Taste presentation device and current supply device used therefor

Abstract

To provide a taste presentation device with a novel structure as an option for supplying a current for taste stimulation to an organ of taste of a user.SOLUTION: A taste presentation device 1 comprises: an instrument 10 for eating and drinking which has a conductive current carrying part 14 that can contact an organ of taste of a user and an insulation part 13 in a portion to be gripped by the user; and a current supply device 20 for supplying a current for taste stimulation to the organ of taste via the instrument 10. The current supply device 20 is configured to store a control device or the like in a housing 21 that can be worn on the wrist of the user, has one electrode on the rear surface side of the housing 21, and connects the other electrode of the housing 21 to the current carrying part 14 of the instrument 10 via a cable 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a taste presentation device and the like that utilizes electrical stimulation to change the taste sensed by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] For users who are forced to eat bland meals with limited salt and sugar content due to health management or other reasons, a device has been proposed that uses electrical stimulation to modify the taste of food and drink to suit the user's preferences, etc., as a method of enhancing the saltiness and increasing satisfaction for the user. For example, a device has been proposed in which a power supply device for supplying an electric current for stimulating the taste sensibility is fixed on a glove, a pair of cables are drawn from the power supply device, one cable is connected to a conductive part of an eating utensil such as a cup or fork, and the other cable is connected to a part of the user, such as the little finger or wrist, to electrically stimulate the user's taste organs (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-45399 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The configuration of forming an electrical circuit for supplying current for gustatory stimulation using gloves is one solution for realizing the necessary functionality of a taste presentation device. However, it is expected that different options may be required depending on the user's condition, preferences, etc.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a taste presentation device or the like having a novel configuration as an option for supplying a current for stimulating taste to a user's taste organs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A taste presentation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a taste presentation device comprising: an eating and drinking utensil having a conductive current-carrying part that can come into contact with a user's taste organ and an insulating part at the part to be held by the user; a current supply device for supplying a current for stimulating taste to the taste organ via the utensil; and a cable connecting the utensil and the current supply device. The current supply device includes a housing having a pair of electrodes for outputting the current, and a control device provided within the housing for controlling the output of a predetermined power source so that the current is supplied to the taste organ. The utensil is configured so that it can be worn on the user's wrist, and one of the pair of electrodes is provided on the back side of the utensil so as to contact the user's wrist, and the other electrode is connected to the current-carrying part of the utensil via the cable.

[0007] A current supply device according to one aspect of the present invention is a current supply device for constituting a taste presentation device that has a conductive current-carrying part that can come into contact with a user's taste organs and is used in combination with an eating utensil that has an insulating part in the part that is to be held by the user, and that supplies a current for stimulating taste to the taste organs via the utensil.The current supply device includes a housing that has a pair of electrodes for outputting the current, and a control device that is provided within the housing and controls the output of a predetermined power source so that the current is supplied to the taste organs.The housing is configured so that it can be worn on the user's wrist, and one of the pair of electrodes is provided on the back side of the housing so as to contact the user's wrist, and the other electrode is connected to the current-carrying part of the utensil via a cable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the overall configuration of a taste presentation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of chopsticks used in the taste presentation device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of a current supply device used in the taste presentation device. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the current supply device of FIG. 3; [Figure 5] 4 is a side view of the current supply device as viewed from the direction of arrow V in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the indicator lit up. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device in the current supply device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for examining a cable length. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a configuration for examining a cable length. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a surface on which electrodes are to be arranged when considering cable length. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of examining the cable length under condition 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of examining the cable length under condition 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of examining the cable length under condition 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of examining the cable length under condition 4. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of examining the cable length under condition 5. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of examining the cable length under condition 6. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of examining the cable length under condition 7. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of examining the cable length under condition 8. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of examining the cable length under condition 9. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of examining the cable length under condition 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A taste presentation device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the term "taste presentation" in this embodiment refers to the concept of electrically stimulating the user's taste organs to change the taste perceived by the user when ingesting food or drink from the taste perceived when no electrical stimulation is applied.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the taste presentation device 1 includes a pair of chopsticks 10 as an example of an eating and drinking utensil, and a current supply device 20 for supplying a current for stimulating taste to the user's taste organs (for example, the taste buds on the tongue) via the chopsticks 10. The pair of chopsticks 10 is made up of a pair of individual chopsticks 11, 12. Hereinafter, the individual chopsticks 11, 12 may be referred to as individual chopsticks 11, 12 to distinguish them from the set of chopsticks 10.

