of the kiosk using two M5 bolts.  It can be used with any accessories created for the popular Modular Mounting System<ref name=":0" />.  It is printed in two parts and attached together with an M5 bolt and optional glue.  The mount can be used with a two- or three-prong adapter.
File:Featured preview Thumbscrew.jpg|alt=Thumbscrew|Thumbscrew
</gallery>


==== Arm ====
The thumbscrews are used with standard M5 bolts to make it easier to tighten and loosen the display for repositioning.{{See|POP Kiosk Thumbscrew (part)}}
{{Main|POP Kiosk Arm (part)}}
There are 30mm, 60mm, 90mm 150mm and 240mm arm attachments for the Modular Mounting System.  These can be used to extend the length of the mount system, but caution should be used to verify that the kiosk is fully supported.  This includes axis changers and prong adapters.


==== Foot ====
==== Modular Mounting System ====
{{Main|POP Kiosk Foot (part)}}
The Modular Mounting System is designed as a support for light objects and was released under a permissive license. This system provides a suite of arms, feet, adapters and community-created add-ons called "remixes".  POP is compatible with the Modular Mounting System, allowing add-ons to be attached to the top, bottom and back of the kiosk. 
The foot is used to display the kiosk on a flat surface, such as a table or shelf.  It is printed in two parts then attached together with an M5 bolt and optional glue. The foot can be used with a two- or three-prong adapter.  The foot can be used with suction cups to more securely attach to sheer surfaces, such as glass or polished stone.  Additionally, 3D printed TPU or third-party anti-slip grips can be attached to the bottom.
{{ExternalResource|[https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2194278 Modular Mounting System]}}


==== Thumbscrews ====
==Creating a POP Kiosk==
{{Main|POP Kiosk Thumbscrew (part)}}
If you want to display your interactives in a physical space, like a gallery or as part of a pop-up exhibit, you will need a kiosk computer system.  You can follow our guide to build a POP kiosk. The total per-unit build cost per kiosk is $220 for a 7" kiosk.  
The thumbscrews are used with standard M5 bolts to make it easier to tighten and loosen the display for repositioning.


== Creating a POP Kiosk ==
This low-cost and modular hardware configuration allow the kiosk to be assembled and deployed with minimal resources, while offering the flexibility, accessibility and maintainability to engage a variety of audiences in different contexts.
If you want to display your interactives in a physical space, like a gallery or as part of a pop-up exhibit, you will need a kiosk computer system.  You can follow our guide to build the POP prototype kiosk. The total per-unit build cost per kiosk is $220. This low-cost and modular hardware configuration allow the kiosk to be assembled and deployed with minimal resources, while offering the flexibility, accessibility and maintainability to engage a variety of audiences in different learning contexts.
{{See|Creating a POP Kiosk}}
{{See|Creating a POP Kiosk}}


== Using a POP Kiosk ==
===Customizing a POP Kiosk ===
The POP Kiosk comes with default settings that make it suitable for use as an embedded kiosk, but many of these settings are fully customizable.  You can easily change the default resolution, display output, control wireless radios or change the boot logo.
 
{{See|Customizing a POP Kiosk}}
 
== Using a POP Kiosk==
 
===Creating a CLIO Exhibit===
CLIO Exhibit is a web application graphical user interface that can be used to facilitate digital Interactives and display Activities within a gallery or pop-up exhibit.  You can [[CLIO Installation|install CLIO Exhibit yourself]] into the web server content directory, or use our custom Raspberry Pi image with CLIO pre-installed.


=== Creating a CLIO Exhibit ===
===Creating a 3D Printer Server and Dashboard===
{{Stub}}
[https://octoprint.org/ OctoPrint] is a web application interface for a remotely monitoring and controlling many 3D printers.  POP can be used to create a dashboard kiosk for your 3D printer that provides remote access.  You can [https://octoprint.org/download/ install OctoPrint yourself], or use our custom Raspberry Pi image with OctoPrint and OctoPi improvements already installed.


=== Creating a 3D Printer Server and Dashboard ===
==References==
{{Stub}}


== References ==
<references />

Latest revision as of 16:42, 6 March 2023

Overview

The POP kiosks were built with open hardware and open-source software technologies. They are designed to have a mobile and modular form factor, allowing it to be integrated into a variety of exhibit scenarios, inside and outside of your institution.

  • POP Kiosk with Foot.png
  • POP Kiosk with Foot on Back.png
  • POP Kiosk with Clamp.png
  • POP Kiosk Disassembled.png
  • POP Kiosk Maintenance Port.png
  • POP Kiosk Color Options.png

This kiosk is a low-cost option for integrating CLIO activities into exhibits, performing user and pilot testing on a physical interactive display and generating a proof-of-concept for planning meetings. It is constructed using off-the-shelf parts and doesn't require any soldering, meaning all hardware is easily replaceable in the event of damage, failure or obsolescence. If you ever need another kiosk, they can also be easily replicated.

