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Virtual Sweet

Overview

Simulating sweet sensation using thermal stimulation on the tip of the tongue.

Background

Prior work has shown that controlled thermal stimulation on the tongue simulates and enhances the perception of sweetness due to the activation of TRPM5 ion channels.

Key Problem(s)

Sweetness - the most preferred of the five primary taste sensations when consumed in excess, has a detrimental effect on one's health.

Objective

Virtual sweet aims to simulate the sensation of sweetness by applying thermal stimulation to the tip of the human tongue.

Solution

To digitally simulate the sensation of sweetness, the system delivers rapid heating and cooling stimuli to the tongue via a 2x2 grid of Peltier elements. To achieve distinct, controlled, and synchronized temperature variations in the stimuli, a control module is used to regulate each of the Peltier elements.