Can a touchscreen be added to an outdoor LCD enclosure?
The simple answer is a resounding YES!
Touchscreen interaction and capabilities go hand-in-hand with wayfinding applications. Many retail stores, restaurants, college campuses and transportation terminals are using touchscreen displays outdoors for their innovative digital signage projects. However, most traditional touchscreen displays do not have the ability to withstand various harsh outdoor environments (hot and freezing temperatures, along with rain, sun, snow, sleet, etc...).
That being said, there is a creative solution to integrate a touchscreen into a new or existing outdoor LCD enclosure that will work virtually anywhere. The overall mechanism works by computing the coordinates of the user’s finger on the X and Y grid.
Interactive touchscreen technology is lightweight, bendable, and can be expertly added to an existing outdoor LCD enclosure’s manufactured glass or non-metallic substrate.
A projected capacitive touch film is applied to the glass window to add fun, interactive touch capabilities. The technology works in conjunction with standard large format LCDs starting at just 30 inches. Touchscreen glass is available in sizes ranging from 30 inches up to 167 inches.
Most touchscreen capabilities also account for exposure to bright and hot sunlight. A UV blocking layer is imperative to protect the touchscreen ‘equipment.’
The thickness of the glass is important to consider. If the glass is too thick, then the touchscreen tools will simply not respond accurately or they may not respond at all.
Also, check if the chosen software platform is compatible with the touchscreen overlay. Most touch drivers are available for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. Plus, it’s extremely critical to spec the correct hardware for the project.
Always do the necessary homework. Research the different LCD enclosures available on the market:
The final result will be an environmentally sealed LCD enclosure with interactive touch that will work virtually anywhere!