[0011] The entire current supply device 20 is configured as a wristwatch-like unit that can be worn on the user's wrist. One of the chopsticks 11, 12 (the chopstick 11 serving as the lower chopstick in the illustrated example) is electrically connected to the current supply device 20 via a single cable 30. The connection position between the chopstick 11 and the cable 30 is set at the rear end of the chopstick 11, for example. The cable 30 may have the same cross-sectional dimensions and flexibility as cables used for charging and communicating with general electrical equipment, for example, electronic devices such as smartphones.

[0012] Figure 2 shows an example of chopsticks 10. However, chopstick unit 11 shows the internal structure. One chopstick unit 11 includes a handle-shaped main body 13 and an electrical conductor 14 attached to main body 13. The main body 13 is entirely formed from an insulating material, such as insulating resin. As a result, main body 13 functions as an example of a handle-shaped portion and an insulating portion. The electrical conductor 14 includes an electrode portion 14a exposed at the tip of main body 13, i.e., the side that contacts the user's taste buds, a terminal portion 14b exposed at the rear end of main body 13, and a connecting portion 14c connecting electrode portion 14a and terminal portion 14b. Electrode portion 14a, terminal portion 14b, and connecting portion 14c are all made of a conductive material, such as a conductive metal material. The electrical conductor 14 is integrated with main body 13 using, for example, insert molding.

[0013] The electrode unit 14a can come into contact with the user's tongue. The term "contact" here is not limited to direct contact with a taste organ such as the tongue, but also encompasses indirect contact via food or drink consumed by the user. For example, the concept of "contact" also includes an electrical connection between the electrode unit 14a and the user's tongue (or, more precisely, the taste buds on the tongue) via food held by the chopsticks 20. Food or drink is not limited to solid or semi-solid food, but can also include liquids such as beverages and soups. For example, when the electrode unit 14a is immersed in soup consumed by the user, the electrode unit 14a and the user's tongue are electrically connected via the soup.

[0014] Terminal portion 14b is used for connection to cable 30. The connection between terminal portion 14b and cable 30 is realized, for example, by attracting them together using the magnetic force of a magnet built into cable 30. A configuration may be adopted in which elastic deformation of the end of cable 30 is used to connect cable 30 to terminal portion 14b with an appropriate holding force. Alternatively, the connection between cable 30 and terminal portion 14b and the maintenance of the connection may be realized by any other appropriate configuration.

[0015] The other chopstick unit 12 has only a handle-shaped main body 15, and does not have a conductive part. The main body 15 is the same shape and size as the chopstick unit 11 that has the conductive part 14. The other chopstick unit 12 may also be provided with a conductive part 14, and the user may select one of the chopstick units 11, 12 to connect to the cable 30 when using it.

[0016] 3 to 5 show an example of a current supply device 20. The current supply device 20 includes a housing 21, a battery 22 housed inside the housing 21, and a control board 23. The housing 21 can be worn by wrapping it around the user's wrist using a band 24 that comes as an accessory. The housing 21 can be worn on either the left or right wrist of the user. However, when using the taste presentation device 1, the housing 21 is worn on the wrist of the hand holding the chopsticks 10.

[0017] Battery 22 is an example of a DC power source for generating a current for gustatory stimulation. Battery 22 may be, for example, a cylindrical or button-shaped primary battery (dry cell), or a secondary battery (rechargeable battery) that can be repeatedly used by charging. Various types of batteries can be used as battery 22. Control board 23 is a circuit board on which a control device is mounted that controls the output of battery 22 so that a current suitable for gustatory stimulation is supplied to the user's taste organs.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 21 includes a main body 21a and a cover 21b that is attached so as to cover the main body 21a. The main body 21a functions as a base that is attached to the user's wrist by being connected to the band 24. The band 24 may be inseparably integrated with the housing 21, or may be detachable from the housing 21. The cover 21b functions as a lid member that closes the inside of the housing 21 by being combined with the main body 21a. The housing 21 is a box-shaped container that is long in the direction of the band 24 and has a rounded shape overall. However, the housing 21 may be formed in any suitable shape, such as a circular container.

