02-25-2009, 01:46 AM
newscientist.com
Mathematician Andrew Hicks designs unusual mirrors that reflect wide panoramas or even show text the right way round.
Non-reversing mirror
This mirror does not produce a "mirror" image, making it possible to read reflected text normally.
Hicks, a mathematician at Drexel University, Philadelphia, used computer algorithms to generate the mirror's bizarre surface, which curves and bends in different directions. The curves direct rays from an object across the mirror's face before sending them back to the viewer, flipping the conventional mirror image.
As well as neat tricks like this, Hicks' models make it possible to design mirrors that provide wide angled-views or eliminate distortion.
(Image: Andrew Hicks)
http://www.newscientist.com/gallery/dn16...ng-mirrors
Mathematician Andrew Hicks designs unusual mirrors that reflect wide panoramas or even show text the right way round.
Non-reversing mirror
This mirror does not produce a "mirror" image, making it possible to read reflected text normally.
Hicks, a mathematician at Drexel University, Philadelphia, used computer algorithms to generate the mirror's bizarre surface, which curves and bends in different directions. The curves direct rays from an object across the mirror's face before sending them back to the viewer, flipping the conventional mirror image.
As well as neat tricks like this, Hicks' models make it possible to design mirrors that provide wide angled-views or eliminate distortion.
(Image: Andrew Hicks)
http://www.newscientist.com/gallery/dn16...ng-mirrors