Invisible materials have attracted attention for anti-counterfeiting and traceability. We have focused on antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) as an invisible material, which is transparent under visible light and can absorb near-infrared light by localized surface plasmon resonance. By controlling the amount of antimony doping, we have succeeded in preparing antimony tin oxide (ATO) inks with high transparency under visible light and high absorption under near-infrared light. In addition, by interpolating the color difference between the image to be given invisible information and the ATO inks, we have succeeded in imparting information on paper that is difficult to read in the visible region but readable in the near-infrared region.

In recent years, various researches on the use of visible light for information and communication have been actively conducted. In addition, new codes called “color · codes,” which add color information to black-and-white two-dimensional codes such as QR codes, have been developed and are being used. We have focused on this color · code and have developed a simple multiplexed visible light communication system combined with a general-purpose electronic terminal. In this study, we constructed a system that communicates multiple color · codes as moving images in order to achieve further high-capacity communication. The system has equipped with an error correction function as a countermeasure against misrecognition during reception, and a function for color threshold sequential generation processing has also been added, thereby improving stable color recognition.

The authors present the development and implementation of a parametric customization service for 3D models of assistive devices on “COCRE HUB,” a web-based platform aimed at promoting independent living for persons with disabilities and the elderly. The proposed service enables users to generate personalized 3D-printable models by adjusting dimensional parameters via a browser-based interface. Developed using JavaScript Solid Modeling CAD (JSCAD), the system is intentionally designed to be accessible to non-specialists. Usability evaluations with experienced occupational therapists confirmed the system's practical effectiveness. This paper elaborates on the technical framework, development process, and user feedback, and explores its future potential and social significance.

Sports are an important means not only of maintaining physical health but also of fostering community connections. However, for PVI (people with visual impairments), participating in high-intensity sports presents significant challenges. In contexts requiring rapid decision-making, conventional support technologies that rely solely on auditory or tactile feedback are often inadequate. This article introduces the “Low Vision Boxing” initiative, which seeks to enable PVI to engage in kickboxing in a practical and sustained manner. Rather than substituting vision, the project adopts an approach that leverages residual vision by incorporating visual cues through LED lights into a wearable prototype. Developed through participatory design involving visually impaired practitioners and trainers, the prototype was evaluated by 11 PVI, revealing both its effectiveness and areas for improvement. Additionally, the initiative has been actively promoted through regular training sessions and public event participation, highlighting efforts toward social implementation and broader dissemination.

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.

We elaborate on three topics of “tactile maps” for blind and visually impaired people that we have been working on since 2008. The first topic is the development of a tactile map automated creation system. This system can instantly create tactile maps of any location, enabling us to meet the individual needs of blind and visually impaired people. The second topic is the tactile map creation service and the tactile map creating workshop that utilize this system. In this service and workshop, we create tactile maps tailored to individual needs. These are the first of their kinds in Japan and remain the only ones available today. The third topic is the introduction of 3D printers for creating tactile maps. 3D-printed tactile maps enable volumetric representation which can be understood intuitively by the users, thereby enhancing their effectiveness. On the other hand, 3D printing requires quite longer times than conventional 2D paper-based tactile maps. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately choose 2D or 3D tactile maps depending on the intended use and production number.

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to interactive interfaces that support visually impaired users in understanding and creating two-dimensional information such as shapes, maps, and drawings. While conventional tactile graphics and embossed printers provide non-visual access to such content, they present limitations in terms of immediacy, editability, and expressive freedom. This paper provides an overview of existing assistive technologies for non-visual drawing, followed by an introduction to our own systems that utilize auditory and haptic feedback. Specifically, we present three tools: Audible Mapper for designing game maps, OTASCE Map for real-world route learning, and a drawing software that enables freehand artistic expression. We describe the interface design, sensory feedback methods, and results from user evaluations. These efforts contribute to building new creative environments that empower visually impaired individuals to engage in expressive activities beyond the constraints of visual perception.

This paper explores the characteristics and formation of spatial understanding in blind individuals by comparing them with sighted individuals. Despite the absence of visual input, blind people can construct meaningful spatial representations through the integration of tactile, auditory, and kinesthetic information. We highlight the limitations of vision-centered spatial cognition models and demonstrate the diversity of non-visual spatial processing through analyses of mobility behavior, sensory substitution technologies, and educational practices. Drawing on findings from neuroscience, including neuroplasticity and sensory compensation, we also examine practical tools such as tactile maps and acoustic navigation. The study underscores the potential for inclusive spatial design and educational strategies that support independent spatial cognition across sensory modalities, contributing to the realization of a more symbiotic society.

This paper critically examines the framework of “technological support” taken for granted in engineering. While AI-based assistive technologies for disabled people have proliferated, these approaches often embody problematic assumptions. The paper introduces two key concepts: first, ableism-a system assigning value to people based on socially constructed notions of normalcy and productivity; and second, technoableism-the ideology that technology should “cure” or “normalize” disabled people for “inclusion.” These concepts reveal how conventional support models presuppose that disabled people must adapt to existing systems, while obscuring their agency and expertise. The paper presents counter-approaches such as Crip Technoscience, which centers the work of disabled people as knowers and makers, and provides a theoretical foundation for more appropriate discussions of accessibility.

Lignin is an abundant organic compound and has attracted attention as a potential raw material. However, its heterogeneous chemical structure burdens to produce homogeneous material. The authors are studying on development of technologies to produce homogeneous aromatic materials from lignin by overcoming its heterogeneity. This commentary article introduces the straight-through and interdisciplinary approach to lignin conversion, consisting of (1) Optimization of lignin depolymerization [Parameters of alkaline copper hydroxide oxidative depolymerization were optimized to maximize the yield of aromatic monomers suitable for bioproduction]; (2) Construction of vanillate-producing microorganisms [Sphingobium lignivorans SYK-6 and Pseudomonas sp. NGC7 were engineered to produce vanillate selectively]; (3) Synthesis of value-added aromatic polymers [poly (ethylene vanillate) was synthesized from crude vanillate obtained from bioproduction, and vanillate-derived vinyl monomers were applied to prepare toner particles].