Tangible needle, digital haystack: tangible interfaces for reusing media content organized by similarity

This paper presents the design process of a desk-set tangible user interface for the navigation and manipulation of media content organized by content-based similarity with off-the-shelf/flea market devices. For intra-media navigation, a refurbished portable vinyl player has its inside mechanics replaced by a webcam monitoring circular gray code analyzed through computer vision for position/speed tracking. For inter-media navigation, a 3D force-feedback controller is mounted in upright position on a truss with cell clamps, repurposed as trackpad. For media recomposition, motorized faders recall the effect presets of the closest/last selected media item.