System and methods for testing taste sensitivity

Abstract

There is provided a method operating a self-administrable test routine for measuring a user's taste threshold The method comprises: generating a sample indicator for operating a dispensing device to present one of a plurality of tasting samples to the user for administering a taste test, receiving an image of the user administering the taste test from an imaging device, analysing the image to determine whether a compliance condition is satisfied, and if the compliance condition is satisfied, accepting a user response to the taste test from a user terminal.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR TESTING TASTE SENSITIVITY

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to methods and systems for testing a user’s sensitivity to taste.

[0004] Background

[0005] It is known that taste perception in humans (including taste thresholds, perceived taste intensity, perceived pleasantness, or unpleasantness of taste) can be altered by different states in both health and disease.

[0006] Monoamine neurotransmitters, which include noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT), are released from neurones in the brain and contribute to mental state, well-being, and perception of the human senses. These same neurotransmitters are used by the taste bud on the tongue in the appreciation of taste. Manipulation of the monoamine neurotransmitters, whether by normal physiological cycles (e.g. menstrual cycle), disease state (e.g. depression) or by medical treatment (e.g. by treatment with antidepressants that modulate monoamine neurotransmission) can lead to changes in mental state and well-being.

[0007] The "monoamine theory of depression" suggests that depression is a consequence of diminished circulating monoamine concentrations and hence neurotransmission of NA, dopamine, and 5-HT, and / or a reduction in the sensitivity of their receptors (Hirschfeld, 2000. J Clin Psychiatry 61 [Suppl 6]:4-6). Antidepressants used in the treatment of major depression disorder (MDD) target the monoamine neurotransmitters (e.g. NA and 5-HT).

[0008] It has been found that patients with clinical depression exhibit an acute response to medical treatment (e.g. with a medicament that increases monoamine availability for neurotransmission) when taste recognition profiles are measured, despite a lack of immediate effect on the patient’s symptoms. Therefore, measuring a patient’s taste sensitivity can be used as an indicator of whether they are suffering from depression because of an imbalance in neurotransmitters (e.g. NA and 5-HT). Accordingly, the measure of the patient’s taste sensitivity can be used to determine whether treatment with antidepressants targeting those neurotransmitters is likely to be effective.

[0009] Other systems have been devised for testing taste sensitivity. However, these are intended to be performed in the presence of a medical practitioner, other clinician or researcher to ensure the test is administered correctly. In particular, it is important for a taste test that i) the subject’s taste sensitivity is assessed using a blind taste test where the subject has no prior knowledge of which taste sample is being presented to them, to avoid the subject’s preconceptions influencing the test, and that ii) only the anterior portion of the tongue is used to taste the taste samples. The taste buds on the anterior two thirds of the tongue are innervated by cranial nerve 7 (i.e., the chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve CN7). Stimulating this nerve in isolation produces an accurate result, avoiding stimulation of the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve 9, CN9) or olfactory nerve (cranial nervel , CN1 , responsible for the sense of smell) . Other taste-test systems may be inappropriate for self-administrable testing where these conditions may not be met.

[0010] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

[0011] Summary

[0012] In a general sense, the present invention relates to methods and systems for performing a self- administrable taste test and assessing whether a user has administered the taste test correctly. In particular, this involves analysing images of the user while they are sampling a plurality of tasting samples to ensure that the tasting samples have been applied only to the anterior two-thirds of the user’s tongue which is innervated by the CN7 nerve.

[0013] In this manner, the user’s response to the plurality of tasting samples can be used to accurately assess their taste sensitivity while permitting the test to be self-administered. The invention thus provides a more accurate and repeatable testing set up that enables a user’s taste sensitivity to be self-assessed with confidence.

[0014] The results of the taste test may advantageously be used in a diagnosis system e.g., for determining if a patient has depression because of an imbalance in neurotransmitters, or in home monitoring and screening applications. Accordingly, the user may be referred to herein as a patient, a person, a subject, etc.

[0015] The invention is set out in the appended set of claims.

[0016] In a first aspect there is provided a method for operating a self-administrable test routine for measuring a user’s taste threshold. The method comprises: a. generating a sample indicator for operating a dispensing device to present one of a plurality of tasting samples to the user for administering a taste test, b. receiving an image of the user administering the taste test from an imaging device, c. analysing the image to determine whether a compliance condition is satisfied, and d. if the compliance condition is satisfied, accepting a user response to the taste test from a patient terminal.

[0017] Advantageously, generating a sample indicator to operate the dispensing device facilitates the administration of a “blind” taste test since the user can be directed to select a tasting sample without having prior knowledge of the selected tasting sample. Additionally, by analysing the image of the user administering the taste-test the user’s technique can be verified thereby increasing a likelihood of the test results (i.e., the measure of the user’s taste sensitivity) being accurate. For example, as discussed further below, if the user does not administer the taste test correctly, then they may be requested to readminister the test. Accordingly, the test is more suited to being self-administered and less prone to false results than tests which are not operated using the present method.

[0018] The method may be a computer-implemented method. For example, the method be performed by an application being executed by a personal computing device (e.g., a smartphone or laptop) or by a central server in connection with a personal computing device. The user’s taste threshold may be defined as a minimum concentration at which the user is consistently able to perceive a specific taste modality, such as sweet, sour, salty, or bitter. In some embodiments of the present invention, the methods and systems discussed herein may be configured to determine a user’s sensitivity to one taste modality (e.g., sweet) in which tasting samples of multiple different concentrations of the single modality are presented to the user. The user's taste threshold may also be referred to herein as a user’s sensitivity to taste.

[0019] Administering the taste test may include the user tasting the tasting sample and providing the response, wherein the response is an indication of the user’s perception of which modality is being tasted. For example the user response may be an indication of which of a plurality of tasting modalities the tasting sample contains (e.g., sweet, salt, sour, bitter, etc).

[0020] Accordingly, as discussed below, the method of measuring the user’s taste threshold may comprise administering a plurality of taste tests using some or all of the plurality of tasting samples.

[0021] In some examples, the method may comprise activating the terminal (which may be referred to as a user terminal or a patient terminal) to receive the user response in response to determining that the compliance condition is satisfied. In this way, it may be ensured that the user is administering the test correctly before they are allowed to provide their response.

[0022] In other examples, the user response may be received from the terminal before the image is analysed. Therefore, in this example, the method may comprise generating an indication of whether the user response is valid or not valid depending on whether the compliance condition is satisfied. The method may then further comprise determining the user’s taste threshold based on the user result if the user response is classified as valid, and, if the user response is classified as not valid, discarding the user response. In this way, it can be determined that the user was administering the taste-test correctly when the user response was received at the terminal and the user’s taste threshold may be determined based only the user responses which are classified as valid.

[0023] The compliance condition may be a condition that the user is extending their tongue from their mouth while administering the taste test (i.e., while they are tasting the tasting sample). Accordingly, determining whether the compliance condition is satisfied may comprise determining if the image contains the user wherein the user’s tongue is extended from their mouth. For example, if a portion of the user’s tongue is detected in the image, and the detected portion is outside of the user’s mouth then the compliance condition may be determined to be satisfied. In this case, the user response, in respect of the presented tasting sample, may be accepted as a valid response.

