Portable virtual taste generator

Abstract

The present invention provides a virtual taste generator comprising: a virtual taste interface comprising: a housing having a taste generating channel extending orthogonally through the housing from a top surface to a bottom surface; an electrically conductive tasty gel, the electrically conductive tasty gel being accommodated in the plurality of taste generating channels, respectively; the conductive tasting gels each have a top end exposed on a top surface of the housing and a bottom end exposed on a bottom surface of the housing; a control system, the control system comprising: switches, respectively connected to the electrically conductive tasting gels and configured to conduct or block current flowing through the electrically conductive tasting gels, respectively; and a controller connected to the switches and configured to generate electrical signals for opening or closing the switches, respectively; and wherein each electrically conductive tasteable gel is embedded with one or more tasteable ionic electrophoresis tasteable chemical agents and controllably produces a specific taste by ionic electrophoresis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to virtual taste generation. More specifically, the present invention relates to a portable virtual taste generator for immersive media applications in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR / AR / MR) environments. Background Art

[0002] As immersive media continues to evolve, multi-sensory elements have been integrated into digital interactions. Various techniques for generating artificial or virtual tastes by stimulating the sense of taste have emerged. One method involves directly applying flavoring chemicals to the tongue by licking, thereby generating specific tastes based on the amounts of these chemicals. However, this method requires the use of cartridges and chambers, making it cumbersome and challenging to maintain various tastes.

[0003] Another method employs thermal stimulation to generate certain tastes by changing the temperature of the tongue within the range of 10°C to 40°C. For example, heating can cause greasy, sweet, warm, and electrical tastes, while reducing the sensitivity to metallic tastes. Conversely, cooling can cause minty, cold, and pleasant sensations. However, the range of tastes achievable through thermal stimulation is quite limited. In addition, systems using this method typically use large liquid cooling pumps, fans, and Peltier modules, which require high electrical power to operate, significantly affecting their portability.

[0004] Electrical stimulation methods utilize electrical pulses with different magnitudes of current, electrode polarities, and frequencies to reproduce different basic tastes (such as sour, salty, spicy, sweet, and bitter). However, it remains challenging to achieve a wide range of food flavors through electrical stimulation.

[0005] A recently proposed taste feedback system integrates chemical and electrical stimulation, employing taste channels that combine iontophoretic chemicals and utilize electric current to generate various tastes. However, this system incorporates the human body as part of the driving circuit, resulting in differences in tastes among users. Therefore, a more stable and miniaturized virtual taste system is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the above-mentioned non-negligible drawbacks such as a bulky tasting platform or control circuit and a limited number of taste options, the present invention provides a portable taste generator that is fully wireless, highly miniaturized, lightweight, and capable of generating a broader range of taste variations.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a virtual taste generator is provided. The virtual taste generator includes: a virtual taste interface, the virtual taste interface including: a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a plurality of taste generation channels orthogonally extending through the housing from the top surface to the bottom surface; a plurality of conductive tasteable gels respectively received in the plurality of taste generation channels; each of the plurality of conductive tasteable gels having a top end exposed on the top surface of the housing and a bottom end exposed on the bottom surface of the housing; a control system including: a plurality of switches respectively connected to the plurality of conductive tasteable gels and configured to respectively conduct or block a plurality of currents flowing through the plurality of conductive tasteable gels; and a controller electrically connected to the plurality of switches and configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals for respectively opening or closing the plurality of switches; and wherein each conductive tasteable gel encapsulates one or more tasteable iontophoretic taste chemicals and controllably generates a specific taste through iontophoresis.

[0008] In an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the control system further includes a communication module configured to wirelessly receive a command signal for commanding the controller.

[0009] In an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the control system further includes a first low dropout regulator for regulating a first DC voltage applied to the tasteable channels; and a second low dropout regulator for regulating a second DC voltage applied to the communication module.

[0010] In an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the virtual taste generator further includes: a top circuit board disposed on the top surface of the housing and including a plurality of first interconnects configured to respectively electrically connect the top ends of the plurality of conductive tasteable gels to the plurality of switches; and a bottom circuit board disposed on the bottom surface of the housing and including a plurality of second interconnects configured to respectively electrically connect the bottom ends of the plurality of conductive tasteable gels to ground.

[0011] In an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, each first interconnect includes a first contact pin configured to protrude into the corresponding top end of the conductive tasteable gel; and each second interconnect includes a second contact pin configured to protrude into the corresponding bottom end of the conductive tasteable gel.

[0012] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, each of the first contact pin and the second contact pin is made of platinum (Pt) or silver (Ag).

[0013] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the top circuit board further includes a plurality of openings respectively aligned with the plurality of conductive tasteable gels to expose the top ends of the conductive tasteable gels.

[0014] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, each of the top circuit board and the bottom circuit board is a flexible printed circuit board.