[0019] The main body 21a and the cover 21b are formed as, for example, resin molded products. The cover 21b of the housing 21 may be detachable from the main body 21a, or may be fixed so as to be inseparable from the main body 21a. For example, if access to the inside of the housing 21 needs to be ensured for the convenience of a user replacing the battery 22 or maintaining the control board 23, the cover 21b may be detachable from the main body 21a. In this case, the cover 21b may be completely detachable from the main body 21a by employing a coupling structure such as screwing the cover 21b to the main body 21a or fitting it using elastic deformation. Alternatively, the cover 21b may be provided so as to be openable and closable relative to the main body 21a via a hinge or the like. On the other hand, if access to the inside of the housing 21 does not need to be ensured, the cover 21b may be fixed so as to be inseparable from the main body 21a by a method such as adhering the cover 21b to the main body 21a after installing interior components such as the battery 22 and the control board 23.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the housing 21 is provided with a pair of electrodes 25, 26 for outputting a current for stimulating the taste sense. Hereinafter, the electrodes 25, 26 may be referred to as the first electrode 25 and the second electrode 26 to be distinguished from each other. As is clear from FIG. 4 , the first electrode 25 is provided so as to be exposed on the rear surface 21c of the housing 21, i.e., the underside of the main body 21a, so as to be able to contact the user's wrist. In the illustrated example, the first electrode 25 is exposed on the rear surface 21c as a single disk-shaped electrode. The first electrode 25 may be provided so as to protrude somewhat from the rear surface 21c to ensure reliable contact with the user's wrist. Note that the entire first electrode 25 does not necessarily need to be made of a metal material or the like that is commonly used as a conductive material. A current-limiting portion made of a material commonly used as an insulating or dielectric material that does not or has poor electrical conductivity may be appropriately provided on the first electrode portion 25. The current limiting portion may be provided, for example, so as to be appropriately mixed within the first electrode 25, or so as to be interposed between the first electrode 25 and the user's wrist. By providing the current limiting portion, it is possible to appropriately limit the current flowing between the first electrode 25 and the user's wrist, thereby eliminating or suppressing the risk of the user feeling excessive stimulation. The current limiting portion may be made of, for example, resin, ceramics, mica, rubber, silicon, or fiber, either alone or in appropriate combination, and processed products thereof may also be used as the current limiting portion. The current limiting portion is preferably made of rubber or fiber, and more preferably made of a combination of rubber and fiber.

[0021] Second electrode 26 is provided on front surface 21d, which is the side opposite the back surface of housing 21, i.e., on front surface 21d of cover 21b. The position of second electrode 26 on front surface 21d is set to be offset from the center of front surface 21d so as to be located near the boundary with side surface 21e, which faces the tip side when worn on the wrist. By setting the position of electrode 26 in this manner, the connection position of cable 30 can be kept as far as possible from the cuff of clothing worn by the user, thereby making it possible to avoid or reduce interference between cable 30 and clothing.

[0022] The second electrode 26 is used to connect to the cable 30. As an example, the cable 30 is connected to the second electrode 26 with an appropriate holding force by utilizing the magnetic force of a magnet built into its end. However, the second electrode 26 may be provided so that one end of the cable 30 can be inserted. The direction in which the cable 30 is pulled out from the housing 21 is set opposite the back surface 21c of the housing 21. In other words, the orientation of the second electrode 26 is determined so that when the cable 30 is connected to the second electrode 26, the cable 30 extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the front surface 21d of the housing 21. By setting the direction in which the cable 30 is pulled out in this way, when the housing 21 is worn on the wrist, the cable 30 extends in a loop between the housing 21 and the rear end of the chopsticks 11 in a direction away from the wrist. Therefore, even if the user changes the orientation of the chopsticks 10, interference between the cable 30 and the user's hand is unlikely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of the chopsticks 10 becoming less user-friendly due to the handling of the cable 30, or to reduce the possibility of such an inconvenience occurring.

[0023] An operation unit 27 for operating the current supply device 20 is provided on the side surface 21e of the housing 21. The operation unit 27 includes, for example, a pair of operation buttons 27a, 27b arranged along the joint between the main body 21a and the cover 21b. Appropriate functions may be assigned to the operation buttons 27a, 27b. For example, the operation buttons 27a, 27b may be used differently, such that pressing one operation button 27a for a certain period of time switches the power on and off, and operating the other operation button 27b switches the intensity of the taste stimulation (current intensity) in an appropriate number of steps. The operation unit 27 is not limited to the example using a pair of operation buttons 27a, 27b, and any appropriate operation member may be provided on the operation unit 27.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 6, an indicator 28 for indicating the status of the current supply device 20 is provided on the surface 21d of the housing 21. The indicator 28, for example, is configured by arranging four circular light-emitting elements 28a along the left-right direction of the housing 21 (the direction in which the band 24 extends). For example, each light-emitting element 28a is provided with an LED as a light source within the housing 21, and the illumination light emitted by the light source is transmitted to the outside through a translucent portion of the cover 21b. FIGS. 1 and 3 show a state in which all light-emitting elements 28a are turned off and blend into the surroundings of the cover 21b, making the light-emitting elements 28a impossible or difficult to see. The status indication by the indicator 28 can also be set as appropriate. For example, all four light-emitting elements 28a are temporarily lit when the power is turned on or off, and when the intensity of the taste stimulation is changed, the number of light-emitting elements 28a corresponding to the set intensity is temporarily lit. When the current-carrying portion 14 of the chopsticks 10 comes into contact with the user's taste organs and current flows through an electrical circuit including the user's taste organs, this may be indicated by a change in the lighting state of the light-emitting portion 28a, for example, an increase in the light emission intensity.