[0024] By ensuring that the user has extended their tongue while tasting the tasting sample, it can be ensured that the tasting sample is being sensed by the user’s CN7 nerve which innervates the anterior 2 / 3s of the tongue. Accordingly, the sensitivity of the CN7 may be more accurately assessed in isolation with less or no input from other sensory organs.

[0025] In some examples determining if the compliance condition is satisfied may further comprise determining if a sample instrument carrying the tasting sample is in contact with the user’s tongue. This condition may be required in addition to determining that the user’s tongue is extended from their mouth. More particularly, this step may include determining if the sample instrument is in contact with the anterior 2 / 3 of the user’s tongue which is innervated by the CN7 nerve.

[0026] For example, the sample instrument may be a cotton swab which has been immersed / put in contact with the presented tasting sample. Ensuring that the sample instrument has contacted the user's tongue assists in verifying that the tasting sample was applied to the user’s tongue outside of their mouth, rather than inside the user’s mouth.

[0027] In some examples, the method may comprise activating the terminal to receive the user response upon determining that the compliance condition is satisfied. Therefore, the user is prevented from submitting a response to the taste test until it is determined that they are administering the taste-test correctly.

[0028] The terminal may comprise a user interface. Accordingly, activating the terminal may comprise enabling regions on the user interface to receive the user response. For example, enabling regions on the user interface may comprise changing a visible property of the user interface. For example, the terminal may comprise a touchscreen and activating the regions may comprise displaying multiple choice buttons to receive the user response. In other examples, the buttons may become bold or responsive to selection, or the terminal may sound a chime indicating that the user may input their response.

[0029] In some examples, the method may further comprise activating the imaging device to continuously capture a plurality of images from the imaging device upon generating the sample indicator, and analysing each of the plurality of images for the compliance condition.

[0030] For examples, the imaging device may be configured to continuously film a field of view of the imaging device. Accordingly, the image may be one of a plurality of frames captured by the imaging device. Therefore, the method may comprise selecting one of the plurality of frames for analysis. The selected frame may correspond to a time period when the user response was received at the terminal. In other examples, each frame of the plurality of frames may be analysed for the compliance condition.

[0031] In other examples, the method may comprise sending a control signal to the imaging device to provide the image after generating the sample indicator.

[0032] Analysing the image may comprise using a pretrained machine learning model configured to generate a likelihood of the compliance condition being satisfied.

[0033] In some examples the method may comprise receiving one or more additional images from the imaging device upon receiving the user response. The one or more additional images may then be analysed to determine if the compliance condition was satisfied when the user response was received at the terminal. Accordingly, the user may be classified as valid or not valid depending on whether the compliance condition was satisfied when the user response was received at the terminal.

[0034] If the response is determined to be not valid, the method may comprise generating a request for the taste-test to be readministered. For example, the request may be communicated to the patient via the patient terminal. In other examples, the patient response may be removed from a list of patient responses used to determine the patient's taste threshold. In this way, an invalidly administered taste test may be prevented from influencing an overall result of the taste threshold test. Analysing the additional image to determine whether the compliance condition is satisfied may be performed in response to receiving the user response at the terminal. Therefore, if the image is captured and is determined to show the user extending their tongue, at the same time (or after) the user response is submitted to the terminal, then the compliance condition may be determined to be satisfied.

[0035] By analysing an additional image of the user that is captured when the user inputs their response to the test the system may ensure that the user submitted their response, before they withdrew their tongue into their mouth, where their sense of smell or signals from other cranial nerves may unduly influence their decision.

[0036] If the user response is classified as invalid, the method may comprise repeating the taste test. For example, the method may comprise: generating, via the terminal, a request for the taste-test to be readministered, and repeating steps (b) - (d).

[0037] The method may further comprise receiving a computer-readable identifier associated with a removable cassette of the dispensing device. As discussed below, the removable cassette may comprise the plurality of tasting samples, each tasting sample being selectable using a respective sample indicator.

[0038] The computer readable identifier may be located on the removable cassette. In other examples, for example when the dispensing device does not comprise a removable cassette the computer readable identifier may be located anywhere on the sample dispensing device which is readable by a computer.

[0039] For example, the computer readable identifier may be a QR code, a bar code, an RFID tag, etc. Accordingly, the computer readable identifier may, for example, be captured by the imaging device or scanned by an RFID reader.

[0040] The method may further comprise retrieving a correspondence table associated with the computer readable identifier. The correspondence table may contain a relative location of each tasting sample in the removable cassette. For example, the correspondence table may comprise a list of sample indicators corresponding to each of the tasting samples in the removable cassette of the sample dispensing device.

[0041] Accordingly the method may further comprise using the correspondence table to generate the sample indicator. For example, the sample indicator may be a well location on the cassette. In other examples, the generated sample indicator may correspond to a visible sample indicator provided on the sample dispensing device.

[0042] In this way, a different cassette may be used for each test, wherein the order of the tasting samples in the cassette is different. The computer readable identifier can therefore be used to determine which sample is being administered in each taste test. Accordingly, by mixing up the locations of the tasting samples the user may be prevented from knowing which sample they are tasting, facilitating the implementation of a “blind” taste test.

[0043] The correspondence table may be retrieved from a central server. For example, the method may comprise communicating over a network with a peripheral device (e.g., a server) to obtain the correspondence table using the computer readable identifier. In other examples, the computer readable identifier may be used to retrieve an associated correspondence table from a local memory. The method may further comprise: (e) generating a subsequent sample indicator based on the user response, and repeating steps (b) - (e) to generate a plurality of sample indicators to receive a plurality of user responses to a plurality of taste-tests. Accordingly, the test routine may comprise a plurality of individual taste sub-tests. The subsequent sample indicator may be generated based on the previous user response to the tasting sample. In this manner, the user’s response to a tasting sample can be used in an automated feedback loop to dynamically adapt the subsequently dispensed tasting samples.

[0044] The method may comprise determining an overall measurement of the user’s taste threshold based on the plurality of user responses (which were determined to be valid). The overall measurement may then be communicated to a central server. In other example, the overall measurement may be stored, or communicated to the user (e.g., via the terminal), or communicated to a healthcare provider, etc.

[0045] Herein a “preceding” user response and a “preceding” tasting sample may refer to the most recently administered taste-test in the test routine which the subsequent sample indictor is generated based upon.

[0046] In other examples, the method may further comprise generating a sequence of sample indicators for operating the dispensing device to present each of the plurality of tasting samples. Each of the sample indicators may be communicated to the user for administering the plurality of taste tests using each of the plurality of tasting samples. An image of the user administering each taste test may be received from the imaging device and analysed for the compliance condition for each sample indicator in the sequence.

[0047] The plurality of tasting samples may comprise a plurality of different concentrations of a substance. The substance may contain a single tasting modality such as sweet, salt, bitter, or sour. Each user response may include a positive indication or negative indication of whether the user can detect the tasting modality in the presented tasting sample during each individual taste test. For example, each user response may be a yes / no selection or selection from a variety of alternative responses indicating which taste modality has been detected (e.g., sweet / sour / salt / bitter), selected from the terminal.

