An evaluation of sunlight-viewable displays

Abstract

There is a need for displays that can be read even in adverse environmental conditions such as under high intensity, directed sunlight. This is particularly important in self-service terminals that may be placed in an exterior location. These terminals are intended to be used by the general public. This paper reports the results of a study comprising of four evaluations of sunlight viewable displays. These evaluations consisted of 16 and 20 participants, with two additional expert reviews. A comparison is made between two different types of display technology, namely, transflective and high-bright backlit displays, and results are presented of this comparison. Secondary comparisons of different approaches for managing glare and reflections are also presented and discussed. Transflective displays were found to be at least as good as high-bright alternatives and are therefore promoted as a viable technology for daylight-viewable displays to be placed in an exterior environment.