Mapping Objects with the Surface Editor

The Surface Editor is a software tool for creating control interfaces and mapping input actions to OSC or MIDI actions very easily and intuitively. Originally conceived to be used with a tactile interface, the Surface Editor has been extended to support the creation of graspable interfaces as well. This paper presents a new framework for the generic mapping of user actions with graspable objects on a surface. We also present a system for detecting touch on thin objects, allowing for extended interactive possibilities. The Surface Editor is not limited to a particular tracking system though, and the generic mapping approach for objects can have a broader use with various input interfaces supporting touch and/or objects.