At Meiji University (Japan) has developed a simulation technology of arbitrary taste. A device called a “synthesizer Norimaki”, directly interacts with the human tongue. By analogy with a touchscreen here, the contact language and the surface, without that the generation of the sensation of taste is impossible.
The idea of taste display evolved from the design of visual screens in which the complex color image formed of only three basic colors – red, green and blue. In the synthesizer of taste components such five – they are responsible for sweet, bitter, salty, sour and umami. They are presented in the form of gel rods, the activity of which depends on the input thereto of an electric current
According to Homea Miyashita, researchers from the University of Meiji, the intensity of exposure of the gels to the taste buds of the tongue varies in a very wide range that allows you the flexibility to combine parameters, creating arbitrary tastes. For example, you consistently show what distinguishes insufficiently boiled rice too salty. Or to simulate the taste that people have never felt, just pick the right settings for each of the rods.
In tests, the synthesizer successfully deceived the tastes of all subjects. When the gel rods were wrapped in tasteless dried seaweed to add to the taste and texture of food, the participants created a complete illusion of what they eat sour pickled vegetables. The authors see this as a chance for those who want to lose weight – they can eat low-calorie bread, but to enjoy the taste of your favorite delicacies.
Source — TechXplore