[0048] The generated sample indicator of step (a) may be an initial sample indicator. The initial sample indicator may correspond to one of the tasting samples that comprises a control sample, the control sample containing, for example, distilled water or a highest available concentration of the tasting modality. A second initial sample indicator may also be generated corresponding to the other of the control samples. For example, the initial sample indicator may correspond to a tasting sample containing distilled water and a second sample indicator may correspond to a tasting sample containing the highest concentration, or vice-versa.

[0049] After the initial sample indicator has been generated, a subsequently generated sample indicator may correspond to neither the highest nor the lowest concentration of tasting modality in the plurality of tasting samples. Accordingly, the first tasting sample presented to the user, after the control samples, may have a medium concentration enabling the test routine to increase or decrease the concentration from there depending on the user response.

[0050] If the user response to the taste test (or one of the taste tests) is negative (indicating that the user could not detect the preceding tasting sample), generating the subsequent sample indicator may comprise generating a sample indicator corresponding to one of the tasting samples that comprises a higher concentration of the tasting modality than the preceding tasting sample. That is, the subsequent sample indicator may be for operating the dispensing device to present a stronger tasting sample than the preceding tasting sample for which the user response was submitted.

[0051] Conversely, if the user response is positive (indicating that the user could detect the preceding tasting sample), generating the subsequent sample indicator may comprise: generating a sample indicator corresponding to one of the tasting samples that comprises a lower concentration than the preceding tasting sample. Therefore, the subsequent sample indicator may be for operating the dispensing device to present a weaker tasting sample than the preceding tasting sample for which the user response was submitted.

[0052] A quantity of the tasting samples may be higher than a quantity of the different concentrations of tasting modality such that two or more of the tasting samples are duplicated tasting samples comprising a same concentration of the tasting modality. That is two or more wells of the sample dispensing device may contain the same concentration of tasting samples. Duplicating some concentrations of tasting samples can help to prevent the user from predicting which sample they are administering by learning which sample indicators correspond to which sample. Accordingly, each taste test may be more likely to be a blind test.

[0053] When there are duplicated tasting samples, the method may comprise generating sample indicators that correspond to the duplicated tasting samples in an alternating order. That is, when a sample indicator is to be generated for a concentration of tasting sample which has already been indicated using a first sample indicator and sampled in current the test routine, the method may comprise generating a second sample indicator corresponding to that concentration of tasting sample. If the first and second sample indicators have been generated for that tasting sample the method may comprise generating a third sample indicator corresponding to that tasting sample, or re-generating the first sample indicator. Accordingly the user may be less able to predict which tasting sample they are sampling.

[0054] The method may comprise: determining that an end condition has occurred and ending the test routine. For example, ending the test routine may comprise determining an overall measurement for the user’s taste threshold based on the plurality of user responses.

[0055] Determining that the end condition has occurred may comprise determining that a threshold number of the most recently administered taste-tests included tasting samples comprising only two of the concentrations of tasting modality, and the user responses to those taste-tests were constant across the two concentrations. For example, the user may have alternated between two adjacent concentrations of tasting sample and consistently responded that they could detect one of the concentrations but that they could not detect the other. Accordingly, this end condition may be detected by determining that a threshold number of the most recent sample indicators alternated between sample indicators corresponding to just two concentrations of tasting sample.

[0056] For example, the threshold number of the most recently administered taste-tests may be at least four taste-tests. Accordingly, each of the final concentrations of tasting sample may be sampled twice in an alternating order thereby indicating that the end condition has occurred. Ending the test routine may therefore comprise determining an overall measurement of the user’s taste threshold based on the two concentrations of tasting modality from the most recently administered tastetests. For example, the user’s taste threshold may be indicative of a concentration which is between the two final concentrations.

[0057] In other examples, the end condition may include, e.g., determining that a predetermined threshold of taste tests have been administered.

[0058] In some examples, the method may comprise determining that a same user response has been received in response to a threshold number of consecutive taste tests (irrespective of the tasting sample), and restarting the self-administered test routine. For example, the threshold number may be at least 6, more preferably at least four taste tests. In this way, false user responses may be detected helping to prevent the test from determining a false measure of the user’s taste sensitivity.

[0059] In some examples, one or more of the tasting samples may be a refresh tasting sample comprising: distilled water, or a maximum concentration of the tasting modality which is a highest of the plurality of different concentrations. Accordingly, the method may comprise: periodically generating a sample indicator corresponding to one of the refresh tasting samples. For example, if a threshold hold number of user responses is received, then the subsequent sample indicator may correspond to one of the refresh tasting samples. In this way, the user’s tasting ability may be refreshed helping to reduce the effects of tasting fatigue and ensuring a more accurate measure of their tasting sensitivity.

[0060] In some examples, the plurality of tasting samples may include a low refresh sample of the distilled water and a high refresh sample of the highest concentration.

[0061] In a second aspect there is provided a self-administrable test system for testing a user’s sensitivity to a plurality of taste modalities, the system comprising: a sample dispensing device for presenting a plurality of tasting samples to the user, a test controller configured to provide a sample indicator for operating the dispensing device to present one of the tasting samples for administering a taste test, and a terminal configured to communicate a user response of the taste test to the test controller, wherein the test controller is further configured to: receive an image of the user administering the taste test from an imaging device, analyse the image to determine whether a compliance condition is satisfied, and, if the compliance condition is satisfied, accept a user response to the taste test from a terminal.

[0062] The sample dispensing device may comprise a plurality of wells for containing the tasting samples. Each tasting sample may be one tasting modality at a predetermined concentration. The sample dispensing device may be configurable to selectively present one of the tasting samples from the plurality of wells.

[0063] The terminal may comprise a user interface (e.g., of a personal computing device) such as a touchscreen and / or a keyboard. The user response may be received via the user interface.

[0064] For example, the terminal may comprise a display screen configured to display a question about the taste-test to the user. The user response may be a selected answer to the question. The display screen may be a touch screen of a personal computing device. For example, when the tasting samples comprise a single tasting modality, the display screen may be configured to ask yes or no questions about whether a tasting modality can be detected (e.g., can you taste sweet?). . In other examples, when the tasting samples comprise multiple different tasting modalities the display screen may be configured to ask which modality can be tasted (e.g., sweet, sour, bitter).

[0065] The test controller may be configured to perform the method of the first aspect and any of the optional features thereof. For example, the test controller may be a personal computing device, such as a smartphone or laptop computer, which is configured to execute an application for operating the self- administrable test. The terminal may be a touchscreen of the personal computing device.

[0066] Accordingly, the terminal and the test controller may be included on a same device. In these examples, the method of the first aspect may be performed locally on the personal computing device.

[0067] In other examples, the terminal may be a network-enabled computing device, and the test controller may be located on a remote server or computer. Thus, the terminal and the test controller may be in communication over a network, e.g. a local network or the internet. For example, the terminal may be a desktop computer, laptop, tablet computer or smartphone. The terminal may be configured to run a taste testing application that is controlled by the test controller via the network. In this manner, the test controller may control information that is displayed by the terminal, and communicate with the terminal (e.g. to send and / or receive data).

