Outdoor Challenges | Sunlight
Sunlight. Every interactive technology must be adequately adjusted.
Designers must adequately adjust every interactive device which will be used in an outdoor environment. Usually, they must bear in mind the determinants, which can influence the device's functionality, like weather conditions or potential vandalism.
To make it easier for designers, integrators, and manufacturers of outdoor interactive devices, we keep in mind the factors (rain, sun, vandalism) that might influence the outdoor environment's PCAP screen functionality. Afterward, we discuss with the client and evaluate the possibility of each factor's occurrence and adjust the PCAP screen to enhance its outdoor performance!
One of the most common issue with outdoor devices is the image visibility and readability. Those two features are essential for any display's optimum performance because you want the visual information to be read quickly and comfortably (with the least eye strain). Otherwise, the users and passer-byes might get discouraged from interacting with your product.
Readability and visibility are strongly affected by the sunlight (or other light sources) because it causes unwanted reflection. Thus decreases the overall readability of displayed content and makes the interactive device hard-to-use.
Anti-Glare and Anti-Reflective cover glass are both designed to reduce reflection and improve image visibility in intense direct or ambient light areas.
Anti-Glare
Easy to recognize and easy to distinguish cover glass. Compared to other types of cover glass, Anti-Glare is specific because of its unique matte look. The particular chemical reaction coarsened the Anti-Glare glass surface. This surface uses the diffusion mechanism to break the light, which reduces the reflection level and improves the readability.
The coarsened surface's side effect is the lower surface friction, making the screen-swipe much more comfortable, thus improving the overall haptic experience.
Anti-Reflective
Another type of cover glass that improves the readability and visibility is the Anti-Reflective (AR). The main visible difference is that Anti-Reflective glass is glossy, which is sometimes required because it adds the premium look to the device. The unique surface decreases the reflection level, increases light transmission, and reduces energy output (costs).
Do not worry if you are unsure which type of cover glass is a better fit for your project. We would be happy to discuss the details and make a choice easier for you.