[0015] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the conductive tasteable gel is an agarose gel.

[0016] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the housing is made of nylon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 and 2 show a block diagram and an exploded view of a virtual taste generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 show three prototypes of the virtual taste generator.

[0020] Figure 4 show a schematic diagram demonstrating how the virtual taste generator is used in an MR application.

[0021] Figures 5A to 5D show the variation of the mass of the chemical solution generated for various operation times with respect to the voltage input and chemical type.

[0022] Figures 6A to 6D show the variation of the mass of the pure chemical generated for various operation times with respect to the voltage input and chemical type. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following description, details of the present invention are set forth as preferred embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications, including additions and / or substitutions, can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Specific details may be omitted so as not to obscure the present invention; however, the present disclosure is written to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings herein without undue experimentation.

[0024] Figure 1 and 2A block diagram and an exploded view of a virtual taste generator according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. As shown, the virtual taste generator may include a virtual taste interface 10 and a control system 20.

[0025] The virtual taste interface 10 may include a housing 11 having a top surface 111 and a bottom surface 112 opposite the top surface. The housing may further have a plurality of taste generation channels 113i (where i is a positive integer) that orthogonally extend through the housing from the top surface 111 to the bottom surface 112. The housing 11 may be made of a biocompatible 3D printing material (e.g., nylon) and manufactured by 3D printing.

[0026] The virtual taste interface 10 may further include a plurality of conductive tasteable gels 13i, which are respectively received in the plurality of taste generation channels 113i. Each conductive tasteable gel 13i may have a top end exposed on the top surface 111 of the housing and a bottom end exposed on the bottom surface 112 of the housing.

[0027] In some embodiments, each conductive tasteable gel 13i may be composed of an agarose gel embedded with a tasteable chemical agent. When an electric current flows through the tasteable gel, the tasteable gel is extruded to generate a specific taste by iontophoresis.

[0028] The tasteable agent may be, but is not limited to, sugar, salt (NaCl), citric acid, cherry, passion fruit, green tea, milk, durian, grapefruit, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The control system 20 may include a plurality of switches 21i, which are respectively connected to the plurality of conductive tasteable gels 13i and configured to respectively conduct or block a plurality of electric currents flowing through the plurality of conductive tasteable gels 13i. Each switch may be constructed from an N-type MOSFET (NMOS) and a P-type MOSFET (PMOS).

[0030] The control system 20 may further include a processor 22 such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), which is connected to the plurality of switches 21i and configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals for respectively turning on or off the plurality of switches 21i.

[0031] The control system 20 may further include a communication module 23 such as a Bluetooth module, which is configured to wirelessly receive command signals for the command controller 22. When a command to open a specific channel is received, the corresponding digital pin (e.g., GPI / O) of the controller is raised (e.g., 5V) to turn on the switch, thereby allowing current to flow through the agarose gel for extruding the flavorant embedded in the agarose gel by ionophoresis. When a command to close a specific channel is received, the digital GPI / O is lowered (e.g., 0V) to turn off the switch, thereby blocking any current flowing through the agarose gel.

[0032] The control system 20 may further include a battery 24 (e.g., 4.2V, 500mAh lithium-ion battery) serving as the main power supply. The control system 20 may further include a first low-dropout regulator (not shown) for regulating the first DC voltage applied to the tasteable channels; and a second low-dropout regulator (not shown) for regulating the second DC voltage applied to the communication module. Generally, due to safety concerns, the first DC voltage applied to the tasteable channels is limited to 2V.

[0033] The virtual taste generator may further include a top circuit board 30 disposed on the top surface 111 of the housing and including a plurality of first interconnects (not shown) configured to electrically connect the tops of the plurality of conductive tasteable gels 32i to the plurality of switches 21i, respectively. Each first interconnect includes a first contact pin configured to protrude into the corresponding top of the conductive tasteable gel 13i. The top circuit board further includes a plurality of openings 32i respectively aligned with the plurality of conductive tasteable gels 13i to expose the tops of the conductive tasteable gels.

[0034] The virtual taste generator may further include a bottom circuit board 40 disposed on the bottom surface 112 of the housing 11 and including a plurality of second interconnects configured to electrically connect the bottoms of the plurality of conductive tasteable gels 13i to ground GND. Each second interconnect includes a second contact pin 41i configured to protrude into the corresponding bottom of the conductive tasteable gel.

[0035] Alternatively, the first interconnects may be configured to electrically connect the tops of the plurality of conductive tasteable gels 32i to ground GND, and the second interconnects 41i may be configured to electrically connect the bottoms of the plurality of conductive tasteable gels to the plurality of switches 21i, respectively.

[0036] The circuit board can be a flexible printed circuit board, preferably with a thickness of 0.21 mm. The bottom circuit board can be configured to accommodate switches, processors, communication modules, low dropout regulators, and other electrical components.

