Interfacing and Pre-processing Techniques with Olfactory and Taste Sensors

Abstract

In human beings, analytical conclusion about any object is governed by the brain from the sensual influences coming from visual, auditory, olfactory, taste and touch organs. However, these conclusions are purely subjective in nature and target specific and may widely vary due to different human factors due to variability in mood and health conditions. Scientists and engineers have been trying to mimic the sensory organs of the humans in order to provide sufficiently reliable and selective analysis on the object, and imitation of these sensual organs, nowadays, has advanced to a great extent due to the immense development in sensor technology and intelligent smart electronics. In this regard, the electronic gadgets for visual, audio, and touch system have traversed a long journey in terms of accuracy and resolution and these three sensual organs now can be faithfully reproduced with reasonable accuracy. However, the electronic gadgets like electronic nose for olfactory system and electronic tongue for taste system, till now, are under research to find a profile to be commercialized widely. There are many challenges in this regard; firstly the selection of right sensor or sensor array for the application in hand. Secondly, design of reliable signal conditioning and pre-processing. In this chapter, we present the different types of sensors used for electronic nose and electronic tongue systems and associated interfacing circuits and preprocessing techniques.