Researchers at National Taiwan University have developed a new wearable oral sensory system designed to detect your oral activities. The system consists primarily of a tiny accelerometer embedded in an artificial tooth that detects motion in three dimensions. The rationale is that different oral activities, such as speaking, chewing, drinking, etc., each produce unique motions that can be recorded and differentiated. In a laboratory experiment of the oral sensor, eight participants performed four common oral activities: chewing, drinking, speaking, and coughing. The sensor was able to achieve a respectable 93.8% recognition accuracy.
The researchers still need to work a few things out before this oral sensor could find its way into our mouths. The lab prototype was powered by an external device via a wire, so a battery would need to be developed that is small enough to fit inside the mouth, as well as a means to recharge the battery. The device also needs a way to wirelessly transmit its data to a nearby computer. While the lab prototype used thin wires, the scientists plan on using Bluetooth in the next version. Lastly, with the various solids and liquids that pass through our mouths, and the powerful forces that break them down, the scientists are refining the sensor to ensure that it’s safe for the user to wear and tough enough to be in the mouth for long periods of time.
Article from New Scientist: Sensor knows when you’re lying through your teeth
Research paper: Sensor-Embedded Teeth for Oral Activity Recognition