Automated Taste Preference Assessment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human taste testing is inefficient and inaccurate due to the reliance on subjective verbal reports and rating scales, requiring large amounts of sample and numerous subjects, and has stagnated in methodology with little innovation over 100 years, leading to time and resource-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for assessing taste preferences using a taste preference system that includes an initial sum of goods, taste samples, means for recording decisions, and compensation, allowing for objective evaluation and comparison, with a game-like setting and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to present taste samples and record preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human taste testing uses large numbers of subjects and large amounts of sample, then statistically relevant data can be generated, but the process becomes time and resource intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human rating scales with an automated robotic system that objectively measures taste preferences through consumption behavior. The robot dispenses samples, tracks intake, and records preferences without human intervention in the measurement process, enabling high-throughput testing with minimal subjects while maintaining statistical validity through automated data collection and analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtual representations and digital tracking to record taste preferences. Instead of relying on subjective human reports, the system creates digital records of consumption behavior, allowing multiple virtual replicates of the same subject to be analyzed statistically without requiring additional physical subjects or samples
2Measurement precision
If human taste testing relies on subjective verbal reports or rating scales, then taste quality can be assessed, but the measurements become variable and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates subjective verbal reports by using an automated robotic system that objectively measures taste preferences through physical consumption behavior. The robot dispenses precise volumes of samples, tracks actual intake quantities, and records preferences based on measurable actions rather than subjective perceptions, ensuring consistent and reliable data across all test subjects
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows subjects to naturally express their preferences through their own consumption behavior without requiring them to verbally report or rate tastes. The subjects' own actions (consuming or rejecting samples) provide the measurement data, eliminating the variability introduced by subjective verbal communication while maintaining authentic preference expression
3Measurement precision
If conventional taste testing uses 20-40 test subjects evaluating large amounts of sample, then sufficient data can be collected, but the sample consumption becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies and virtual representations of taste preference data, allowing extensive statistical analysis without requiring proportional physical samples. Virtual replicates of subject responses enable robust data collection from minimal physical samples, as the same sample can be virtually replicated and analyzed multiple times without physical consumption
4Reliability
If taste testing methodology remains stagnant since psychophysical methods over 100 years ago, then traditional approaches can be maintained, but innovation and improvement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional psychophysical measurement methods with an automated robotic system that measures taste preferences through objective consumption behavior. This modern technological approach maintains the core scientific principle of taste perception while introducing automation, digital tracking, and computational analysis capabilities that enable high-throughput testing and adapt to diverse application scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides systems and methods for testing and assessing preference (e.g., taste preference). In one aspect, various aspects of an individuals taste preferences (e.g., degree an individual likes/dislikes a taste ingredient, degree an individual is willing to pay to keep/exclude a taste ingredient) are tested and assessed. In a further aspect, the taste preferences of a plurality of individuals are tested, assessed, and compared and, optionally, individuals are rewarded for their taste preference(s). Apparatus, computer readable media and systems for implementing the taste preference assessment and provision of rewards are also provided.