Alterface, the Belgium-based developer of interactive attractions, has been granted a US patent for its multi-user pointing system.
The European patent for this technology was obtained in 2006 and has now been approved by US authorities. The patent protects the Alterface pointing system, which is used in theatres and dark rides, and also complements two existing patents; one for the company’s Salto interactive show control system and the other for hands and body gesture tracking solutions.
CEO and founder Benoit Cornet said: “The “multi-user pointing apparatus and method” patent had been requested six years ago and has meanwhile been implemented in several interactive attractions. It now comes for us a cherry on the cake during a highly busy and successful year. While there are many patent pending products in our industry, the ones that make it to the ‘real’ patent stage are scarce as they require thorough innovative work.”
The technology has been applied in several attractions worldwide, including Justice League: Battle for Metropolis at several Six Flags parks in the US, the Plants vs Zombies interactive theatre at Carowinds, US, and Benno’s Great Race at Ferrari World in Dubai. In addition, there are 16 installations at Lego Discovery centres across the US.
“The secret to our success is that we listen to our customers and work closely with them to develop a solution that meets their expectations and the expectations of their visitors,” said Stéphane Battaille, chief operations officer at the company. “That, combined with loyal partners and a dedicated team who put their heart and soul into every project and attraction.”
