Odor spatial distribution visualized by a fluorescent imaging sensor

The detection of spatial-temporal distribution of odors is a significant but challenging work in the field of odor sensors. In this paper a fluorescent imaging sensor system consisting of an excitation light, a fluorescent film and a cooled CCD camera was proposed to visually detect the odor spatial distribution. The visualization principle was based on the fluorescent quenching or enhancing caused by the interaction between the film and odor substances. The change of fluorescent intensity was recorded by the CCD camera and visualized by subtraction image analysis. The proposed sensor could visualize not only the shape and size of an odor flow injected to the film surface, but also the concentration gradient in the interior of odor flows. Additionally, 2D and 3D imaging approaches were used to visualize some special examples related to the spatial distribution of odors, such as the direction of odor flows, the shape of odor marks, and the impact of two different odor flows on the film surface.