Purpose

We created the POP kiosks because we thought there should be a cheap and easy way for museums, libraries and cultural heritage centers to integrate digital content into their institutions. POP is mobile and modular, so it can be built into cases or moved around galleries where additional interactive interpretation is desired. You can even use them on remote pop-up exhibits. As displays move and exhibits change, they can be repurposed again and again with new interactives in different locations. When the parts get old or damage, you can repair them in-house with a 3D printer and off-the-shelf parts.

Development Process

POP (the kiosk hardware) operate independently from CLIO (the kiosk interface).

Though the development processes were closely intertwined, POP was developed independently of the CLIO interface. CLIO was tested using a POP kiosk, but the kiosks have also been used for other purposes, such as displaying a static websites, creating a 3D printer dashboard or running a media management server.

Electronics were chosen based on their continued availability, such as the Raspberry Pi computer and the touchscreen displays. Hardware – such as cables, fans and panel mounts – was chosen based on common hardware archetypes that are used in many industries. Fasteners are all based on open hardware metric standards that are easy to purchase from most hardware stores.

The cases and accessories were iteratively designed using rapid prototyping principles to include and refine features. We created an adapter for the Modular Mounting system, which is an mounting system designed for light objects that was released under a permissive license. This system provides a suite of arms, feet, adapters and community-created add-ons called "remixes".


Technology

Fabrication

Printer

For this project, we used a Creality CR-10 Mini 3D printer.  It is a consumer-grade, entry-level 3D printer for both amateurs and professionals.  It uses the Fusion Deposition Modeling technique of printing that fuses extruded filament together, layer by layer, to create a three-dimensional object.  

This entry-level 3D printer cost around $350 and is an excellent investment for anyone who is new to 3D printing.  The underlying source code powering this printer is open-source, allowing advanced users to tweak, alter and upgrade their printer with available open-source add-ons and expansion packs.

Filament

For the prototype kiosk, we used two different types of printer filaments to fulfill different needs.  We used a Polycarbonate filament to print the rigid case and mount accessories, as well as a flexible TPU for anti-slip grips. Polycarbonate was chosen for its recyclability, durability and fatigue resistance. TPU was chosen for its combination of flexibility, oil resistance and abrasion resistance.

Hardware

Computer

The Raspberry Pi single-board computer was specifically picked for several reasons.  The Raspberry Pi Foundation, who create and maintain the Raspberry Pi computer, are a non-profit organization who offer coding lessons to schools.  Owing to their open-source nature, the Raspberry Pi computer has undergone rigorous testing through the Foundation, as well as the open-source community, industrial partners and the consumer markets.  These systems are still extremely affordable, ranging from $5 to $55 based on the included features.

An important consideration was the long-term feasibility and maintainability of the computer.  The Raspberry Pi Foundation was one of the first single-board computers available on the consumer market and, while there are now many alternatives, they have proven their stability throughout the technological boom surrounding the Internet of Things, both as a product and an institution.

Our prototype kiosk is powered by a Raspberry Pi 4B, which is considered the flagship model of the Raspberry Pi.  It includes a 64-bit quad-core processor running at 1.5GHz, with metal heatsink and 2GB of RAM.  This allows the CLIO interface to run smoothly with all of the included activity types.  It has a unit cost of $45.  The Raspberry Pi 3B+ computer is a previous generation model and approximately a third as powerful as the Raspberry Pi 4B.  The Model 3B+ has been tested to be a viable solution for use with a touchscreen while having minimal interface lag and adequate heat management.  

Both models are available and fully supported by the Raspberry Pi Foundation.  Due to the many different technical applications and customers using the product, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has stated that both models will remain in production until at least January 2026[1].

Touchscreen

For the CLIO kiosks, we decided to use the official Raspberry Pi 7” touchscreen display.   It has guaranteed out-of-box support with the Raspberry Pi when used with the official Raspbian operating system, as well as many other distributions of Linux.  

The official Raspberry Pi display receives its signal directly through a special DSI (Digital Serial Interface) cable connected to the Raspberry Pi computer.  This port decreases the overall footprint by removing the use of a bulky HDMI cable and USB cable for touch input.  This allowed us to create a more compact, self-enclosed kiosk system. We have chosen to power the display through the GPIO (General-Purpose Input and Output) port, but the display can also be powered through a MicroUSB cable should you need the GPIO port for other add-ons, such as a HAT (Hardware Attached on Top).

The display is made from glass and have a ten-finger multitouch screen, while most other affordable displays are plastic with a one-finger resistive screen.  This creates a more versatile experience.  The glass screen lends to a pleasant and more familiar usage experience, while also allowing for easier cleaning with a disposable sanitary wipe.

While the Raspberry Pi Foundation has made no official obsolescence statement guaranteeing the production of this product, it has been available on the market and supported since 2015.

Storage

We use a Micro SDHC card with a minimum of 16GB storage space and speed of UHS-I/Class 10.

Power Supply

For the POP 7" kiosk, we use the Canakit USB-C Raspberry Pi 4 power supply with additional overhead power (5.1V vs 5V) and increased amperage (3.5A vs 3.0A). All USB cables are at least 20AWG to help alleviate voltage drops.

