A lollipop-style interface that recreates taste sensations in a VR environment has been developed
A research team from the City University of Hong Kong has reported that they have developed a 'lollipop-shaped interface' that can recreate tastes in a virtual environment. The device is in the shape of a lollipop and is designed to allow users to experience different tastes while exploring the virtual space.
Miniaturized, portable gustation interfaces for VR/AR/MR | PNAS
A lollipop interface for simulating taste in virtual environments
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-11-lollipop-interface-simulating-virtual-environments.html
For many years, virtual reality (VR) technology has sought to incorporate human senses into virtual environments. Various devices have been developed to replicate hearing and vision, and progress has been made in developing interfaces to replicate touch and smell, but replicating taste has proven difficult.
Previous research has focused on methods using chemicals, heat, and electrical stimulation, but all of these have had many technical challenges. Therefore, a research team from the City University of Hong Kong has developed a method using biologically safe hydrogels and ions. This method has the advantages of being safe, low power consumption, and more accurate taste feedback.
To achieve the device's miniaturization, the research team used two layers of ultra-thin printed circuit boards and arranged the components on them in an optimized layout. The completed device is 8cm x 3cm x 1cm in size and weighs about 15g, about the same size as a typical lollipop.
The device consists of a lithium-ion battery, a microcontroller, a Bluetooth module, resistors, capacitors, MOSFETs, and a linear regulator. The board is housed in a 3D-printed nylon lollipop-shaped case, and the flavor channels can be controlled wirelessly through a GUI in the virtual environment.
The nine taste-generating channels are filled with flavored hydrogels, which are made of
The researchers say their lollipop-style interface could be used for taste testing, tasting functions for online grocery shopping, and even home education.
However, the team said the chemical-containing hydrogel shrinks over time, causing the flavor to wear off, limiting the device's usable time to about an hour. The team plans to add more flavors and explore ways to extend the usable time of the lollipop-shaped interface.
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