Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
of air quality and then relate defined reference data to the device, e.g., to make
proper reference tests.
One of the major manufacturers that has been providing the market with
advanced MOS-based gas sensors, G opel (2001), is Figaro Engineering Com-
pany, whose sensor models have been commercially available since the year 1968
(Fig. 6.22), Figaro (2009). The original sensor operational performance provided a
semiconductor device, which were able to detect very low concentrations of com-
bustible and reducing gases. Further, the sensor element was introduced to operate
in conjunction with a simple electrical circuit. The Taguchi gas sensors today, are
still easy to operate and the wide combination of different odour sensitivities avail-
able is accessible when designing experimental sensor arrays as seen for example
in Figs. 6.6 and 6.12. The selection of suitable gas sensors, maybe complemented
with other types of sensors, will provide the specific design of a device. Different
options in operating with a complementary and specificity that will result in quali-
tative value response is illustrated for example in Figs. 6.11 and 6.13. The following
references exemplify new introductions of possible application areas, that at the
time of publication were inspiring to further develop the field of artificial sensor
systems, are given by Feldhoff (2000) (fragrance), Bourgeois (2003) (wastewater)
and Wide (1997) (air-quality).
The really challenging development phaseisconsideredtobeacombina-
tion of different systems, and to integrate the capabilities into an overall system
performance. A mobile robot and an electronic olfaction system (as previously
seen for example in Fig. 6.6) that in combination will provide an autonomous unit
with extraordinary capability may exemplify the integrated system function. An
autonomous robot detecting leakage of airborne compounds can be illustrated in
Fig. 6.23, and provide a mean of identifying the location, i.e., the source of the con-
tamination in the air, Loutfi (2006), or simply act as a companion service robot,
Broxvall (2006). The electronic nose device presented in this application coordi-
nated with a vision system that jointly controls the robot's actions. The system
first identifies possible objects that can be connected to an odour, or more likely to
contain the leaking contamination in the room. The strategy is simple, when iden-
tifying suspicious objects, the robot moves closer to make odour detection. The
situational awareness in the experiment is more advanced in a real situation but
the principles are still similar.
This type of experiments, as illustrated in Fig. 6.23, have of course a wider
future perspective to act in a context demonstrating more complex achievements.
The need for developing devices that are able to patrol a wide space in the
environment for an extended period of time is obvious. The capacity is then to
explore the surroundings in order to indicate environmental changes and act as an
autonomous early warning system. An additional value is that these autonomous
systems can be used for inspection in hazardous environments. These circum-
stances may arise in areas, e.g., nuclear plants, where people have to work with an
increased risk.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search