[0068] Thus, during a taste test, the test controller may cause the user terminal to display a series of different tasting modalities or sample concentrations. The user may then select a tasting modality or a sample concentration on the terminal based on a sample they have tasted, and the terminal may transmit the user’s response to the test controller. For example, when the user is to select a sample concentration, the user may be requested to select yes or no to indicate whether they can detect the tasting modality. Alternatively, when the user is to select a tasing modality, the user may be requested to select which tasting modality they can taste.

[0069] The system may further comprise an imaging device configured to image a field of view of the imaging device. The imaging device may be configured to capture the image of the user administering the taste test when the user response is received at the terminal.

[0070] In other examples, the imaging device may be configured to continuously image the field of view thereby generating a plurality of frames. Here, the test controller may be configured to analyse the plurality of frames for an image wherein the compliance condition is satisfied. In other examples, the imaging device may be configured to communicate (and / or store) one of the plurality of frames to the test controller as the image to analyse when the user response is received at the terminal. For example, the test controller may be configured to send a request for an image to the imaging device in response to receiving a user response from the terminal.

[0071] As discussed above, the test controller may be configured to repeatedly generate a subsequent sample indicator for operating the sample dispensing device to present each tasting sample. The test controller may be configured to communicate each of the sample indicators to the user (for example using a display screen of the terminal). Accordingly, the test controller may be configured to receive a plurality of user responses to each presented tasting sample. The test controller may be configured to communicate the plurality of user responses to a central server or healthcare provider. In other examples, the test controller may be configured to determine an overall measurement of the user’s taste sensitivity based on the plurality of user responses.

[0072] In a further aspect there is provided a sample dispensing device for use in a self-administrable test for measuring a user’s taste sensitivity. The sample dispensing device is configured to present a plurality of tasting samples to a user, and comprises: a removable cassette comprising a plurality of wells for containing the tasting samples, and a housing for receiving the cassette and comprising a cover portion for sealing the plurality of wells, wherein the cover position comprises an opening for selectively exposing one of the wells when the cassette is inserted in the housing, wherein the cassette and the cover portion are movable relative to each other for configuring the dispensing device to selectively present one of the tasting samples via the opening.

[0073] For example, the sample dispensing device may be for use in the self-administrable test system of the second aspect. Each tasting sample may be one of a plurality of tasting modalities or one of a plurality of concentrations of a tasting modality.

[0074] The cover portion of the housing may be arranged to hide the plurality of tasting samples except at a sampling location defined by the opening. The opening may be an aperture configured to allow a sample instrument, such as a cotton bud, to be inserted into one of the wells for obtaining a tasting sample within the well.

[0075] In this way, the user’s taste sensitivity may be assessed in a sequence of taste tests by using the dispensing device to present each of the tasting samples without the user having prior knowledge of the tasting samples. Rather the user may select a tasting sample by moving the opening of the cover portion to an indicated well.

[0076] Advantageously, the cassette being removable from the housing enables the sample dispensing device to be reused by replacing a first cassette with a second cassette. An order that the tasting samples are arranged in the second cassette may be different to the first cassette to ensure that the user has no knowledge of what each tasting sample is.

[0077] The cassette and the cover portion may be manually adjustable for moving the cover portion relative to the cassette.

[0078] Accordingly, the dispensing device may be lighter, cheaper to operate, and easier to dispose of than a device with automatic sample selection mechanisms. Therefore, the dispensing device is more suitable for sending to users for self-administered taste tests in their own home.

[0079] The removable cassette may be configured to rotate within the housing for selectively aligning the opening in the cover portion with a well. Accordingly, the plurality of wells may be arranged in a circle such that each tasting sample may be selectively presented by adjusting an angular displacement between the opening and the cassette. For example, the removable cassette (which may also be referred to as a sample container, or sample ring) may be a rotatable carousel wherein each well may be selected by rotating the carousel within the housing to a given angular position corresponding to the opening in the cover portion. In other examples, the cover portion may be a rotatable disc wherein each well may be selected by rotating the cover portion, relative to the cassette and to the remainder of the housing, to a given angular position wherein the opening is aligned with the selected well.

[0080] The cover portion may be connected to a base portion of the housing via central shaft. The cassette and / or the cover portion may be configured to rotate about the central shaft. The base portion and the cover portion may be circular discs configured to interface with (i.e. , bookend) opposite faces of the cassette.

[0081] The cover portion may be removable from the central shaft, thereby enabling the removable cassette to be removed from and / or inserted into the housing through an upper opening exposed by removing the cover portion from the remainder of the housing.

[0082] The central shaft may be a hollow tube and the cover portion may comprise a locking post configured to fit inside the central shaft when the cover portion is connected to the remainder of the housing, thereby securing the cover portion to the base portion of the housing.

[0083] An exterior of the central shaft may be circular. This may facilitate the rotation of the cassette about the central post.

[0084] The base portion may comprise a hollow central post configured to fit inside the central shaft and extend towards the cover portion. The locking post of the cover portion may be receivable inside the central post of the base portion.

[0085] An interior of the central post, which fits inside the central shaft, may have a complementary cross-section to the locking post and may be non-circular. For example, the cross-sections of the locking post and the hollow interior of the central post may be square. In this way, the cover portion is prevented from rotating relative to the base portion of the housing when the cover portion is secured to the housing using the locking post. Therefore, in this example, the opening may be held stationary when the cover portion is secured to the base portion using the locking post and the cassette may be rotatable relative to the cover portion and the base portion.

[0086] The removable cassette may comprise a plurality of visible sample indicators. For example, the visible sample indicators may be markings, symbols, numbers, or colours located on the cassette. Each visible sample indicator may correspond to (i.e., indicate) a respective one of the wells. For example, each visible sample indicator may be located on the cassette adjacent to a respective one of the wells. For example, an exterior wall of each well may comprise a visible sample indicator.

[0087] The housing may be configured to expose the visible sample indicators to be visible to the user. In other words, visible indicators may be uncovered by the housing. Therefore, each of the tasting samples may be selectable by moving the cassette relative to the housing so that the visible sample indicator corresponding to the selected tasting sample is aligned with the opening in the cover portion. The removable cassette may comprise a computer-readable identifier for determining an order of the tasting samples in the cassette. The computer-readable identifier may be, for example, a QR code / bar code / RFID tag. As discussed above, the computer-readable identifier may be associated with a correspondence table for determining the locations of tasting samples in the cassette. Accordingly, by providing an identifier on the removable cassette a sequence of sample indicators for operating the dispensing device may be determined for that particular cassette while preserving the blind nature of the taste test.

[0088] The cassette may be autoloaded with the tasting samples by a loading machine. The loading machine may be configured to generate the computer-readable identifier depending on the order in which the tasting samples were loaded into the cassette.

[0089] The sample dispensing device may comprise the tasting samples. A quantity of the tasting samples (i.e. , the quantity of wells in the cassette) may be higher than a quantity of the different concentrations. That is, each well may contain a tasting sample, but the quantity of wells may be higher than a number of different tasting modalities and / or concentrations of tasting modality included in the plurality of tasting samples. Therefore, two or more of the wells may contain a same tasting sample having the same concentration of the tasting modality.

