Unpacking Digital Signage: The ruggedized enclosure
In our ‘Unpacking Digital Signage’ series we are peeling back the layers of our e-paper…
Welcome to the fifth in a series of blogs where we tackle the big questions we hear when we first discuss Papercast® as a solution. Here we explore how we tackle anti-vandalism in our solutions.
Outdoor digital signage is making it much easier to use and navigate public transport and outside spaces. Static timetables are being replaced with digital real-time information displays, printed maps are being replaced with interactive digital wayfinding, and busy cities feature screens showing advertising and entertainment.
The application and value of this digital media in our outside spaces continue to grow, and there are several methods that can be used to protect digital displays from unwanted attention and deliberate damage. Papercast has invested significantly to ensure its products are robust enough to withstand the rigours of the outdoor environment.
Even with the most ruggedized design, digital assets are vulnerable to deliberate damage and theft when installed in public spaces. That said, there are several methods that can be used to protect digital displays from unwanted attention and Papercast has incorporated them into all outdoor e-paper displays:
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT. E-paper has the appearance of ordinary ink on paper which makes it relatively inconspicuous compared to other illuminated display technologies, such as LED and LCD. Typically installed within the Papercast enclosure, or integrated within the customer’s street furniture, Papercast displays are less likely to attract the attention of opportunists passing by.
RUGGEDIZED ENCLOSURES. Papercast has designed and engineered ruggedizedIK09 and IP67 rated aluminium enclosures to provide strong environmental and impact resistance. Toughened glazing is made of high-quality scratch resistant laminated glass to provide the best optical properties and physical protection from acts of vandalism and graffiti.
GRAFFITI SHIELD. An optional multi-layer ‘graffiti shield’ can be applied to the top surface of the glass to provide additional scratch and impact protection.
SENSORS. Display enclosures have internal temperature and humidity sensors that enable the internal conditions of the display to be remote monitored via the Papercast Content Management System. If a rise in humidity is detected and it surpasses a specified threshold, the system identifies a breach and automatically alerts key stakeholders.
ANTI-THEFT MECHANISM. Papercast displays come with lockable mounting pins on the back of the enclosures that slot into the mounting brackets to firmly secure and prevent them from theft. Installation instructions include a written and graphical explanation on how to demount a display. Papercast can say with confidence that it requires knowledge of these mandatory tasks in order to remove the displays from a mounting bracket.
OUT OF REACH DISPLAY OPTIONS. Papercast can offer some display configurations in a flag mounted format, installed at an elevated position to a post or wall. This makes the display less attractive and accessible to vandalism than displays that are mounted at chest level. The mounting brackets are angled so that the display content can still be read easily.
MODULAR REPLACEMENTS PARTS. Papercast’s displays have a modular design, making them more cost effective to repair following a vandalism incident. If the enclosure glass has been smashed, this can be easily replaced with a ‘front sub-assembly unit’. This unit is a piece of glass bonded to a frame that makes up the front of the display enclosure. Swapping the front sub-assembly can be done quickly and easily, without the requirement for special tools or lengthy training.
Final thoughts
Papercast’s engineering team is constantly developing our technology to ensure it continues to meet the high standards required for outdoor digital signage. We are also able to provide bespoke capabilities to meet specific authority or regulatory requirements.
If you would like further information on how the Papercast e-paper passenger information display system can meet your needs, please get in contact.
More from the Your big questions series:
How energy efficient are Papercast® e-paper displays?
How do Papercast® e-paper displays perform in hot/cold climates?
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