[0025] 7 shows an example of a control device 40 mounted on the control board 23. The control device 40 includes a control unit 41 that executes various operational controls required to control the output of the battery 22 so as to be compatible with taste stimuli, an output adjustment circuit 42 that adjusts the current output between the electrodes 25 and 26 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 41, a primary boost circuit 43 that boosts the output of the battery 22 to a level required for the operation of the control unit 41 and supplies the boosted output to the control unit 41, and a secondary boost circuit 44 that boosts the output of the primary boost circuit 43 to a level suitable for taste stimuli and supplies the boosted output to the output adjustment circuit 42.

[0026] Control unit 41 is a computer unit including a programmable microprocessor. Control unit 41 detects the operation of operation unit 27 and, based on the detection result, instructs output adjustment circuit 42 on the polarity and current value of the current to be supplied between electrodes 25, 26. Output adjustment circuit 42 adjusts the output from secondary boost circuit 44 according to the instructions of control unit 41, thereby supplying a predetermined current for stimulating taste between electrodes 25, 26.

[0027] A monitor circuit 45 is also connected to the output adjustment circuit 42. The monitor circuit 45 monitors the state of conduction between the electrodes 25, 26, and when conduction is detected, notifies the control unit 41. When the first electrode 25 is in contact with the user's wrist, the chopsticks 11 and the second electrode 26 are connected via the cable 30, and the electrode portion 14a of the chopsticks 11 comes into contact with the user's taste organs directly or indirectly via food or drink, an electric circuit is formed between the electrodes 25, 26 via the user's body, the current-carrying portion 14 of the chopsticks 11, and the cable 30, causing electricity to flow between the electrodes 25, 26, and this electricity is detected by the monitor circuit 45 via the output adjustment circuit 42.

[0028] Control unit 41 starts its control operation when it detects the power-on operation of operation button 27a, and when monitor circuit 45 notifies it of the detection of current flow, controls the operation of output adjustment circuit 42 so that the desired current for gustatory stimulation is supplied between electrodes 25, 26. For example, control unit 41 instructs output adjustment circuit 42 on the polarity of the current so as to achieve cathodic stimulation in which first electrode 25 is the anode and second electrode 26 is the cathode, or anodic stimulation in which first electrode 25 is the cathode and second electrode 26 is the anode, and also instructs output adjustment circuit 42 on the target value of the current in response to the operation of operation button 27b. Furthermore, with regard to the current waveform, control unit 41 may instruct output adjustment circuit 42 on, for example, the rate of change of the current (the amount of change in the current value per unit time) from the start of current flow until the current value reaches the target value. Cathodic stimulation and anodic stimulation may be switched at an appropriate timing after current flow is detected. For example, the polarity may be instructed so that cathodal stimulation is performed in the initial stage after the start of current application, and then the polarity is reversed from cathodal stimulation to anodal stimulation at a predetermined time thereafter. In either case, control unit 41 increases or decreases the target current value in response to operation of operation button 27b, and instructs output adjustment circuit 42 so that a current of a predetermined waveform is supplied to the user from electrodes 25, 26. Output adjustment circuit 42 adjusts the output of secondary boost circuit 44 in response to the instruction to supply a current of the desired waveform to electrodes 25, 26.

[0029] The control unit 41 also controls the turning on and off of the light emitting portion 28a of the indicator 28 as appropriate in accordance with the operating state of the control device 40. Examples of this control are as described above. Note that the control device 40 may be equipped with various circuit elements such as a low-pass filter or other filter that removes unnecessary frequency components from the current for stimulating the taste sense, a capacitor that removes noise components, an inductor, a ferrite core, and the like.