[0090] For example, the removable cassette may comprise 16 wells. The plurality of tasting samples may comprise 11 different concentrations of tasting sample. For example, a first well (a “pink” well) and a second well (a “blue” well) may be control wells configured to contain refresher tasting samples of a maximum and minimum concentration respectively. The remaining 9 concentrations of tasting sample may be pseudo-randomly distributed around the remaining 14 wells.

[0091] Distributing the concentrations of tasting samples across a larger number of wells may facilitate the “blind” nature of the test by preventing the user from predicting which sample may be in each well. In particular, by ensuring that there are more wells than sample type, the user is prevented from determining which tasting samples they haven’t yet encountered because one or more of the tasting samples may be duplicated across multiple wells.

[0092] For example, the tasting samples may be liquid tasting samples such as sugar water. In this example, each tasting sample (or some of the tasting samples) may comprise a different concentration of sugar. However, alternative tasting modalities may be incorporated in the tasting samples such as salt, sour, or bitter flavours.

[0093] In other examples, the tasting samples may comprise an artificial sweetener. The tasting samples may be solutions containing different concentrations of the artificial sweetener. For example, the tasting samples may comprise erythritol. Advantageously, erythritol is odourless. Therefore, the taste threshold of the CN7 nerve can be assessed more accurately than if scented tasting samples are used. Additionally, erythritol does not result in a bitter off-taste that some other artificial sweeteners can elicit in certain people owing to polymorphisms of a particular taste receptor gene. Further examples of tasting samples for targeting other tasting modalities may include solutions of quinine, citric-acid, or salt. Each of these substances may be provided in various concentrations for determining the user's taste threshold.

[0094] An additional aspect of the present invention includes a housing of a sample dispensing device as described herein, configured to receive a removable cassette containing a plurality of tasting samples. A further aspect of the present invention comprises the removable cassette for inserting into the housing of the sample dispensing device.

[0095] An additional aspect of the present invention may include a method of manufacturing a removable cassette for the sample dispensing device of the preceding aspects, the method comprising: using a loading machine to automatically fill the wells of the removable cassette with the tasting samples and generate a correspondence table which contains the relative locations of each tasting sample in the removable cassette.

[0096] In some examples, the loading machine may be configured to generate a computer-readable identifier for applying to the cassette. The method may then further comprise applying the computer-readable identifier to the cassette. The method may comprise associating the computer-readable identifier with a particular correspondence table comprising the locations of the tasting samples in the cassette. The locations of the tasting samples may be defined by sample indicators which are visible on the cassette.

[0097] By automatically filling and labelling the cassette in this way it can be ensured that the tasting samples are loaded into the cassette in a random order thereby ensuring the blind nature of the taste-tests.

[0098] An additional aspect of the present invention may include a method of manufacturing a plurality of removable cassettes for sample dispensing devices according to the preceding aspects, wherein the method comprises: performing the method of the preceding aspect for a first cassette, and repeating the method of the preceding aspect for a second cassette wherein the loading machine is configured to fill the wells of the second cassette with tasting samples in a different configuration to the first cassette. Accordingly, the well location of each tasting sample in the first cassette may be different to the well locations in the second cassette.

[0099] In a further aspect there is provided a method of determining a user’s sensitivity to taste using the self- administrable test system of the second aspect. The method comprises: using the test controller to generate a sample indicator, operating the sample dispensing device to present a tasting sample to the user which corresponds to the sample indicator, administering a taste test using the presented tasting sample, capturing an image of the user administering the taste test using an imaging device, and inputting a user response of the taste test to the terminal.

[0100] The method may further comprise receiving an indication from the terminal that the user response is invalid and repeating the administration of the taste test. Accordingly, a more accurate test result may be determined by ensuring the user is using a correct technique.

[0101] In some examples, the method may further comprise: receiving an indication from the terminal that the user response is valid, using the test controller to generate a second sample indicator in a sequence of tasting samples, and repeating the operating, administering, capturing, and inputting steps using a second tasting sample corresponding to the second sample indicator. In this way, the user can sample multiple tasting samples to build up a picture of which concentrations of tasting modality they can and cannot detect using their CN7 nerve.

[0102] The method may further comprise: scanning a computer readable identifier provided on the removable cassette using the imaging device and then inserting the removable cassette into the dispensing device. Therefore, when a new cassette is received for administering a taste test the cassette can be looked up using its identifier to determine an order that samples should be drawn from the wells in that particular cassette.

[0103] In a further aspect, there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to carry out the methods of the first aspect described herein.

[0104] In other words, the methods of the first aspect may be implemented by a computer to determine a user’s taste threshold. As such, the present invention encompasses computer-readable media, and computer program products that comprise logic and / or instructions that, when executed by the processor of a computer, cause said computer to implement the methods disclosed herein.

[0105] Summary of the Figures

[0106] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0107] Fig. 1 shows a self-administrable test system for measuring a user’s taste sensitivity,

[0108] Fig. 2 shows an example of a sample dispensing device,

[0109] Fig. 3 shows the sample dispensing device being used to dispense a tasting sample,

[0110] Fig. 4 shows a disassembled view of the sample dispensing device,

[0111] Fig. 5 shows a removable cassette of the sample dispensing device,

[0112] Fig. 6 shows the sample dispensing device and a personal computing device running an application for operating the test,

[0113] Fig. 7 shows a user administering a tasting sample,

[0114] Fig. 8 shows a flow diagram of a method of operating the self-administrable test system to measure a user’s taste sensitivity,

[0115] Fig. 9 shows a diagram of tasting samples corresponding to well numbers in the dispensing device, and

[0116] Figs. 10 to 12 show examples of orders in which sample indicators may be generated to operate the dispensing device. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0117] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[0118] Fig. 1 shows a self-administrable test system 100 for measuring a user’s (e.g., a patient’s) taste threshold. The system 100 comprises a sample dispensing device 110, a test controller 102 connected to a network 104, and a user terminal. In Fig. 1 the test controller 102 and the user terminal are included in the same device (e.g., a personal computing device such as a smartphone) wherein the user terminal is a touchscreen of the device. The test controller 102 also includes a camera for capturing images of the user during the test.

[0119] The sample dispensing device 110 (described in detail below in relation to Figs. 2-5) is configured to selectively present a plurality of tasting samples to the user via an opening 112. The test controller 102 is configured to provide a sample indicator for operating the dispensing device 110 to present one of the tasting samples. The user can then administer a taste test using the tasting sample (i.e. , by tasting the presented tasting sample) and provide a user response to the taste test to the user terminal.

[0120] While the user is administering the taste-test, the test controller 102 uses the camera to capture an image of (or continuously file) the user administering the taste-test. The test controller 102 then analyses the image to determine whether the user is extending their tongue while tasting the tasting sample, and activates a touchscreen of the user terminal to receive a user response to the taste-test depending on whether the user is extending their tongue.

