A new technology from the University of Ohio State aims to redefine the experience of virtual reality. They want to incorporate a new sensory connection: taste. The study is published in the magazine ‘Science Advances’. Can virtual reality feel flavors? The interface is called “e-taste.” Use a combination of wireless chemical sensors and dispensers to facilitate remote perception of taste. It is what scientists call taste.
These sensors are tuned to recognize molecules such as glucose and glutamate. They represent the five basic flavors: sweet, acid, salty, bitter and umami. Once captured through an electrical signal, that data is transmitted wirelessly. They travel to a remote device for reproduction. The device digitally simulates a variety of flavor intensities.
Flavors interface
“The chemical dimension in the current field of virtual reality and augmented reality is submitted in smell and taste.” He points out in a statement Jinhua Li, co -author of the study and professor at Ohio State University. “It is a vacuum that needs to be filled.”
The system uses an actuator with two parts. An interface for the mouth and a small electromagnetic pump. This pump connects to a liquid channel of chemical substances. Vibrates when an electric charge passes through it. And push the solution through a special gel layer towards the subject’s mouth. “One or more different flavors can be released simultaneously.”
The ability to e-be tested to immerse the players in a virtual gastronomic experience. They demonstrated that the remote tasting could begin in Ohio from places as far away as California. Another experiment implied that the subjects tried to identify between several food options they perceive.
The findings are significant. They give us a more intimate understanding of how the brain processes the sensory signals of the mouth. The plans to improve technology revolve around the miniaturization of the system.
Odds
Virtual reality may feel flavors, opportunities are endless. They believe that it would promote accessibility and inclusion in virtual spaces for people with disabilities. For example, traumatic brain injuries or persistent covid that led the loss of taste.
“This will help people connect in virtual spaces in ways never seen before,” says Li. “This concept is here and is a good first step to become a small part of metovers.”
Leave your reaction
