BallBouncer : interactive games for theater audiences

Abstract

Members of a theater audience see themselves in a mirror image projected on to a large screen. This `mirror' is augmented by virtual balls that bounce realistically when hit by the audience. The effect is created with a computer and a single camera. It is robust and convincing and we have devised several different games that an audience can play. Since 2005, we have displayed these games pub- licly at two international science fairs, and to many student groups. We usually explain the rules of the games brie y, but even this is hardly necessary. People learned to manipulate the virtual objects in- tuitively and could infer the rules of scoring in only a few minutes. Our games encourage cooperation and provide an enjoyable, active group experience without making individuals self conscious.