[0121] Once a valid user response is received from the user terminal, the test controller 102 is configured to generate a subsequent sample indicator to operate the sample dispensing device 110 to present a second tasting sample. The user then samples the second tasting sample and enters a second response to the touch screen of the terminal. Once, user responses are received for all (or a sufficient number) of the tasting samples in the sample dispensing device 110 then the test controller 102 is configured to determine an overall result for the user’s taste sensitivity. For example, the overall result may be a minimum concentration of a taste modality that the user was able to detect with their tongue extended (e.g., a concentration of sugar).

[0122] By ensuring that the user’s tongue is extended when administering each taste test (using each tasting sample) it can be ensured that the sensitivity of the user’s CN7 nerve is being assessed.

[0123] To prevent the user from having prior knowledge of what each tasting sample is, the tasting samples are provided in a pseudo-random order in the sample dispensing device 110 and are indexable using the sample indicators. A computer-readable identifier (e.g., a QR code) is provided on an underside of the sample dispensing device for scanning with the camera. The test controller 102 can then use the identifier to retrieve a correspondence table (e.g., from a networked server) for that sample dispensing device which defines a list of sample indictors and their respective tasting samples for that sample dispensing device. The test controller 102 can then use the correspondence to generate a sequence of sample indicators for communicating to the user. Each subsequent sample indicator is generated depending on the user response to the previous tasting sample. The method of generating the subsequent sample indicators is described in more detail below in relation to Figures 9 to 12.

[0124] Fig. 2 shows an example of a sample dispensing device 110 for presenting a plurality of tasting samples. Fig. 3 shows the sample dispensing device 110 being used to dispense one of the tasting samples.

[0125] The sample dispensing device 110 comprises a removable cassette 120 inserted into a housing. The removable cassette 120 is a rotatable carousel comprising a plurality of wells 140 for containing the plurality of tasting samples. The rotatable carousel is annular and the plurality of wells 140 are arranged in a circle around the carousel. Each well can therefore be moved to a sampling position for dispensing the tasting sample within by rotating the carousel in the housing.

[0126] Each tasting sample is a liquid comprising a predetermined concentration of tasting modality. The plurality of tasting samples may comprise a single tasting modality (e.g., sweet, salt, sour, or bitter) wherein the tasting modality in each tasting sample is provided at one of a plurality of different concentrations. For example, each well of the cassette 120 may comprise sugar water at a predetermined concentration of sugar.

[0127] The housing comprises a cover portion 114 for sealing the plurality of wells 140 and a base portion 116 for supporting the removable cassette 120. The removable cassette 120 therefore is insertable between the base portion 1 16 and the cover portion 114. The cover portion 114 and the base portion 116 are connected to each other by a central shaft 130 which extends through a middle of the removable cassette 120. The cassette 120 is rotatable about the central shaft 130.

[0128] The cover portion 114 is a disc and comprises the opening 112 for selectively exposing one of the wells 140 when the cassette 120 is inserted in the housing. Therefore, the dispensing device 110 is configurable to selectively present each of the tasting samples via the opening 112 by moving the carousel relative to the cover portion 114. More specifically, the carousel is rotatable within the housing for aligning the opening 112 with each well.

[0129] As shown in Fig. 3, the selected tasting sample may be extracted from the well by inserting a sample instrument 150 (e.g., a cotton swab) into the well via the opening 112.

[0130] As shown in Figs. 2 to 3, the housing is configured to expose an exterior surface of the removable cassette 120, when the cassette 120 is inserted in the housing. Therefore, the cassette 120 can be manually rotated in the housing by pushing on the exterior surface of the cassette 120.

[0131] The cassette 120 comprises visible sample indicators 122 corresponding to each well. In the example shown, the visible sample indicators comprise a pink circle (shown in greyscale) representing a first control tasting sample comprising sugar water, a blue circle (shown in greyscale) representing a second control tasting sample comprising distilled water, and numbers from 1 to 14 representing 11 more tasting samples, respectively. Accordingly, each tasting sample may be dispensed by rotating the cassette 120 in the housing until one of the visible sample indicators 122 is aligned with the opening 112 in the cover portion 114. Therefore, the user can use the sample indicator provided by the test controller 102 to select each tasting sample without knowing which tasting sample they have selected. Fig. 4 shows a disassembled view of the sample dispensing device 110, and Fig. 5 shows a removable cassette 120 of the sample dispensing device 110.

[0132] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the central shaft 130 is a cylindrical hollow post. The base portion 116 comprises a second central post 134 which is configured to extend from a centre of the base portion 116 through the interior of the central shaft 130. The second central post 134 is hollow and has an exterior cross-section that is circular and an interior cross-section that is square.

[0133] The cover portion 114 comprises a complementary locking post 132 configured to be inserted in to the second central post 134. Accordingly, a cross-section of the locking post 132 is square for interfacing with the second central post 134 thereby securing the cover portion 114 to the base portion 116 and preventing rotation of the cover portion 114 relative to the base portion 116.

[0134] Fig. 6 shows a sample dispensing device 110 and a test controller 102 (i.e., a smartphone) which is running an application. An imaging device (e.g., a camera on the screen-side of the smart phone) may be used to continuously film the user while they are administering the taste test. If the user is determined to be extending their tongue, then the display screen of the smartphone may be activated to display a question.

[0135] In this example, the smart phone is configured to display options to the user to select yes or no to a question. For example, the question may be: “does this taste sweet?”. If the user detects a sweet flavour, then they may select yes. Alternatively, the user may select no. The test controller 102 may then use the response and information about which tasting sample was tasted to determine a measurement of the user’s taste sensitivity. Importantly, the user preferably does not possess prior information about which tasting sample they tasted.

[0136] When the user inputs their response to the question on the touchscreen of the test controller 102, the test controller 102 may activate the imaging device (e.g., a camera on a screen side, or non-screen side of the smartphone) to capture an additional image of the user. If the user is still extending their tongue while inputting their response the touchscreen, then the response may be accepted as a valid user response.

[0137] The process of the application for operating the test is discussed in further detail below in relation to Fig. 8.

[0138] Fig. 7 shows an example image of the user administering a taste test.

[0139] As shown in Fig. 7, the tasting sample is presented, using a cotton swab, to the anterior 2 / 3s of the tongue which is extended from the mouth. This ensures that the user’s response is based on what the user can perceive with their CN7 nerve. If the user were to take the sample into their mouth, then other nerves or sensory organs may influence their perception of the taste.

[0140] The test controller 102 is configured to analyse the image to determine if the user has extended their tongue before or when they submitted their response. If they user has not extended their tongue, then the response may be discarded as being invalid. Fig. 8 shows a flow diagram of a method for operating the self-administrable test system for measuring a user’s taste sensitivity. For example, this method may be performed by an application running on a test controller 102 (such as a smartphone or a laptop).

[0141] In step S200, the test controller 102 receives a computer readable identifier provided on the removable cassette 120 of the sample dispensing device 110. For example, the user may be provided with a removable cassette 120 in the post or from a healthcare provider, wherein the tasting samples are prearranged in the cassette 120 in a pseudo-random order. The removable cassette 120 comprises a computer readable identifier such as a bar code, a QR code or an RFID tag for identifying that particular cassette 120 in a database. Therefore, the user can use an imaging device (e.g., a smartphone camera) or scanner to provide the identifier to the test controller 102.