[0037] The contact pins can be made of any suitable biocompatible conductive material, including but not limited to platinum (Pt) or silver (Ag). Preferably, the virtual taste generator can further include a protective layer 50 covering the electrical components of the control system 20, such as machined or 3D printer parts or encapsulation.

[0038] In some embodiments, the plurality of first interconnects can be implemented by fabricating a plurality of conductive vias that extend from the top surface to the bottom surface through the housing. Each of the conductive vias in the conductive vias can be positioned adjacent to a corresponding taste channel and connected to the taste gel in the corresponding channel through redistribution traces that connect the channels and the vias. Thus, the top circuit board can be omitted.

[0039] Figure 3 Three prototypes of the virtual taste generator are shown. For portability and familiarity, the virtual taste generator can have a lollipop shape and a total length of about 8 cm. The number of taste channels can range from 2 to 9. For example, 5 taste channels can be used to provide 5 basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. The diameter of each taste channel can range from 5 mm to 15 mm and the thickness is substantially equal to 7 mm, such that the channels can be arranged to form a taste interface area sized for licking that is 2.5 to 3.5 cm, preferably equal to 3 cm.

[0040] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing how the virtual taste generator is used in an MR application is shown. As shown, the user can enjoy a virtual lollipop in a virtual environment by licking the virtual taste interface of the virtual taste generator. With the provided virtual taste generator, the taste feedback intensity can be well controlled by changing the voltage input, and the user can continuously enjoy the taste feedback for more than 1 hour.

[0041] Figures 5A to 5D The mass of the chemical solution generated for various operating times is shown as a function of voltage input and chemical type. Higher voltage inputs and longer operating times can generate more chemical solution. Among 9 different chemicals, gels based on NaCl and citric acid can generate more solution compared to others, which may be due to higher conductivity. Figures 6A to 6D The mass of the pure chemical generated for various operating times is shown as a function of voltage input and chemical type, which shows the same trend as the Figures 5A to 5D results shown.

[0042] The foregoing description of the invention has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art.

[0043] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A portable virtual flavor generator, comprising: A virtual flavor interface, the virtual flavor interface comprising: a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a plurality of flavor generating channels extending orthogonally through the housing from the top surface to the bottom surface; a plurality of conductive tasteable gels, the plurality of conductive tasteable gels being respectively contained in the plurality of flavor generating channels; Each of the plurality of conductive gels has a top end exposed on the top surface of the housing and a bottom end exposed on the bottom surface of the housing; A control system, the control system comprising: a plurality of switches, the plurality of switches being respectively connected to the plurality of conductive tasting gels and being configured to respectively conduct or block a plurality of currents flowing through the plurality of conductive tasting gels; and a controller electrically connected to the plurality of switches and configured to generate a plurality of electrical signals for respectively opening or closing the plurality of switches; and Each of the conductive tasting gels is embedded with one or more tasting ion electrophoresis tasting chemicals, and can controllably produce a specific taste through ion electrophoresis. 2 . The portable virtual flavor generator of claim 1 , wherein the control system further comprises a communication module configured to wirelessly receive a command signal for commanding the controller. 3 .

3. The portable virtual flavor generator according to claim 2, wherein the control system further comprises a first low dropout voltage regulator for regulating a first DC voltage applied to a selectable channel; and A second low dropout regulator is provided, wherein the second low dropout regulator is used to regulate a second DC voltage applied to the communication module.

4. The portable virtual flavor generator according to claim 1, further comprising: a top circuit board disposed on a top surface of the housing and comprising a plurality of first interconnects configured to electrically connect top ends of the plurality of conductive tasting gels to the plurality of switches, respectively; and A bottom circuit board is disposed on the bottom surface of the housing and includes a plurality of second interconnects configured to electrically connect bottom ends of the plurality of conductive gels to ground.

5. The portable virtual flavor generator according to claim 4, wherein Each first interconnect comprises a first contact pin configured to protrude into a corresponding top end of the conductive tasting gel; and Each second interconnect includes a second contact pin configured to protrude into a corresponding bottom end of the conductive tasting gel. 6 . The portable virtual flavor generator of claim 5 , each of the first contact pin and the second contact pin is made of platinum (Pt) or silver (Ag).

7. The portable virtual flavor generator according to claim 4, wherein the top circuit board further comprises a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being aligned with the plurality of conductive tasteable gels, respectively, to expose top ends of the conductive tasteable gels.

8. The portable virtual flavor generator of claim 3, wherein each of the top circuit board and the bottom circuit board is a flexible printed circuit board.

9. The portable virtual taste generator of claim 1, wherein the conductive tasteable gel is agarose gel.

10. The portable virtual flavor generator of claim 1, wherein the housing is made of nylon.

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