A Japanese professor has created a prototype lickable TV screen that can simulate food flavors, taking another step toward creating a multi-sensory movie experience.
This device names Taste the TV (TTTV) that uses a carousel of 10 flavor containers that spray in combination to create the flavor of a specific food. The flavor sample is then rolled on good hygiene film and placed on a flat TV screen for the viewer to try.
According to Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita, in the COVID-19 period, this type of technology can improve people’s connections and interactions with the outside world.
“The goal is to make it possible for people to have the experience of eating at a restaurant on the other side of the globe while staying at home,” he explained.
Miyashita collaborates with a group of about 30 students to create a variety of flavor-related devices, such as a fork that enhances the flavor of food. He claimed that he built the TTTV design himself over the journey of a year and that a commercial version would cost around 100,000 yen ($875) to produce.
Distance learning for wine experts and chefs, as well as tasting games and quizzes, are possible uses, he says. Miyashita has also been in discussions with organizations about using his spray technology in apps such as a device that can add a pizza or chocolate flavor to a slice of toasted bread.
He also wishes to create a platform where users can download and enjoy tastes from around the world, similar to how music is now.
One Meiji student shows TTTV for reporters, saying she wanted to taste sweet chocolate on the screen. After a few attempts, an automated voice command order, and flavor jets sprayed a sample onto a sheet.
