In the last few decades, remarkable progress has been made in the development of exact 3D solid models. This is mainly attributable to modern technology and techniques such as information technology, shape measurement, and digital manufacturing. Exact models are useful as tactile teaching materials. Such models enable blind people to experience the world through tactile sensations. They are also instructive for sighted people. One purpose of this special thematic session (STS) is to bring together experts from around the world to present and discuss state‑of‑the‑art research and development activities and future perspectives in three‑dimensional tactile models.Another purpose of this STS is to discuss the recognition mechanism of shapes of 3D objects by blind and visually handicapped people. Recognition mechanisms of 3D objects based on tactile information differ from those based on visual information. Does there exist a systematic method for the tactile observation of 3D tactile models so that blind students can recognize them correctly and efficiently? Blind people can recognize the shapes of 3D objects by touching them; however, it is quite difficult to recognize the shapes of 3D objects from 2D tactile plane figures. This STS intends to discuss solutions to these problems that currently hamper the education of blind and visually handicapped students.Topics include (but are not limited to):

• 2D and 3D tactile models in science
• 2D and 3D tactile models in mathematics
• 2D and 3D tactile models in art
• recognition mechanisms of shapes based on tactile information
• correct and efficient method for tactile observation of shapes
• recognition of the shapes of 3D objects from 2D tactile plane figures

Chairs

• 
  Yoshinori Teshima , Chiba Institute of Technology
• 
  Tetsuya Watanabe , Niigata University
• 
  Kazunori Minatani, National Center for University Entrance Examinations