TASTE+
Augmented Flavor Stimulation
The TASTE+ prototype was built to artificially simulate flavors of salty, sour and bitter via low power high frequency electric currents. The product would be used to enable those with a numbed sense of taste to enjoy flavors in everyday food. In addition, it could be used to limit the amount of unhealthy additives used to boost the flavor profile of certain foods. I was involved in the project during the transition from bench top experimental unit to the first handheld wireless device. We used a 3.7V rechargeable battery integrated into the handle along with the electronics to drive the current profile. An up/down control button and LED allows the user to alter 3 flavor templates which can be updated via Bluetooth for each user. The head of the spoon is removable so that it can be washed and the handle is sealed by ways of an polyurethane elastomer over grip.
