The device developed by Dr Nimesha Ranasinghean from the National University of Singapore (NUS) generates signals transmitted through a silver electrode touching the tip of the tongue to produce salty, sweet, sour and bitter sensations.
By combining different levels of electrical currents and varying the temperature of the electrode, simulation of the tastes can be reproduced, researchers said.
From experiments, sour, salty and bitter sensations were reported from electrical stimulation, while minty, spicy and sweet sensations were reported through thermal stimulation.
Researchers qualified that the surveys were dependent on the responses of the subjects, which varied for different individuals.
Ranasinghe said this work has three novel aspects: the studying of the electronic simulation and control of taste sensations achievable through the Digital Taste Interface against the properties of current and change in temperature.
The second being the method of actuating taste sensations by electrical and thermal stimulation methods, either individually or in combination; and the aim of introducing a practical solution to implement virtual taste interactions in interactive computing systems.
Ranasinghe said that a new reward system based on taste sensations in a gaming environment could be an early adopter of the simulator.
As an illustration, if a gamer completes a task or level successfully, a sweet or minty dose will be rewarded. However, failure is delivered with a bitter taste.
Researchers said the simulator could have health-care applications. For instance, diabetics could use the device for a taste of sweetness without affecting their blood sugar levels.
However, the four major tastes form only part of the flavour equation. Smell and texture play key roles, which the researchers want to add on for the full tasting experience.