Source: Digital Signage Expo 2008
Award Submission
Company: GestureTek, Inc.
(www.gesturetek.com)
Client: SIR Corp., Jack Astor’s Restaurants


Overview
GestureTek’s Screen Xtreme system lets patrons at Jack Astor’s Sports Bar play “Virtual Soccer.” A 67” projection screen on the wall displays a soccer pitch, and patrons see themselves in the picture in real time, heading or knocking soccer balls that bounce around the display.

Objectives
Following a successful interactive TableFX installation at one of the company’s other restaurants, SIR Corp wanted something equally impressive for their sports bar franchise north of Toronto. They approached GestureTek and InTouch Media because they knew they wanted an interactive installation, but it needed to fit with the restaurant’s audience.

Description
A framed 67” projection screen hangs on the wall of the restaurant, depicting a soccer pitch flooded with 6 soccer balls. A user approaching the frame sees his real-time image on screen, and then finds he can interact by manipulating the balls with his own hand or body movement!

Results
The Screen Xtreme interactive system has delivered a captivating, interactive game that catches customers’ attention and occupies them while they wait to be seated. It provides a brilliant talking point and feedback from customers has been universally positive. It even adds to the ambience of the establishment!

Problems/Challenges
Most often, Screen Xtreme uses a plasma screen as its monitor, but this limits the size of the image. Additionally, Jack Astor’s wanted a display that would fit in with the sports bar’s existing décor, but still stand out to attract people’s attention.

Solutions
Replacing the plasma screen with a projector, the display could go much bigger at 67”, and could be framed to fit into the existing décor. The Richmond Hill location served as a test case, and this sort of installation will soon be rolling out to restaurant and bar locations across Canada!