With a combination of virtual reality and scents, Japanese scientists
have created a device that can make the human brain believe that a
tasteless cookie is coated in chocolate. The scientists behind the
invention hope that in the future, virtual tastes can be used to create
an artificial feeling of fullness in people who are on a diet.3
The test subject is given a tasteless
cookie with a symbol on its surface.
The symbol
allows software to create a
graphic surface structure
such as chocolate coating
and follow the cookie,
although the test subject
moves it about one way or
the other.4
When the cookie approaches the
person's nose, several pheromones
are released. The
computer-generated surface
and the powerful influence
of the sense of smell make
the taste buds think that the
tasteless cookie tastes of
chocolate, when the person
takes a bite.1
The test subject puts on
augmented reality
goggles. The goggles are
equipped with a compact projector
system, which, in combination
with cameras in front of the eyes,
allows the person to see the real
world in front of him mixed with
virtual elements produced by
means of computer graphics.2
In front of the person's
nose, there are plastic
containers including
filters, which contain different
aromatic chemicals. Via external
air pumps, 127 flavour levels can
be obtained.YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/SCANPIX
TECHNOLOGY FOODEXPERIENCED
COOKIE
COOKIEREAL