[0030] As described above, in the taste presentation device 1, the first electrode 25 is positioned so as to contact the user's wrist. Therefore, simply connecting the current supply device 20 and the chopsticks 10 (used as eating utensils) with a single cable 30 completes the preparation for forming an electrical circuit for tasting stimulation. This reduces the amount of preparation work compared to wiring two cables. Additionally, the cable 30 is drawn from the second electrode 26 of the current supply device 20 toward the front surface 21d of the housing 21, opposite the back surface 21c. This allows the cable 30 to be routed in a loop away from the user's wrist. This avoids or reduces the risk of interference between the cable 30 and the user, thereby improving the usability of the taste presentation device 1.

[0031] In the taste presentation device 1 of this embodiment, if the length of the cable 30 is set too short, there may not be enough excess length of the cable 30 between the second electrode 26 and the chopsticks 10, which may restrict the movement of the chopsticks 10 more than necessary. On the other hand, if the length of the cable 30 is too long, there is a risk that the cable 30 itself may become entangled with the user or get in the way by touching utensils such as tableware. From this perspective, the results of examining the optimum range for the length of the cable 30 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as cable length) are described below.

[0032] 1. Method of examination To determine the optimum range for cable length, the following evaluations 1 and 2 were carried out. Examples that received a score of 4 in evaluation 1 and a score of "none" in evaluation 2 were determined to be within the optimum range for cable length. (Rating 1) The degree to which the cable restricts the action of eating food with chopsticks was evaluated using the following four-point scale for different cable lengths. Score 1: Unable to grasp objects using chopsticks. 2 points: Able to grasp objects using chopsticks, but there is a limit to the range of movement of the chopsticks (wrist is fixed from the initial position). 3 points: No restriction on chopstick movement, but limited wrist bending. 4 points: No restriction on chopstick movement or wrist movement. (Rating 2) The degree to which the cable comes into contact with the user's body, dishes, the dining table, and other surrounding utensils when eating food with chopsticks was evaluated using the following two-point scale for different cable lengths. Yes: The cable comes into contact when you bring food to your mouth. None: There is no cable contact when moving food to the mouth.

[0033] 2.Conditions for consideration The following conditions were set for conducting evaluations 1 and 2. (subject) The subjects were adult Japanese women with standard builds. The subject's hand dimensions were as follows: Dimensions from the bottom of the palm to the base of the middle finger: 100mm Dimensions from the base of the middle finger to the first joint of the middle finger (the joint closest to the tip): 48mm Measurement from the bottom of the palm (wrist crease) to the tip of the middle finger: 170mm

[0034] (cable connection position) Regarding the connection between the chopsticks and the cable, we considered two cases: one where the rear end of the chopsticks is the connection point C1, as shown in Figure 8, and one where the side of the chopsticks is the connection point C1, as shown in Figure 9. Regarding the connection between the casing and the cable, we set electrodes for cable connection (corresponding to the second electrode 26 in Figure 3) on each of the five faces A to E of the casing, excluding the back, as shown in Figure 10, and conducted evaluations 1 and 2. Therefore, depending on the difference in the cable connection position, the conditions for the study were divided into the following 10 types. Condition 1: Connection point C1 on the rear end of the chopstick, connection point C2 on face A of the case Condition 2: Connection point C1 on the rear end of the chopstick, and connection point C2 on side B of the housing Condition 3: Connection point C1 on the rear end of the chopstick, and connection point C2 on face C of the case. Condition 4: Connection point C1 on the rear end of the chopstick, and connection point C2 on face D of the housing Condition 5: Connection point C1 on the rear end of the chopstick, connection point C2 on face E of the housing Condition 6: Connection point C1 on the side of the chopstick itself, and connection point C2 on face A of the case. Condition 7: Connection point C1 on the side of the chopstick itself, and connection point C2 on side B of the case. Condition 8: Connection point C1 on the side of the chopstick itself, and connection point C2 on face C of the case. Condition 9: Connection point C1 on the side of the chopstick itself, and connection point C2 on face D of the case. Condition 10: Connection point C1 on the side of the chopstick itself, and connection point C2 on face E of the case.

[0035] (Other conditions) The total length L of the chopsticks alone was set to 225 mm in all conditions 1 to 10. Regarding the position where the subjects held the chopsticks, the distance X from the contact point CP between the thumb and the chopsticks alone to the connection point C1 between the chopsticks alone and the cable was set to 78 mm in conditions 1 to 5, and 50 mm in conditions 6 to 10.

