Optical turntable as an interface for musical performance

Abstract

This thesis proposes a model of creative activity on the computer incorporating the elements of programming, graphics, sound generation, and physical interaction. An interface for manipulating these elements is suggested, based on the concept of a disk-jockey turntable as a performance instrument. A system is developed around this idea, enabling optical pickup of visual information from physical media as input to processes on the computer. Software architecture(s) are discussed and examples are implemented, illustrating the potential uses of the interface for the purpose of creative expression in the virtual domain.