[0142] Next, in step S202, the test controller 102 uses the cassette 120 identifier to retrieve a correspondence table associated with that cassette 120. For example, the test controller 102 may provide the identifier to a central server over a network and the central server may respond with the correspondence table. The correspondence table comprises a list of tasting samples and their respective sample indicators which correspond to the position (i.e., well) of the tasting sample in the cassette 120. For example, the correspondence table may comprise a list of sample indicators which are visible on the cassette 120 and corresponding sugar concentrations of the tasting samples which are provided in the wells 140 marked by those indicators.

[0143] In step S204, the test controller 102 generates a sample indicator for operating the dispensing device. This sample indicator determines which tasting sample in the dispensing device that the user should sample during the current taste test.

[0144] In step S206, the next sample indicator is communicated to the user (e.g., by displaying it on a smartphone touchscreen). The user then configures the sample dispensing device 110 to present the tasting sample indicated by that sample indicator. For example, if the test controller 102 commands the user to taste sample “2” then the user can rotate the cassette 120 so that the opening 112 in the cover portion 114 is aligned with the number “2” visible on the cassette 120.

[0145] The user can then administer a taste-test using that tasting sample by inserting a cotton bud through the opening 112 of the dispensing device 110 and then applying the cotton bud to their tongue.

[0146] In step 208, an image of the user administering the test is captured and communicated to the test controller 102. For example, a screen-side (i.e., front) camera of the smartphone may be triggered to capture an image when the user submits their response to the test.

[0147] In step S210, the image is analysed to determine if the user has their tongue extended in the image.

[0148] If a user is not detected in the image or their tongue is not determined to be extended, then the process proceeds returns to step S208 where imaged of the user are continued to be captured until it is determined that the user is administering the taste-test correctly.

[0149] Alternatively, if the user is identified in the image and their tongue is determined to be extended, then the process proceeds to step S212 where the user terminal is activated to request a user response by displaying a question on a touchscreen. For example, the method may comprise displaying a question, (e.g., ‘is this sample sweet?’ or ‘which flavour do you detect? ) and a plurality of answer boxes (e.g., “yes”, “no” or “sweet”, ‘salt’, ‘sour’, bitter’) on the touchscreen of a smartphone. The user response is received when the user selects one of the of the answer boxes.

[0150] In step S214 a user response is received from the user terminal containing a positive indication that the user could detect the tasting modality in the tasting sample or a negative indication that they could not detect the tasting modality.

[0151] In step S216, the test controller 102 determines whether an end condition has been met. For example, this may include determining that every tasting sample in the generated sequence has been sampled, or if the two same tasting samples have been sampled several times in a row and have received the same response. If the end condition has not been detected, then the test sequence is incomplete, and the process returns to step S204 to determine the next sample indicator in the sequence.

[0152] Steps S204 to S216 are then repeated until all of the sequence is completed when an end condition is detected. The test controller 102 is configured to generate each subsequent sample indicator according to a sequence dependent on the preceding user response. This sequence is described below in relation to Figs. 9 to 12.

[0153] Finally, if the end condition has been detected, then the process proceeds to step S220 where the user responses are used to determine an overall result for the user’s taste sensitivity. The overall result (and / or the plurality of user responses) is then communicated to a central server (and / or to a third party such as healthcare provider and / or to the user etc).

[0154] Fig.9 shows a diagram of tasting samples comprising concentrations of sugar (i.e., “sugar concentration numbers”) corresponding to participant pod numbers (i.e., well numbers) in the dispensing device. Each sugar concentration number corresponds to a respective concentration of sugar solution, wherein “1” is the weakest solution and “9” is the strongest solution.

[0155] Each participant pod numbers (or “sample indicator”) corresponds to a seemingly random one of the sugar concentrations. Therefore, the pod numbers are related to the concentrations, but not in an obvious way. (i.e., there is a ‘key’ that relates the order of the pod number to the actual order of concentrations). The key will be different for cassettes with different QR codes and the QR code will allow a coded algorithm to use the correct ‘key’ to identify which pod number corresponds with which concentration.

[0156] This enhances the ‘blinding’ of the user during the taste-tests.

[0157] As shown in Fig. 9, some of the same concentrations of sugar are included in two different pods. For example, concentration 4 is provided in pods 1 and 13, etc. The concentrations which have been duplicated are the concentrations which are expected to be used most commonly in the testing routine. In this example, there are 9 different concentrations of tasting sample pseudo-randomly located in 14 different pods.

[0158] Fig. 9 also shows a diagram of a test sequence for generating each subsequent sample indicator. First, an initial sample indicator is generated for concentration “7” (i.e., pod number 4 or 9) which is neither the most concentrated nor the least concentrated tasting sample.

[0159] Next, a user response is received wherein “yes” indicates that the user can detect sweetness in the sample, and “no” indicates that the user cannot detect any sweetness. If the user response is “yes” (i.e., a tick in the diagrams described herein) then the concentration of the next tasting sample is decreased by two of the available concentrations. However, if the user response is “no” then the concentration of the next tasting sample is increased by one of the available concentrations.

[0160] After the concentration has been decreased twice, then the sequence proceeds by increasing or decreasing the concentration by one of the concentrations until a final answer is determined. In this way, the test routine can narrow down on the limited of the user’s taste sensitivity in a step-wise fashion.

[0161] Figs. 10 to 12 show examples of testing sequences in which sample indicators are generated according to the above sequence for operating the dispensing device.

[0162] In Fig. 10 the arrows indicate where the sugar concentration is increased or decreased. As described above, the first times the concentration is decreased this is done in increments of two, and after that the concentration is decreased in increments of one. This helps the sequence to narrow down on and determine the user’s taste threshold faster.

[0163] Fig. 11 shows how the testing routine includes asking the participant to sample tasting samples of the same concentration several times. In order to keep the participant unaware of what they are tasting and unduly influencing their answer, where there are two pod numbers available for a repeated concentration, the sequence alternates between the two pod numbers to stop this happening. Fig. 11 contains an example of how the same strength sugar solution is used throughout a test, wherein the pod numbers for that solution (2 and 12 in this example) are alternated.

[0164] The taste-tests can be surprisingly difficult because the concentrations are only ever so slightly different. Therefore, built-in refreshers are included to remind the participant what water and the highest sugar concentration taste like on a cotton bud. This makes the test routine easier for the user and breaks up the test routine into manageable chunks by “resetting” their tasting ability. In Figures 10 to 12, the tasting pod numbers / tasting samples containing the refresh tasting samples are represented by the grey shaded boxes.

[0165] Fig. 12 shows a testing routine wherein an end condition has been reached for ending the test routine. This happens if the same user response is received against the same concentration of tasting sample twice in row. This is shown in the upper and lower examples of Fig. 12 wherein two crosses are received against sugar concentration 5, twice in a row, and two ticks are shown against sugar concentration 6, twice in a row. This indicates that a clear taste threshold has been reached and the test routine may be concluded.

