"Reconfigurable Tactile Control Displays" are provided which are particularly suited for applications such as automobile instrument panels where large displays and controls are desirable to provide a wide range of information, with minimal driver distraction and the safe input of data to vehicle subsystems or for communication based activities. Preferred embodiments utilize rear projection displays with electro-optically sensed physical controls and touch commands and offer, at low cost, a maximum of reconfigurability to different car lines, drivers, and tasks. Also disclosed are novel implementations for other applications such as control of appliances, heating and other household functions which may share common control and display presentation with those used in the vehicle.