Real Mirrors Reflecting Virtual Worlds

This paper introduces the idea of using real mirrors in combination with rear-projection systems for the purpose of interacting with and navigating through the displayed information. Subsequently a derived application is described. For this, we use a hand-held planar mirror and address two fundamental problems of applying head tracking with rear-projection planes: the limited viewing volume of these environments and their incapability of simultaneously supporting multiple observers. Furthermore, we describe the possibility of combining a reflective pad with a transparent one, thus introducing a complementary tool for interaction and navigation.