[0036] 3.Measurement items When the linear distance between connection point C1 on the chopstick side and connection point C2 on the housing side is defined as A, the ratio B / A of cable length B to linear distance A, and the inclination angles α and β of the cable at connection points C1 and C2 were measured. Distance A was measured with the wrist naturally extended. In conditions 1 to 5, the inclination angle α was the angle at which the cable was inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the chopstick alone, and in conditions 6 to 10, the inclination angle α was the angle at which the cable was inclined relative to the normal direction of the chopstick alone at connection point C1. In all cases of conditions 1 to 10, the inclination angle β was the angle at which the cable was inclined relative to the direction in which the electrode on the housing side was oriented (the normal direction to the electrode surface, which corresponds to the direction in which the cable was attached or detached).

[0037] The results of the measurement items under each of conditions 1 to 10, the results of evaluations 1 and 2, and the judgment results are shown in Figures 8 to 17. Considering these results, it can be estimated that there will be no restriction on chopstick movement if the cable length B is 1.35 times or more the linear distance A between connection points C1 and C2. On the other hand, the upper limit of cable length B varies depending on the conditions, making it difficult to find a clear standard. However, considering that the most severe cases where cable contact is determined to be "yes" are when B / A = 2.667 (the examples in Figures 12, 14, and 17 where A = 150, B = 400), and that there are also cases where there is no contact even when B / A = 3.500 (the example in Figure 18 where A = 100, B = 350), and that in many cases the number of results indicating "no contact" clearly increases when B / A is within 3.00, it is estimated that cable contact with tableware, the dining table, etc. can be relatively effectively avoided if cable length B is set to preferably 3.00 times or less, and more preferably 2.60 times or less, the distance A between the connection points.

[0038] Note that the distance A between the connection points varies depending on the size of the subject's hand. However, because the preferred range is determined by the ratio of the cable length B to the distance A, it is presumed that this preferred range is applicable regardless of the size of the hand. When realizing the taste presentation device of the present invention as an actual product, in order to adapt the cable length to various users with different hand sizes, it is possible to set the cable length by referring to standard data on the hand sizes of the expected user group, or to prepare multiple cables of different lengths and allow the user to select the cable of the length that is most suitable for them.

[0039] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be embodied in various modified or altered forms. For example, the eating utensils to be used in the taste presentation device are not limited to chopsticks. Various eating utensils may be used as long as they have a conductive current-carrying part that contacts the user's taste organs directly or through food and the part to be held by the user is configured as an insulating part. For example, if an eating utensil such as a fork or spoon has a tip that can contact the user's tongue made of a conductive metal material and a part to be held by the user made of an insulating resin, it can be used as an eating utensil in the taste presentation device of the present invention by connecting a cable to the metal current-carrying part. In particular, since spoons, forks, etc. have a handle-like part for the user to hold, by providing an insulating part on the handle-like part and exposing the current-carrying part at an appropriate position, such as the rear end of the handle, and connecting a cable to the exposed part, they can be used as an eating utensil in the taste presentation device, similar to the chopsticks 20 described above.

[0040] Even in the case of tableware such as cups and bowls for consuming liquids such as beverages and soups, if the tableware has a conductive part in the part that comes into contact with the liquid and an insulating part in the part that is to be gripped by the user, by connecting a cable to the conductive part, it is possible to electrically connect the conductive part to the user's tongue via the liquid and form an electrical circuit for supplying a current for stimulating the taste. Furthermore, the eating and drinking utensils that can be used with the taste presentation device of the present invention are not limited to utensils provided as dedicated products for constituting a taste presentation device, and various eating and drinking utensils that are commercially available as general-purpose products can be used as long as they have the above-mentioned conductive part and insulating part.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the battery 22 serving as the power source for the current supply device 20 is housed within the housing 21. However, an external power source provided outside the housing 21 may also be used as the power source. In this case, a terminal for connecting a power source may be provided on the housing 21, and the terminal may be connected to the external power source via a power cable. When using an external AC power source, its output may be converted to DC by an AC / DC converter and supplied to the control device. Unlike eating utensils, an external power source does not need to move freely with the user's movements when consuming food or drink. Therefore, when using an external power source, it is sufficient to route the power cable so as not to interfere with the user's actions when consuming food or drink. Therefore, even if a power cable is added, it is possible to enjoy the advantage of forming an electrical circuit for supplying a current for stimulating the taste sense by connecting the current supply device and the eating utensils with a single cable.

