A Design Support System for Tactile Graphics Using Generative AI

Abstract

This study introduces Text to Haptics, a system that supports the creation of tactile picture books for shared reading between visually impaired and sighted individuals. The system transforms visual illustrations into tactile graphics, which are printed on transparent, flexible sheets using a 3D printer. It incorporates generative AI for refining visual images—such as adjusting perspective or clarifying object shapes and combines this with manual editing using design tools to apply line simplification and tactile textures. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethan) filament is used to ensure both durability and flexibility, making the tactile layers suitable for attachment to book pages. While some knowledge of tactile design and digital tools is still required, this approach helps streamline the production process. Future work includes integrating AI-based evaluation of tactile readability and developing accessible authoring environments that enable visually impaired users to participate more actively in the creation process.