Automated Taste Assessment System with Touch Screen and Pipette
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human taste testing is inefficient and inaccurate due to reliance on subjective verbal reports and large sample quantities, requiring numerous subjects and being time-consuming and resource-intensive, with little innovation in methods since the early 20th century.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a touch screen, automated pipette, and sample source that allows for objective multivariable response recording, using a grid to assess taste quality and palatability with reduced sample volumes, enabling high-throughput testing with fewer subjects and smaller sample amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human taste testing uses subjective verbal reports and rating scales, then testing can be conducted with conventional methods, but measurement accuracy and objectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of subjective verbal reporting with an automated electronic system consisting of a touch screen interface, automated pipette, and computer. The subject's responses are captured through touch screen interactions rather than verbal reports, and the automated pipette delivers precise sample volumes, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reducing subjectivity in the testing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service testing where the subject independently interacts with the touch screen to record responses, the automated pipette delivers samples without operator intervention, and the computer automatically records and processes data. This automation reduces the need for trained operators and minimizes human error in data collection and processing.
2Reliability
If human taste testing uses large numbers of subjects and large sample quantities, then statistically relevant data can be generated, but time consumption and resource intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of sample volume delivery through the automated pipette, which can deliver precise volumes (e.g., 50 μl, 100 μl, 150 μl, or more) as needed. This allows the system to achieve statistically relevant data with smaller sample quantities per subject. Additionally, the touch screen interface allows for rapid data collection from fewer subjects, improving testing efficiency while maintaining statistical validity through automated data processing and analysis.
3Quantity of substance
If human taste testing requires large amounts of sample per subject, then sufficient sample is available for evaluation, but sample cost and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated pipette replaces manual sample handling with a precise, computer-controlled liquid delivery system. This automation ensures accurate delivery of small, consistent sample volumes (e.g., 50-200 μl per subject) and eliminates waste associated with manual measurement and handling. The system can precisely control and repeat small sample volumes across multiple subjects, reducing overall resource consumption while maintaining adequate sample quantities for statistical analysis.
4Measurement precision
If conventional taste testing methods are used, then testing can be conducted with simple equipment, but measurement objectivity and data precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into an integrated system: the touch screen combines visual display of the grid with response recording, the automated pipette combines sample delivery with volume control, and the computer combines data recording with analysis. This integration ensures that all components work together to capture objective, precise measurements, with the touch screen's grid providing structured response categories and the automated system ensuring consistent sample delivery and data recording.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein are methods of recording objective responses of a subject to stimuli, and devices and user interfaces (UI) for use therewith. In particular, the present invention provides UIs that allow a user to record objective multivariable responses to stimuli, devices comprising such UIs, and methods of using such UIs and devices to assess the characteristics of a sample or product.