Tangiblesuch

Tangiblesuch is a proposed framework for indexing and retrieving physical artifacts based on their tangible properties, using sensor data, computer vision, RFID or NFC tags, and metadata. It aims to support object-centered search that goes beyond textual descriptions to capture material attributes such as texture, weight, dimensions, and surface properties.

The term tangiblesuch blends the idea of tangible, referring to physical qualities, with search. It has been discussed in contexts that seek to bridge material characteristics with information retrieval, in contrast to purely textual or image-based search approaches. As a concept, it is used to describe both the data models and the interaction patterns needed to locate real-world objects by their physical attributes.

Technically, tangiblesuch envisions a standardized ontology of tangible attributes, interoperable data capture protocols, and multimodal query interfaces. Core components include descriptive metadata for materials, finishes, and geometries; sensors and devices that capture or infer these attributes; and similarity-based ranking that helps users find objects with comparable tangible properties. The approach supports both exact matches and perceptual similarity, enabling richer search experiences for physical goods.

Applications span museums and libraries for provenance and object cataloging, warehouses and retail for inventory management, manufacturing quality control, and accessibility tools that assist users in identifying or understanding objects through tactile or haptic cues. It also supports interactive catalogs and augmented reality experiences that convey physical properties.

Challenges include developing universal standards and interoperable schemas, ensuring data quality, handling noisy or incomplete sensor data, and addressing privacy and scalability concerns. While still evolving, tangiblesuch contributes to discussions about object-aware search systems and the integration of material properties into information retrieval.