[0166] Alternatively, if a clear taste threshold has not been reached the process may be continued until a predetermined number of taste-tests have been administered, e.g., between 15 and 25 taste-tests, to provide a sufficient number of user responses for analysis later on. Once the sequence has begun changing the concentrations in increments of one up or one down, then the test routine may be restarted if the same user response is received four times in a row (e.g., four crosses or four ticks).

[0167] ***

[0168] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0169] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0170] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0171] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0172] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0173] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example + / - 10%.

Claims

Claims:1 . A computer-implemented method for operating a self-administrable test routine for measuring a user’s taste threshold, the method comprising: a. generating a sample indicator for operating a dispensing device to present one of a plurality of tasting samples to the user for administering a taste test, b. receiving an image of the user administering the taste test from an imaging device, c. analysing the image to determine whether a compliance condition is satisfied, and d. if the compliance condition is satisfied, accepting a user response to the taste test from a user terminal.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein determining if the compliance condition is satisfied comprises determining if the image contains the user and that the user’s tongue is extended from their mouth.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 wherein determining if the compliance condition is satisfied further comprises determining if a sample instrument carrying the tasting sample is in contact with the user’s tongue.

4. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim wherein the method comprises activating the user terminal to receive the user response upon determining that the compliance condition is satisfied.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4 wherein the user terminal comprises a user interface, and activating the user terminal comprises enabling regions on the user interface to receive the user response.

6. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim further comprising: activating the imaging device to continuously capture a plurality of images from the imaging device upon generating the sample indicator, and analysing each of the plurality of images for the compliance condition.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6 further comprising: receiving one or more additional images from the imaging device upon receiving the user response, analysing the additional images to determine if the compliance condition was satisfied when the user response was received at the user terminal, and classifying the user response as valid or not valid depending on whether the compliance condition was satisfied when the user response was received at the user terminal.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7 wherein, if the user response is classified as invalid, the method comprises:generating, via the user terminal, a request for the taste-test to be readministered, and repeating steps (b) - (d).

9. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim wherein the method further comprises: receiving a computer-readable identifier associated with a removable cassette of the dispensing device, the removable cassette comprising the plurality of tasting samples, each tasting sample being selectable using a respective one of the sample indicators; retrieving a correspondence table associated with the computer readable identifier, the correspondence table containing sample indicators corresponding to each of the tasting samples in the removable cassette, and using the correspondence table to generate the sample indicator for operating the sample dispensing device.

10. The computer-implemented method of any preceding claim wherein the method further comprises:(e) generating a subsequent sample indicator based on the user response, and repeating steps (b) - (e) to generate a plurality of sample indicators and receive a plurality of user responses to a plurality of taste-tests.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10 wherein: the plurality of tasting samples comprises a plurality of different concentrations of a tasting modality, and each user response includes a positive indication or negative indication of whether the user can detect the tasting modality in the presented tasting sample.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11 wherein the generated sample indicator of step (a) is an initial sample indicator which corresponds to a control tasting sample that comprises distilled water or the highest concentration of tasting modality in the plurality of tasting samples; and a subsequently generated sample indicator corresponds to one of the tasting samples that comprises neither the highest nor the lowest concentration of tasting modality in the plurality of tasting samples.

13. The computer-implemented method of claims 11 or 12, wherein: if the user response to the taste test is negative, generating the subsequent sample indicator comprises generating a sample indicator corresponding to one of the tasting samples that comprises a higher concentration of the tasting modality than the preceding tasting sample, and if the user response is positive, generating the subsequent sample indicator comprises: generating a sample indicator corresponding to one of the tasting samples that comprises a lower concentration than the preceding tasting sample.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 13, wherein a quantity of the tasting samples is higher than a quantity of the different concentrations of tasting modality such that two or more of the tasting samples are duplicated tasting samplescomprising a same concentration of the tasting modality, wherein the method comprises generating sample indicators that correspond to the duplicated tasting samples in an alternating order.

15. The computer-implemented method of claims 13 or 14 wherein the method comprises: determining that an end condition has occurred and ending the test routine, wherein determining that the end condition has occurred comprises determining that a threshold number of the most recently administered taste-tests included tasting samples comprising only two of the concentrations of tasting modality, and the user responses to those taste-tests were constant across the two concentrations.

16. The computer-implemented method of claim 15 wherein ending the test routine comprises determining an overall measurement of the user’s taste threshold based on the two concentrations of tasting modality from the most recently administered taste-tests.

17. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the method comprises: determining that a same user response has been received in response to a threshold number of consecutive taste tests, and restarting the self-administered test routine.

18. The computer-implemented method of any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein: one or more of the tasting samples is a refresh tasting sample comprising: distilled water, or a maximum concentration of the tasting modality which is a highest of the plurality of different concentrations, and the method comprises: periodically generating a sample indicator corresponding to one of the refresh tasting samples.

19. A self-administrable test system for measuring a user’s taste threshold, the system comprising: a sample dispensing device for presenting a plurality of tasting samples to the user, a test controller configured to generate a sample indicator for operating the dispensing device to present one of the plurality of tasting samples for administering a taste test, and a user terminal configured to receive and communicate a user response of the taste test to the test controller, wherein the test controller is further configured to perform the method of any preceding claim.

20. The system according to claim 19 further comprising an imaging device configured to capture the image of the user administering the taste-test.

21. A sample dispensing device for use in the self-administrable test system according to any one of claims 19 or 20, the sample dispensing device configured to present a plurality of tasting samples to a user, and comprising: a removable cassette comprising a plurality of wells for containing the plurality of tasting samples,and a housing for receiving the cassette and comprising a cover portion for sealing the plurality of wells, wherein the cover position comprises an opening for selectively exposing one of the wells when the cassette is inserted in the housing, wherein the cassette and the cover portion are movable relative to each other for configuring the dispensing device to selectively present one of the tasting samples via the opening.

22. The sample dispensing device of claim 21 wherein the removable cassette and / or the cover portion are manually adjustable for moving the cover portion relative to the cassette.

23. The sample dispensing device of claims 21 or 22 wherein the cassette comprises a plurality of visible sample indicators, each sample indicator corresponding to a respective one of the wells, such that each of the tasting samples is selectable by moving the cassette relative to the housing so that the visible sample indicator corresponding to the selected tasting sample is aligned with the opening in the cover portion.

24. The sample dispensing device according to any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein the removable cassette comprises a computer-readable identifier for determining relative locations of the tasting samples in the cassette.

25. The sample dispensing device according to any of claims 21 to 24 further comprising the plurality of tasting samples, each well in the removable cassette comprising one of the tasting samples, wherein the plurality of tasting samples comprises a plurality of different concentrations of a tasting modality, wherein a quantity of the tasting samples is higher than a quantity of the different concentrations such that two or more of the wells contain a same tasting sample having the same concentration of the tasting modality.

26. The sample dispensing device of claim 25 wherein the plurality of wells comprises 16 wells and the plurality of tasting samples comprises: 9 different concentrations of the tasting modality and 2 refresher tasting samples.

27. The sample dispensing device according to claims 25 or 26 wherein each of the tasting samples contain water or sugar water and the plurality of tasting samples comprises a plurality of different concentrations of sugar.

28. A computer-readable medium comprising code which, when executed by a computing device, causes the computing device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

Images