[0042] In the above embodiment, by providing second electrode 26 on front surface 21d of housing 21, cable 30 is configured to be drawn out on the side opposite back surface 21c of housing 21 on which first electrode 25 is provided. However, in order to set the cable drawing direction in this manner, second electrode 26 does not necessarily have to be set on front surface 21d opposite back surface 21c. For example, even if second electrode 26 is provided on side surface 21e of housing 21 (corresponding to surface A in FIG. 10 ), it is possible to set the cable drawing direction opposite first electrode 25 by configuring the connection end of cable 30 to second electrode 26 in a bent or L-shaped configuration in which the cable extends in a direction bent 90 degrees from the terminal portion in contact with second electrode 26. However, as is clear from the results of conditions 1 to 4 and 6 to 9 in the above study, even if the cable drawing direction is not set opposite the back surface of the housing, it is possible to route the cable so as not to obstruct the movement of eating and drinking utensils.

[0043] Various aspects of the present invention derived from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be described below. In the following description, to facilitate understanding of each aspect of the present invention, corresponding components shown in the accompanying drawings will be written in parentheses, but this does not limit the present invention to the illustrated forms.

[0044] A taste presentation device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a taste presentation device comprising: an eating and drinking implement (10) having a conductive current-carrying part (14) that can come into contact with a user's taste organ and an insulating part (13) at the part to be held by the user; a current supply device (20) for supplying a current for stimulating the taste to the taste organ via the implement; and a cable (30) connecting the implement and the current supply device. The current supply device includes a housing (21) provided with a pair of electrodes (25, 26) for outputting the current; and a control device (40) provided within the housing for controlling the output of a predetermined power source (22) so that the current is supplied to the taste organ. The housing is configured so that it can be worn on the user's wrist, and one electrode (25) of the pair of electrodes is provided on the back surface (21c) of the housing so as to contact the user's wrist, and the other electrode (26) is connected to the current-carrying part of the implement via the cable.

[0045] In the taste presentation device of the above aspect, when the housing is worn on the user's wrist, one electrode comes into contact with the user's wrist. The other electrode is connected to the electrical conductor of the eating utensil via a cable, and the electrical conductor of the utensil comes into contact with the user's taste organ. This electrically connects the one electrode to the other electrode via the user's body, including the taste organ, the electrical conductor of the eating utensil, and the cable, forming an electrical circuit for supplying a taste stimulation current to the taste organ. The taste presentation device is ready to use when the housing of the current supply device is worn on the wrist and a single cable is connected between the one electrode and the electrical conductor of the eating utensil. There is no need to connect multiple cables to the user or the eating utensil, and there is no need to wear dedicated items such as gloves. Therefore, a taste presentation device that requires relatively little preparation and is easy to use can be provided as a choice for users.

[0046] In the taste presentation device of the above aspect, the cable may be pulled out from the other electrode in a direction opposite to the rear surface of the housing. In this case, the cable can be looped around on the side opposite to the rear surface of the housing, i.e., away from the wrist, and connected to an eating utensil. This can avoid or reduce the risk of interference between the cable and the user when eating or drinking, thereby improving the usability of the taste presentation device.

[0047] The other electrode may be provided on the surface (21d) of the housing opposite the back surface, in which case the cable can be routed away from the wrist, thereby more reliably achieving the above-mentioned advantages.

[0048] Furthermore, the housing may include a band (24) for wrapping around the user's wrist, allowing the current supply device to be easily worn on the user's wrist in the same way as a wristwatch.

[0049] In the taste presentation device of the above aspect, a current limiting unit for limiting the current flowing between the one electrode and the user's wrist may be provided in the one electrode or between the one electrode and the user's wrist. This makes it possible to appropriately limit the current between the first electrode and the user's wrist, thereby eliminating or suppressing the risk of the user feeling excessive stimulation.

[0050] The tool may have a handle portion (13) at least a portion of which is configured as the insulating portion, and when the end of the tool that contacts the user's taste organs is defined as the tip side, the conductive portion may be exposed at the rear end of the tool, and this exposed portion (14b) may be set as the connection position for the cable. Because the rear end of the handle portion protrudes toward the back of the hand more than the portion that the user should grip, connecting the cable at that position makes it easy to route the cable away from the user holding the tool, and the cable is less likely to get in the way of the user's action of ingesting food or drink. Such advantages can be further enhanced when the cable is pulled out from the housing in the direction opposite to the back side.

[0051] The total length of the cable may be 1.35 times or more and 3.50 times or less the distance (A) between the connection points (C1, C2) of the cable and the other electrode and the utensil, respectively. Setting the total length of the cable in this range avoids or reduces the risk of the cable restricting the movement of eating utensils, while also avoiding or reducing the risk of the cable coming into contact with tableware or the like and interfering with eating and drinking actions.

