Odor-sensing system using preconcentrator with variable temperature

A preconcentrator conventionally used for increasing sensor sensitivity is also effective in an odor-sensing system to enhance the discrimination capability if its temperature suitable for target vapors is set since the desorption temperature depends upon the kind of the vapor. Thus, an autonomous system to adjust its temperature profile according to target odors was successfully developed using a numerical optimization algorithm. The system is a kind of active sensing system with high capability of adaptation compared with the conventional system.