Abstract:

A method designated as Combination Optimization Method was established for sorting sensor array of electronic nose in discriminating different grades of Longjing tea. The method was involved in following 4 steps. First, the suitable sensor for electronic nose was selected according to the mean square value and P or F value of the testing response in ANOVA. Second, the selected sensors with the same level of P or F value were placed into the same group. Third, testing results of all possible combinations for different sensor groups were subjected to principal components analysis (PCA). Finally, the optimized combination for sensor arrays was selected by discriminating index (DI) of PCA. This method will provide theoretical references for the optimization of sensor arrays in intelligent sensory application system.

Key words: electronic nose, sensor, screening, combination optimization method