NeuroMatrix3D

A web application that converts text into 3D printable braille models for tactile reading.

Project Overview

NeuroMatrix3D takes plain text input and generates downloadable STL files representing the text in braille format. The 3D models can be printed on standard 3D printers to create tactile reading materials.

Tech Stack

• Flask: Web framework
• liblouis: Braille translation
• OpenSCAD: 3D model generation

Installation & Setup

Configuration

NeuroMatrix3D loads MATRIX_DEBUG, MATRIX_PORT, and MATRIX_HOST from .env.

Copy .env.example to .env and adjust the values as needed:

cp .env.example .env

MATRIX_PORT controls both the host- and container-side ports so Docker mappings stay in sync.

Example .env.example:

MATRIX_DEBUG="false"
MATRIX_PORT="5000"
MATRIX_HOST="0.0.0.0"

Environment Variables

Variable	Default	Purpose
MATRIX_DEBUG	false	Flask debug mode
MATRIX_PORT	5000	Port Flask listens on and the port Docker publishes
MATRIX_HOST	0.0.0.0	Network interface Flask binds to

Local Development

apt update && apt install -y python3 python3-pip python3-louis openscad
pip install -r requirements.txt
python3 matrix_app.py

Docker Deployment

docker compose up -d --build

Accessing the Application

Access the application at http://localhost:5000 and enter text to generate braille models (or http://localhost:<MATRIX_PORT> when overridden via .env).

Architecture Overview

1. Text input is translated to braille using liblouis (UEB Grade 2)
2. Braille patterns are converted to dot position lists
3. OpenSCAD renders the 3D model with appropriate dot heights
4. STL file is generated for 3D printing

Braille Standard

UEB Grade 2 (Unified English Braille Grade 2) is the standard contracted braille format that uses abbreviations and contractions to reduce reading volume while maintaining readability.

License

NeuroMatrix3D is licensed under the MIT License.