[0052] A current supply device (20) according to one aspect of the present invention has a conductive current-carrying part (14) that can come into contact with a user's taste organs, and is used in combination with an eating or drinking utensil (10) having an insulating part (13) at the part to be held by the user. This current supply device is for constituting a taste presentation device (1) that supplies a current for stimulating taste to the taste organs via the utensil. The current supply device includes a housing (21) provided with a pair of electrodes (25, 26) for outputting the current, and a control device (40) provided within the housing that controls the output of a predetermined power source (22) so that the current is supplied to the taste organs. The housing is configured so that it can be worn on the user's wrist, and one electrode (25) of the pair of electrodes is provided on the back surface (21c) of the housing so as to contact the user's wrist, and the other electrode (26) is connected to the current-carrying part of the utensil via a cable (30).

[0053] According to the current supply device of the above aspect, the taste presentation device of the above aspect can be constructed by wearing the housing on the user's wrist and connecting the other electrode to the current-carrying part of the eating and drinking utensil with a cable.

[0054] The current supply device of the above embodiment may include additional embodiments similar to those of the taste presentation device of the above embodiment. That is, the direction in which the cable is drawn from the other electrode may be set opposite to the back surface of the housing. The other electrode may be provided on a surface (21d) opposite to the back surface of the housing. Furthermore, the housing may include a band (24) to be worn by wrapping it around the wrist of the user. A current limiting unit that limits the current flowing between the one electrode and the user's wrist may be provided in the one electrode or between the one electrode and the user's wrist. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1. Taste presentation device 10. Chopsticks (utensils for eating and drinking) 13 Main body (handle, insulating part) 14 Electrical part 20 Current supply device 21. Cabinet 21c Back of the case 21d Case surface 22 Batteries 23 Control board 24 bands 25, 26 electrodes 30 Cable 40 Control device C1, C2 connection points

Claims

1. an eating and drinking utensil having a conductive current-carrying part that can come into contact with a user's taste organ and an insulating part provided at a part to be gripped by the user; a current supply device for supplying a current for stimulating taste to the taste organ via the device; A taste presentation device comprising a cable connecting the appliance and the current supply device, The current supply device a housing provided with a pair of electrodes for outputting the current; a control device provided in the housing and configured to control the output of a predetermined power source so that the current is supplied to the taste sensor; the housing is configured to be worn on the wrist of the user; A taste presentation device in which one of the pair of electrodes is provided on the back side of the housing so as to contact the user's wrist, and the other electrode is connected to the electrical connection part of the appliance via the cable.

2. The taste presentation device according to claim 1 , wherein the cable is drawn out from the other electrode in a direction opposite to the rear surface of the housing.

3. The taste presentation device according to claim 2 , wherein the other electrode is provided on a surface of the housing opposite to the back surface.

4. 4. The taste presentation device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a band that is worn by wrapping around the wrist of the user.

5. A taste presentation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a current limiting unit that limits the current flowing between the one electrode and the user's wrist is provided within the one electrode or between the one electrode and the user's wrist.

6. The taste presentation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device has a handle-shaped portion, at least a portion of which is configured as the insulating portion, and when the side of the device that contacts the user's taste organ is the tip side, a terminal portion is provided at the rear end side of the device where the conductive portion is exposed, and the terminal portion is set as the connection position with the cable.

7. A current supply device for constituting a taste presentation device that is used in combination with an eating tool having a conductive current-carrying part that can come into contact with a user's taste organ and an insulating part provided in a part that is to be held by the user, and that supplies a current for stimulating taste to the taste organ via the tool, a housing provided with a pair of electrodes for outputting the current; a control device provided in the housing and configured to control the output of a predetermined power source so that the current is supplied to the taste sensor; the housing is configured to be worn on the wrist of the user; One of the pair of electrodes is provided on the back side of the housing so as to contact the user's wrist, and the other electrode is a current supply device for presenting taste that is connected to the electrical current section of the device via a cable.

8. 8. The current supply device according to claim 7, wherein the cable is drawn out from the other electrode in a direction opposite to the rear surface of the housing.

9. 9. The current supply device according to claim 8, wherein the other electrode is provided on a surface of the housing opposite to the rear surface.

10. 10. The current supply device according to claim 7, wherein the housing includes a band that is worn by wrapping it around the wrist of the user.

11. A current supply device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein a current limiting unit that limits the current flowing between the one electrode and the user's wrist is provided within the one electrode or between the one electrode and the user's wrist.

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