Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER SIX
ARTIFICIAL PERCEPTUAL SENSORS
6.1
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter an introduction to artificial perceptual sensors, their properties
and possible applications are viewed. Also, a deeper understanding of possi-
ble structures is provided with a clear aim to generally apply artificial sensors as
“extended” tools in conjunction with the human perception system. By the word
“extend”, the meaning is viewed as to displace the point of sensing remotely away
from the human body. For example, instead of using our biological tongue to get
in direct contact with food compounds, a rather attractive and convenient thought
is to make use of an artificial sensor system. The system can then conveniently
in an external process assess and evaluate the quality of a food, e.g., by using an
electronic tongue system placed in close proximity to the body. This method surely
provides a safer concept and could, at extensively used commercial versions, also
provide a qualitatively more efficient evaluation by complementing the human
organ. The consequence of the new gustatory and olfaction sensor device can be
seen as a new generation of sensors built for an individual's remote use, that are
able to provide fast and accurate human interaction including a safe approach for
detection outside the body.
Humans exhibit natural properties that decreases the sensing abilities when
ageing. The taste and smell functions no longer provide us with new and enrich-
ing sensations to the extent that was obvious at younger ages. The perception of
touch provides us with a considerably less extensive stiff texture and exhibits only
the basic impressions. Furthermore, the vision sense usually indicates that adults
constantly experience a decreased performance and in combination also give rise
to a constant need for additional light when reading. We wake-up one day and
realise that we have to hold the newspaper at a distance of an arm's length to be
able to read the text. Then when reaching the “middle age”, we normally become
long-sighted and need to correct our eyes with correction lenses or spectacles.
In a world where humans tend to be overloaded with momentary decisions
and actions, then a need to complement human perception performance is, in
many cases desirable. The ability to mimic human perceptual properties by the
use of artificial sensor systems has been an area of continuous interest. Since the
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