Software

Operating System

A primary objective of CLIO was keeping as much as we could open-source.  This increases community involvement, deepens available resources, decreases licensing fees, and helps to ensure the continued development of other projects like it.  We have chosen to use a Debian-based Linux operating system called Raspberry Pi OS Lite. This is the official Raspberry Pi Operating System without a desktop Graphical User Interface. 

Web Server

We used the Apache2 HTTP web server.

Web Browser

We used the open-source Chromium web browser.  This browser is the foundation of the wildly popular Google Chrome.  Chromium maintains the major features of Google Chrome, but does not contain any direct integration into Google’s services.  We chose this browser because it has innate support for a kiosk-mode that disables access to the operating system. It also provides a collection of useful command line configuration options.

Printed Parts

The POP kiosk is made from a collection of modular parts that can be printed separately and assembled into different configurations based on your specific needs and application.

Case

POP 7" Kiosk

  • Case

    Case

  • Maintenance Panel

    Maintenance Panel

This is the main case that protects the Raspberry Pi computer and Raspberry Pi Official 7" touchscreen display.  It attaches directly to the four screw holes on the Raspberry Pi official display using M3 screws.  This case has an integrated 75x75mm VESA-compliant M4 mount holes. It can also be used with a 3D-printed mount attachment that can attach to the back, top or bottom side of the case. This attachment is compatible with the popular Modular Mounting System[2]. We include a C-clamp, durable foot and 3D printer frame attachment. There is a maintenance port that allows access to the USB and ethernet ports. There are holes for panel mounting a USB-C slot to reduce wear on the Raspberry Pi itself. There is an optional 30mm fan to keep the kiosk cool during operation, as well as plenty of air vents.

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Protection

Collar

  • Collar

    Collar

The collar protects the exposed edges of the Raspberry Pi touchscreen display, decreasing the chances that the kiosk screen will be damaged from minor bumps and falls. It is printed in two parts and held together by M2 screws.

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Bumper

  • Bumper

    Bumper

The bumper also protects the exposed edges of display, but it is printed as one part with a soft and flexible TPU filament. When printed with specific infill settings, it can provide additional protection to bumps and falls. This bumper is used instead of the collar and was created for use in mobile pop-up exhibits.

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Cover

  • Cover

    Cover

The cover provides protection to the front of the kiosk display by attaching directly to the collar or bumper. This cover was created to provide protection to the glass screen during transport and storage. Attaching foam to the cover is optional but will provide additional impact protection.

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Mount

Modular Case Adapter

  • Modular Mount Adapter

    Modular Mount Adapter

This adapter is attached to the back, top or bottom of the kiosk using two M5 bolts. It can be used with any accessories created for the popular Modular Mounting System[2]. It is printed in two parts and attached together with an M5 bolt and optional glue. The mount can be used with a two- or three-prong adapter. It can be used with the prong adapters in either a horizontal or vertical position.

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Foot

  • Foot

    Foot

The foot is used to display the kiosk on a flat surface, such as a table or shelf. It is printed in two parts then attached together with an M5 bolt and optional glue. The foot can be used with a two- or three-prong adapter. The foot can be used with suction cups to more securely attach to sheer surfaces, such as glass or polished stone. Additionally, 3D printed TPU or third-party anti-slip grips can be attached to the bottom.

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Thumbscrews

  • Thumbscrew

    Thumbscrew

The thumbscrews are used with standard M5 bolts to make it easier to tighten and loosen the display for repositioning.

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Modular Mounting System

The Modular Mounting System is designed as a support for light objects and was released under a permissive license. This system provides a suite of arms, feet, adapters and community-created add-ons called "remixes". POP is compatible with the Modular Mounting System, allowing add-ons to be attached to the top, bottom and back of the kiosk.

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Creating a POP Kiosk

If you want to display your interactives in a physical space, like a gallery or as part of a pop-up exhibit, you will need a kiosk computer system. You can follow our guide to build a POP kiosk. The total per-unit build cost per kiosk is $220 for a 7" kiosk.

This low-cost and modular hardware configuration allow the kiosk to be assembled and deployed with minimal resources, while offering the flexibility, accessibility and maintainability to engage a variety of audiences in different contexts.

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Customizing a POP Kiosk

The POP Kiosk comes with default settings that make it suitable for use as an embedded kiosk, but many of these settings are fully customizable. You can easily change the default resolution, display output, control wireless radios or change the boot logo.

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Using a POP Kiosk

Creating a CLIO Exhibit

CLIO Exhibit is a web application graphical user interface that can be used to facilitate digital Interactives and display Activities within a gallery or pop-up exhibit. You can install CLIO Exhibit yourself into the web server content directory, or use our custom Raspberry Pi image with CLIO pre-installed.

Creating a 3D Printer Server and Dashboard

OctoPrint is a web application interface for a remotely monitoring and controlling many 3D printers. POP can be used to create a dashboard kiosk for your 3D printer that provides remote access. You can install OctoPrint yourself, or use our custom Raspberry Pi image with OctoPrint and OctoPi improvements already installed.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/supporting-raspberry-pis-industrial-customers/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2194278
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